Allentown Ymca Education Center - Allentown PA Child Care Center

425 S 15TH ST , ALLENTOWN PA 18102
(610) 351-9622

About the Provider

Description: Allentown YMCA & YWCA provides quality, educational state licensed child care for children ages13 months-Grade5. Programs are developed to build self-esteem through various activities that build new friendships with other children. The Allentown YMCA & YWCA believes that every individual should have the right to a healthy spirit, mind and body. Through our Annual Support Campaign, we are able to provide financial assistance to youth, teens, adults, seniors and families. Your donation directly impacts the lives of these individuals.
• Care before and after school, starting at 7:00am until 6:00pm

Program and Licensing Details

  • License Number: CER-00185920
  • Capacity: 148
  • State Rating: 4
  • Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program: No
  • Schools Served: Allentown City
  • District Office: Early Learning Resource Center for Region 14
  • District Office Phone: (610) 437-6000 ext 2 (Note: This is not the facility phone number.)

Location Map

Inspection/Report History

Where possible, ChildcareCenter provides inspection reports as a service to families. This information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. We encourage families to contact the daycare provider directly with any questions or concerns, as the provider may have already addressed some or all issues. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.

Inspection Date Reason Description Status
2019-12-12 Renewal 3270.131(b)(1)/3270.131(e)(1) - Infant: updated health report every 6 months/Exemption documentation from parent/guardian Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Child 1 did not have an updated flu shot on file. Child 2, who is an infant, had an outdated health assessment and immunization record on file. The health assessment was last completed on 3/11/2019.

Correction Required: The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 6 months for an infant or young toddlerThe facility shall require the parent to provide updated written verification from a physician, physician's assistant, CRNP, the Department of Health or a local health department of ongoing vaccines administered to an infant, toddler or preschool child in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Child 1: updated immunization record has been received and forwarded to certification representative. Child 2: updated health assessment has been received and forwarded to certification representative. Plan: All children files will be reviewed monthly for updated physical and immunizations. Children will be suspended from care if the updated health assessment and immunizations are not received on time.
2019-12-12 Renewal 3270.31(e)(4)(ii) - Fire safety - 1 yr. Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Staff 1 had outdated fire safety training. The fire safety training was from February of 2018.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Staff 1 has obtained current fire safety and it has been submitted to certification representative via email. All staff members have the responsibility of maintaining current status with their DHS child care files. Monthly, child care leadership team will send email reminders to staff regarding fire safety training that will soon be expiring. Additionally, an all child care staff fire safety training has already been scheduled for August 11th, 2020.
2019-10-10 Complaints- Legal Location 3270.135(e) - 2 hour diaper check Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: During a complaint investigation, it was verified that on 9/23/2019 that child 1 did not have her diaper appropriately changed by staff 1 and still had feces in her joint and private area after the diaper change.

Correction Required: A staff person shall check a child's diaper at least every 2 hours and whenever the child indicates discomfort or exhibits behavior that suggests a soiled diaper. A staff person shall change a child's diaper when the diaper is soiled.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Staff must check all diapers at least every two hours as well as as more often if needed for individual child needs. This also includes changing as soon as a wet or soiled diaper is noticed or if child expresses discomfort or signs of dirtied diaper/pullup. We created a Standard Operating Procedure for all stsaff to sign off on which includes this statement as well as the following; We have also implemented a diaper changing log for the older classrooms who have children in diapers even though they may be of older age. Staff must check/change/and sign off at least every two hours for each child in their care whom wears diapers/pullups. Staff is to ensure that private areas are completely clean while following standard diapering procedures.
2019-08-22 Complaints- Legal Location 3270.133 - Child Medication and Special Diets Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Staff #1 stated the class was actively engaged in their daily activities and administering the medication was overlooked

Correction Required: The operator shall make reasonable accommodation in accordance with applicable federal and state laws to facilitate administration of medication or a special diet that is prescribed by a physician, physician's assistant or CRNP as treatment related to the child's special needs. Facility persons are not required to administer medication or special diets which are requested or required by a parent, a physician, a physician's assistant or a CRNP but are not treatment related to the child's special needs.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Retraining of all current staff has occurred in regards to the appropriate administration of medication. *See attached documentation. New staff will be trained within the first 7 days by signing off on the policy. The following policy is in place: "Parents must take all medication to the child care office with the appropriate paperwork and medical documentation. A Director will store all medication in a lock box in the child care office, with the exception of EpiPens and rescue inhalers. EpiPens and rescuse inhalers will be maintained in the classroom's first aid backpack, which is stored in a secured cabinet. Teachers will work together with a Director to ensure that children receive medicine at assigned time by setting an alarm/reminder. A Director will bringing the child medication to their current location. In the event that a Director has not arrived during the scheduled time, the Teacher will bring the child to the office. If it is discovered that it is beyond the scheduled time for medication administration, a Director will contact the child's parent for further direction. The results of the conversation will then be documented with the child's medication log. In the event of a field trip, the medication will accompany the classroom Teacher, who will be responsible for administration if a Director is not also on the field trip."
2019-07-15 Allocated Unannounced Monitoring 3270.124(c) - Each child care space Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The emergency contact forms were not present in the swimming area.

