St Joseph Creative Beginnings Child Care Center

Noncompliance Area: A renewal inspection was conducted on 11/9/2020. At that time, a written plan of daily activities was not posted in the Preschool 2 Classroom.

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

Noncompliance Area: During the renewal inspection, the staff files were reviewed. At that time, the file for Facility Person #1 did not contain mandated reporter training that had been completed within the past 60 months. (Date of training: 11/16/15)

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.

Noncompliance Area: A renewal inspection was conducted on 11/9/2020. At that time, a sharp, loose screw was observed on the finger pinch guard of the older toddler room door.

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 renewal inspection was conducted on 2/18/2020. At that time, a small barrette, less than one inch in diameter, was observed in a child's cubby that was at floor level. The barrette was accessible to the older toddlers in the classroom. Facility Person #3 stated that some of the children in the classroom still place objects in their mouths.

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.

Noncompliance Area: A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/18/2020. At that time, the file for Child #1, a young toddler, only contained one health assessment dated 1/10/2019.

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: A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/18/2020. At that time, the file for Facility Person #1 did not contain documentation of mandated reporter training conducted within 90 days of hire. (Date of hire: 5/28/19, mandated reporter: 10/2/19) The file for Facility Person #2, hired 8/11/19, did not contain documentation of an FBI Clearance through DHS or the fingerprinting for the clearance prior to date of hire. (fingerprinting date: 8/12/19, PDE FBI Clearance: 5/25/17)

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.

Noncompliance Area: A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/18/2020. At that time, a carpet at the end of the hallway was bunched up against a large flower pot, creating a tripping hazard. A large shelf in the preschool 1 classroom was not secured to the wall and presented a crushing hazard. A large drying rack was observed in the preschool 2 classroom that was not secured to the wall and presented a crushing hazard. The school age classroom was observed to be used for storage, containing large bulletin boards and shelves with screws laying around the room, and a large carpet was crumpled in a pile. Two areas of the fencing on the toddler playground were stretched open in large areas along the bottom of the fencing.

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: On 9/12/19, 9/13/19, 9/19/19, and 9/25/19 facility staff were interviewed. Through interviews, it was found that most of the young toddlers and older toddlers are frequently awake early from naptime. The toddlers are kept on their cots for up to an hour at times in order to maintain naptime ratios.

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.

Noncompliance Area: On 8/26/19, it was reported to the Department that a child, while receiving care at the facility, was mistreated/abused by Staff Person #1.

Correction Required: The Department may deny, refuse to renew or revoke a certificate of compliance for mistreatment or abuse of a child/children cared for in facility. The legal entity must arrange for all facility staff to receive 2 hours in person PQAS approved training regarding 1. Signs of abuse and neglect 2. Managing children's behavior and defining boundaries of appropriate touch. The legal entity must receive DHS approval of the training prior to scheduling.

Noncompliance Area: An unannounced inspection was conducted on 8/12/19. At that time, Staff Person #1 stated that she will come up to a child from behind and grab him in a bear hug to carry him to the cozy cube. The child will resist when Staff Person #1 carries him to the cozy cube. Staff Person #1 stated, "I have seen his arm pulled to get him towards the cozy cube, but I feel that I don't want to hurt him, so I pick him up."

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. The legal entity must arrange for all staff to receive a minimum of two hours of training regarding positive redirection and discipline techniques, focusing on the proper way to communicate and interact with children with challenging behaviors. The legal entity must receive DHS approval of the training content prior to scheduling the training.

Noncompliance Area: While at the facility on 2/28/19 the inspector observed a repurposed plastic bottle in the infant room being used as a sensory toy to be opened exposing the contents inside which included objects less than an inch in diameter.

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: While at the facility ON 2/28/19 the inspector noted that child #1 had an immunization record on file at the facility that was not compliant with the recommendations of the ACIP.

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

Noncompliance Area: While at the facility on 2/28/19 the inspector observed the file for staff #1 and noted that the first day of directr child care for this employee was 8/27/18. Staff #1 was hired with a volunteer Pa State Police Clearance dated 12/15/16. This clearance was not updated to an employment clearance until 2/101/9.

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

Noncompliance Area: While at the facility on 2/28/19 the inspector observed a spray bottle labeled as sanitizer sharing the same shelve space as dry snacks for the 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: An unannounced inspection was conducted on 8/21/18. At that time, the file for Staff #1 did not contain a disclosure statement.

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.

Noncompliance Area: An unannounced inspection was conducted on 8/21/18. At that time, an electrical outlet was observed uncovered in the area of the facility used for toddler gross motor activities. The outlets did not state that they are tamper proof and no documentation could be found stating that they are child safe electrical outlets. The outlets were accessible to the toddler age children.

