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Berks County Montessori Country Day School
53 VERMONT RD, Reading PA 19608 · License #CER-00243251 · Child Care Center
Contact
- Phone
- (610) 777-3080
- Website
- www.MCDSBerks.org
- Address
- 53 VERMONT RD, Reading PA 19608 · Directions
Hours
Not published by the state. Owners can add hours via profile claim.
Care & schedule
When they operate
Ages served
- 1-Star quality rating
- Accepts Child Care Works subsidy
- Licensed for 140 children
How this facility compares
Violations per inspection, 3-yrInspection history & violations
Source: Pennsylvania DHS, Office of Child Development and Early Learning- Violation
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 #2 may not work in a child care position at the facility.
Staff person #2 did not have clearances from the state lived in in the previous 5 years. Staff #5 had gaps of greater than 5 years between clearances. The state police clearances were dated 3/28/20 and 4/3/25; the child abuse clearances were dated 9/2/15 and 5/20/21; the FBI clearances were dated 8/14/15 and 5/20/21.
Corrected by Jul 28, 2025
- Violation
3270.35(b)(1) · A group supervisor shall have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education or the human services field.
Staff #8, identified as a Group Supervisor, did not have sufficient documentation on file to qualify for the position.
Corrected by Jul 28, 2025
- Violation
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.
Staff #3 and #4, both identified as Assistant Group Supervisors, did not have sufficient documentation on file to qualify for the position.
Corrected by Jul 28, 2025
- Violation
3270.37(b)(1) · An aide shall have a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate.
Staff #7, identified as an Aide, did not have documentation on file to qualify for the position.
Corrected by Jul 28, 2025
- Violation
3270.67(d) · Trash that has been contaminated by human secretions or excrement shall be contained in closed, plastic-lined receptacles.
Room 4 and Room 5 did not have a trash can with a lid. Used tissues were observed in the trash can in room 4.
Corrected by Jul 28, 2025
- Violation
3270.77(a) · Peeled or damaged paint or damaged plaster is not permitted on indoor or outdoor surfaces in the child care facility.
There was peeling paint at the bottom of the stairs.
Corrected by Jul 28, 2025
- Violation
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.
There was acetaminophen and diphenhydramine in the first aid kits in Room 4 and Room 5 that were not labeled for an individual child. Staff #1 stated that they keep it on hand in case a child would need it.
Corrected by Jul 28, 2025
- Violation
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.
There was not 2 references on file for staff #2, #6, and #7.
Corrected by Jul 28, 2025
- Violation
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.
The alarm test log showed the alarm sounded on 2/12/25, 3/26/25 and then 5/2/25, all gaps of greater than 30 days.
Corrected by Jul 28, 2025
- Violation
3270.31(e) · A staff person shall obtain an annual minimum of 12 clock hours of child care training.
Staff #7 did not have 12 hours of training documented for the training year of 12/19/23 to 12/19/24.
Corrected by Jul 28, 2025
- Violation
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 1/27/25, staff #1 (see code sheet for start date) did not have two written, non-family references on file.
Corrected by Feb 3, 2025
- Violation
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 #2 and #3 may not work in a child care position at the facility.
As of the renewal inspection on 7/24/24, the child abuse clearance for staff #2 was a volunteer clearance, and staff #2 is not a volunteer. The FBI clearance for staff #3 was issued 5/24/19, greater than 60 months.
Corrected by Jul 25, 2024
- Violation
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.
During the renewal inspection on 7/24/24, there was a staff handbag on the counter accessible to children in Room 1 that contained perfume and Chloraseptic lozenges labeled keep out of reach of children. There was a staff handbag on the counter accessible to children in Room 3 that contained eye drops and prescription medication.
Corrected by Jul 24, 2024
- Violation
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.
During the renewal inspection on 7/24/24, there was no handwashing sign at the sink in the lower level bathroom.
Corrected by Jul 24, 2024
- Violation
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.
During the renewal inspection on 7/24/24, several areas in the fall zone or exit zone of the embedded play structure measured less than 6" of mulch. A minimum of 9" is required.
Corrected by Jul 31, 2024
- Violation
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.
As of the renewal inspection on 7/24/24, the health assessment for staff #1 indicated a communicable disease with no further information from the physician. The health assessment for staff #2 did not include an assessment of communicable disease or the physician's assessment of the person's suitability to provide child care.
