The Acorn Academy

Regulation: 3270.102(a)

Description: Clean and good repair

Noncompliance Area: A renewal inspection occurred at the facility on 1/13/26. A physical site review as conducted. In the outdoor play area, orange metal bikes were found that contained rust and peeling paint. A two seater spin toy was observed with a base that was cracked and contained a hole. The steps to the little tikes climber had come off from the climbing equipment. The child's climber labeled kid trax, contained rust and peeling paint. These items were identified and addressed with the director at the time of the inspection.

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.

Regulation: 3270.32(a)

Description: Comply with CPSL

Noncompliance Area: A renewal inspection occurred at the facility on 1/13/26. A review of staff files was conducted. 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 6/17/20.

Correction Required: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). Until such time as the required pre- service trainings are completed, staff person #1 must be supervised, when interacting with children at a minimum by, an AGS who has completed all preservice trainings and has all qualifications to care for children unsupervised. If there are no staff person(s) available to supervise staff #1, staff #1 may not work in a child-care position at the facility.

Regulation: 3270.76

Description: Building Surfaces

Noncompliance Area: A renewal inspection occurred at the facility on 1/13/26. A physical site review was conducted. The fencing at the rear of the building/play area, top parallel to the ground pole had come loose from the pole secured into the ground and the fencing was no longer in good repair. The turf has become attached from the ground and is peeling up, posing as a tripping hazard to the children. The base plastic material around the building and fencing to the turf play area, are bending and exposing sharp areas. Screws on the fencing in the mulched play area are exposed on the inside of the play area. These items were identified and addressed with the director at the time of this inspection.

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.

Regulation: 3270.163(a)(1)

Description: Dairy

Noncompliance Area: A complaint inspection was conducted at the facility on 9/4/25. A physical site review. Lunch was observed. Children were provided pancakes, sausage, a fruit and water. A dairy product was missing from this lunch.

Correction Required: A lunch or dinner prepared at the facility for children of toddler age or older shall include at least one dairy product.

Regulation: 3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

Description: Comply with CPSL/CPSL information

Noncompliance Area: An unannounced inspection occurred at the facility. A review of staff files was conducted. The CPSL requires staff to update clearances at least every 60 months. At the time of this inspection, Staff #2 had an FBI clearance dated for 6/19/20. This clearance expired on 6/19/25 and Staff #2 did not have an updated clearance on file. Staff #2 was observed providing care to children at the time of this inspection.

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. Facility Person #2 may not work in a child care position at the facility. TIERED LIS: 1. The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). Facility Person #2 may not work in a child care position at the facility. (THIS PORTION OF THE PLAN SHALL HAVE AN IMMEIDATE CORRECTION DATE.) 2. The Director/Legal Entity shall create a tracking system to ensure compliance with the CPSL to ensure clearances are received at initial hire and updated as required by the CPSL. This tracking system must be submitted to the Northeast Regional Office for approval. Once approved, the Director/Legal Entity will begin using to ensure staff files are in compliance with the CPSL. (THE OPERATOR SHALL PROVIDE A DATE FOR WHEN THIS TRACKING SYSTEM WILL BE DEVELOPED, APPROVED AND BEGIN TO BE IMPLEMENTED.)

Regulation: 3270.52/3270.55(a)

Description: Mixed Age Level/Toddler and preschool children

Noncompliance Area: An unannounced inspection occurred at the facility. A physical site review was conducted. During this inspection, Staff #1 was observed providing care to a group of 14 napping children in the Sunroom. The youngest child in this group was a young toddler. This number of children would have required at least two staff to maintain appropriate staff:child ratios.

Correction Required: 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). The staff:child ratio while toddlers and preschoolers are napping is one staff person to 10 young toddlers, one staff person to 12 older toddlers, one staff person to 20 preschool children. TIERED LIS: 1. The required staff:child ratios must be maintained at all times. (THIS PORTION OF THE PLAN SHALL HAVE AN IMMEDIATE CORRECTION DATE.) 2. The Director/Legal Entity shall create a naptime supervision and ratio policy. The policy must address the following: - How staff:child ratos will be maintained, specifically at naptime. - A plan to move children when ratios are at max to ensure proper supervision and ratios. - A plan to have more staff available when children wake up to ensure proper supervision and ratios. This policy must be submitted to the Northeast Regional Office for approval. Once approved, all existing staff and any new hires must be trained on the approved policy, and documentation must be kept on file at the facility. (THE OPERATOR SHALL PROVIDE A DATE FOR WHEN THIS POLICY WILL BE CREATED, APPROVED AND REVIEWED BY STAFF.)

Regulation: 3270.31(f)

Description: Health and Safety Training

Noncompliance Area: A renewal inspection occurred at the facility. A review of staff files was conducted. See the code sheet for the date of hire. Staff person #3 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire: health and safety topic training. Staff #3 completed this training on 1/5/25.

Correction Required: Staff persons shall complete professional development within 90 days of hire as listed in subsections (f)1-10.

