CHILDRENS ARK CREATIVE LEARNING CENTER

Immediate access (3270.24(a))

On 4/23/2026 at 2:25pm, Certification Representative (CR) arrived on site and called both numbers posted on the facility's door to gain access. Staff Person #1 answered the second number, at which point CR identified themself and stated the reason for the visit (to verify corrections from the renewal inspection). Staff Person #1 repeated the reason back to CR, and CR responded, stating that they would need to come inside to verify the remaining corrections. After three minutes, Staff Person #1 still had not come to the door. CR was dialing the number again when Staff Person #1 could be seen inside, walking back and forth between the first-floor childcare spaces. CR knocked on the front door. Another minute passed, and CR again saw Staff Person #1 walking between the upstairs rooms. CR knocked again. Finally, after a total of five minutes, Staff Person #1 opened the door to the facility, stating that it was a busy time and that they were downstairs doing things. CR addressed this with Staff Person #1, reminding them that we are to have immediate access to the facility. Staff Person #1 again stated that they were downstairs working, at which point CR indicated that they could see Staff Person #1 walking around upstairs while CR was waiting. Requirement: A staff person shall provide to agents of the Department immediate access to the facility, the children and the files and records. Correction: Staff person #1 was set down to discuss the importance of the timing it takes to open the front door for the CR. A floater was also hired to assist teachers when needed to make sure that the director is free to get the door. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Building Surfaces (3270.76)

SECOND CITATION, PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 3/23/2026: In the Infant Room, two stained ceiling tiles were observed above the wall with the wooden closets, and one additional stained ceiling tile was observed above the mat area. Requirement: 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. Correction: The ceiling stain was painted. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Clean, good repair, proper size (3270.104(a))

SECOND CITATION, PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 3/23/2026: In the Older Two's room, a book rack was observed to be unstable and wobbly, posing a risk of toppling on a child. Requirement: Furniture must be durable, safe, easily cleaned and appropriate for the child's size, age and special needs. Correction: The book shelf was tighted and staff was also advised that they are too do safety checks in their classrooms to assure that it is safe and durable to withstand the children and to prevent the risk of toppling over. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Supervised at all times (3270.113(a))

On 4/23/2026 at 2:32pm, Certification Representative (CR) was assessing supervision and ratio in the Young One's room. Staff Person #2 was in the lunch area with two young toddlers, getting them ready for their snack. One child was in a highchair, and Staff Person #2 was placing the second child into theirs. Staff Person #2 named both children as being under their supervision at that time. Staff Person #2 then moved into the adjoining nap room and stated that the three children napping in that room, also young toddlers, were currently under their supervision. CR reminded Staff Person #2 that they could not be providing supervision to children in another room. At that time, Staff Person #2 stated that Staff Person #3 was actually responsible for those three napping children but had stepped out to dispose of some "smelly diapers" and would be right back. CR had Staff Person #2 take the two children who were in their highchairs into the nap room with them so that they could supervise all of the children until Staff Person #3 returned. However, when CR stepped into the Infants Room moments later, Staff Person #3 was in ratio in that room. CR asked Staff Person #3 if they had been in the Young One's room. Staff Person #3 indicated that they had been in that room earlier to relieve someone and were not returning. Requirement: 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. TIERED LIS: 1) Children must be supervised at all times. This portion of the plan shall have an immediate correction date. 2) The legal entity must arrange for all facility staff to receive a minimum of two hours of training regarding supervision of children. The legal entity must receive DHS approval of the training content prior to scheduling the training. The operator shall provide a date for when this training will be complete. Correction: 1) Implemented immediately - children will be supervised at all times. On 4/23/2026 at 2:35 Staff person #2 immediatly took the two children in the high chairs into the adjoining nap room with the other resting children. Staff #2 was also reminded that ALL children must be superised at all times. 2) All staff are required to complete two hours of supervision training by 5/8/2026. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Staff assigned to specific children (3270.113(a)(1))