Corrected by Jul 24, 2024
- Violation
3270.182(7) · A child's record shall contain reports of accidents, injuries and illnesses involving a child in care at the facility. The original report shall be given to the parent on the day of the incident. The second copy of the report shall be retained at the facility in an accident file. The third copy of the report shall be retained at the facility in the child's file.
As of the renewal inspection on 7/24/24, the facility was not retaining a copy of incident reports in the child's file.
Corrected by Jul 24, 2024
- Violation
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 operator shall update the sections of their emergency plan that must address continuity of operations.
It was observed that the facility's emergency plan did not contain a portion that addressed a continuity of operations plan which is required.
Corrected by Jul 31, 2023
- Violation
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.
Although it was stated that staff person #5 completed emergency plan training prior to the day of inspection, it was observed that no written documentation was on file verifying the completion date of this training.
Corrected by Jul 31, 2023
- Violation
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.
File for staff person #5 contained documentation showing that fire safety training was completed on 5/19/22, but no additional documentation of updated fire safety training was observed on file verifying that staff person #6 completed this training annually thereafter.
Corrected by Jul 31, 2023
- Violation
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 #4 and #7 may not work in a child care position at the facility.
File for staff person #4 contained two PA state criminal clearances one full completed clearance dated 8/1/17 and the other was a pending clearance dated 12/19/22; these dates, and the status of the updated clearance, verify that a full and complete PA state criminal clearance was not updated and on file within the 60 month expiration date requirement. File for staff person #7, see code sheet for hire date, did not contain a FBI clearance.
Corrected by Jul 31, 2023
- Violation
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 a written evaluation completed by the director in May of 2022, but no additional evaluation was observed on file completed within the last 12 months.
Corrected by Jul 31, 2023
- Violation
3270.51/3270.113(a)(1) · 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. 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.
It was observed that Room 2 was outside in the outdoor play space with 2 staff and 13 toddlers. Staff person #1 stated they had 5 toddlers in their primary care group and staff person #2 stated they had 4 toddlers in their primary care group. Staff person #3 had gone inside the building leaving their 4 assigned children outside and causing the remaining staff in the outdoor play space to be out of ratio.
Corrected by Jul 31, 2023
- Violation
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. Children must be supervised at all times. 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.
It was observed in the hallway by the front desk, two children, one boy and one girl, from Room 4 were sent out of that room, walked down the hallway and into their respective bathrooms without any staff person supervising them at that time. The children were left alone for approximately 30 seconds until the staff person, normally stationed at the front desk, returned to the front desk area.
Corrected by Jul 31, 2023
- Violation
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. Children must be supervised at all times. 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 / 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 observed in the hallway by the front desk, two children, one boy and one girl, from Room 4 were sent out of that room, walked down the hallway and into their respective bathrooms without any staff person supervising them at that time. The children were left alone for approximately 30 seconds until the staff person, normally stationed at the front desk, returned to the front desk area.
Corrected by Aug 23, 2023
- Violation
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.
File for staff person #6, see code sheet for hire date, contained an initial written health assessment and TB test results dated 8/22/22 and 8/25/22, respectively. These dates verify that the health assessment and TB test was not completed and on file prior to the start of initial employment as required.
Corrected by Jul 31, 2023
- Violation
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.
File for staff person #3 and #5 did not contain verification of their education prior to service at the facility.
Corrected by Jul 31, 2023
- Violation
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.
File for staff person #7 did not contain two written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person.
Corrected by Jul 31, 2023
- Violation
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.
File for staff person #5 and #6 did not contain documentation of initial emergency plan training at the time of initial employment.
Corrected by May 24, 2022
- Violation
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 #2 and #5 may not work in a child care position at the facility.
File for staff person #2, hired (see code sheet), contained two PA state police clearances dated 6/24/15 and 5/16/22, a child abuse clearance dated 6/24/15, and mandated reporter training dated 10/12/15 and 5/2/21. The updated PA state police clearance and mandated reporter training was completed more than 60 months apart, and the child abuse clearance has not been updated within the last 60 months as required. File for staff person #5, hired (see code sheet), contained a FBI clearance not suitable for the purposes of employment with childcare under DHS.
Corrected by May 23, 2022
- Violation
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.
File for staff person #2, hired (see code sheet), contained two PA state police clearances dated 6/24/15 and 5/16/22, a child abuse clearance dated 6/24/15, and mandated reporter training dated 10/12/15 and 5/2/21. The updated PA state police clearance and mandated reporter training was completed more than 60 months apart, and the child abuse clearance has not been updated within the last 60 months as required. File for staff person #5, hired (see code sheet), contained a FBI clearance not suitable for the purposes of employment with childcare under DHS.
