The Learning Station - Pittston PA Child Care Center

1870 N TOWNSHIP BLVD , PITTSTON PA 18640
(570) 602-7913
4 Reviews

About the Provider

Description: The Learning Station provides a loving, caring environment that encourages children to learn, think and create. Your child will get the attention and care that he or she needs. Our ratio of children to adults is always within state guidelines to make certain each child receives top-quality care

Program and Licensing Details

  • License Number: CER-00173278
  • Capacity: 130
  • State Rating: 2
  • Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program: Yes
  • District Office: Early Learning Resource Center for Region 11
  • District Office Phone: (570) 704-5333 (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
2020-02-27 Renewal 3270.151(a) - 12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 2/27/20, a renewal inspection occurred at the facility. A review of staff files was conducted. Staff # 4 had a health assessment dated for 2/6/17. An updated health assessment was not conducted until 1/26/20. Staff # 5 had a health assessment dated for 1/31/17. An updated health assessment was not conducted until 2/26/19. Staff # 6 had a health assessment dated for 8/7/17. An updated health assessment was not conducted until 11/26/19. These health assessments were not updated every 24 months per regulation.

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.)
Plans have been put in place to ensure all new hire and existing employee paperwork meets the ocdel requirements. This was done by keeping a log of employee info on file within our computer system. Employees will not be permitted to work until documentation is received. staff will update their health assessments every 24 months.
2020-02-27 Renewal 3270.151(c)(1) - Physical examination Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 2/27/20, a renewal inspection occurred at the facility. A review of staff files was conducted. Staff # 4 had a health assessment dated for 1/26/20 and the doctor did not indicate on the form if a physical examination was completed.

Correction Required: An adult health assessment must include a physical examination.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Staff #4 will be bringing in a corrected health form, signed by her primary care provider when we reopen in June. in the future the director will ensure all staff health assessments are completely filled out by the doctor. This includes all questions on the staff health assessment form provided by DHS.
2020-02-27 Renewal 3270.151(c)(3)/3270.192(3) - Exam communicable disease/Health assessment, TB test Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 2/27/20, a renewal inspection occurred at the facility. A review of staff files was conducted. Staff # 4 had a health assessment dated for 1/26/20 and the doctor did not indicate on the form if an examination for communicable diseases was completed or the results of that examination.

Correction Required: An adult health assessment must include an examination for communicable diseases and the results of that examination. 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.)
Staff #4 will be bringing in a corrected health form, signed by her primary care provider when we reopen in June. in the future the director will ensure all staff health assessments are completely filled out by the doctor. This includes all questions on the staff health assessment form provided by DHS.
2020-02-27 Renewal 3270.151(c)(5) - Physician/CRNP assessment Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 2/27/20, a renewal inspection occurred at the facility. A review of staff files was conducted. Staff # 4 had a health assessment dated for 1/26/20 and the doctor did not indicate on the form if Staff # 4 was suitable to provide child care. Staff # 3 had a health assessment dated for 7/1/19 and the doctor did not indicate on the form if Staff # 3 was suitable to provide child care.

Correction Required: An adult health assessment must include the physician's or CRNP's assessment of the person's suitability to provide child care.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Staff #4 will be bringing in a corrected health form, signed by her primary care provider when we reopen in June. in the future the director will ensure all staff health assessments are completely filled out by the doctor. This includes all questions on the staff health assessment form provided by DHS.
2020-02-27 Renewal 3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) - Comply with CPSL/CPSL information Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 2/27/20, a renewal inspection occurred at the facility. A review of staff files was conducted. Staff # 1 has been employed at the facility since 2015 with a child abuse clearance dated for 2/23/15. This child abuse clearance has not been updated every 5 years per CPSL. Staff # 2 has been working at the facility since 2013 with mandated reporter training documented for 1/14/15. This mandated reporter training was not updated every 5 years per CPSL but updated participation in the training occurred on 2/3/20. Staff # 3 was hired as a provisional hire on 7/15/19 and the file did not contain documentation that the child abuse clearance has been applied for at the time of hire. Staff # 3 did not receive a child abuse clearance in the file until 2/5/20. Staff # 3 worked with children without all appropriate clearance being in the file. Staff # 4 has been employed at the facility since 2011 with a child abuse clearance dated for 12/7/14 and mandated reporter training dated for 1/9/15. This clearance and mandated reporter training was not updated every 5 years per CPSL until 2/11/20 and updated participation in the mandated reporter training did not occur until 1/25/20. Staff # 5 has been employed at the facility since 2011 with a child abuse clearance dated for 12/7/14 and mandated reporter training dated for 1/8/15. This clearance and mandated reporter training was not updated every 5 years per CPSL until 2/5/20 and mandated report training did not occur until 1/28/20. Staff # 6 has been employed at the facility since 2013 with a state police clearance dated for 10/21/13, a child abuse clearance dated for 11/4/13, an FBI clearance dated for 10/22/13 and mandated reporter training dated for 1/9/15. These clearances and mandated reporter training were not updated every 5 years per CPSL. The state police clearance was updated for 1/14/19, the child abuse for 1/22/19, the FBI clearance for 1/17/19 and the mandated reporter training for 2/6/20.