On 4/23/2026 at 2:40pm, CR was in the Older Two's room assessing supervision and ratio. Five older toddlers were in the room at the time, three of whom were still napping. When asked to identify the children for whom they were responsible, Staff Person #4 pointed out and identified the three napping children by name. When CR asked about the two children sitting at the table, Staff Person #4 stated that those children belonged to Staff Person #5, who was taking two other children to the bathroom. Staff Person #1 arrived in the room. CR asked Staff Person #4 again, to clarify, which children they were responsible for at that moment. Staff Person #1 began to coach Staff Person #4, at which point CR asked that Staff Person #4 be able to answer on their own. Staff Person #4 became confused and started walking back and forth between the children, not able to answer. CR gave Staff Person #4 a third chance, at which time they identified the three napping children. When Staff Person #5 arrived in the room with the two additional children, they were asked to identify the children for whom they were responsible. Staff Person #5 named three children, one of which had already been identified by Staff Person #4, still leaving the two children sitting at the table not being identified. Staff Person #1 stated that since it was naptime, as long as the children were supervised, it did not matter. Staff Person #1 then stated that while the children are napping, each staff person is responsible for all of the children in the room. CR explained to Staff Persons #1, #4 and #5 that despite the children napping, each staff person must know which children they are directly responsible for at all times. If they are sharing responsibility for all of the children, they should know that and be able to identify all of the children as being under their supervision. CR waited while staff worked out the supervisory assignments for the remainder of the day before CR left the room. Requirement: TIERED LIS: 1) 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. This portion of the plan shall have an immediate correction date. 2) The legal entity will develop and implement a tangible, identification system for each staff to identify the specific children in their supervisory group. All staff will utilize the identification method appropriately at all times while supervising children. The identification system must be approved by DHS and utilized by all staff. The operator shall provide a date for when this identification method will be complete and implemented by staff. Correction: 1) Implemented immediately - each staff person shall be assigned 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. Additionally, on 4/23/26 at 2:50 staff person #4 was advised that [they need] to calm down and advised not to panic. Staff person #4 was reminded that whenever another staff person leave the room and [they are] still in ratio whether they are in [their] class or not [they are] to call the children out as well and include them into [their] supervision ratio count. 2) Staff is required to wear lainiards and when another staff leaves the room and has to leave their children with another teacher they are to pass their lainards over to the teacher left I the room so there is not confusion that they are responsible for who they have tags for. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Fire safety - 1 yr. (3270.31(e)(4)(ii))

The most recent Fire Safety training for Staff Persons #1, #2 and #3 were completed more than 12 months ago (all on 2/19/2025). Requirement: Staff persons shall participate, at least annually, in fire safety training conducted by a fire protection professional. Staff persons and volunteers shall receive training in maintenance of smoke detectors, the duties of facility persons during a fire drill and during a fire and the use of the facility's fire extinguishers, not including discharge of the fire suppressant agent. Correction: Staff person #1 and #2 have completed ther require fired saftey training. Staff person #3 has taken a leave of absense but will have everything completed before he returns. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Comply with CPSL (3270.32(a))

The Mandated Reporter training for Staff Person #5 was dated more than 60 months ago (2/22/2021). Requirement: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). Correction: Staff member completed their mandated reporter training. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Comply with CPSL/CPSL information (3270.32(a)/3270.192(4))

Both the NSOR and FBI clearances for Staff Person #5 were dated after their hire date. For Staff Person #2, there were more than 60 months between the following clearances: State Police (6/30/20-8/25/25), PA Child Abuse (3/25/20-9/2/25) and NSOR (3/13/20-9/2/25). (SEE LIS CODE SHEET) Requirement: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). Correction: Both staff person #5 and staff person #2 have updated clearances on file. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Staff evaluations (3270.34(a)(6))

The most recent staff evaluation for Staff Persons #2 and #3 were dated more than one year ago (1/3/2025). Requirement: A director is responsible for written evaluation of staff persons on a regular basis, a minimum of one evaluation every 12 months. Correction: Staff evaluation have been completed for Staff person #2 and Staff person #3 is on leave and left the beging of the year. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

HS/GED + 2 yrs (3270.36(b)(5))

The file for Staff Person #4, an assistant group supervisor, contained a high school diploma and documentation of only .5 years of experience with children. The file for Staff Person #5, also an assistant group supervisor, contained a high school diploma and documentation of less than two years of experience with children. During renewal inspection, both staff persons were observed to be unsupervised with children in their care. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET) Requirement: An assistant group supervisor shall have a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 2 years experience with children. Correction: Staff person #4 and #5 recieved verifications of their experience but until it was in hand and confirmed other lead staff was able to go into their rooms to assist. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

110º F or less (3270.69(b))

The hot water in the sink in the Infants Room registered at 120 degrees. When staff was asked, they acknowledged that children's hands are sometimes washed in that sink. Requirement: Hot water temperature, in areas accessible to children, may not exceed 110° F. Correction: The hot water was turned down in the classroom. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Building Surfaces (3270.76)

In the Infant Room, two stained ceiling tiles were observed above the wall with the wooden closets, and one additional stained ceiling tile was observed above the mat area. Requirement: 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. Correction: There has never been a leak in the room in question, but the stain was checked for any signs of leaks and also painted over. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Clean and good repair (3270.102(a))