Correction Required: When children are in the facility, emergency contact information shall be present in a child care space for children receiving care in the space.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The emergency binder was replaced in the traveling bag with the camp counselor immediately. New staff orientation will include training on having on their person a proper first aid kit, which includes all children's emergency contact forms in a binder .Existing staff members will all be re-trained on the proper requirements. The first aid kit/emergency binder will be present in all child care spaces for children receiving care, including field trips.
2019-07-15 Allocated Unannounced Monitoring 3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) - Comply with CPSL/CPSL information Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: During an unannounced swimming visit, it was found that staff 1, who is also the facility lifeguard, did not have a child abuse or state police clearance on file at the facility.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The copies of child abuse and state police clearances copies were placed in the file at the site within 24 hours of the site visit. Copies of clearance requests, copies of disclosure statements and copies of completed clearances will be maintained on-site prior to staff beginning to work in child care and checked monthly for necessary updates. We are instituting a dual control system where two directors must sign off on a new hire prior to the employee starting in child care.
2019-03-20 Complaints- Legal Location 3270.111(a)/3270.111(c) - Written plan/Promote development Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: It was reported that on 3/19/2019, a preschool child needed to go to the bathroom. However, staff 1 was alone in the preschool classroom with 15 preschool children during naptime and was not able to leave the room. At approximately 12:55p.m., staff 1 attempted to contact staff 2 for assistance. Staff 1 did not obtain direction from staff 2 until approximately 1:20p.m., who then told staff 1 to send the child to the toddler room. During that time period, the child was in distress due to needing to go to the bathroom and not having a bathroom readily available to meet his individual needs.

Correction Required: A written plan of daily activities and routines, including a time for free play shall be established for each group. The plan shall be flexible to accommodate the needs of individual children and the dynamics of the group. 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
A written and posted plan of daily activities and routines has been created which include accommodations for individual children, development of skills, as well as social competence and self-esteem. Choice of activities is offered for all items scheduled. See attachment "PK3sched." Walkie talkies have been purchased and are in use in the classrooms, as per SOP CC1 and SOP CC2, which are attached.
2019-03-01 Renewal 3270.104(a) - Clean, good repair, proper size Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The seat in the back of one of the school buses used for transportation had exposed foam.

Correction Required: Furniture must be durable, safe, easily cleaned and appropriate for the child's size, age and special needs.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The small seat tear was immediately repaired. Each vehicle will have a pre-trip and post-trip inspection completed anytime a vehicle is used. Vehicle drivers will have access to the materials needed to make any repairs immediately prior to bus use.
2019-03-01 Renewal 3270.123(a)(3) - Services proceeded Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Children 1-4 had either no child service reports on file or outdated child service reports.

Correction Required: The services to be provided to the family and the child, including the Department's approved form to provide information to the family about the child's growth and development in the context of the services being provided. The operator shall complete and update the form and provide a copy to the family in accordance with the updates regarding emergency contact information in 3270.124(f) (relating to emergency contact information).

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Children's 1-4's service reports were completed 3/1/2019, reviewed and signed by the parent and provided to DHS. Child service reports or other DHS approved form will be completed within the DHS required timeframe and reviewed with the parent. The parents will be provided a copy of the signed form. The signed, dated form will be maintained in the child's file.
2019-03-01 Renewal 3270.192(2)(ii) - Exp, educ., training prior to facility Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Staff 1 did not have proof of education on file.

Correction Required: A facility person's record shall include verification of child care experience, education and training prior to service at the facility.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Staff 1's proof of education was at the corporate office, but not at the employee's home site. The proof of education was provided to DHS on 3/1/2019. A staff file including; child care experience, education and training, must be at the facility prior to the employee working with children. Staff will not be permitted to begin until their file has been reviewed for completion.
2018-08-17 Complaints- Legal Location 3270.113(b) - No physical punishment Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: During a complaint investigation on 8/17/2018, it was determined that Staff 1 hit Child 1 in the back of the head on 8/15/2018.

