Description: Fresh Start Childcare Llc is a Child Care Center in LANCASTER PA, with a maximum capacity of 93 children. The provider also participates in a subsidized child care program.
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 |
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| 2020-10-27 | Unannounced Monitoring | 3270.51/3270.52 - Similar Age Level/Mixed Age Level | Compliant - Finalized |
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Noncompliance Area: Twelve children were observed with a single staff person. The youngest child in the group was a preschooler, making the required staff:child ratio 1:10. Two preschoolers and ten school-aged children were in the group. Correction Required: 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. When children are grouped in mixed age levels, the age of the youngest child in the group determines the staff:child ratio and maximum group size in accordance with the requirements in 3270.51 (relating to similar age level). |
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Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.) Two preschool children were moved to preschool classroom. The school-age classroom will be kept with children age kindergarten through 12 years of age in order to maintain school-age ratio moving forward. Ratios will be kept in all age groups. |
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| 2020-10-27 | Unannounced Monitoring | 3270.66(a) - Locked or inaccessible | Compliant - Finalized |
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Noncompliance Area: A container of hand-sanitizer was observed on a counter in an area accessible to children in the preschool/school-age room. Correction Required: Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be kept in an area or container that is locked or made inaccessible to children. |
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Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.) Chemical related products were immediately removed out of reach of children. Staff were made aware to keep items out of reach of children due to the chemicals. Place was designated for bottles to belong so they are not made accessible to children. |
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| 2020-10-09 | Unannounced Monitoring | 3270.113(e) - Restraints prohibited | Compliant - Finalized |
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Noncompliance Area: At the time of inspection, facility person 1 stated that she "bear hugged" child 1 (young school age) to stop her behavior while the child was exhibiting some difficult behaviors (flipping tables, throwing chairs, etc.). Correction Required: A facility person may not restrain a child by using bonds, ties or straps to restrict a child's movement or by enclosing the child in a confined space, closet or locked room. The prohibition against restraining a child does not apply to the use of adaptive equipment prescribed for a child with special needs. |
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Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.) Facility person was immediately informed that "bear hugging" is a violation to the childcare regulations and is not an acceptable solution. Moving forward, all other children will be removed from the room and discussions will occur to try to calm the child down from the behaviors by the owner or senior staff person on duty. All staff were given training in supervision methods, discipline methods, and ways to calm children down when exhibiting difficult behaviors. |
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| 2020-09-29 | Renewal | 3270.103 - Small Toys and Objects | Compliant - Finalized |
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Noncompliance Area: Plastic bags (used for sensory play) were observed in an area accessible to toddlers. (CORRECTED ON SITE) Plastic trash bags were being used to cover the urinals in the boys bathroom. The plastic bags had large rips in them and were in an area accessible to toddlers that use the restroom. Correction Required: 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. |
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Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.) At time of inspection, the plastic bags used for sensory play were discarded into the trash. On 10/02/2020, the plastic covers were removed from the urinals in the bathroom. Staff were informed of the policy that plastic bags is included in the choke hazard item list. Bags will not be used with age groups where they place items into their mouths. |
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| 2020-09-29 | Renewal | 3270.106(a) - Clean, age appropriate | Compliant - Finalized |
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Noncompliance Area: A crib was not labeled for the use by a specific child (CORRECTED ON SITE). Correction Required: Individual, clean, age-appropriate rest equipment shall be provided for preschool, toddler and infant children as agreed between the child's parent and the operator. The rest equipment shall be labeled for the use of a specific child and used only by the specified child. |
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Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.) The crib was labeled on site. Upon enrollment of a child into the facility, cribs/cots will be labeled as part of the enrollment process into the classrooms, when creating cubbies, names for the children to ensure they have their own rest equipment. |
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| 2020-09-29 | Renewal | 3270.107 - Refrigerator | Compliant - Finalized |
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Noncompliance Area: The refrigerator in both the infant room and the kitchen had food debris at the bottom. (CORRECTED ON SITE) Correction Required: 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. |
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Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.) The refrigerators were cleaned on site. A cleaning checklist was created for the kitchen so employees know what needs to be cleaned in the kitchen upon cleaning the kitchen at close. The refrigerators will be kept clean. |
