3270.102(f) · Indoor play equipment for climbing shall be installed or used over a protective surface covering which does not interfere with the stability of the equipment.

On 9/8/25, child #1 fell off the indoor climber onto the tile floor resulting in injury. The only protective surface was under the exit of the slide. The rest of the climber was on the tile floor. Additionally, there was a larger wooden climber with a slide in the preschool room that did not have an protective surface underneath.

Corrected Corrected by Oct 10, 2025

Category: physical safety. 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.

During an unannounced inspection on 5/5/25, staff #1 was onsite (see code sheet for hire date) and did not have a health assessment or TB screening on file.

Corrected Corrected by May 9, 2025

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.192(5) · A facility person's record shall include two written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person.

During an unannounced inspection on 5/5/25, staff #1 was onsite (see code sheet for hire date) and had only one written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person.

Corrected Corrected by May 9, 2025

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.

During an unannounced inspection on 5/5/25, the most recent alarm test was dated 4/4/25, which was 31 days prior.

Corrected Corrected by May 5, 2025

Category: recordkeeping. 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.

On 2/10/25 during a complaint investigation, staff stated that the front door was jamming and they needed to use a crowbar to get it back in working order.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 28, 2025

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

3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) · 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.

On 2/10/25 during an unannounced inspection, staff #1 (see code sheet for start date) did not have a disclosure statement on file. The disclosure statement was signed and dated on the day of the inspection. Staff #2 (see code sheet for start date) had a child abuse clearance dated 1/23/25, which was after the date she began working with children.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 10, 2025

Category: background checks. 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.

The tuberculosis screening for staff #1 was dated 8/18/23, greater than 1 year prior to initial employment.

Corrected Corrected by Mar 14, 2025

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.192(5) · A facility person's record shall include two written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person.

Staff #1 had only one written reference on file.

Corrected Corrected by Feb 11, 2025

Category: recordkeeping. 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.

There was no continuity of operations plan as required by 45 CFR 98.41(a)(1)(vii).

Corrected Corrected by Jan 7, 2025

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.

There was no documentation that staff #1 was trained in the facility's emergency plan.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 20, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) · 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.

Staff #1 did not have a signed, dated, and witnessed disclosure statement on file. The dates of the required NSOR for staff #5 were 11/6/19 and 12/6/24, a period of greater than 60 months.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 20, 2024

Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.36(b)(5) · An assistant group supervisor shall have a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 2 years experience with children.

There was no documentation of 2 years of experience to qualify staff #1 for the stated assistant group supervisor position. There was no high school diploma on file for staff #3 to qualify for the stated assistant group supervisor position.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 3, 2025

Category: supervision. 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.

There was a water stained ceiling tile in the room to the right of the entrance just in front of the office.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 30, 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.

There was no handwashing sign in the front part of the room to the right of the entrance.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 20, 2024

Category: health medication. 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.

There were Styrofoam bowls on a toy shelf in the main room.

Corrected Corrected by Dec 20, 2024

Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.151(c)(3)/3270.151(c)(5) · An adult health assessment must include an examination for communicable diseases and the results of that examination. An adult health assessment must include the physician's or CRNP's assessment of the person's suitability to provide child care.

The health assessment of staff #2 did not include the doctor's assessment of the staff's communicable disease status. The health assessment for staff #4 did not include an assessment of the staff's communicable disease status, and did not address the staff's suitability to provide child care.

Corrected Corrected by Jan 7, 2025

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

3270.166(5) · An infant 6 months of age or younger shall be held while being bottle fed.

Child #1 was in the crib drinking a bottle (see code sheet for DOB).

