Lehigh Valley Childrens Center/walnut Street

Regulation: 3270.104(a)

Description: Clean, good repair, proper size

Noncompliance Area: In the rear building, there was a loose cabinet door under the sink. There was a loose screw and the hinge detached from the fixture. When door was opened, it was not durable.

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

Regulation: 3270.107

Description: Refrigerator

Noncompliance Area: The refrigerator in the upstairs classroom measured at approximately 52 degrees.

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.

Regulation: 3270.131(b)(2)

Description: Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months

Noncompliance Area: Child 1, had a health assessment dated 7/30/2024, making it more than 12 months since the last update. Please see LIS for date of birth and date of admission.

Correction Required: The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 12 months for an older toddler or preschool child.

Regulation: 3270.32(a)

Description: Comply with CPSL

Noncompliance Area: Staff 1 has not completed mandated reporter training within the last 60 months. This is evidenced by the previously documented mandated reporter training on file being dated 8/13/2020. Please see LIS for date of hire.

Correction Required: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to Child Protective Services). Staff person 1 will complete mandated reporter training. Until such time as the required training has been completed, staff person 1 must be supervised when interacting with children, by an AGS or higher who has completed the required training related to this citation. If there are no staff person(s) available to supervise staff person 1, staff person 1 may not work in a child-care position at the facility.

Regulation: 3270.66(b)

Description: Original container

Noncompliance Area: In the upstairs bathroom, there was air freshener accessible to the children.

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.

Regulation: 3270.72(d)

Description: Above ground window opening restricted to 6"

Noncompliance Area: In the 2nd floor preschool classroom there was one window that was to the left of the entrance and it was able to open more than six inches.

Correction Required: Windows or doors above the ground floor that open directly to the outdoors and are accessible to children shall be constructed, modified or adapted to limit the opening to 6 or fewer inches.

Regulation: 3270.124(b)(6)

Description: Insurance coverage information

Noncompliance Area: Child 1 did not have a health insurance policy on file.

Correction Required: Emergency contact information must include health insurance coverage and policy number for a child under a family policy or Medical Assistance benefits, if applicable.

Regulation: 3270.131(b)(2)

Description: Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months

Noncompliance Area: Child 2 did not have an updated health assessment on file. The previous health assessment on file was dated 7/7/2023.

Correction Required: The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 12 months for an older toddler or preschool child.

Regulation: 3270.66(c)

Description: Toxic use- no contamination

Noncompliance Area: There were toxics under the sink in the kitchen area. The toxics were in an unlocked cabinet. Toxics were also accessible in the back building under the sink in an unlocked cabinet. The toxics included various cleaners.

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.

Regulation: 3270.107

Description: Refrigerator

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection, thermometer in the refrigerator of the ICTS room was at 60°.

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.

Regulation: 3270.123(a)(3)

Description: Services proceeded

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection, there were no child service reports (CSRs) on file for child #1 and child #2. Child #1 and child #2 have been attending the facility for over 6 months (see LIS code sheet for dates of admission).

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).

Regulation: 3270.123(a)(4)

Description: Arrival/departure times

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection, arrival and departure times were missing from the fee agreements of child #3 and child #5.

Correction Required: An agreement shall specify the child's arrival and departure times.

Regulation: 3270.123(a)/3270.123(a)(6)

Description: Signed /Admission date

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection, the following information was missing from children's fee agreements: Child #3: Date of admission. Signed by operator. Child #4: Date of admission. Signed by operator. Child #5: Date of admission. Signed by parent and operator.

Correction Required: An agreement shall be signed by the operator and the parent. An agreement shall specify the date of the child's admission.

Regulation: 3270.124(b)(2)

Description: Physician name, address, phone

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection, phone number of physician/medical care was missing from the emergency contact of child #4.

Correction Required: Emergency contact information must include the name, address and telephone number of the child's physician or source of medical care.

Regulation: 3270.124(b)(3)/3270.124(b)(7)

Description: Parent home/work address, phone/Name/address/phone release person

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection, the following information was missing from children's emergency contact forms: Child #3: Mother's work address and work phone number. Child #5: release person's address.

