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The Growing Tree Child Care Center
3000 S 3rd St, Whitehall PA 18052 · License #CER-00247514 · Child Care Center
Contact
- Phone
- (610) 264-1177
- Website
- Add via profile claim
- Address
- 3000 S 3rd St, Whitehall PA 18052 · Directions
Hours
Not published by the state. Owners can add hours via profile claim.
Care & schedule
When they operate
Ages served
- 4-Star quality rating
- Accepts Child Care Works subsidy
- Licensed for 151 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 provisional employee may not be permitted to work alone with children and must work within the vicinity of a permanent employee. Facility person #1 will not work at the facility. 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 on 9/18/2018 to include a requirement that all clearances be updated and on file at least every 60 months. The Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) was revised to include the requirement for the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Clearance effective 9/30/2019. The CPSL also states that anyone hired after 9/30/19 was required to have the NSOR clearance to work in childcare. Current staff must have the NSOR clearance no later 7/1/20. CPSL was revised to include new hires that have resided out of Pennsylvania with in the 5 previous years must obtain State Police and Child abuse clearances from the state that they have resided. Facility person #1 will not work at the facility.
Staff person #1 started at the facility on 9-3-25 and does not have a FBI or NSOR clearance on file. There is no verification that Staff person #1 was fingerprinted for their FBI clearance prior to starting at the facility.
Corrected by Sep 29, 2025
- Violation
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.
Staff person #1 started at the facility on 9-3-25 and does not have a health assessment on file.
Corrected by Nov 15, 2025
- Violation
3270.192(2)(iv)/3270.192(5) · A facility person's record shall include acceptable verification of experience, education or training is a transcript or a diploma or a letter signed by a representative of the experiential, educational or training entity. 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 person #1 started at the facility on 9-3-25 and does not have any written references or verification of education on file.
Corrected by Nov 15, 2025
- Violation
3270.31(f) · Staff person(s) shall complete professional development in the topics of 3270.31(f) within 90 days of hire. Staff person #2 will have until 10/30/24 to complete the required training. Until such time as the required training has been completed, staff person #2 must be supervised, when interacting with children, by an AGS 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.
Staff person #1 did not complete the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Health & Safety. 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 CPR
Corrected by Oct 14, 2024
- Violation
3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). A provisional employee may not be permitted to work alone with children and must work within the vicinity of a permanent employee. 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 on 9/18/2018 to include a requirement that all clearances be updated and on file at least every 60 months. The Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) was revised to include the requirement for the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Clearance effective 9/30/2019. The CPSL also states that anyone hired after 9/30/19 was required to have the NSOR clearance to work in childcare. Current staff must have the NSOR clearance no later 7/1/20. CPSL was revised to include new hires that have resided out of Pennsylvania with in the 5 previous years must obtain State Police and Child abuse clearances from the state that they have resided.
Staff person #2 started at the facility on 4/22/24 and there is no proof that they were fingerprinted prior to starting at the facility. The FBI clearance for Staff person #2 is dated 7/23/24. Staff person #2 does not have a completed criminal history clearance on file. The criminal clearance for Staff person #2, dated 4/28/23 states "record pending for control".
Corrected by Sep 30, 2024
- Violation
3270.133(7) · An operator is responsible to establish and maintain a medication log if prescription or nonprescription medication is administered.
There is no completed medication log for Child #1's prescription medications. There is no completed medication log for Child #2 prescription & non-prescription medications.
Corrected by Nov 27, 2024
- Violation
3270.113(b) · A facility person may not use any form of physical punishment, including spanking a child.
On 11/1/23 staff person #1 pulled child #1's hair while they were in the bathroom together. Child #1 was crying and upset and told another staff member what happened. On 11/9/23, staff member #1 forcefully picked up child #2 under the arms and sat the child down on the floor. This was observed on video and by another staff member who witnessed the incident. Facility Person #1 is no longer employed at the facility.
Corrected by Nov 1, 2023
- 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.
There were no handwashing reminder signs in the boys bathroom in the school age 2 room.
Corrected by Sep 25, 2023
- Violation
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 was an unsecured sensory bottle with objects with a diameter of less than 1 inch inside in the Preschool 1 room. There are older toddlers in this room.
Corrected by Sep 25, 2023
- Violation
3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). Facility Persons #1 and #3 may not work in a child care position at the facility. 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 Persons #1 and #3 may not work in a child care position at the facility.
