Early Connections/union City

Regulation: 3270.123(a)

Description: Signed

Noncompliance Area: The most recent fee agreement in the file for Child #1 was not signed by the parent.

Correction Required: An agreement shall be signed by the operator and the parent.

Regulation: 3270.123(a)(5)

Description: Designated release persons

Noncompliance Area: The most recent fee agreement in the file for Child #1 did not include the names of the release persons.

Correction Required: An agreement shall specify the persons designated by a parent to whom the child may be released.

Regulation: 3270.32(a)

Description: Comply with CPSL

Noncompliance Area: The most recent mandated reporter trainings in the file for Staff Person #1 exceeded 60 months between trainings.

Correction Required: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services).

Regulation: 3270.65

Description: Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less

Noncompliance Area: Observed two electrical outlets that lacked protective receptacle covers above the cots in Preschool Room #2.

Correction Required: Protective receptacle covers shall be placed in electrical outlets accessible to children 5 years of age or younger.

Regulation: 3270.66(a)

Description: Locked or inaccessible

Noncompliance Area: Observed push-mops containing floor cleaning solution tanks, which were accessible to children, in the Inf/Todd, Preschool #1 and Preschool #2 rooms.

Correction Required: Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be kept in an area or container that is locked or made inaccessible to children.

Regulation: 3270.102(a)/3270.103

Description: Clean and good repair/Small Toys and Objects

Noncompliance Area: Observed teeth marks in the foam pegboards in the Infant/Toddler Room. This creates a potential choking hazard for children who may still be placing objects in their mouths.

Correction Required: 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. 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.

Regulation: 3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

Description: Comply with CPSL/CPSL information

Noncompliance Area: The disclosure statement in the file for Staff Person #1 was dated after the staff person's first day working at the facility. The disclosure statement in the file for Staff Person #2 contained different dates for staff and witness signatures.

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.

Regulation: 3270.72(c)

Description: Good repair

Noncompliance Area: Observed holes in two screens in the PreK 2 classroom.

Correction Required: Screens shall be in good repair.

Regulation: 3270.171(a)

Description: Pick-up and drop-off points

Noncompliance Area: The facility had not submitted a current annual traffic letter (September, 2023).

Correction Required: An operator shall notify local traffic safety authorities annually in writing of the location of the facility and the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the child care facility.

Regulation: 3270.178

Description: Transportation First Aid Kit

Noncompliance Area: The first aid kit on the facility bus lacked tweezers and soap.

Correction Required: A first-aid kit, including the contents as specified in §3270.75 (relating to first-aid kit) shall be in the vehicle when children are being transported.

Regulation: 3270.21

Description: General Health and Safety

Noncompliance Area: In the Pink Room, observed adult scissors, staplers and a screwdriver, which were accessible to children, in a drawer of which the childproof lock was not functioning properly.

Correction Required: Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children.

Regulation: 3270.76

Description: Building Surfaces

Noncompliance Area: Observed flaking rust and frayed edges on the metal box at the bottom of the light pole, which the children pass on their way to the Outdoor Toddler Play Space.

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.

Regulation: 3270.102(a)

Description: Clean and good repair

Noncompliance Area: Observed two tears in the arm and one tear along the bottom of the small red chair in the Purple Room.

Correction Required: 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.

Regulation: 3270.124(b)(5)

Description: Information re: special needs

Noncompliance Area: The emergency contact form in the file for Child #1 did not 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.

Correction Required: 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.

Regulation: 3270.131(a)/3270.182(1)

Description: Health information/Initial and subsequent health reports

Noncompliance Area: The initial health report in the file for Child #1 was conducted more than 60 days after the child's first day in care.

Correction Required: 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. A child's record shall contain initial and subsequent health reports.

Regulation: 3270.31(e)(4)(ii)

Description: Fire safety - 1 yr.

Noncompliance Area: The most recent fire safety trainings in the file for Staff Person #1 exceeded 12 months between trainings.

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.

Regulation: 3270.76

Description: Building Surfaces

Noncompliance Area: Observed two cracks at the bottom of the vinyl siding in the outdoor Preschool/School Age Play space.

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.

Regulation: 3270.102(a)

Description: Clean and good repair

Noncompliance Area: Observed dirt and debris under the mat of the diaper changing table in the Toddler Room.

Correction Required: 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.

Regulation: 3270.124(b)(3)

Description: Parent home/work address, phone

Noncompliance Area: The emergency contact form in the file for Child #1 did not include the work address and telephone number of the enrolling parent.

Correction Required: Emergency contact information must include the home and work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent.

Regulation: 3270.124(b)(7)

Description: Name/address/phone release person

Noncompliance Area: The emergency contact form in the file for Child #1 did not include the release person's address.

Correction Required: 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.

