Growing Friends Childcare Center and Preschool - Felton PA Child Care Center

12184 WINTERSTOWN RD , FELTON PA 17322
(717) 246-8017
4 Reviews

About the Provider

Description: We are very excited to show you around our daycare. We are a fully licensed childcare center located within Winterstown United Methodist Church. We are registered by the Department of Public Welfare/ Office of Child Development and Early Learning. We are also a member of the STARS Program. We look forward to working with you and your child. Our mission is to provide your child with a loving Christian atmosphere that will help them grow both socially and academically.

Program and Licensing Details

  • License Number: CER-00173134
  • Capacity: 74
  • State Rating: 1
  • Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program: Yes
  • Schools Served: Red Lion Area - Escorted to/from school, Red Lion Area - Serviced by school bus
  • District Office: Early Learning Resource Center for Region 10
  • District Office Phone: (717) 854-2273 (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
2020-02-18 Renewal 3270.103 - Small Toys and Objects Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: A plastic bag was observed to be accessible to children in the toddler classroom, which was corrected on site.

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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Plastic bag was removed. In moving forward, all teachers and directors will keep all plastic bags inaccessible to children of any age. This was made known to staff verbally, stated on staff white board, as well as written in a staff inspection newsletter. Directors will monitor and make sure teachers, all staff follow.
2020-02-18 Renewal 3270.106(f) - 2 feet apart Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: An infant was observed in a crib in which there was only 2 feet of space on one side of the crib, which was corrected on site.

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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Furniture was moved immediately to ensure proper spacing. In moving forward, Directors will make sure all staff are following proper spacing of rest items while in use. Reminders of this is posted in each classroom for all staff to follow.
2020-02-18 Renewal 3270.111(b) - Posted in group space Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: It was observed that the written plan of daily activities was not posted in the Kindergarten classroom at the time of inspection, which was corrected on site.

Correction Required: The written plan of daily activities shall be posted in the group space.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Daily schedule was posted on wall. In moving forward, all classrooms will have daily schedules posted at all times as well as update them regularly as needed. Directors will make sure. This was brought to all staff's attention in an inspection newsletter by Directors.
2020-02-18 Renewal 3270.119 - Infant sleep position Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: An infant was observed to be sleeping in a swing, which was corrected on site.

Correction Required: Infants shall be placed in the sleeping position recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics unless there is a medical reason an infant should not sleep in this position. The medical reason shall be documented in a statement signed by a physician, physician's assistant or CRNP and placed in the child's record at the facility.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Infant was removed from swing. In moving forward, directors will make sure all staff are following safe sleep position with children. This was brought to all staff's attention in an inspection summary newsletter by directors as well as posted reminder in the classroom. Infants will only sleep in cribs.
2020-02-18 Renewal 3270.124(b)(7) - Name/address/phone release person Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The emergency contact form for child #1 did not include an address for a listed release person.

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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Child #1 emergency contact form was fully filled out by parent to correct this missed address for listed release person. In moving forward, directors will review all papers and make sure they are fully completed, including addresses for release persons.
2020-02-18 Renewal 3270.182(7) - Reports of accidents, injuries and illnesses. Original report - parent same day Copy - facility accident file. Copy - child's file Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: There was not an accident file at the time of inspection.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Our center facility file was updated containing documents of incident reports completed by staff. In moving forward 2 copies will be made, one for child's file and one for facility file with the original of course going to the parent.
2020-02-18 Renewal 3270.192(5) - Two written references Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The files of facility persons #1, #2, and #4 contained only one written, nonfamily reference at the time of inspection.

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

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Facility person #2 second written reference was misfiled and in another employee's file that was not inspected during our inspection. Facility person #1 and #4 references have been obtained. In moving forward, all staff will obtain 2 written references of non-family references and directors will file in employee file.
2020-02-18 Renewal 3270.32(a) - Comply with CPSL Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The most updated mandated reporter training in the file of facility person #5 was dated 12/15/14.

Correction Required: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Facility person #5 updated their mandated reporter on 3/24/2020. In moving forward all staff will comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490, completing and updating mandated reporter training before hire and within expiration date.
2020-02-18 Renewal 3270.36(b)(5)/3270.192(2)(ii) - HS/GED + 2 yrs/Exp, educ., training prior to facility Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The file of facility person #3, being utilized as an assistant group supervisor, contained documentation of a high school diploma, but did not contain documentation of 2 years of experience with children.

Correction Required: An assistant group supervisor shall have a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 2 years experience with children. 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.)
Facility person #3 had a past employer complete verification of hours form to show documentation of 2 years of experience with children. This form is now placed in employee file. In moving forward, all employees shall obtain and have record in employee file of documentation of necessary experience.
2020-02-18 Renewal 3270.65 - Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Two electrical outlets were observed not to have protective receptacle covers in the YSA classroom, which was corrected on site.