Corrected Corrected by Dec 20, 2024

Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.51/3270.113(a) · 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. The required staff:child ratios must be maintained at all times. 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 / Director will establish a supervision and ratio policy. The policy will include how the facility will demonstrate their knowledge and ability to adequately supervise children while maintaining appropriate ratio at all times. The policy must focus on ensuring that each child is seen, heard, assessed and able to be directed at all times. The policy must include the required staff:child ratios for each age group. The policy must include how the facility will ensure appropriate supervision and ratios during transition times and while in the outdoor play area. The policy must include how the facility will ensure appropriate supervision and ratios during nap time. The policy must also include a plan for each staff to be assigned the responsibility for supervision of specific children, including the requirement that the staff person know the names and whereabouts of the children in his assigned group and be physically present with the children in his group on the facility premises and on facility excursions off the facility premises. The policy must also address how these groups will be transitioned from one staff person to another during staffing changes. This supervision and ratio policy must be submitted to the Department prior to implementation for approval. Once approved by the Department, the director will ensure that all current employees and any new hires are trained on this policy.

On 4/11/24, it was stated during a complaint investigation that there has been 9 infants present in the infant space with only 2 staff. Facility provided a plan of correction that was accepted on 5/16/24, but this accepted plan has not been implemented as required as of 6/11/24. On 6/11/24, staff #2 and #3 were asked if they reviewed and signed off on a supervision and ratio policy created by the facility. Staff #2 and #3 stated that they do remember signing off on a check list for supervision and ratio. However, the provider's correction requirement was for this policy to be approved by OCDEL prior to having staff be trained on this policy. The facility has not submit to OCDEL their newly created supervision and ratio policy for review or approval.

Corrected Corrected by Jul 19, 2024

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.54(a) · At least two facility persons shall be present in the facility when two or more children are in care. At a minimum, one of the facility persons shall be a staff person. The legal entity must submit documentation in a format approved by DHS proving that the facility is maintaining at least 2 staff persons present at the facility at all times when 2 or more children are in care. The legal entity will confirm continuing compliance by sending copies of the documentation to the NE OCDEL Regional Office on a weekly basis for a period of 90 days after DHS approves the documentation format.

On 4/11/24, during the facility's annual renewal inspection, it was stated that there are occasional days when the opening staff person is left alone in the facility with more than 1 child. It was stated that the facility opens at 6am and the second child comes in around 6:15-6:30am, and a single staff person could be alone at times until approximately 6:45am. A plan of correction was submitted and accepted on 5/8/24. This accepted plan's correction date was listed as 4/12/24, but as of 6/11/24, the correction was determined as not having been implemented. On 6/11/24, repeated noncompliance was stated to have occurred after staff person #1 and #4 were interviewed. Staff person #1 arrive at approximately 6am to open the facility. Staff person #1 stated they were alone with more than one child from approximately 6:20am-6:45am due to staff person #5 not being able to come in as scheduled. Staff person #1 stated that child #1 was dropped off at approximately 6am, child #2 was dropped off at approximately 6:20am, and child #3 was dropped off at approximately 6:30am. Staff person #1 and #4 stated that staff person #4 arrived at the facility at approximately 6:45am. Staff person #4 also confirmed that there were 3 children present when they arrived.

Corrected Corrected by Oct 11, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.54(a) · At least two facility persons shall be present in the facility when two or more children are in care. At a minimum, one of the facility persons shall be a staff person. The Legal Entity / Director will create a policy establishing procedures for ensuring that at least 2 staff persons are present at all times when more than 1 child is in care. This policy must be submitted to the Department prior to implementation for approval. Once approved by the Department, the director will have all staff review, sign, and date approved policy to ensure compliance.

On 4/11/24, during the facility's annual renewal inspection, it was stated that there are occasional days when the opening staff person is left alone in the facility with more than 1 child. It was stated that the facility opens at 6am and the second child comes in around 6:15-6:30am, and a single staff person could be alone at times until approximately 6:45am. A plan of correction was submitted and accepted on 5/8/24. This accepted plan's correction date was listed as 4/12/24, but as of 6/11/24, the correction was determined as not having been implemented. On 6/11/24, repeated noncompliance was stated to have occurred after staff person #1 and #4 were interviewed. Staff person #1 arrive at approximately 6am to open the facility. Staff person #1 stated they were alone with more than one child from approximately 6:20am-6:45am due to staff person #5 not being able to come in as scheduled. Staff person #1 stated that child #1 was dropped off at approximately 6am, child #2 was dropped off at approximately 6:20am, and child #3 was dropped off at approximately 6:30am. Staff person #1 and #4 stated that staff person #4 arrived at the facility at approximately 6:45am. Staff person #4 also confirmed that there were 3 children present when they arrived.