Corrected by May 23, 2022
- Violation
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 in room 1 that a handwashing sign was not posted by the sink in that classroom.
Corrected by May 23, 2022
- Violation
3270.124(a)/3270.124(b)(7) · Emergency contact information is required for each enrolled child. Emergency contact information must reference who shall be contacted in an emergency. 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.
Emergency contact form for child #4 did not include the release person's address. Emergency contact form for child #1 did not include an emergency contact name or contact information.
Corrected by Jun 20, 2022
- Violation
3270.124(b)(2)/3270.124(b)(3) · Emergency contact information must include the name, address and telephone number of the child's physician or source of medical care.Emergency contact information must include the home and work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent.
Emergency contact forms for child #1-5 did not include the address of the child's physician, the parent's work address, or the parent's work telephone number. Emergency contact form for child #1 also did not include the telephone number of the child's physician.
Corrected by Jun 20, 2022
- Violation
3270.124(b)(5) · Emergency contact information must include information on the child's special needs, as specified by the child's parent, physician, physician's assistant or CRNP, which is needed in an emergency situation.
Emergency contact forms for child #1-5 did not include, or allow for parents to adequately address, information on the child's special needs, as specified by the child's parent, physician, physician's assistant or CRNP, which is needed in an emergency situation.
Corrected by Jun 20, 2022
- Violation
3270.131(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.
File for child #1, who is an older toddler, contained a health report dated 1/28/21, and no updated health report completed within the last 12 months was observed on file.
Corrected by Jun 20, 2022
- Violation
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.
File for staff person #1, hired (see code sheet), contained a TB test result dated 8/30/18, which is more than 12 months prior to their initial employment date. File for staff person #2 contained a health assessment dated 7/9/19, but an updated health assessment completed within that last 24 months was not found on file. Staff person #2 TB test results were not observed on file at the time of inspection. File for staff person #3, hired (see code sheet), contained a TB test result dated 7/30/14, which is more than 12 months prior to their initial employment date.
Corrected by Jun 10, 2022
- Violation
3270.181(c) · A parent is required to review and update the emergency contact information and the financial agreement at least once in a 6-month period or as soon as there is a change in the information.
Emergency contact forms for child #1-5 were last reviewed, signed, and dated by parents in August and September of 2021, therefore these forms were not review at least once in the last 6 month period. Agreement for child #1 was last reviewed, signed, and dated on 3/23/21, therefore this form was not reviewed at least once in the last 6 month period.
Corrected by Jun 20, 2022
- Violation
3270.27(a)(6) · Emergency drills shall be conducted annually. Annual emergency drills shall be documented and on file at the facility.
It was observed and stated by staff that the facility did not conduct or log an annual emergency drill.
Corrected by May 24, 2022
- Violation
3270.131(a)/3270.131(e) · The operator shall require the parent of an enrolled child, including a child, a foster child and a relative of an operator or a facility person, to provide an initial health report no later than 60 days following the first day of attendance at the facility. The facility may not accept or retain an infant 2 months of age or older, a toddler or a preschool child at the facility for more than 60 days following the first day of attendance at the facility unless the parent provides written verification from a physician, physician's assistant, CRNP, the Department of Health or a local health department of the dates (month, day and year) the child was administered immunizations in accordance with the recommendations of the ACIP.
File for child #3, who is of preschool age and enrolled more than 60 days at the facility, did not contain a health report or written documentation of the status of the child's immunizations in accordance with the recommendations of the ACIP.
Corrected by Jun 20, 2022
Questions to ask on your tour
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
- 1The Jul 22, 2025 inspection noted: “Staff person #2 did not have clearances from the state lived in in the previous 5 years. Staff #5 had gaps of greater than 5 years between clearances. The state…” — what has changed since then?
- 2The Jan 27, 2025 inspection noted: “During an unannounced inspection on 1/27/25, staff #1 (see code sheet for start date) did not have two written, non-family references on file.” — what has changed since then?
- 3The Jul 24, 2024 inspection noted: “As of the renewal inspection on 7/24/24, the child abuse clearance for staff #2 was a volunteer clearance, and staff #2 is not a volunteer. The FBI clearance fo…” — what has changed since then?
Data synced from Pennsylvania DHS, Office of Child Development and Early Learning · Source records · Report an error