Correction Required: Emergency contact information must include the home and work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent. 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: 3270.131(d)(5)/3270.131(e)(3)

Description: Immunization record/Dismissal policy

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection, child #2 has 1 of 2 doses of Hepatitis A vaccine, which is not in accordance to the recommendations of the ACIP for this child's age (see LIS code sheet for date of birth).

Correction Required: A health report shall include a review of the child's immunized status according to recommendations of the ACIP. The facility shall implement dismissal policies in accordance with the Department of Health regulation in 28 Pa. Code § 27.77 (relating to immunization requirements for children in child care group settings). Child #2 must be dismissed from care by close of business 11/28/2023 and may only return to care when the immunization record is updated or when a parent provides a written, signed exemption letter.

Regulation: 3270.135(a)(3)

Description: Disposable diapers

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection, trash can used for diapering in the ITCS room was not hands-free.

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: 3270.14/3270.21

Description: Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection, staff person #1 did not complete did not complete the required one-hour 2022 update to the health and safety training by 12/30/2022.

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. Staff person #1 shall complete the required one-hour 2022 update to the health and safety training by 2/22/2024.

Regulation: 3270.151(a)

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

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection, health assessments for staff person #2 are dated 7/29/2021 and 8/12/2023, which is past 24 months.

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: 3270.181(c)

Description: Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection, the following children's forms were not updated within the past 6 months: Child #2: Emergency contact form last updated 2/9/2023. Fee agreement last updated 2/21/2023. Child #3: Fee agreement last updated 2/28/2023. Child #4: Fee agreement last updated 3/2/2023.

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: 3270.24(f)

Description: Director ID

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection, director of this facility was not present to present a valid photo identification during unannounced visits conducted 11/28/2023 or on 12/12/2023. Certification representative was not informed of any blackout dates or dates when director would be off from facility prior to renewal inspection.

Correction Required: A valid photo identification of the director or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall be provided to the agent of the Department at the time of inspection.

Regulation: 3270.27(a)(6)

Description: Emergency plan

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection, emergency drill log on file at facility was dated 10/31/2022.

Correction Required: Emergency drills shall be conducted annually. Annual emergency drills shall be documented and on file at the facility.

Regulation: 3270.61(h)

Description: Exceeding Capacity

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection, there were 18 children present in the PKC2 room, which has a capacity of 16. Daily activities did not indicate that capacity would be exceeded during this time.

Correction Required: The capacity established for an indoor space may not be exceeded.

Regulation: 3270.124(e)

Description: Written emergency plan posted

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection conducted 11/22/2022, emergency transportation plan was not posted in child care spaces throughout the facility. An acceptable plan of correction was received with a correction date of 12/5/2022. When certification representative returned for unannounced monitoring on 12/15/2022, the emergency transportation plan was not posted in the PKC 1 room (upstairs).

Correction Required: A written plan identifying the means of transporting a child to emergency care and staffing provisions in the event of an emergency shall be displayed conspicuously in every child care space and shall accompany a staff person who leaves on an excursion with children.

Regulation: 3270.77(a)

Description: No peeling paint or plaster

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection conducted 11/22/2022, peeling paint was observed in the staircase area and also by the window (nook area) in the PKC 1 room. An acceptable plan of correction was received with a correction date of 12/5/2022. When certification representative returned for unannounced monitoring on 12/15/2022, peeling paint on the staircase was repaired; however, the peeling paint in the PKC 1 room (upstairs) by the window (nook area) was not repaired.

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

Regulation: 3270.124(e)

Description: Written emergency plan posted

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection conducted 11/22/2022, emergency transportation plan was not posted in child care spaces throughout the facility.

Correction Required: A written plan identifying the means of transporting a child to emergency care and staffing provisions in the event of an emergency shall be displayed conspicuously in every child care space and shall accompany a staff person who leaves on an excursion with children.