Regulation: 3270.135(a)(3)

Description: Disposable diapers

Noncompliance Area: Observed in the Toddler Room: After changing a child's diaper, Staff Person #1 lifted the lid of hands free can to dispose of gloves and soiled diaper, rather than using the foot pedal.

Correction Required: If disposable diapers are provided by a parent or by a facility, a soiled diaper shall be discarded by immediately placing the diaper into a plastic-lined, hands-free covered can.

Regulation: 3270.181(c)

Description: Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos

Noncompliance Area: The fee agreement and emergency contact form in the file for Child #2 has not been updated by the parent in the past 6 months. (6/9/22)

Correction Required: 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.

Regulation: 3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

Description: Comply with CPSL/CPSL information

Noncompliance Area: The disclosure statement in the file for Staff Person #3 was dated 11/29/22, which was after the staff person's start date (See LIS Code Sheet).

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.

Regulation: 3270.34(a)(6)

Description: Staff evaluations

Noncompliance Area: The most recent evaluations in the file for Staff Person #2 exceeded 12 months between evaluations: 2/26/21-6/7/22.

Correction Required: A director is responsible for written evaluation of staff persons on a regular basis, a minimum of one evaluation every 12 months.

Regulation: 3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)

Description: Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance

Noncompliance Area: The facility did not have a proof of purchase for the interconnected fire alarm system. The fire drill/fire system check log documents one time when fire checks exceeded 30 days: 10/21-11/21.

Correction Required: 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.

Regulation: 3270.102(a)

Description: Clean and good repair

Noncompliance Area: Observed two basketball sets that were not secure in the PS/SA Playground. This creates a potential toppling hazard. Observe a crack in the toy lawnmower in the PS/SA Playground.

Correction Required: 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.

Regulation: 3270.14/3270.21

Description: Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety

Noncompliance Area: The emergency plan for the facility did not include requirements for continuity of operations (backing up or retrieving health and other key records/files and managing financial issues such as paying employees and bills during the aftermath of the disaster).

Correction Required: 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.

Regulation: 3270.192(5)

Description: Two written references

Noncompliance Area: The file for Staff Person #1 contained only one letter of reference.

Correction Required: 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

Regulation: 3270.76

Description: Building Surfaces

Noncompliance Area: Observed a dented floor vent in the Purple Room. Observed one screw was missing from the floor vent in the Green Room. This creates a potential pinch hazard.

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.

Regulation: 3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)

Description: Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance

Noncompliance Area: The fire drill/system check log documents two times when fire system checks exceeded thirty days between checks: 2/9/22-3/14/22 and 7/22/22-8/22/22.

Correction Required: 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.

Regulation: 3270.131(d)(5)

Description: Immunization record

Noncompliance Area: The file for Child #1 contained an immunization record that did not include documentation of an influenza vaccine in the past year.

Correction Required: A health report shall include a review of the child's immunized status according to recommendations of the ACIP.

Regulation: 3270.151(a)

Description: 12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter

Noncompliance Area: Although the file for Staff #1 contained a current health assessment, the previous health assessment was completed more than 24 months prior.

Correction Required: 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.

Regulation: 3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

Description: Comply with CPSL/CPSL information

Noncompliance Area: Although the file for Staff #2 contained current DHS Child Abuse, FBI, and PA State Police criminal history clearances, the previously processed clearances were completed more than 60 months prior to the process dates of the current clearances. The file for Staff #3 contained a current FBI criminal history clearance; however, the previous FBI clearance on file was dated as processed more than 60 months prior to the process date of the current FBI clearance..

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.

Regulation: 3270.76/3270.82(g)

Description: Building Surfaces/Clean and good repair

Noncompliance Area: The toilet used by children in care located in the bathroom in the Purple Room was observed to have an exposed, upwardly facing bolt at the base of the toilet where it is secured to the floor. Contact with said bolt could cause puncture and/or laceration injuries, as well as presenting the possibility of any laceration/puncture being contaminated by rust and/or waste matter.

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.Toilet areas and fixtures shall be cleaned daily and be in good repair.

Noncompliance Area: In the Purple room an oversized approximately 2' x 3' spiraled drawing was observed to have a sharp piece of flexible metal at the end of the spine of the pad. The concern was observed in an area accessible to children in care and presented the potential for laceration and/or puncture injuries. Also in an area accessible to children, in the Pink room, an approximately 2'x3' easel with a wooden tray was observed to be attached to the drywall with screws that were beginning to become unsecure presenting the possibility that it could fall and cause a blunt force injury.

Correction Required: 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.

Noncompliance Area: The files for Child #1 and #2 contained emergency contact forms that did not include the addresses to persons to whom each child can be released.

Correction Required: 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.