Staff Person #1 resided outside of Pennsylvania within the previous 5 years and does not have the child abuse history or state sex offender registry from the previous state of residence. Staff Person #3 has been working in a child care position at the facility for more than 45 days without a National Sex Offender Registry(NSOR) verification on file.
Corrected by Sep 28, 2023
- 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.
In the school age 2 girls bathroom a cabinet with toxic cleaning products was unlocked allowing access to the toxics.
Corrected by Sep 25, 2023
- Violation
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.
The refrigerator in the school age 2 room had some spills in it that had not been cleaned up.
Corrected by Sep 25, 2023
- Violation
3270.123(a) · An agreement shall be signed by the operator and the parent.
Child #3's agreement was not signed by the operator.
Corrected by Sep 25, 2023
- Violation
3270.123(a)(6) · An agreement shall specify the date of the child's admission.
Children #1, #2, and #3 were missing their dates of enrollment on their agreeemnts.
Corrected by Sep 26, 2023
- Violation
3270.31(f)(10) · Staff persons shall complete professional development in pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation within 90 days of hire.
Staff Person #4 did not have proof of completion of pediatric first-aid/CPR on file.
Corrected by Oct 20, 2023
- Violation
3270.21/3270.113(a) · Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. 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.
On 10/4/22, Staff Person #1 was changing child #1's diaper. Staff Person #2 entered the room and asked Staff Person #1 a question about another child. Staff Person #1 walked away from the changing table, leaving child #1 alone on the table. Staff Person #2 immediately stepped over and stood next to the changing table to make sure child did not roll off.
Corrected by Oct 25, 2022
- Violation
3270.32(a) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). Facility Person # 1 may not work in a child care position at the facility.
Staff Person #1, lived in Nebraska within the last 5 years prior to employment at the facility and did not have child abuse, criminal history or state sex offender registry clearances from that state, nor did she have proof they were requested.
Corrected by Oct 5, 2022
- Violation
3270.76/3270.77(a) · Floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces, including the facility's outdoor play space surfaces shall be kept clean, in good repair and free from visible hazards. Peeled or damaged paint or damaged plaster is not permitted on indoor or outdoor surfaces in the child care facility.
There was an area of peeling paint on the wall in the toddler 1 room. There was a small hole in the wall in the infant room. There was water on the floor of the boys bathroom in the school age 2 classroom.
Corrected by Oct 8, 2022
- Violation
3270.102(a) · Toys, play equipment and other indoor and outdoor equipment used by the children shall be clean, in good repair and free from rough edges, sharp corners, pinch and crush points, splinters and exposed bolts.
There were several exposed bolts on the fence surrounding the outdoor play space. A ride on toy ramp in the outdoor play space was cracked. A plastic picnic table in the toddler outdoor play space was cracked.
Corrected by Nov 12, 2022
- Violation
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.
Mats in the walking nursery were had less than 2 feet of space on 3 sides while the children were napping on them.
Corrected by Sep 27, 2022
- Violation
3270.113(a) · Children on the facility premises and on facility excursions off the premises shall be supervised by a staff person at all times. Outdoor play space used by the facility is considered part of the facility premises. Children must be supervised at all times.
During nap time it was observed in toddler 2, preschool 2 and pre-k that staff were not able to see all of the children on their mats while they were napping. Some children were behind furniture and staff could not see them because of this.
Corrected by Sep 27, 2022
- Violation
3270.27(a)(6) · Emergency drills shall be conducted annually. Annual emergency drills shall be documented and on file at the facility.
There was no written log of an emergency drill for 2021.
Corrected by Oct 20, 2022
- Violation
3270.19(b)/3270.19(c) · A facility person who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a victim of child abuse shall immediately make a report of suspected child abuse to ChildLine through the hotline at (800) 932-0313, online, or any other method as prescribed by the Department. Within 48 hours, a written report regarding the suspected child abuse shall be submitted by the operator or designated staff person to the CPS unit which has responsibility for investigating the report.
On 4/7/22, Staff Person #1 grabbed child #1 by her upper arm and pulled her off a stool in the bathroom. This caused child #1 to have a red mark on her upper left arm. Staff Persons #2, 3, 4 and 5 all saw the red mark on Child #1's arm and none made a report to Childline.