Regulation: 3270.131(b)(2)

Description: Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection conducted 11/22/2022 the following children have not had health reports dated within the past 12 months (see LIS code sheet for children's exact DOBs): Child #1 (older toddler): last health report on file is dated 10/8/2021. Child #2 (preschool child): last health report on file is dated 8/26/2021. Child #3 (preschool child): last health report on file is dated 10/27/2021.

Correction Required: The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 12 months for an older toddler or preschool child.

Regulation: 3270.181(c)

Description: Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection conducted 11/22/2022, emergency contact form for Child #1 was last updated 10/12/2021.

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)

Description: Comply with CPSL

Noncompliance Area: Staff person #1 has not completed mandated reporter training within the last 60 months. This is evidenced by the previously documented mandated reporter training on file being dated 9/26/2016.

Correction Required: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to Child Protective Services). Staff person #1 will have until 12/13/2022 to complete the mandated reporter training. Until such time as the required training has been completed, staff person #1 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 person(s) available to supervise staff person #1, staff person #1 may not work in a child-care position at the facility.

Regulation: 3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

Description: Comply with CPSL/CPSL information

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection conducted 11/22/2022, Staff person #2 does not have NSOR clearance on file. Staff #2 is past their 45-day provisional period.

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. Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) was revised to include the requirement for the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Clearance effective 9/30/2019. Staff Person #2 may not work in a child care position at the facility until all required clearances are on file.

Regulation: 3270.34(a)(6)

Description: Staff evaluations

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection conducted 11/22/2022, the following staff did not have a staff evaluation conducted within the past 12 months: Staff #1: last staff evaluation on file is dated 12/20/2020. Staff #2: no staff evaluations on file. Staff #3: no staff evaluations on file.

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: 3270.66(a)

Description: Locked or inaccessible

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection conducted 11/22/2022, a cabinet in the PKC2 room containing toxics labeled "Keep out of reach of children" was unlocked. Toxics were accessible to children.

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: 3270.75(c)

Description: Has all items

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection conducted 11/22/2022, first-aid kit in the PKC1 room was missing tweezers, scissors, and soap.

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.

Regulation: 3270.77(a)

Description: No peeling paint or plaster

Noncompliance Area: During renewal inspection conducted 11/22/2022, peeling paint was observed in the staircase area and also by the window (nook area) in the PKC 1 room.

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

Regulation: 3270.27(b)

Description: Plan reviewed/updated annually

Noncompliance Area: While at the facility on 11/18/21 the inspector reviewed the Emergency plan and found it had not been updated for the current year as is required.

Correction Required: The operator shall review the emergency plan at least annually and update the plan as needed. The operator shall document in writing each review and update of the emergency plan and kept on file at the facility.

Regulation: 3270.27(f)

Description: Emergency plan

Noncompliance Area: While at the facility for the renewal inspection on 11/18/21 the inspector reviewed the Emergency plan and found that there was no concurrence with local municipality and the county emergency management agency.

Correction Required: The operator shall send a copy of the emergency plan and subsequent plan updates to the local municipality and to the county emergency management agency.

Regulation: 3270.32(a)

Description: Comply with CPSL

Noncompliance Area: While at the facility for the renewal inspection on 11/18/21 the inspector reviewed the file for staff #1 and noted a first day of direct child care as 10/10/16. As of 11/18/21 there was no proof of an FBI clearance on file as is required.

Correction Required: 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.

Regulation: 3270.66(a)

Description: Locked or inaccessible

Noncompliance Area: While at the facility for the renewal inspection on 11/18/21 the inspector observed a glue trap on the side of the refrigerator and within reach of children.

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: 3270.72(d)

Description: Above ground window opening restricted to 6"

Noncompliance Area: While at the facility for the renewal inspection on 11/18/21 the inspector observed several windows on the second floor to not have been modified or adapted to limit their openings to 6 or fewer inches.

Correction Required: Windows or doors above the ground floor that open directly to the outdoors and are accessible to children shall be constructed, modified or adapted to limit the opening to 6 or fewer inches.

Regulation: 3270.95(a)

Description: Devices must be compliant

Noncompliance Area: While at the facility for the renewal inspection on 11/18/21 the director could not provide original receipts for the fire detection system as is required.