Regulation: 3270.32(a)

Description: Comply with CPSL

Noncompliance Area: A renewal inspection occurred at the facility. A review of staff files was conducted. Regulation requires staff to participate in mandated reporter training at least every 60 months. The following staff did not participate in mandated reporter training at least every 60 months: Staff #1 (previous 11/12/19, current, 11/26/24) and Staff #2 (previous 11/12/19, current 11/25/24).

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

Regulation: 3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)

Description: Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance

Noncompliance Area: A renewal inspection occurred at the facility. A review of the facility's fire safety system testing log was conducted. Regulation requires the fire safety system to be tested at least every 30 days. The following test did not occur at least every 30 days: 12/1/24 - 1/1/25.

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)). The Director or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall ensure the requirements under subsection (a) are met.

Regulation: 3270.14/3270.21

Description: Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety

Noncompliance Area: An unannounced inspection occurred at the facility. A review of staff files was conducted. Staff #1 is within their 90 days of hire but has not completed mandated reporter training and was observed caring for a group of children. Staff #1 was not supervised by an appropriate staff member while providing care for the children.

Correction Required: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to Child Protective Services). 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 available to supervise staff person #1, staff person #1 may not work in a child-care position at the facility.

Regulation: 3270.14/3270.21

Description: Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety

Noncompliance Area: An unannounced inspection occurred at the facility. A review of staff files was conducted. Staff #1 is within their 90 days of hire but has not completed pediatric first aid/CPR or health and safety training and was observed caring for a group of children. Staff #1 was not supervised by an appropriate staff member while providing care for the children.

Correction Required: Staff person(s) shall complete professional development in the topics of 3270.31(f)(1 -- 10). 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 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: An unannounced inspection occurred at the facility. A physical site review and review of staff files was conducted. See the code sheet for the date of hire. Staff #1 was observed providing care for children and was not supervised by a qualified staff person. The file of Staff #1 did not contain a child abuse clearance. Staff #1 was not hired correctly as a provisional hire.

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. Facility Person #1 may not work in a child care position at the facility.

Regulation: 3270.61(h)

Description: Exceeding Capacity

Noncompliance Area: An unannounced inspection occurred at the facility. A physical site review as conducted. The infant classroom has a measured capacity of 7 children. At the time of this inspection, the infant classroom contained 9 children that were receiving care.

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

Regulation: 3270.76

Description: Building Surfaces

Noncompliance Area: A complaint inspection occurred at the facility. A physical site and paperwork review was conducted. It was determined that on 10/15/24, the tip of Child #1's left thumb got caught in a door, resulting in an avulsion fracture of the tuft of the first distal phalanx. A physical site review was also conducted, and a dirty/dusty vent was observed above a sink where hands are washed. This area was addressed and discussed with staff at the time of the inspection.

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. Doors at the facility shall be covered by finger pinch protector guards or made inaccessible to children at all times.

Regulation: 3270.102(a)

Description: Clean and good repair

Noncompliance Area: Five blue, vinyl rest mats in the Infants Room were observed to have edges that were torn, exposing the inner 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.

Regulation: 3270.131(d)(5)/3270.131(e)(3)

Description: Immunization record/Dismissal policy

Noncompliance Area: Child #2 (see code sheet for date of birth) does not have documentation that the child received the two-dose Hepatitis A vaccination, or the 4th Pneumococcal vaccine as recommended for the child's age. There was no letter of exemption for these vaccinations on file.

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 childcare group settings). Child #2 may not attend the facility until the required documentation is on file.

Regulation: 3270.133(4)

Description: Locked

Noncompliance Area: Children's Mucus Relief Multi-Symptom Cold Medication, labeled "keep out of reach of children, was found in a child's bookbag that was hanging about knee high from a shelf near the main entrance door.

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.

Regulation: 3270.14/3270.21

Description: Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety

Noncompliance Area: The emergency plan on file did not include a continuity of operations.

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. The operator shall update the sections of their emergency plan to address a continuity of operations.

Regulation: 3270.31(f)

Description: Health and Safety Training

Noncompliance Area: Staff persons #3, #5, and #7 have not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see code sheet for date of hire): Pediatric First Aid/ CPR.

Correction Required: Staff person(s) shall complete professional development in the topics of 3270.31(f)(10) within 90 days of hire. Staff persons #3, #5, and #7 will have until 2/16/24 to complete the required training. Until such time as the required training has been completed, staff persons #3, #5, and #7 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 available to supervise staff persons #3, #5, and #7, staff persons #3, #5, and #7 may not work in a child-care position at the facility.

Regulation: 3270.32(a)

Description: Comply with CPSL

Noncompliance Area: Staff person #2 did not complete the mandated reporter training within 90 days of their date of hire (see code sheet for date of hire).

Correction Required: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to Child Protective Services). Staff persons have 90 days from their date of hire to complete Mandated Reporter training.

