Stepping Stones Learning Center - Whitehall PA Child Care Center

2532 BERYL AVE , WHITEHALL PA 18052
(610) 439-1779

About the Provider

Description: We know that choosing a quality childcare program is one of the most important decisions you can make, and we are committed to living up to the important responsibility of caring for your child.

Program and Licensing Details

  • License Number: CER-00171215
  • Capacity: 63
  • State Rating: 2
  • Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program: Yes
  • Languages Supported: English, Spanish
  • Schools Served: Whitehall-Coplay - Pick-Up service to/from school
  • District Office: Early Learning Resource Center for Region 14
  • District Office Phone: (610) 437-6000 ext 2 (Note: This is not the facility phone number.)

Location Map

Inspection/Report History

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

Inspection Date Reason Description Status
2019-12-13 Renewal 3270.151(a) - 12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Staff person #3 started at the facility on 10/8/19 & did not have an initial health assessment until 10/10/19. Staff person #5 started at the facility on 5/1/19 and did not have her TB screening results read until 5/2/19.

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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
In the future, all staff will have an initial health assessment, including a TB screening, prior to staring at the facility.
2019-12-13 Renewal 3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) - Comply with CPSL/CPSL information Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Staff person #1 started at the facility on 11/11/19 & did not apply for the NSOR clearance until 11/21/19. Staff person #2 started at the facility on 10/18/19 & did not apply for the NSOR clearance until 11/21/19. Staff person #3 started at the facility on 10/8/19 & did not apply for the NSOR clearance until 11/21/19.Staff person #4 started at the facility with a volunteer clearance on 10/21/18 & did obtain an employee state police clearance until 12/3/19. There is no proof that staff person # 4 applied for a state police clearance prior to working at the facility. Staff did not apply for the NSOR clearance until 11/21/19. Staff person #5 started at the facility on 5/1/19 with a volunteer state police clearance on 5/1/19. Staff #5 does not have a state police clearance.

Correction Required: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). LACKING REQUIRED HIRING DOCUMENTS: Facility Person # -- may not work in a child care position at the facility. 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. Facility Person #--- may not work in a child care position at the facility.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Staff person #4 will not return to work at the facility until she has she has her employee state police clearance. IN the future, no staff members will be allowed to start at the facility with a volunteer clearance, and no staff members will start at the facility without their child abuse, state police, FBI & NSOR clearances. The facility will comply with all parts of the CPSL.
2019-12-13 Renewal 3270.76 - Building Surfaces Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: There is a radio cord that is hanging down from a shelf & accessible to the children in the toddler area.

Correction Required: Floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces, including the facility's outdoor play space surfaces shall be kept clean, in good repair and free from visible hazards.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The cord was taped to the wall & is no longer accessible to the children. In the future, weekly checks will be completed to make sure that all facility surfaces are clean, in good repair & free from visible hazards
2019-12-13 Renewal 3270.77(a) - No peeling paint or plaster Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: There is peeling paint on the outside of both doors leading to the outdoor play space.

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

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The peeling paint was covered. In the future, weekly checks will be completed to make sure there is no peeling paint or damaged plaster on any indoor or outdoor facility surfaces.
2018-12-11 Renewal 3270.151(a)/3270.151(c)(2) - 12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Mantoux TB Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Staff person #1 started at the facility on 8/27/18 and did not obtain a health assessment, including a TB screening, until 10/16/18. Staff person #3 started at the facility on 8/27/18 and did not obtain a health assessment, including a TB screening, until 10/25/18. Staff person #4 started at the facility on 8/1/18 and did not obtain a health assessment, including a TB screening, until 10/30/18. Staff person #3 started at the facility on 8/27/18 and did not obtain a health assessment, including a TB screening, until 10/25/18.