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| 2020-09-29 | Renewal | 3270.111(c)/3270.113(d) - Promote development/No harsh language | Compliant - Finalized |
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Noncompliance Area: Staff person 1 was observed (from the hallway) for approximately 10 minutes. Her language and interactions with the children were harsh and there were very little positive interactions to develop skills, social competence and self-esteem. She was observed yelling (using a harsh tone) the following: "Excuse me! No thank you!" "Stop!" (repeatedly) "Hey! No! I told you" "Ya'll need to stop. You need to listen." "Sit!" "Get back here. Let's go." "Knock it off." "Uh-uh-uh no" "Get in line." "Please clean up or we aren't going to be able to play again." Correction Required: A facility person may not use harsh, demeaning or abusive language in the presence of children. 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. |
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Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.) Issue was discussed with staff person immediately following inspection visit. Child abuse policy was again reviewed and signed off upon discussing. Suggestions were made to counteract the demeaning language used. Placed goal on CQI plan with STARS and working with learning coach to implement a training plan with follow up observations as part of the onboarding process. Follow up observations were completed and suggestions that were given are being implemented. All staff will be reminded of positive interactions with children. The director will continue to do observations and ensure staff are meeting compliance with the regulations. |
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| 2020-09-29 | Renewal | 3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1) - Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children | Compliant - Finalized |
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Noncompliance Area: Staff person 1 was the sole staff person responsible for the 9 preschool aged children in her group. Upon entering the hallway for inspection of the second floor, preschool aged children were observed unsupervised in the hallway. Staff person 1 was in the boys bathroom. During this time, there were also preschool aged girls unattended in the girls bathroom. A few minutes later, staff person 1 was observed walking out of the preschool classroom to put something in a cubby in the hallway, leaving the children in the room unsupervised. 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.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. |
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Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.) Issue was discussed with staff person immediately following inspection visit. Supervision policy was again reviewed and signed off upon discussing. Follow up observations will occur to ensure that staff person is properly supervising the children in her group at all times in accordance with the supervision definition and guidelines set forth by DHS. All staff will be reminded that children cannot be out of eyesight at all times. |
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| 2020-09-29 | Renewal | 3270.134(a)/3270.152 - Child's hands washed/Adult Hygiene | Compliant - Finalized |
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Noncompliance Area: The children and staff in the preschool room did not wash their hands prior to eating lunch. They went from playing/cleaning immediately to the table for lunch. Correction Required: A staff person shall ensure that a child's hands are washed before meals and snacks, after toileting and after being diapered.A facility person shall wash his hands before meals and snacks, and after toileting and after diapering a child. |
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Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.) Issue was discussed with staff person immediately following inspection visit. Staff person was reminded of proper hand washing times, as well as the daily schedule which allows for bathroom hand-washing immediately prior to lunch and all meal times. Follow up will occur to see that employee is implementing proper hand washing times as regulations require. |
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| 2020-09-29 | Renewal | 3270.166(4) - Bottles labeled | Compliant - Finalized |
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Noncompliance Area: A bottle was not labeled with the child's name. (CORRECTED ON SITE) Correction Required: Disposable nursers and bottles shall be labeled with the child's name. |
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Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.) Bottle was labeled at time of inspection. Staff will check all bottles that parents send in daily to ensure they are properly labeled before being placed into the classroom. Parents will also be advised to label belongings brought into our facility, including bottles. |
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| 2020-09-29 | Renewal | 3270.65 - Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less | Compliant - Finalized |
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Noncompliance Area: An electrical outlet was not covered in the preschool room, (CORRECTED ON SITE) Correction Required: Protective receptacle covers shall be placed in electrical outlets accessible to children 5 years of age or younger. |
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Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.) Socket cover was placed in outlet at time of inspection. Staff will replace the socket cover when pulling them out to use them. Classrooms will be checked to ensure socket covers are in place before using the rooms daily. |
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| 2020-09-29 | Renewal | 3270.66(a) - Locked or inaccessible | Compliant - Finalized |