Corrected Corrected by Jul 19, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.54(a) · At least two facility persons shall be present in the facility when two or more children are in care. At a minimum, one of the facility persons shall be a staff person.

On 4/11/24, during the facility's annual renewal inspection, it was stated that there are occasional days when the opening staff person is left alone in the facility with more than 1 child. It was stated that the facility opens at 6am and the second child comes in around 6:15-6:30am, and a single staff person could be alone at times until approximately 6:45am. A plan of correction was submitted and accepted on 5/8/24. This accepted plan's correction date was listed as 4/12/24, but as of 6/11/24, the correction was determined as not having been implemented. On 6/11/24, repeated noncompliance was stated to have occurred after staff person #1 and #4 were interviewed. Staff person #1 arrive at approximately 6am to open the facility. Staff person #1 stated they were alone with more than one child from approximately 6:20am-6:45am due to staff person #5 not being able to come in as scheduled. Staff person #1 stated that child #1 was dropped off at approximately 6am, child #2 was dropped off at approximately 6:20am, and child #3 was dropped off at approximately 6:30am. Staff person #1 and #4 stated that staff person #4 arrived at the facility at approximately 6:45am. Staff person #4 also confirmed that there were 3 children present when they arrived.

Corrected Corrected by Jul 19, 2024

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.

During an unannounced inspection on 5/30/24, the most recent fire alarm test was 4/1/24, more than the required 30 days.

Corrected Corrected by Jun 11, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.24(a) · A staff person shall provide to agents of the Department immediate access to the facility, the children and the files and records.

On 4/11/24, at approximately 7:08am, a known agent of the department rang the facility's door bell. Staff can see who is standing at the door. It was observed that staff began shuffling around but did not come open the door. Staff person #3 picked a child up near the door and walked back towards the middle of the room and sat down with the child behind the desk. The agent began knocking on the door once this was observed. Staff person #2 walked over to the desk closer to the door, turned their back to the door, and made a telephone call. The agent continued to knock on the door continuously until staff person #2 hung up the phone and walked over to the door. Immediate access was not granted to a known agent of the department.

Corrected Corrected by May 14, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) · 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. Facility Person #7 may not work in a child care position at the facility until a fully completed, signed, dated, and witnessed, disclosure statement is obtained and placed on file.

File for staff person #7, see code sheet for hire date, did not contain a valid disclosure statement. The disclosure statement on file did not contain a witness signature as required.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 11, 2024

Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.34(a)(6) · A director is responsible for written evaluation of staff persons on a regular basis, a minimum of one evaluation every 12 months.

File for staff person #5 contained an annual evaluation dated 8/1/21 and another evaluation that did not contain a date. An annual evaluation completed by the director once every 12 months was not observed on file for staff person #5.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 11, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.54(a) · At least two facility persons shall be present in the facility when two or more children are in care. At a minimum, one of the facility persons shall be a staff person.

It was stated that there are occasional days when the opening staff person is left alone in the facility with more than 1 child. It was stated that the facility opens at 6am and the second child comes in around 6:15-6:30am, and a single staff person could be alone at times until approximately 6:45am.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 12, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.66(a)/3270.133(4) · Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be kept in an area or container that is locked or made inaccessible to children. Medication shall be stored in a locked area of the facility or in an area that is out of the reach of children.

It was observed in the bathroom, used by preschool aged children in room 1, that a cabinet was present which contained Windex, disinfectant spray, prescription medications, and sanitizing wipes. This cabinet, instead of drawers, had clear plastic pieces which could be pulled open and down to gain access to the shelves inside the cabinet. Although childproof locks were observed on the one side of each of those plastic pull-down pieces, the plastic was thin enough to be flexible so that the other side could be pulled down and children could access the cleaning materials and medications stored within.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 12, 2024

Category: health medication. 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.

