LITTLE EXPLORERS LEARNING ACADEMY

2025

1. Medium risk10/1/2025

   General Health and Safety (3270.21)

   According to video evidence and staff statements, Child #1 fell after they tipped a seesaw on to its side to dump water out, stood on top of the seesaw while on its side, and fell to the ground on their arm when the seesaw tipped over. This resulted in Child #1 receiving an injury (see LIS Code Sheet) after the fall. Requirement: Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. Correction: Staff will be trained on active supervision within the classroom and outdoor playspace. Inspection: Complaints- Legal Location. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 10/2/2025
2. Medium-High risk10/1/2025

   Supervised at all times (3270.113(a))

   According to video evidence and staff statements, Child #1 was not being supervised while Staff person #1 had their back to the children in the outside play space and did not observe Child #1 turn a seesaw on its side, stand on top of it and fall to the ground when the seesaw wobbled. This resulted in Child #1 receiving an injury (see LIS Code Sheet) after the fall. According to staff statements, on 9.23.25, Staff person #1 sent Child #1 up a 1/2 flight of steps from the outside play space to the school-age classroom at the top of the steps. Staff person #1 did not accompany the child to the classroom or notify any staff person in the school-age classroom that Child #1 was coming back inside. 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. Correction: Admin had the staff review and sign the active supervision policy. Inspection: Complaints- Legal Location. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 10/2/2025
3. Medium-High risk10/1/2025

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

   According to video evidence and staff statements, the whereabouts and activities of Child #1 were not known to Staff person #1 while Staff person #1 had their back to the children in the outside play space. Staff #1 did not observe Child #1 turn a seesaw on its side, stand on top of it and fall to the ground when the seesaw wobbled. This resulted in Child #1 receiving an injury after the fall. According to staff statements, on 9.23.25, Staff person #1 sent Child #1 up a 1/2 flight of steps from the outside play space to the school-age classroom at the top of the steps. Staff person #1 did not accompany the child to the classroom or notify any staff person in the school-age classroom that Child #1 was coming back inside. Requirement: 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. TIERED LIS: 1) Each staff person shall be assigned the responsibility for supervision of specific children, know the name and whereabouts of children in their assigned group and be physically present with the children in their group. This portion of the plan shall have an immediate correction date. 2) Each staff member will complete DHS training on the topic of Supervision provided by the ELRC. Documentation of the completed training will be submitted to the certification representative within 1 week of completion of the training. This portion of the plan will have a date within one week of the completion of the approved training. 3) The legal entity will create a form to be used to conduct supervision and ratio checks. The form will include the name of the classroom, the time and date the check was performed, the staff present and the number of children present by age and a notation indicating if staff knew the whereabouts of the children in their supervisory group. The director(s) will conduct random supervision and ratio checks in all classrooms a minimum of 3 times each week for a minimum of 3 months. The legal entity will record the results on the DHS approved form and will submit the forms to the certification representative biweekly. This portion of the plan will have a correction date 3 months after the approval of the supervision monitoring form. Correction: 1: 10/1/25-Staff were given supervision cards to use for ratio and supervision. IMPLEMENTED 4.21.26 2: 1.19.26-Supervision training was scheduled with the Early Learning Resource Center to be facilitated on 1.19.26 during a staff in-service that all staff are mandated to attend. IMPLEMENTED 1/22/26 3: 10.2.25-A form was created to conduct supervision and ratio checks following the guidelines. Administrators have conducted ratio and supervision checks 3 times a week for all classrooms and daily for school age. IMPLEMENTED 6.24.26 Inspection: Complaints- Legal Location. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 1/19/2026
4. High risk10/1/2025

   Contact parent/keep record (3270.132(a))