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Noncompliance Area: A container of Lysol air freshener was stored underneath the sink in an unlocked cabinet in the school-age bathroom. A bottle labeled "disinfectant" was observed in an area accessible to the children. (CORRECTED ON SITE) Correction Required: Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be kept in an area or container that is locked or made inaccessible to children. |
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Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.) Chemical related products were removed out of reach at the time of inspection. Staff were made aware to keep items out of reach of children. Place was designated for the items to be placed where it will not be in the reach of the children. |
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| 2020-09-29 | Renewal | 3270.76 - Building Surfaces | Compliant - Finalized |
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Noncompliance Area: Mulitple ceiling tiles in the basement child care space were in poor repair. There was evidence of water damage and the tiles were not properly secured into the ceiling. 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. |
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Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.) Ceiling tiles were replaced. Looking for damaged tiles in the ceilings was added to the maintenance checklist to ensure they are clean and in good repair at all times. |
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| 2019-10-10 | Renewal | 3270.106(f) - 2 feet apart | Compliant - Finalized |
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Noncompliance Area: Children were observed resting on cots that had less than 2 feet of space on 3 sides in the preschool nap room. Correction Required: 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. |
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Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.) Preschool classrooms were relocated to a classroom for nap time where they are able to have the cots sufficiently spaced apart. They will continue to use this space as enrollment of children remains consistent or increases. All cots and resting equipment will have a minimum of two feet on three sides of the resting material. |
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| 2019-10-10 | Renewal | 3270.107 - Refrigerator | Compliant - Finalized |
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Noncompliance Area: At the time of inspection, a refrigerator located in the kitchen was dirty (sticky, food residue) and did not contain a working thermometer. (CORRECTED ON SITE) Correction Required: 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. |
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Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.) The refrigerator was cleaned on site. A cleaning checklist for the kitchen was created so employees know what needs to be cleaned upon the cleaning of the kitchen. The refrigerator will be kept clean The thermometer was moved to the correct refrigerator. Thermometers will remain in the refrigerators at all times and checked daily to ensure proper temperatures are met. |
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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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I am a former employee, and I have never seen a daycare run the way this one was. Staff out of ratio, staff that have absolutely no training or clue about Early Childhood Development or how to talk to children, let alone care for them. I have even seen some of the owner's relatives posting positive reviews. The owners place people in charge that have no idea how to interact with parents or run a childcare center. The owners do not follow regulations and I do not know how they get away with it. I do not know how this place was not shut down a long time ago. I would never recommend it to anyone. It is horrible, I cannot imagine it has changed since I worked there.
I would recommend to someone about this place. All employees are well trained and polite to the children. Excellent childcare center!
If I could rate 0 starts I would. All employee reviews are more than accurate. The owners are just as involved in starting drama between staff as the other teachers are. There is also a teacher there who allows her children(who attend fresh start) to beat up other children and steal from employees.
I took a tour of this place, and let me say I have never seen a center this bad. They do not have enough teachers, and the teachers they do have clearly do not follow any sort of curriculum. The place is disgusting, I saw piles of dirt and plenty of objects little kids could easily eat. And don't even get me started on the nursery I have never smelled something so nasty in my life old dirty diapers, I would never in my life leave a child in the care of these people.
I walked out. They treat workers unprofessionally n they treat the children in a disgusting mannor. The state was called on them by a parent within the last 6 months.
If i had to compare this center to other centers ive been too in lancaster city area, i would say this was one of the best!! the teachers were very pleasant with me and my child. i had a slight issue with my child being bit just once but as every center ive ever been too, i realized thats just a common thing within 2 year olds. I would recommend them to friends or family it doesnt matter. they helped potty train and teach my child his ABC's, love it!
this is by far one of the worst daycare's in lancaster county. Not only did my children attend there but i was also an employee at one point. The owner is the facility can be extremely unpleasant and the "teachers" there are more caught up in gossiping about each other then actually doing their jobs. A lot of them don't know how to handle their children and more times then not they just let them do what they want. I could go on and on about this place but i'll stop there. However; i would never in my life recommend anyone to take their child there
My child went here for less than 3 weeks and was took em out due to a teacher being caught yelling at my child. No call back to discuss what happened. And when requested if we can have a meeting with the teacher to find out why this happened a meeting was declined. Smh!!!