It was observed that the first aid kit in the infant space did not contain gloves.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 11, 2024

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 that several ceiling tiles in both room 1 and room 2 were moved or loose causing a visible hazard.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 12, 2024

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 that 6 infants were sleeping in the infant space and none of the rest equipment being used had at least 2 feet of space on at least three sides.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 11, 2024

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

3270.106(j) · Toys, bumper pads, or pillows may not be present in a crib while an infant is sleeping in the crib.

It was observed that an infant's basinet contained an attached mobile.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 11, 2024

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 that the refrigerator in the infant and toddler spaces both contained thermometers that were measuring the inside temperature of these refrigerators to be 48 degrees Fahrenheit.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 12, 2024

Category: nutrition. 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.

On 4/11/24, at approximately 7:08am, staff person #2 and #3 were present in the same space with 12 children. It was stated when asked which children were assigned to which staff person, that they had not separated or assign primary care groups at that time.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 11, 2024

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.123(a)(6) · An agreement shall specify the date of the child's admission.

Agreement for child #2 did not specify the child's admission date.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 11, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.133(3) · The label of a medication container shall identify the name of the medication and the name of the child for whom the medication is intended. Medication shall be administered to only the child whose name appears on the container.

It was observed that a medication, cooling swabs for teething, was present for child #1, but was not labeled with the child's name as required.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 11, 2024

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.

File for staff person #5 contained two recent health assessments, one dated 2/4/22, and another dated 4/9/24. These dates verify that staff person #5 did not have an update health assessment completed and on file within the 24 month requirement. File for staff person #6, see code sheet for hire date, contained a health assessment dated 4/10/23. This health assessment was dated and placed on file after staff person #6 began initial employment at the facility.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 12, 2024

Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.151(c)(3)/3270.151(c)(5) · An adult health assessment must include an examination for communicable diseases and the results of that examination. An adult health assessment must include the physician's or CRNP's assessment of the person's suitability to provide child care.

File for staff person #8 contained a health assessment dated 3/8/24, but that health assessment was incomplete. Questions number 2 and 3 on the health assessment form were not answered. The health assessment on file did not specify whether an examination for communicable diseases was completed, and did not include documentation on whether an assessment of the person's suitability to provide child care was completed. File for staff person #9 contained a health assessment dated 3/28/24, but that health assessment was incomplete. Question number 3 on the health assessment form was not answered. The health assessment on file did not include documentation on whether an assessment of the person's suitability to provide child care was completed.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 12, 2024

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

3270.33(a)/3270.37(b)(3) · A staff person or a substitute staff person shall meet one of the applicable staff qualifications for the position in which the person is performing. An aide shall have a minimum of an 8th grade education and 2 years of experience with children.

Staff person #4 was hired as an aide, but the file for staff person #4 does not have the documentation required in order to meet the qualifications to be hired as an aide. Although staff person #4 has 2 years of documented experience on file, they do not have documentation verifying that they have, at minimum, completed 8th grade.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 18, 2024

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.51/3270.113(a)(2) · 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. The required staff:child ratios must be maintained at all times. 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 / Director will establish a supervision and ratio policy. The policy will include how the facility will demonstrate their knowledge and ability to adequately supervise children while maintaining appropriate ratio at all times. The policy must focus on ensuring that each child is seen, heard, assessed and able to be directed at all times. The policy must include the required staff:child ratios for each age group. The policy must include how the facility will ensure appropriate supervision and ratios during transition times and while in the outdoor play area. The policy must include how the facility will ensure appropriate supervision and ratios during nap time. The policy must also include a plan for each staff to be assigned the responsibility for supervision of specific children, including the requirement that the staff person know the names and whereabouts of the children in his assigned group and be physically present with the children in his group on the facility premises and on facility excursions off the facility premises. The policy must also address how these groups will be transitioned from one staff person to another during staffing changes. This supervision and ratio policy must be submitted to the Department prior to implementation for approval. Once approved by the Department, the director will ensure that all current employees and any new hires are trained on this policy.