   According to staff interviews, when Child #1 fell on the playground and injured their arm (see LIS Code Sheet) and showed evidence of being in pain, the facility staff did not contact the parent or emergency services. Child #1 was later taken to the ER in the evening and was found to have an injury (see LIS Code Sheet) requiring medical care. Requirement: If emergency medical care is needed for a child, the parent shall be contacted as soon as practical in the best interest of the child. If the parent cannot be reached, the operator shall record in writing the reason emergency care was required and the attempts made to inform the parent. TIERED LIS: 1. If emergency medical care is needed for a child, the parent shall be contacted as soon as practical in the best interest of the child. If the parent cannot be reached, the operator shall record in writing the reason emergency care was required and the attempts made to inform the parent. (This portion of the plan will have an immediate correction date.) 2. The legal entity will ensure that all facility persons complete the PA Required Health and Safety for Centers-Group Child Care Part 1 and PA Required Health and Safety for Centers-Group Child Care Part 2 trainings found on Penn State Better Kid Care website within 21 calendar days of the acceptance of this plan of correction. All facility persons who have already completed PA Required Health and Safety for Centers-Group Child Care Part 1 and PA Required Health and Safety for Centers-Group Child Care Part 2 trainings will be required to take the trainings again and provide documentation of completion after the date of the acceptance of this plan of correction. Once all facility persons have completed these required trainings, the legal entity will submit the training certificates for all facility persons to the Western Regional Office within 5 business days of the last date of completion. (The operator will provide a date for when this training will be completed and submitted.) 3. Once the requirement in Tier #2 is met, the legal entity will ensure that all facility persons complete the 1 hour training entitled 911-Responding to Medical Emergencies found on Penn State Better Kid Care website within 21 calendar days. Once all facility persons have completed the required training, the legal entity will submit the training certificates for all facility persons to the Western Regional Office within 5 business days of the last date of completion. (The operator will provide a date for when this training will be completed and submitted.) 4.:The Legal Entity will work with the ELRC staff to draft an emergency medical care policy. Once the requirement in Tier #3 is met, the legal entity will ensure that the facility director and other legal entity representatives in a leadership role participate in technical assistance for a minimum of 3 hours with the PA Key and ECELS (The Early Childhood Linkage System at the PA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics) to develop a plan that includes but is not limited to training staff to recognize when a child may need emergency medical care, how staff should recognize and respond to child injuries, how staff should respond when a child receives a potential injury to bone, and how the administration can support staff in implementing the plan. The legal entity will submit the plan to the Regional Office within 5 business days of completion. (The operator will provide a date for when the plan will be completed and submitted.) 5. Once the requirement in Tier #4 is met, the legal entity will ensure that all facility persons participate in a minimum of 2 hours of training conducted by the PA Key and ECELS. The training will include but will not be limited to the plan that was developed in Tier #4. All facility persons will be required to complete an assessment after the training to assess their knowledge of the information given in the training. All facility persons will be required to obtain at lea

   Corrected 5/31/2026
5. Medium risk10/1/2025

   Reports of accidents, injuries and illnesses. Original report - parent same day Copy - facility accident file. Copy - child's file (3270.182(7))

   Child #1 suffered an injury (see LIS Code Sheet) that required a visit to the ER after a fall from a see saw on the playground. The parent of child #1 was not provided with a written accident report until the following day. Requirement: 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. Correction: Provider will review any incident reports before getting signatures. A copy will be kept in child's file, office file, and parent will receive as well. Inspection: Complaints- Legal Location. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 9/23/2025
6. Medium risk10/1/2025

   Each staff person meets quals/Exp, educ., training prior to facility (3270.33(a)/3270.192(2)(ii))

   The file for Staff person #1, who is classified as an aide, does not include a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate; or a minimum of an 8th grade education and 2 years of experience with children. The file for Staff person #5, classified as an assistant group supervisor, does not include a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 30 credit hours in education or a related human services field; or a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate with 15 credits in education or a related human services field and 1 year of experience with children; or a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 2 years experience with children Requirement: 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. Correction: The education documents for staff person #1 will be sent to an evaluation company for translation and to obtain the necessary equivalency to demonstrate their education. The High School diploma and child care verification form will be obtained from staff person #5 and added to their file to demonstrate the necessary qualifications going forward. Inspection: Allocated Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 12/30/2025
7. Medium-High risk10/1/2025

   Similar Age Level (3270.51)

   While assessing supervision/ratio, the CR observed Staff person #1 in the Middlers room with 7 older toddlers. Nap time had ended and Staff person #6 had stepped out of the room, but multiple children were awake and off their cots, and walking around the room, so naptime ratios were not in effect. According to staff statements, on 9.23.25, Staff person #1 sent Child #1 up a 1/2 flight of steps from the outside play space to the school-age classroom at the top of the steps. Staff person #1 did not accompany the child to the classroom or notify any staff person in the school-age classroom that Child #1 was coming back inside. 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. IF USING TIERED LIS: The required staff:child ratios must be maintained at all times. The legal entity must submit documentation in a format approved by DHS proving that the facility is maintaining the required staff:child ratios at all times. The legal entity will confirm continuing compliance by sending copies of the documentation to the -------- Region Office on a weekly basis for a period of three months after DHS approves the documentation format. Correction: Provider will give an Active Supervision to Staff #1 in order for her to maintain ratios. Inspection: Allocated Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 12/12/2025
8. Medium-High risk10/1/2025