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

Noncompliance Area: An unannounced inspection was conducted on 8/21/18. At that time, Banana Boat sunscreen and Cutter Insect Repellent was observed in a child's backpack hanging from a hook that was accessible to the children in the Older Toddler Classroom. Dish soap was observed on the bathroom sink where it was accessible to the children in the camp classroom. Diaper cream was observed in a low hanging diaper bag that was accessible to the children in the Infant Room. All were labeled, "Keep out of 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.

Noncompliance Area: An unannounced inspection was conducted on 8/21/18. At that time, the door to the camp bathroom was not properly secured and had to be lifted in order to open or close it.

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: An unannounced inspection was conducted on 8/21/18. At that time, there was no soap available in the camp bathroom for hand washing.

Correction Required: A facility person and an able child shall wash his hands after toileting and before eating. A sign on which this requirement is written shall be posted at each toilet, training chair, diapering area and sink in the facility. Liquid or powdered soap shall be used for handwashing.

Noncompliance Area: A RENEWAL INSPECTION WAS CONDUCTED ON 2/20/18. AT THAT TIME, THE COUCH IN THE CAMP CLASSROOM WAS RIPPED AND HAD THE FOAM STUFFING EXPOSED. EXPOSED BOLTS WERE OBSERVED ON THE TODDLER PLAYGROUND AND ON THE BIKE PATH PLAYGROUND. A STORAGE SHED ON THE BIKE PATH PLAYGROUND WAS OBSERVED TO HAVE A BROKEN DOOR THAT COULD FALL ONTO A CHILD.

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: A RENEWAL INSPECTION WAS CONDUCTED ON 2/20/18. AT THAT TIME, AN INFANT WAS OBSERVED SLEEPING IN A CRIB AGAINST THE WALL. THE REFRIGERATOR WAS ON ANOTHER SIDE 14 INCHES AWAY WITH THE CORD PLUGGED IN BEHIND THE CRIB.

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.

Noncompliance Area: A RENEWAL INSPECTION WAS CONDUCTED ON 2/20/18. AT THAT TIME, THE FOLLOWING CHILDREN HAD EPI-PENS AT THE FACILITY AND DID NOT HAVE CORRESPONDING MEDICATION LOGS: CHILD #1, CHILD #2.

Correction Required: An operator is responsible to establish and maintain a medication log if prescription or nonprescription medication is administered.

Noncompliance Area: A RENEWAL INSPECTION WAS CONDUCTED ON 2/27/18. AT THAT TIME, STAFF #1 DID NOT HAVE TWO WRITTEN, NONFAMILY REFERENCES ON FILE AT THE FACILITY.

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: A RENEWAL INSPECTION WAS CONDUCTED ON 2/20/18. AT THAT TIME, ELECTRICAL OUTLETS WERE OBSERVED UNCOVERED IN THE AREA OF THE FACILITY BEING USED FOR TODDLER GROSS MOTOR ACTIVITIES. THE OUTLETS DID NOT STATE THAT THEY ARE TAMPER PROOF AND NO DOCUMENTATION COULD BE FOUND STATING THAT THEY ARE CHILD SAFE ELECTRICAL OUTLETS. THE OUTLETS WERE ACCESSIBLE TO THE TODDLER AGE CHILDREN.

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

Noncompliance Area: A RENEWAL INSPECTION WAS CONDUCTED ON 2/20/18. AT THAT TIME, THE TRASH CAN IN THE OLDER TODDLER ROOM 1 AND THE CAMP BATHROOM HAD BROKEN LIDS ON THE TRASH CANS USED FOR TRASH THAT HAS BEEN CONTAMINATED BY HUMAN SECRETIONS.

Correction Required: Trash that has been contaminated by human secretions or excrement shall be contained in closed, plastic-lined receptacles.A toilet area, training chair area, diapering area and sink area shall be equipped with a clean, lidded waste receptacle.

Noncompliance Area: A RENEWAL INSPECTION WAS CONDUCTED ON 2/20/18. AT THAT TIME, THERE WAS PEELING WALL CARPETING IN THE YOUNG TODDLER 2 CLASSROOM AND THE OLDER TODDLER 2 CLASSROOM. THE DOOR TO THE CAMP BATHROOM WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED AND HAD TO BE LIFTED IN ORDER TO OPEN OR CLOSE IT.

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 RENEWAL INSPECTION WAS CONDUCTED ON 2/20/18. AT THAT TIME, PEELING PAINT WAS OBSERVED ON THE WALL TO THE LEFT OF THE DOOR IN THE OLDER TODDLER 1 CLASSROOM.