Regulation: 3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

Description: Comply with CPSL/CPSL information

Noncompliance Area: Staff person #2 (see code sheet for date of hire) did not have proof that the missing DHS FBI clearance was requested prior to working with children. The clearance was not obtained until 9/20/23. Staff #3 (see code sheet for date of hire) did not have a completed child abuse clearance on form before working with children. This clearance was not obtained until 8/1/23. Staff #3 also did not have proof that the missing DHS FBI clearance was requested prior to working with children. This clearance was not obtained until 12/26/23.

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

Regulation: 3270.33(a)/3270.37(b)(1)

Description: Each staff person meets quals/HS/GED

Noncompliance Area: Staff #4 did not have documentation of a high school diploma a general educational development certificate.

Correction Required: A staff person or a substitute staff person shall meet one of the applicable staff qualifications for the position in which the person is performing. An aide shall have a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate.

Regulation: 3270.37(c)

Description: Aides supervised all times

Noncompliance Area: Staff #2 was observed to be working in the Pre-Kindergarten classroom with staff #1, who also requires supervision.

Correction Required: An aide or a combination of aides shall be supervised at all times by a staff person qualified at minimum as an assistant group supervisor.

Regulation: 3270.54(a)

Description: Two facility persons present in facility

Noncompliance Area: Certification rep visited facility unannounced on 5/10/2023 and observed one staff person to be alone with 2 school aged children at 6:19 am. A second staff arrived at the facility at 6:24 am. During investigation, operator admitted there was a day in December, 2022, in which a scheduling error led to a staff being alone with more than two children in the early morning.

Correction Required: At least two facility persons shall be present in the facility when two or more children are in care. At a minimum, one of the facility persons shall be a staff person.

Regulation: 3270.54(a)

Description: Two facility persons present in facility

Noncompliance Area: Certification rep visited facility unannounced on 5/10/2023 and observed one staff person to be alone with 2 school aged children at 6:19 am. A second staff arrived at the facility at 6:24 am. During investigation, operator admitted there was a day in December, 2022, in which a scheduling error led to a staff being alone with more than two children in the early morning.

Correction Required: The Legal Entity will modify the facility's existing staff attendance policy or develop a new policy to include how call offs will be handled in order to meet regulatory requirements at all times. This policy will reflect how the Legal Entity will ensure there are enough staff scheduled for the facility's daily needs and how it will be handled if parents bring children outside their contracted times. The Legal Entity will send the policy to the regional office for approval, and upon approval, all staff will be required to review and sign off on said policy. The Legal Entity shall make parents aware of the facility's policy is to dismiss kids if there isn't enough staff.

Regulation: 3270.106(a)

Description: Clean, age appropriate

Noncompliance Area: There are two cribs in the infant room that are not labeled for the use of a specific child.

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.

Regulation: 3270.131(b)(1)

Description: Infant: updated health report every 6 months

Noncompliance Area: Child # 3, an older toddler, has a health form that is dated 5/25/22. It was not updated within 6 months.

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.

Regulation: 3270.131(d)(7)

Description: Free from contagious/communicable disease

Noncompliance Area: The health report on file for child # 2 does not include a statement that the child is able to participate in child care.

Correction Required: A health report shall include a statement that the child is able to participate in child care and appears to be free from contagious or communicable disease.

Regulation: 3270.14/3270.21

Description: Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety

Noncompliance Area: Staff person # 1 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff person # 1 has not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Get Started with Center Based Care.

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. Until such time as the required pre-service training is 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: 3270.182(5)

Description: Consent for administration of minor first-aid required prior to admission

Noncompliance Area: The emergency contact form for child # 4 did not have written consent for the administration of minor first-aid procedures.

Correction Required: 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.

Regulation: 3270.31(f)

Description: Health and Safety Training

Noncompliance Area: Staff person # 1 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire: Get Started with Center Based Care and Pediatric First Aid/CPR. Staff person # 1 was hired on 3/24/22 and received Pediatric First Aid/CPR training on 12/27/22.

Correction Required: Staff person shall complete professional development in the topics of 3270.31(f)(10) within 90 days of hire. Staff person # 1 will have until 2/8/22 to complete the required 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 available to supervise staff person # 1, staff person #1 may not work in a child-care position at the facility.

Regulation: 3270.82(h)

Description: Handwashing signs

Noncompliance Area: There is no handwashing sign posted in the bathroom next to the kitchen area.

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.

Regulation: 3270.102(a)

Description: Clean and good repair

Noncompliance Area: There was a corner on the front of the play kitchen in the preschool room that had rough edges.

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.

Regulation: 3270.76

Description: Building Surfaces

Noncompliance Area: There was a broken ceiling tile in the school age classroom. Some ceiling tiles were water stained.

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.

Regulation: 3270.182(7)

Description: Reports of accidents, injuries and illnesses. Original report - parent same day Copy - facility accident file. Copy - child's file

Noncompliance Area: On 12/7/2021, a child had a red scratch mark on his face. Staff did not provide the parent with a copy of the incident report on the date of the incident.

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.