   Building Surfaces (3270.76)

   In the outside playground there was a water spigot protruding from the wall about 1-2 feet off the ground that was not covered, making it a potential hazard for a child to be injured on. 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 spigot cover was placed over the spigot to prevent injury. Admin has the key to the spigot cover Inspection: Allocated Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 10/2/2025
9. Medium-High risk10/1/2025

   Original label (3270.133(5))

   There was an Epi-pen in the Early Preschool classroom labeled for use by a specific child that had an expiration date of 8.2024. Requirement: Medication shall be stored in accordance with the manufacturer's or health professional's instructions on the original label. Correction: The Epi-Pen has been removed and sent home with parents due to the expiration date. Inspection: Allocated Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 10/2/2025
10. Medium-High risk10/1/2025

    Written consent (3270.133(6))

    There was an Epi-pen in the Early Preschool room that was labeled for use by a specific child that does not have written parental permission to administer. Requirement: A parent shall provide written consent for administration of medication or a special diet. Correction: The Epi-Pen was removed, and staff was reminded that no medication shall be in the center without parental permission. Inspection: Allocated Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 10/2/2025
11. Medium-High riskStandard 1210/1/2025

    12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test (3270.151(a)/3270.192(3))

    The file for staff person #4 does not include documentation of a health assessment being completed within 12 months prior to date of hire (See LIS CODE SHEET). The health assessment on file for staff person #4 was dated 9.25.25. 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. 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. Correction: All new hires shall not fill in the hire date at the bottom of the staff data sheet. Inspection: Allocated Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 10/1/2025
12. Medium risk10/1/2025

    Two written references (3270.192(5))

    The file for Staff person #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 does not include 2 written non-family references attesting to the staff person's suitability to work in childcare. Requirement: 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. Correction: Provider will get reference letters immediately from staff to put in files. Inspection: Allocated Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 10/2/2025
13. Medium-High risk10/1/2025

    Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance (3270.95(a)/3270.95(b))

    The fire alarm 30-day test log includes test dates 8.29.25 and 9.29.25, more than 30 days apart Requirement: 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. Correction: Provider will schedule fire drill on calendar every 25 days to ensure fire drills and alarm tests are completed. Inspection: Allocated Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 10/1/2025
14. Medium-High risk7/17/2025

    Mixed Age Level (3270.52)

    During a supervision and ratio check in the school-age room on 7.17.25 at 12:40 PM, Staff person #1 named 11 children, including 5 preschool children and 6 school-age children, resulting in Staff person #1 being over ratio. 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: Each morning, the school age teachers are to create set groups for each staff member that consider the appropriate ratio for each child in attendance. If a group includes a child that has not completed Kindergarten, there will be no more than 10 children in the group. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 7/17/2025
15. Medium risk7/17/2025

    Contaminated trash in closed plastic-lined receptacle (3270.67(d))

    RECITED FROM SIN-00263973: Children were observed throwing lunch food remains, plates, and utensils in an unlidded trashcan in the school-age room. Requirement: Trash that has been contaminated by human secretions or excrement shall be contained in closed, plastic-lined receptacles. Correction: Staff removed the trash can lid to make it easier for children to throw out trash without making a mess, however they will discontinue this practice starting immediately and will keep the lid on the trash can at all times. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 7/23/2025
16. Medium-Low risk7/17/2025

    Clean, age appropriate (3270.106(a))

    RECITED FROM SIN-00263973: Preschool (Room 202) contained rest equipment that was not labeled for the use by a specific child. Requirement: 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. Correction: A chart was created to detail the number of each mat with the corresponding child the mat is assigned to. The chart is posted in the classroom. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 7/18/2025
17. Medium-High riskStandard 27/17/2025

    2 feet apart (3270.106(f))

    RECITED FROM SIN-00263973: Several rest mats did not have 2 feet of clearance on 3 sides, being placed too close together, in Room 005. Requirement: 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. Correction: There is a mat placement chart in the classroom that details where each mat should be placed to ensure appropriate spacing. All staff working in the classroom have been made aware of the chart and shown how to place the mats so that they are the appropriate spacing. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 7/18/2025
18. Medium-High risk7/17/2025