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)).

Noncompliance Area: Child 1 did not have an updated emergency contact form on file. The last emergency contact form on file was 2/25/2019.

Correction Required: The parent shall update in writing emergency contact information once in a 6-month period or as soon as there is a change in the informationA 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.

Noncompliance Area: Child 1 did not have an updated health assessment on file. The last health assessment on file was 11/28/2018.

Correction Required: The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 6 months for an infant or young toddler

Noncompliance Area: During the inspection on 11/21/2019, the facility did not have the liability insurance on file at the facility.

Correction Required: The legal entity shall have comprehensive general liability insurance to cover the persons who are on the premises. A current copy of the insurance policy shall be on file at the facility.

Noncompliance Area: The bathroom garbage can in the downstairs classroom did not have a lid.

Correction Required: A toilet area, training chair area, diapering area and sink area shall be equipped with a clean, lidded waste receptacle.

Noncompliance Area: During the course of the complaint investigation, it was determined that staff 1 was yelling at child 1 during an incident on 11/4/2019 and telling child that she had to go to sleep. It was also determined through multiple accounts that staff 1 forced child 1 onto her mat by pushing her onto the mat. All accounts were consistent in stating that staff 1's hand was on child 1's arm and she forcibly guided her to the mat.

Correction Required: A facility person may not use any form of physical punishment, including spanking a child. A facility person may not single out the child for ridicule, threaten harm to the child or the child's family and may not specifically aim to degrade the child or the child's family. All staff will review the policies and procedures of proper supervision and positive discipline.

Noncompliance Area: The thermometer in the kitchen refrigerator stated that refrigerator had a temperature of 54 degrees.

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.

Noncompliance Area: The first aid kit in the preschool room was missing tweezers. The first aid kit in the toddler room was missing soap.

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.

Noncompliance Area: In the toddler room, there was a red couch with exposed foam. The exposed foam kept the coach from being in good repair.

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: Child 1 did not have a medication log for her Epipen Jr and Benadryl. The medication log for her asthma pump did not have a prescriber's name and telephone number on it.

Correction Required: A staff person shall administer a prescription medication only if written instructions are provided from the individual who prescribed the medicine. Instructions for administration contained on a prescription label are acceptable. An operator is responsible to establish and maintain a medication log if prescription or nonprescription medication is administered.

Noncompliance Area: Child 2 did not have an updated fee agreement on file.

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.

Noncompliance Area: Staff 1 and 2 did not have two letters of reference on file during 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

Noncompliance Area: The facility did not have the emergency plan posted in a conspicuous location at the facility.

Correction Required: The operator shall post the emergency plan in the facility at a conspicuous location.

Noncompliance Area: In the Pre-K room, a cleaning solution with bleach was accessible to the children. It was in an unlocked cabinet by the entrance of the room and within reach to the children.

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

Noncompliance Area: On 3/6/2017 a complaint investigation was conducted at the facility. As a result of staff interviews and a review of documentation it was determined that on February 23,2017, staff #1 grabbed child #1 and placed the child firmly in her lap. It was also verified that that staff #1 used her forearm to restrain child #1 in her lap, not allowing the child to get up.

Correction Required: A facility person may not use any form of physical punishment, including spanking a child. 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. The legal entity must arrange for staff person 1 to receive PQAS approved training regarding appropriate redirection/difficult behaviors for children. It does not matter if the PQAS approved training is through the regional Key. The legal entity must receive DHS approval of the training content prior to scheduling the training.

Noncompliance Area: Child #1's emergency contact form had not been updated in the past 6 months. (3/2016 was last update)

Correction Required: The parent shall update in writing emergency contact information once in a 6-month period or as soon as there is a change in the informationA 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.

Noncompliance Area: Child #2, start date 9/26/2016 did not have a health assessment on file.

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.

Noncompliance Area: The emergency exit door in the todddler room was locked.

Correction Required: Stairways, hallways, exits from rooms, exits from the facility and other means of egress serving as an exit shall be unobstructed.