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

Noncompliance Area: A COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED ON 12/11/17. STAFF #1 ADMITTED THAT ON 12/5/17, SHE GUIDED A CHILD TO PUSH ANOTHER CHILD DOWN BY PLACING THE CHILD'S HANDS ON THE OTHER CHILD'S FOREARMS. WHILE THIS OCCURRED, STAFF #1 SAID IN A HARSH TONE ''DO YOU LIKE TO BE PUSHED? THIS IS WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE PUSHED.''

Correction Required: 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. A facility person may not use harsh, demeaning or abusive language in the presence of children. STAFF #1 WILL RECEIVE TRAINING ON POSITIVE REDIRECTION AND DISCIPLINE TECHNIQUES, FOCUSING ON THE PROPER WAY TO COMMUNICATE AND INTERACT WITH CHILDREN AND THE PROPER WAY TO COMMUNICATE IN THE PRESENCE OF CHILDREN. THE LEGAL ENTITY MUST ARRANGE FOR STAFF #1 TO RECEIVE MINIMUM 2 HOURS PQAS APPROVED TRAINING REGARDING POSITIVE COMMUNICATION AND INTERACTION WITH CHILDREN. THE LEGAL ENTITY MUST RECEIVE DHS APPROVAL OF THE TRAINING CONTENT PRIOR TO SCHEDULING THE TRAINING. The operator shall conduct a staff meeting to discuss the incident and ensure that all staff are aware of what happened and what an appropriate means of redirection should have been. The operator shall submit an outline for the meeting to the regional office for approval prior to scheduling the meeting.

Noncompliance Area: ON 4/12/17, IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PRESCHOOL GROUP HAD 24 CHILDREN WITH 2 STAFF, A RATIO WHICH WOULD REQUIRE 3 STAFF. ON 4/19/17, IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT 1 STAFF WAS PRESENT WITH 13 PRESCHOOL CHILDREN, A RATIO WHICH WOULD REQUIRE 2 STAFF.

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.

Noncompliance Area: STAFF #1 AND STAFF #2 HAD KNOWLEDGE THAT A STAFF ALLEGEDLY HARMED A CHILD AND DID NOT MAKE A REPORT TO CHILDLINE. DURING AN INTERVIEW WITH STAFF #1, SHE ADVISED THAT INDIVIDUAL #1 TOLD HER SHE WAS NOT TO MAKE A REPORT TO CHILDLINE.

Correction Required: An operator or a staff person who has reason to believe that a child enrolled in the facility has been abused is required to report suspected child abuse to ChildLine as mandated by the CPSL. The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services).

Noncompliance Area: A diaper cream was observed in the OT1 classroom in a child's diaper bag, accessible to children. A tylenol in the YT1 classroom and a diaper cream in the OT1 classroom were observed without written permission on file from the parent for administration.

Correction Required: Medication shall be stored in a locked area of the facility or in an area that is out of the reach of children. A parent shall provide written consent for administration of medication or a special diet.

Noncompliance Area: Files for staff #1 and #2 have transcripts for courses taken at the college level, but do not have proof of high school graduation in the file.

Correction Required: A facility person's record shall include verification of child care experience, education and training prior to service at the facility.

Noncompliance Area: In the PS3 classroom, a cord under the cubbies to the left of the door was observed to be loose and a tripping hazard. In the PS2 room, cords were observed by the light table in the back of the room to be a tripping hazard. In the K room, the cords for the computer and the light table were observed to be loose and tripping hazards. On the playground, a piece of chain-link fencing on the bike path, opposite the parking lot, was observed to be loose and no longer intertwined. The bottom of the green picnic table on the bike path playground was also observed to have sharp metal that is rusted and accessible to children.

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: During an unannounced monitoring visit on 12/6/16, Staff #2 did not have proof of education on file at the facility. A plan of correction was received by the facility. On 1/26/17, an unannounced monitoring visit was conducted. Staff #2 provided a valid CDA but had a high school diploma in the staff file that was unacceptable based on lack of accreditation and authenticity.

Correction Required: A facility person's record shall include verification of child care experience, education and training prior to service at the facility.

Noncompliance Area: During an unannounced monitoring visit on 12/6/16, Staff #1 was observed to be working beyond the 90-day provisional period without completing required Mandated Reporter Training. A plan of correction was received from the facility to fix this violation. On 1/26/17, an unannounced monitoring visit was conducted, and Staff #1 still did not have proof of required Mandated Reporter Training on file at the facility.

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