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

    While assessing compliance with supervision and ratio in the school-age classroom on 7.17.25 at approximately 12:00 PM, Staff person #1 stated there were 31 children in the room. Staff person #1 named 9 children, Staff person #2 named 11 children, and Staff person #3 named 6 children, leaving 5 children unnamed. While in the school-age classroom, the CR observed a staff member standing in the doorway of the classroom while children were going to the bathroom in the hallway bathroom outside the classroom door, so that the staff person was not physically present with the child in the bathroom. Requirement: 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. Correction: When children have to use the restroom, staff will either ask a floating staff person or administrative team member to escort the child(ren) to the hallway, or will take their whole group with them to the hallway for bathroom breaks. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 7/22/2025
19. High risk4/30/2025

    Inpatient hospitalization or ER treatment of child (3270.20(a)(1))

    Through staff interviews and reviewing submitted documentation, it was determined that Staff person #1 did not report to the regional childcare certification office that Child #1 was taken to the emergency room for evaluation by the parent after the child fell and hit their head at the childcare center. Requirement: The operator shall immediately notify a child's parent and shall telephone notice to the appropriate regional office within 24 hours if a child in care at the facility is hospitalized or receives emergency room treatment. Correction: Staff person will review the policy of reporting when children are taken to the emergency room. Inspection: Complaints- Legal Location. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 7/3/2025
20. Medium risk4/30/2025

    Reports of accidents, injuries and illnesses. Original report - parent same day Copy - facility accident file. Copy - child's file (3270.182(7))

    According to staff statements and document review, the facility did not provide the parent of Child #1 with a written incident report following an incident on 4.9.25, when child #1 fell and bumped their head then later vomited on until 4.21.25. Requirement: 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. Correction: Provider will have a training on how to complete and submit incident reports. Inspection: Complaints- Legal Location. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 7/3/2025
21. Medium-High risk4/9/2025

    Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety (3270.14/3270.21)

    The Shaken Baby Policy submitted by the facility does not include language regarding the prevention and identification of child maltreatment. Requirement: 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. Correction: Update the language of the Shaken Baby Policy of the employee handbook to meet the DHS standard Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 5/8/2025
22. Medium risk4/9/2025

    General Health and Safety (3270.21)

    During the inspection, the certification representative observed the door to the 1st floor kitchen was open, with no facility person present, and there were adult scissors sitting on a counter, accessible to children. Requirement: Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. Correction: Provider will make sure that the door remains locked at all times to ensure the conditions do not pose a threat to the health and safety of the children Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 4/10/2025
23. Medium-High risk4/9/2025

    Letter to parents (3270.27(e))

    The letter to the parents of enrolled children regarding the facility emergency plan does not include information regarding accommodations for infants and toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions. Requirement: The operator shall provide to the parent of each enrolled child a letter explaining the emergency procedures. The operator shall also provide to the parent of each enrolled child a letter explaining any subsequent update to the plan. Correction: Provider will update the emergency plan to reflect the letter to parents that acknowledge the accommodations for infants and Toddlers, Children with Disabilities, and children with chronic conditions. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 5/5/2025
24. Medium-High risk4/9/2025

    Health and Safety Training (3270.31(f))

    Staff person #8 did not complete the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric First Aid/Pediatric CPR; the training was completed on 10.3.24. Staff person #11 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Get Started with Center-based Care: Building Blocks for Quality; PA Required Health and Safety for Centers-Group Child Care Parts 1 and 2 was completed on 4.9.25. Requirement: Staff persons shall complete professional development within 90 days of hire as listed in subsections (f)1-10. Correction: Provider will make verify new and current staff credentials before allowing them to be in the classroom. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 4/10/2025
25. Medium-High risk4/9/2025

    Health and Safety Training (3270.31(f))

    Staff person #7 has completed Pediatric first aid and CPR training, however the training was not completed through a Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) approved curriculum. Staff person #14 has not competed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their hire date (See LIS Code sheet): Get Started with Center-based Care: Building Blocks for Quality; Health and Safety Basics: Requirements for Certification (6 hours) was taken previously but is not dated between 9/30/2016 -- 6/30/2018. Requirement: Staff person(s) shall complete professional development in the topics of 3270.31(f)(1 -- 10) within 90 days of hire. Until such time as the required training has been completed, staff person #7, #14 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 #7, #14, staff person #7, #14 may not work in a child-care position at the facility. Correction: Provider will do CPR training and pre-service training to new and current employees. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 4/16/2025