Noncompliance Area: The file for Staff #1 did not contain documentation of the completion of emergency plan training in the past 12 months.

Correction Required: 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.

Noncompliance Area: In areas accessible to children in care, the Blue, Purple, and Green rooms respectively, two 12"x12" linoleum floor tiles were observed to be cracked/broken resulting in a tripping hazard or, due to the rigidity of the material, the potential for laceration injury.

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.

Noncompliance Area: Although the file for Child #1 contained a current health assessment, Child #1's initial health assessment was dated more than 60 days after the initial date in care at the facility.

Correction Required: 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.

Noncompliance Area: The instructions/manual for the use of safety restraints for the school bus used by the facility for transportation of children, which is equipped with seatbelts, was not available in the bus. Said document was available inside of the facility.

Correction Required: Manufacturers' instructions for use of safety restraints shall be kept in the vehicle at all times.

Noncompliance Area: In the purple room, ages 3-5, a sink cabinet drawer containing a sharply-toothed staple remover was observed to be accessible to children in care. Although the drawer was equipped with a child-proof locking mechanism, said mechanism was not functioning and could easily be opened. The staple remover could cause a laceration and/or puncture injury.

Correction Required: Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children.

Noncompliance Area: In the first restroom to the right as the building is entered was observed to have a spray bottle labeled to contain bleach setting atop a cabinet. Next to the container were diapers/pull-ups used by children in care. Additionally, on a shelf underneath of noted spray bottle were several rolls of toilet paper and extra clothing used by children in care. There was not a protective barrier that would serve to contain potential spillage, which could result in the leaking of bleach onto items that come in contact with the skin of children in care.

Correction Required: Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be used in a way that does not contaminate play surfaces, food, food preparation areas and does not constitute a hazard to the children.

Noncompliance Area: A metal heating register was observed at the base of the corridor used by and accessible to children in care. Said register had sharp, pointed edges that could cause laceration injuries.

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.

Noncompliance Area: A garden hose was observed hanging from a fence in an area accessible to children in care. Said hose was secure at both ends.

Correction Required: Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children.

Noncompliance Area: One unused, unprotected electrical outlet was observed in the blue room in an area accessible to children under the age of six.

Correction Required: Protective receptacle covers shall be placed in electrical outlets accessible to children 5 years of age or younger.

Noncompliance Area: Observed on the chain link fence enclosing the pre-k and above playground were numerous aluminum clips that have sharp ends and are accessible to children in care. Two exposed, protruding toilet bolts were observed on either side of the toilet in the Green room. Several exposed nails were observed protruding from landscape timbers adjacent to the younger children's playground in an area accessible to children in care.

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.

Noncompliance Area: In the purple room, a small area of peeling paint, approximate 1" in diameter, was observed in an area accessible to children in care.

Correction Required: Peeled or damaged paint or damaged plaster is not permitted on indoor or outdoor surfaces in the child care facility.

Noncompliance Area: In the green room (1-3 year-old children), a plastic drinking bottle was observed that was filled about 3/4 full with sea shells/beads that are less than 1 inch in diameter. The lid to the bottle had been glued on in the past to prevent children from accessing the material inside. The glue had worn to the point that the lid was removable, which would allow children under the age of two to access the shells/beads.

Correction Required: Pea gravel and other materials with a diameter of less than 1 inch may not be used in spaces where infants or toddlers receive care.

Noncompliance Area: The file for Staff #1, who is listed as an Assistant Group Supervisor, lacked sufficient experience for said job title. Staff #1 had 900 hours of documented experience. Staff #1 would need a total of 2500 hours to be qualified for the position of Assistant Group Supervisor. Director acknowledged that Staff #1 has worked alone with children.

Correction Required: 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 assistant group supervisor shall have a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 2 years experience with children.

Noncompliance Area: The files for staff persons #1 and #2 lacked health assessments that were completed within 24 months of the previous health assessment. The file for staff person #3 lacked a health assessment that was conducted within 12 months prior to providing initial service in a child care setting.

Correction Required: 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.A facility person`s record shall include a written report of initial and subsequent health assessments, including the results of initial and subsequent tuberculin skin tests, x-rays or other medical documentation necessary to confirm freedom from communicable tuberculosis.

Noncompliance Area: The operator did not keep a copy of the letter notifying local traffic safety authorities of the location of the facility and the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the day care facility.

Correction Required: An operator shall notify local traffic safety authorities annually in writing of the location of the facility and the program`s use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the day care facility.

Noncompliance Area: The file for staff person #3 lacked initial emergency plan training that was completed at the time of hire.

Correction Required: 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.

Noncompliance Area: The file for staff person #3, whom was hired provisionally as an Assisstant Group Supervisor, lacked a state police clearance that was completed within 90 days from the staff person's start date.

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.