Correction Required: Methods for positive redirection will be incorporated into the existing behavioral policy. This updated policy will be sent to the OCDEL certification representative prior to implementation. The updated behavioral policy will be addressed at a staff meeting and all staff will sign stating they understand and will adhere to this policy. The facility directors will subsequently meet with staff in the classroom and review and practice positive ways to give redirection. The behavioral policy will also be reviewed with new hires and annually with all staff. All staff will continue to sign that they understand and will adhere to the policy.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
ncident was self-reported to DHS inspector Matthew Spencer and child line (see email confirmation attachment #2). See attached Positive Guidance Policy for DHS Approval. Upon approval, a meeting will be held with all staff where the Positive Guidance Policy will be reviewed and signed by all staff including cook, which is the position held by staff 1. Each new hire will have the policy reviewed and signed during New Staff Orientation upon hire and then annually thereafter. Upon DHS policy approval, the Child Care Directors, will begin hands-on coaching and mentoring each classroom, modeling and practicing positive redirection. This follow-up coaching will be signed off by the Director and Staff person on the previously signed policy. Staff that are discovered to use any form of physical punishment with children will be removed from the classroom and immediately terminated. The facility will not use any form of physical punishment as a means of discipline.
2018-08-16 Complaints- Legal Location 3270.113(a) - Supervised at all times Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: During a facility evacuation on 8/15/2018, child 1, a preschool child, was left behind in the preschool classroom by staff 1 and 2 for approximately 5 minutes before staff realized she was missing and went back into the building to obtain her.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Each classroom and teacher within the classroom, has an assigned care group for which they are responsible at all times, indoors and outdoors. Staff have pictures of each child on their lanyard on their person when they are in care. Hourly checks are performed on the DHS approved Supervision Checklist. The Supervision Policy is reviewed and signed upon hire and then monthly at staff meetings. On August 15th, 20178, the Supervision Policy was reviewed and signed by all staff. Outdoor play space is included as a part of the facility premises.
2018-08-16 Complaints- Legal Location 3270.21/3270.113(a)(1) - General Health and Safety/Staff assigned to specific children Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: During a facility evacuation on 8/15/2018, child 1, a preschool child, was left behind in the preschool classroom by staff 1 and 2 for approximately 5 minutes before staff realized she was missing and went back into the building to obtain her.

Correction Required: Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. 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 Child Care Directors and the Associate Child Care Director shall attend an existing provider orientation at the Northeast Regional Scranton State Office Building on 11/7/2018.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Incident was self-reported to DHS inspector and child line (see email confirmation attachment). Each classroom and teacher within the classroom, has an assigned group for which they are responsible. Staff have pictures of each child on their lanyard on their person when they are in care. Hourly checks are performed on the DHS approved Supervision Checklist by administrative staff. The Supervision Policy is reviewed and signed upon hire and then monthly at staff meetings. On August 15, 2018, the Supervision Policy was reviewed and signed by all staff. All Child Care Directors and Assistant Directors will have attended an Existing Provider Orientation by 11/7/2018, they were all registered by 9/26/2018.
2018-08-13 Complaints- Legal Location 3270.113(b) - No physical punishment Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 8/10/2018, Staff 1 grabbed Child 1 by the collar of his shirt after the child was hitting the staff. This information was a self-reported complaint.

Correction Required: A facility person may not use any form of physical punishment, including spanking a child. Directors shall do a check on each classroom on a daily basis for a period of 3 months. The checks will focus on staff interactions with children. Each check will be documented on a DHS approved form. The forms will be sent into the Northeast Regional Office on a weekly basis.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
On August 17, 2018, a daily check form was provided to certification representative for approval. On September 4, 2018, the Child Care Directors began performing and documenting daily classroom checks on an hourly basis. Certification representative confirmed use of the form on September 21, 2018. Child Care Directors will continue performing and documenting checks hourly face-to-face for a minimum of 3 months and send to the DHS Regional Office weekly. Staff that are discovered to use an form of physical punishment with children will be removed from the classroom and immediately terminated. See attached forms from September 4, 2018 forward. (Attachment #3)
2017-10-30 Complaints- Legal Location 3270.76 - Building Surfaces Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: As per facility director, the facility's air conditioning unit was leaking water in the toddler room on 10/24/2017.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
On 10/24/2017, the air conditioning unit was shut down and has not been used since that time. On 10/31/2017, the purchase order for repair of the unit was sent to DHS. The part has been ordered and received and a date of repair of 12/1/2017, has been scheduled with vendor. The unit will not be used again as the Toddler Classroom will be moved to a new location prior to warmer weather and the need for a cooling unit.

If you are a provider and you believe any information is incorrect, please contact us. We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.

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Providers in ZIP Code 18102