In the Young One's room, a gray cloth toy bin was observed to be in poor repair; specifically, it was soiled and had fraying edges. Requirement: 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. Correction: The toy box was throw away immediately. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Clean, good repair, proper size (3270.104(a))

In the Older Two's room, a book rack was observed to be unstable and wobbly, posing a risk of toppling on a child. Requirement: Furniture must be durable, safe, easily cleaned and appropriate for the child's size, age and special needs. Correction: Book Shelf was tightened. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Services proceeded (3270.123(a)(3))

The file for Child #1 contained a Child Service Report that was not updated within six months of the previous report. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET) Requirement: 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). Correction: Child #1 has a current up to date file. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos (3270.124(f)/3270.181(c))

The file for Child #1 contained an Emergency Contact form and a Financial Agreement that were not updated within 6 months of the previous update. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET) Requirement: 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 information. 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. Correction: File for child #1 was updated and had all proper docuentation at the time of visit we switched to typed files and electronic file and his previous file was mixed among other documents. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Exemption documentation from parent/guardian (3270.131(e)(1))

The immunization record of Child #2 lacked the following immunizations: one (1) dose of DTap and one (1) dose of Hepatitis A with no Exemption in file. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET) Requirement: The facility shall require the parent to provide updated written verification from a physician, physician's assistant, CRNP, the Department of Health or a local health department of ongoing vaccines administered to an infant, toddler or preschool child in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP. Correction: Child #2 recieved [their] Dtap and Hep vaccine. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Name on bottle (3270.133(3))

In the Young One's room, a tube of A&D ointment was observed in the changing area. The ointment was not labeled with a child's name as other ointments were, and no staff person could identify to which child it belonged. In the Infants room, the following containers were not labeled with a child's name: A&D ointment, Playtex Diaper Rash Cream and Wellements Baby Tooth Oil. Requirement: The label of a medication container shall identify the name of the medication and the name of the child for whom the medication is intended. Medication shall be administered to only the child whose name appears on the container. Correction: The ointment was thrown away. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter (3270.151(a))

The most recent health assessment for Staff Person #3 was dated more than 24 months ago (1/30/2023). Requirement: 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. Correction: Staff person #3 is on leave, but prior to returning will have all required documentation on file when [they] return. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Health information/Initial and subsequent health reports (3270.131(a)/3270.182(1))

The Initial Health Report for Child #1, enrolled for more than 60 days, was lacking from the child's file. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET) Requirement: 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. Correction: Child #1 has all required documents on file and is currently up to date. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

General Health and Safety (3270.21)

In Room 2, a large metal fan was observed on the floor in between the nap-time space and the eating area. The fan was accessible to small children. The openings on the fan were large enough for a small child's finger to fit in, causing potential risk of injury or harm. Requirement: Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. Correction: The fan was immediatley removed from the classroom. Inspection: Allocated Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Comply with CPSL (3270.32(a))

The file for Staff Person #2 was missing a required FBI clearance. The file for Staff Person #3 contained a certificate of completion for Mandated Reporter Training dated 6/5/2020, which is more than 60 months old. Requirement: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). LACKING REQUIRED HIRING DOCUMENTS: Facility Person #2 -- may not work in a child care position at the facility. Correction: Staff person #2 was removed from the classroom and given anoth duty around the building until [their] FB clearance was recieved. [They] do infact now have [their] FBI clearance on file. Inspection: Allocated Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Similar Age Level (3270.51)

At 10:32am, Staff Person #1, an Assistant Group Supervisor, was alone in Room 2 with 6 young toddlers, which exceeds the 1:5 staff:child ratio. Requirement: 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. Correction: One of the children were removed from the classroom until a second staff member was able to assist in the class room. Inspection: Allocated Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Mixed Age Level (3270.52)

While inspection was taking place in Room 7, Staff Person #2 brought a child in from the Pre-K room, so that the child could change out of their sweatshirt. This left only one staff person in the Pre-K room with a group of mixed age toddlers and preschoolers. Requirement: 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). Correction: The staff was immediatley reminded that even though it seems like a simple task per the state [they] left [their] class out of ratio. Inspection: Allocated Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less (3270.65)

In the Pre-K room, an outlet was observed without a protective cover on the back orange wall. This room is utilized for young toddlers. In Room 2, an outlet behind a pack-n-play to the left of the doorway was observed without protective covers. The room was observed to be used for nap-time for young toddlers. Requirement: Protective receptacle covers shall be placed in electrical outlets accessible to children 5 years of age or younger. Correction: A protective cover was placed over the outlet. Inspection: Allocated Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).