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.An adult health assessment must include tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method at initial employment. Subsequent tuberculosis screening is not required unless directed by a physician, physician's assistant, CRNP, the Department of Health or a local health department.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
All staff will have a health assessment, including a TB screening, prior to starting at the facility.
2018-12-11 Renewal 3270.181(c) - Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The emergency contact and fee agreement forms have been updated since 1/15/18 for Child #1. The emergency contact and fee agreement forms were completed on 7/14/17 for Child #2 and were not updated until 8/24/18. The emergency contact and fee agreement forms were completed on 6/26/17 for Child #3 and were not updated until 9/10/18. The emergency contact and fee agreement forms were completed on 9/10/17 for Child #4 and were not updated until 9/10/18 The emergency contact and fee agreement forms were completed on 6/27/17 for Child #5 and were not updated until 9/9/18.

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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The emergency contact & fee agreement forms for Child #1 will be updated. In the future, emergency contact & fee agreement forms will be updated every 6 months for all children at the facility.
2018-12-11 Renewal 3270.192(5) - Two written references Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Staff person #2 & staff person #5 do not have any references.

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.)
Staff person #2 & staff person #5 will provide two written, non-family references.
2018-12-11 Renewal 3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) - Comply with CPSL/CPSL information Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Staff person #1 started at the facility on 8/27/18. Her state police clearance is dated 10/1/18 and her FBI clearance is dated 10/23/18. There is no proof that she applied for her criminal clearance or that she was fingerprinted for her FBI clearance prior to starting at the facility. Staff person #2 started at the facility started at the facility on 11/19/18. Her FBI clearance is dated 12/4/18 and there is no proof that she was fingerprinted before starting at the facility. Staff person #3 started at the facility on 8/1/18. Her child abuse clearance is dated 8/16/18. Her state police clearance is dated 8/5/18 and her FBI clearance is dated 9/27/18. There is no proof that Staff person #3 applied for her child abuse or state police clearance; there is also no proof that she was fingerprinted for her FBI clearance prior to starting at the facility. Staff person #4 started at the facility on 10/4/18 and does not have an FBI clearance. There is no verification that she was fingerprinted before starting at the center. Staff person #5 started at the facility on 5/23/18. Her child abuse clearance is dated 11/7/18, her state police clearance is dated 11/1/18 and she does not have an FBI clearance. There is no proof that Staff person #5 applied for her child abuse or criminal clearance prior to starting at the facility. There is also no verification that she was fingerprinted for her FBI clearance before starting at the center.

Correction Required: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). LACKING REQUIRED HIRING DOCUMENTS: Facility Person #5 may not work in a child care position at the facility. 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. Facility Person #5 may not work in a child care position at the facility.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Staff person #5 will not return to work at the facility until she obtains her FBI clearance. All staff will provide verification that they have applied for their child abuse and state police clearances as well as verification of fingerprinting for the FBI clearance before starting at the facility. In the future, the facility will comply with all parts of the CPSL.
2018-12-11 Renewal 3270.37(b)(1)/3270.192(2)(ii) - HS/GED/Exp, educ., training prior to facility Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: There is no education verification for Staff person #5

Correction Required: An aide shall have a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate.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.)
Verification of education will be provided for Staff person #5. In the future, verification of education for all staff will be obtained prior to staff starting employment at the facility.
2017-12-12 Renewal 3270.102(a) - Clean and good repair Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: THE COUCH IN THE SCHOOL AGE ROOM IS TORN, RESULTING IN EXPOSED FOAM.

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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
THE RIPS IN THE COUCH WILL BE REPAIRED. IN THE FUTURE, WEEKLY CHECKS WILL BE COMPLATED TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL EQUIPMENT USED NY THE CHILDREN IS CLEAN & IN GOOD REPAIR.
2017-12-12 Renewal 3270.111(a)/3270.111(b) - Written plan/Posted in group space Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: THERE IS NO WRITTEN OR POSTED PLAN OF DAILY ACTIVITIES & ROUTINES IN THE INFANT ROOM, TODDLER ROOM OR SCHOOL AGE ROOM.