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 #--- may not work in a child care position at the facility.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Plans have been put in place to ensure all new hire and existing employee paperwork meets the ocdel requirements. This was done by keeping a log of employee info on file within our computer system. Employees will not be permitted to work until documentation is received. staff will be hire as appropriate to the CPSL regarding clearances and mandated reporter training and staff clearances/mandated reporter training will be updated as appropriate to the CPSL in the future.
2019-08-14 Complaints- Legal Location 3270.113(e) - Restraints prohibited Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: At a complaint inspection on 8/14/19, Staff # 2 indicated that Staff # 1 had placed Child # 1 in a floor high chair for an undetermined amount of time as a time out on 8/5/19. Staff # 2 indicated Staff # 1 has also used this floor high chair as a time out for this child.

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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
In light of the allegations against The Learning Station on 8/5/19, I have counseled all members of staff on proper time-out procedures. It should be known that this is a topic we often discuss to ensure that time outs are handled properly and therapeutically. Staff have been informed that high chairs are for meals time's only and are not to be used for time out. Staff member 1 was counseled individually on better ways to handle a child who bites. Also, we do state in our parent handbook that if a child is severely violent towards others that the parent of that child will be asked to find alternative care for that child.
2019-07-03 Allocated Unannounced Monitoring 3270.151(a)/3270.192(3) - 12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 7/3/19, an unannounced inspection occurred at the facility. A review of staff files was conducted. Staff # 1 began working with children on 6/10/19. This file was missing documentation of a health assessment being conducted prior to working with children at the facility.

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.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.)
I have not receive the paperwork in full from the employee to this date. The employee has been released from work until they are able to submit all documentation. In the future, a two step, check, process will take place. Jessica will gather all necessary documentation. Then I will check everything to ensure its all accurate and accounted for. Once the employee brings everything in, I'll send it to you.
2019-07-03 Allocated Unannounced Monitoring 3270.151(c)(2) - Mantoux TB Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 7/3/19, an unannounced inspection occurred at the facility. A review of staff files was conducted. Staff # 1 began working with children on 6/10/19. This file was missing documentation of a tuberculosis screening being conducted prior to working with children at the facility.

Correction Required: 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.)
I have not receive the paperwork in full from the employee to this date. The employee has been released from work until they are able to submit all documentation. In the future, a two step, check, process will take place. Jessica will gather all necessary documentation. Then I will check everything to ensure its all accurate and accounted for. Once the employee brings everything in, I'll send it to you.
2019-07-03 Allocated Unannounced Monitoring 3270.192(5) - Two written references Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 7/3/19, an unannounced inspection occurred at the facility. A review of staff files was conducted. Staff # 1 began working with children on 6/10/19. This file was missing two written, nonfamily references. Staff # 1 suitability to serve as a staff at the facility was unable to be determined.

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.)
I have not receive the paperwork in full from the employee to this date. The employee has been released from work until they are able to submit all documentation. In the future, a two step, check, process will take place. Jessica will gather all necessary documentation. Then I will check everything to ensure its all accurate and accounted for. Once the employee brings everything in, I'll send it to you.
2019-07-03 Allocated Unannounced Monitoring 3270.33(a)/3270.192(2)(ii) - Each staff person meets quals/Exp, educ., training prior to facility Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 7/3/19, an unannounced inspection occurred at the facility. A review of staff files was conducted. Staff # 1 began working with children on 6/10/19. This file was missing verification of education. Staff # 1 was unable to be appropriately qualified as a staff person at the facility.

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.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.)
I have not receive the paperwork in full from the employee to this date. The employee has been released from work until they are able to submit all documentation. In the future, a two step, check, process will take place. Jessica will gather all necessary documentation. Then I will check everything to ensure its all accurate and accounted for. Once the employee brings everything in, I'll send it to you.
2019-02-07 Renewal 3270.151(a)/3270.192(3) - 12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On the date of this renewal inspection, a review of staff files was conducted. Staff file # 1 had a health assessment dated 2/8/16. The file's health assessment for Staff # 1 was not updated in 2018 as required every 24 months. Staff file # 2 had a health assessment dated 6/28/16. The file's health assessment for Staff # 2 was not updated in 2018 as required every 24 months. Staff file # 4 had a health assessment dated 5/18/16 and the file did not contain an updated health assessment until 1/11/19 within the 24 months as required. Staff 1 and 2 were working within ratio with children on the date of this inspection.