It was stated during a complaint investigation that there has been 9 infants present in the infant room with only 2 staff.

Corrected Corrected by Jun 3, 2024

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.51/3270.113(a)(2) · 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. The required staff:child ratios must be maintained at all times. The requirement for supervision on and off the facility premises includes compliance with the staff:child ratio requirements in §§ 3270.51--3270.55.

It was stated during a complaint investigation that there have been 9 infants present in the infant room with only 2 staff.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 11, 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). 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. The required staff:child ratios must be maintained at all times. The requirement for supervision on and off the facility premises includes compliance with the staff:child ratio requirements in §§ 3270.51--3270.55.

It was observed at the facility on 4/11/24, at approximately 7:08am, staff person #2 and #3 were present with 12 children: 2 infants, 2 younger toddlers, 2 older toddlers, and 6 preschoolers. Staff stated that this has been happening more than just that day and on occasion there could be up to approximately 15 children present with 2 staff, leaving staff out of ratio until additional staff arrive.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 11, 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). 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. The required staff:child ratios must be maintained at all times. 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 approved training, including technical assistance, regarding supervision of children and staff:child ratios. This training must be completed as a live training or in-person. The legal entity must receive DHS approval of the training content prior to scheduling the training. Training may not be conducted while children are in care.

It was observed at the facility on 4/11/24, at approximately 7:08am, staff person #2 and #3 were present with 12 children: 2 infants, 2 younger toddlers, 2 older toddlers, and 6 preschoolers. Staff stated that this has been happening more than just that day and on occasion there could be up to approximately 15 children present with 2 staff, leaving staff out of ratio until additional staff arrive for the day.

Corrected Corrected by Jun 2, 2024

Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.111(c)/3270.113(b) · 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. A facility person may not use any form of physical punishment, including spanking a child. Staff #1 is required to receive a minimum of 2 hours of approved training regarding developmentally appropriate practices. The legal entity must receive DHS approval of the training prior to scheduling the training.

It was stated by multiple staff during a complaint investigation that staff person #1 is physically rough with infants when picking them up and putting them down. Staff person #1 stated that they have gotten annoyed when they tell an infant "no" and the child doesn't listen. Through multiple interviews with staff including staff person #1, it was determined that staff person #1 does not fully understand what is developmentally appropriate for children in that infant age group.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 19, 2024

Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.

3270.111(c)/3270.113(b) · 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. A facility person may not use any form of physical punishment, including spanking a child.

It was stated by multiple staff during a complaint investigation that staff person #1 is physically rough with infants when picking them up and putting them down. Staff person #1 stated that they have gotten annoyed when they tell an infant "no" and the child doesn't listen. Through multiple interviews with staff including staff person #1, it was determined that staff person #1 does not fully understand what is developmentally appropriate for children in that infant age group.

Corrected Corrected by Apr 19, 2024

Category: background checks. 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). Staff person #1 will have until 12/12/23 to complete the required training. Until such time as the required training has been completed, staff person #1 must be supervised, when interacting with children, by a GS or AGS who has completed the required training related to this citation. If there are no staff available to supervise staff person #1, then staff person #1 may not work in a child-care position at the facility.

During a complaint investigation conducted on 11/15/23, it was observed that staff person #1 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see code sheet for hire date): pediatric first aid/CPR from a PQAS approved trainer and a PQAS approved curriculum.

Corrected Corrected by Nov 16, 2023

Category: supervision. 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.

During a complaint inspection conducted on 11/15/23, it was observed on the facility's fire alarm testing log that the last fire alarm test was completed on 10/11/23, which is more than 30 days from the previous test and is not in compliance with standards established under section 1016(c) of the act (62 P.S. § 1016(c)).

Corrected Corrected by Dec 8, 2023

Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.