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

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
A WRITTEN PLAN OF ACTIVITIES & ROUTINES WILL BE DEVELOPED & POSTED IN THE INFANT, TODDLER & THE SCHOOL AGE ROOMS. IN THE FUTURE, ALL ROOMS WILL HAVE WRITTEN, POSTED PLANS OF DAILY ACTIVITIES & ROUTINES FOR EACH AGE GROUP.
2017-12-12 Renewal 3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1) - Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE MIDDLE ROOM WERE OBSERVED TO WALK TO THE BATHROOM, WHICH IS AROUND THE CORNER & OUT OF SIGHT OF ANY STAFF, WITHOUT ANY SUPERVISION.. IN ORDER TO GET TO THE BATHROOM, THE CHILDREN WALKED PAST THE OPEN KITCHEN DOOR WITH WATER BOILING ON THE STOVE. CERT REP OBSERVED FOUR CHILDREN DO THIS DURING THE RENEWAL INSPECTION. AT ONE POINT, THERE WERE TWO CHILDREN IN THE BATHROOM TOGETHER 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. Children must be supervised at all times. The legal entity must arrange for all facility staff to receive a minimum of two hours of approved training regarding supervision of 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. 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
ALL CHILDREN WILL BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES INCLUDING ON THEIR WAY & IN THE BATHROOM. ALL STAFF WILL KNOW THE NAMES & WHEREABOUTS OF THE CHILDREN IN THEIR GROUPS AT ALL TIMES.
2017-12-12 Renewal 3270.124(b)(6) - Insurance coverage information Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: THERE IS NO INSURANCE POLICY NUMBER LISTED FOR CHILD #1.

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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
INSURANCE POLICY NUMBER WILL BE PROVIDED FOR CHILD #1. IN THE FUTURE, INSURANCE INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED FOR ALL CHILDREN PRIOR TO STARTING AT THE FACILITY.
2017-12-12 Renewal 3270.151(a)/3270.151(c)(2) - 12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Mantoux TB Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: STAFF #1 STARTED AT THE FACILITY ON 3/6/17 & DID NOT OBTAIN AN INITIAL HEATH ASSESSMENT OR TB SCREENING UNTIL 12/18/17. STAFF #3 STARTED AT THE FACILITY ON 1/9/17 & DID NOT OBTAIN AN INITIAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT OR A TB SCREENING UNTIL 2/10/17.

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.An adult health assessment must include tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method at initial employment. Subsequent tuberculosis screening is not required unless directed by a physician, physician's assistant, CRNP, the Department of Health or a local health department.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
ALL STAFF WILL HAVE AN INITIAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT INCLUDING TB SCREENING PRIOR TO STARTING AT THE FACILITY.
2017-12-12 Renewal 3270.181(c) - Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: CHILD #2, CHILD #3, CHILD #4, & CHILD #5 DID NOT HAVE THEIR EMERGENCY CONTACT & FEE AGREEMENT FORMS UPDATED EVERY 6 MONTHS. THE EMERGENCY CONTACT & FEE AGREEMENT FORMS WERE COMPLETED 5/31/16 & NOT UPDATED UNTIL 6/27/17 FOR CHILD #2. THE EMERGENCY CONTACT & FEE AGREEMENT FORMS WERE COMPLETED 12/13/16 & NOT UPDATED UNTIL 11/14/17 FOR CHILD #3.THE EMERGENCY CONTACT & FEE AGREEMENT FORMS WERE COMPLETED 10/25/16 & NOT UPDATED UNTIL 9/5/17 FOR CHILD #4. THE EMERGENCY CONTACT & FEE AGREEMENT FORMS WERE COMPLETED 12/12/16 & NOT UPDATED UNTIL 11/11/17 FOR CHILD #5.

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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
EMERGENCY CONTACT & FEE AGREEMENT FORMS WILL BE UPDATED AT LEAST EVERY 6 MONTHS FOR ALL CHILDREN AT THE FACILITY.

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

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Providers in ZIP Code 18052