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

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Outlet was observed at time of inspection, however was corrected on sight. Protective receptacle cover was placed in outlet on 2/18/2020. In moving forward all outlets will have protective receptacle covers in at all times.
2020-02-18 Renewal 3270.66(b) - Original container Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Sanitizing spray was observed not to be stored in a container that specified the content, which was corrected on site.

Correction Required: Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be stored in an original labeled container or in a container that specifies the content. Toxics shall be stored away from food, food preparation areas and child care spaces.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Disinfecting solution was in unmarked spray bottle. On sight of time of inspection this solution spray bottle was marked. All containers with cleaning materials and other toxic materials will be labeled at all times in moving forward.
2020-02-18 Renewal 3270.69(b) - 110 F or less Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The water temperature at the sink in the ones classroom was observed to reach 112 degrees Fahrenheit.

Correction Required: Hot water temperature, in areas accessible to children, may not exceed 110 F.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Maintenance of church was informed of this finding. Trustees corrected the temperature by turning down the temperature. Trustees are directed by Directors to check often and Directors will observe in moving forward. We all will make sure in moving forward hot water temperature will not exceed 110 degrees F.
2020-02-18 Renewal 3270.75(c)/3270.178 - Has all items/Transportation First Aid Kit Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The first-aid kit in the kindergarten classroom was observed not to contain tape. The first-aid kit in the MOSA classroom was observed not to contain scissors. The first-aid kit used during transportation was observed not to contain gauze pads. All were corrected on site.

Correction Required: A first-aid kit must contain the following: soap, an assortment of adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, tweezers, tape, scissors and disposable, nonporous gloves. 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Missing items were placed directly in 1st aid kits. In moving forward, all items required in our center 1st aid kits will be in our 1st aid kits. In moving forward, teachers and directors will check daily to make sure this is corrected and follows the state 1st aid kit section specified in 3270.75.
2019-06-27 Allocated Unannounced Monitoring 3270.182(3)/3270.182(5) - Consent for emergency medical care required prior to admission/Consent for administration of minor first-aid required prior to admission Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The emergency contact form for child #1 contained only initials by the parent to indicate consent for emergency medical care and first-aid procedures. It did not contain full signatures.

Correction Required: A child's record shall contain signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child. Written consent is required prior to admission. A child's record shall contain signed parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff. Written consent is required prior to admission.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Child #1 emergency contact form was fully signed by parent. In moving forward Directors will make sure full signatures are on forms.
2019-06-27 Allocated Unannounced Monitoring 3270.192(3) - Health assessment, TB test Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The file of facility person #1 did not contain a health assessment or results of a tuberculin skin test.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Facility person #1 no longer employed as of 8/8/19. In moving forward all facility persons shall obtain an updated health assessment w/ TB skin test before employment.

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

Reviews

...
Savanna Mar 15, 2019
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

I love my daughter's daycare from the price to the staff.

53 out of 108 think this review is helpful
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guest123 Sep 19, 2017
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

This is a terribly run daycare. Children are hurt/injured and staff have no idea how it happened. All parents considering this daycare should call the PA Office of Child Development & Early Learning and ask to speak with a state inspector. Ask what complaints they have received about this daycare including cases of alleged abuse by staff members. The phone number is (717) 772-7078. They must give you this information. You should also check the daycare’s history of inspections – website is https://www.compass.state.pa.us/Compass.Web/ProviderSearch/Home#/BasicSearch . Please do due diligence before sending your precious child to this daycare.

37 out of 83 think this review is helpful
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Anonymous Aug 30, 2016
I have used this provider for less than 6 months

So happy and so glad my husband and I decided to enroll our two children here. We just recently made the decision to switch child care centers and best decision ever! Feel instantly a part of their family. We can see that the teachers really care for the children and treat them like their own. Highly recommend this center to everyone. Love all their special activities and art projects they do with our young ones. Whole center is friendly, welcoming, and warm.

39 out of 89 think this review is helpful
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Concerned Parent Apr 24, 2014

Never take your child here and if your child is already going there, take them out before something happens to them.
My child was seriously injured there and no one knew what happened to him (keep in mind he was 1!!). The state came out to investigate and magically the stories changed and parts were left out- even by the director. There were given 2 citations and I can only hoped they were fined and someone lost their job. The state actually wanted me to file a child abuse claim against them!
Other issues prior to that ...I should have taken them out much sooner.
Immature staff that "make fun" of children and gossip about parents to other parents.

41 out of 91 think this review is helpful
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