Corrected by May 6, 2022
- Violation
3270.19(b)/3270.19(c) · A facility person who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is a victim of child abuse shall immediately make a report of suspected child abuse to ChildLine through the hotline at (800) 932-0313, online, or any other method as prescribed by the Department.Within 48 hours, a written report regarding the suspected child abuse shall be submitted by the operator or designated staff person to the CPS unit which has responsibility for investigating the report. The legal entity will have all staff take an in-person 2 hour professional development on reporting suspected abuse and neglect. This is not the same as the required mandated reporter training. The legal entity will get the approval of the Northeast Regional OCDEL office prior to scheduling the training.
On 4/7/22, Staff Person #1 grabbed child #1 by her upper arm and pulled her off a stool in the bathroom. This caused child #1 to have a red mark on her upper left arm. Staff Persons #2, 3, 4 and 5 all saw the red mark on Child #1's arm and none made a report to Childline.
Corrected by Jun 17, 2022
- Violation
3270.113(b) · A facility person may not use any form of physical punishment, including spanking a child. Staff person #1 must attend a minimum of 2 hours in-person training regarding Behavior Management, in which participants will reflect on different behavior management techniques & learn how to address challenging behaviors . Staff person #1 must receive DHS approval of the training content prior to scheduling the training.
On 4/7/22, Staff Person #1 grabbed child #1 by her upper arm and pulled her off a stool in the bathroom. This caused child #1 to have a red mark on her upper left arm.
Corrected by Jun 17, 2022
- Violation
3270.113(b) · A facility person may not use any form of physical punishment, including spanking a child.
On 4/7/22, Staff Person #1 grabbed child #1 by her upper arm and pulled her off a stool in the bathroom. This caused child #1 to have a red mark on her upper left arm.
Corrected by Jun 17, 2022
- 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.
On 4/7/22, Staff Person #1 grabbed child #1 by her upper arm and pulled her off a stool in the bathroom. This caused child #1 to have a red mark on her upper left arm. Staff Person #1 was instructed to notify Child #1's parents about the incident but never did.
Corrected by May 6, 2022
- Violation
3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). Facility Person # 1 may not work in a child care position at the facility. 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 # 1 may not work in a child care position at the facility.
Staff Person #1, date of hire 3/22/2021 did not have a National Sex Offender Registry Verification on file at the facility.
Corrected by Oct 7, 2021
- Violation
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.
Staff Person #2s health assessment was conducted 9/10/2019. Her first day providing direct care was 8/23/21. Her health assessment was more than 12 months old at that time.
Corrected by Sep 29, 2021
- Violation
3270.192(2)(iv) · A facility person's record shall include acceptable verification of experience, education or training is a transcript or a diploma or a letter signed by a representative of the experiential, educational or training entity.
Staff Persons #1 and #2 did not have proof of education on file.
Corrected by Oct 8, 2021
- 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
Staff Person #1 did not have 2 written non-family references on file. Staff Person #2 only had 1 written non-family reference on file.
Corrected by Oct 8, 2021
- Violation
3270.166(4) · Disposable nursers and bottles shall be labeled with the child's name.
On May 27, 2021 Staff Person #1 fed child #1 from Child #2's bottle. Staff Person #1 did not realize she was feeding Child #1 the wrong bottle until another Staff Person pointed it out. By that time Child #1 had taken about half of the contents Child #2's bottle.
Corrected by Jun 4, 2021
- Violation
3270.166(4) · Disposable nursers and bottles shall be labeled with the child's name.
On May 27, 2021 Staff Person #1 fed child #1 from Child #2's bottle. Staff Person #1 did not realize she was feeding Child #1 the wrong bottle until another Staff Person pointed it out. By that time Child #1 had taken about half of the contents Child #2's bottle.
Corrected by Jun 4, 2021
Questions to ask on your tour
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
- 1The Sep 29, 2025 inspection noted: “Staff person #1 started at the facility on 9-3-25 and does not have a FBI or NSOR clearance on file. There is no verification that Staff person #1 was fingerpri…” — what has changed since then?
- 2The Sep 30, 2024 inspection noted: “Staff person #1 did not complete the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Health & Safety. Staff p…” — what has changed since then?
- 3The Nov 13, 2023 inspection noted: “On 11/1/23 staff person #1 pulled child #1's hair while they were in the bathroom together. Child #1 was crying and upset and told another staff member what hap…” — what has changed since then?
Data synced from Pennsylvania DHS, Office of Child Development and Early Learning · Source records · Report an error