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.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.)
The director will obtain on the listed staff an updated health assessment and will keep these health assessments in the file at all times. In the future, all staff will have an updated health assessment completed at least every 24 months.
2019-02-07 Renewal 3270.192(2)(ii) - Exp, educ., training prior to facility Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On the date of this renewal inspection, a review of staff files was conducted. Staff file # 3 had a date of hire of 5/14/18 and the file did not contain documentation of education or documentation of 2 years of experience with children. The director was attempting to qualify Staff # 3 as an assistant group supervisor but the file did not contain appropriate documentation for this qualification.

Correction Required: 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.)
The director will request from the listed staff proof of education and documentation of at least 2 years of experience of working with children. This documentation will be kept in the file. In the future on all staff will have documentation of education and proof of experience working with children in their files at all times.
2019-02-07 Renewal 3270.192(5) - Two written references Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On the date of this renewal inspection, a review of staff files was conducted. Staff file # 3 had a date of hire of 5/14/18 and the file did not contain documentation of two written references. The director was attempting to qualify Staff # 3 as an assistant group supervisor but the file did not contain appropriate documentation for this qualification.

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.)
The director will request from the listed staff proof of education and documentation of at least 2 years of experience of working with children. This documentation will be kept in the file. In the future on all staff will have documentation of education and proof of experience working with children in their files at all times.
2019-02-07 Renewal 3270.33(a)/3270.36(b)(5) - Each staff person meets quals/HS/GED + 2 yrs Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On the date of this renewal inspection, a review of staff files was conducted. Staff file # 3 had a date of hire of 5/14/18 and the file did not contain documentation of education or documentation of 2 years of experience with children. The director was attempting to qualify Staff # 3 as an assistant group supervisor but the file did not contain appropriate documentation for this qualification.

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 assistant group supervisor shall have a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 2 years experience with children.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The director will request from the listed staff proof of education and documentation of at least 2 years of experience of working with children. This documentation will be kept in the file. In the future on all staff will have documentation of education and proof of experience working with children in their files at all times.
2018-07-02 Unannounced Monitoring 3270.106(j) - Prohibit items in crib Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On the date of this inspection, a physical site review was conducted. Staff # 1 was supervising the infant room. During the inspection, an infant was viewed sleeping belly down on the mattress with a head resting on a boppy pillow. The child was covered with a blanket, another blanket was present under the feet of the infant in addition to the fitted bed sheet, another blanket was found laying at the bottom of the child's feet bunched up, and two toys were strapped to the bed on opposite sides of the crib. Staff # 1 stated she laid the child down on their back to sleep but the child rolled on to their stomach. Staff # 1 also indicated that this infant, Child # 1, had been sleeping with this amount of toys, blankets and pillows in the crib since she has been working in the infant room.

Correction Required: Toys, bumper pads, or pillows may not be present in a crib while an infant is sleeping in the crib.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
All items have been removed. All staff have been made aware that infants are not to have anything in their crib except for a blanket during waking hours that is to be removed once asleep. I have randomly inspected the infant room and found staff have been following my instructions.

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

...
Karen Jul 08, 2023

i have a friend who worked there, there is a worker there who likes to abuse kids and has an open case and the owners have not and will not fire said person i wouldnt bring my child here if i had one and has abused a coworkers child and was told that it was seen by another person and they havent and wont do anything about it reports have been made something needs to be done and ik another person who worked there and was fired for no reason at all DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT BRING YOUR KIDS HERE

12 out of 22 think this review is helpful
Was this review helpful to you?  Yes  No
...
Christine Tobin Apr 05, 2018
I am an employee

I have been an employee for two years. I really like working here. We are not only co workers, we are a family. Everyone is supportive of each other. The atmosphere is very relaxed . Sam and Jess are great to work for. They care about the children and staff, and put them as their first priority especially the kids. This is my second job and they always work with my schedule. I would recommend this facility to anyone who wants a caring staff and management. They serve good balanced meals! Thanks to Mr. Kurt! Don't hesitate to put the learning Station on your list for child care.

44 out of 95 think this review is helpful
Was this review helpful to you?  Yes  No
...
Sheila Apr 04, 2018
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

My daughter gianna love's her daycare she has been there for over 3 yrs.

44 out of 89 think this review is helpful
Was this review helpful to you?  Yes  No
...
Jamie Jan 25, 2017
I have used this provider for more than 6 months

Wonderful and caring place.

54 out of 90 think this review is helpful
Was this review helpful to you?  Yes  No

Write a review about The Learning Station. Let other families know what’s great, or what could be improved. Please read our brief review guidelines to make your review as helpful as possible.

Review Policy:
ChildcareCenter.us does not actively screen or monitor user reviews, nor do we verify or edit content. Reviews reflect only the opinion of the writer. We ask that users follow our review guidelines. If you see a review that does not reflect these guidelines, you can email us. We will assess the review and decide the appropriate next step. Please note – we will not remove a review simply because it is negative. Providers are welcome to respond to parental reviews, however we ask that they identify themselves as the provider.

Providers in ZIP Code 18640