THE RED BALLOON DAYCARE INC

2025

1. Medium risk8/11/2025

   No ridicule or threaten harm (3270.113(c))

   Video from July 30, 2025, showed Staff Person #1 engaged in conversation with other staff while supervising toddlers in the sanctuary. Staff Person #1 then walked over to Child #1, used their foot to position a mat directly in the child's path, and guided the child by the hand toward the mat, causing the child to stumble and fall onto the mat. According to staff statements, Staff Person #1 stated that Child #1 cries every time they fall and then intentionally demonstrated this by causing the child to fall. Based on the video evidence and staff interviews, the investigation concluded that Staff Person #1 intentionally caused the child to fall and singled the child out for ridicule. Requirement: A facility person may not single out the child for ridicule, threaten harm to the child or the child's family and may not specifically aim to degrade the child or the child's family. Correction: Staff #1 was initially suspended from her position and then ultimately terminated from her position with The Red Balloon. Under no circumstances is it ever acceptable for a facility person to single out a child for ridicule or threaten harm to the child or the childs family and never aim to degrade the child or the childs family. Since this incident has occurred we have had entire staff training on Empathy and Positive Interactions with children. I was very upset and offended by this situation. Inspection: Complaints- Legal Location. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 10/28/2025
2. Medium risk7/14/2025

   General Health and Safety (3270.21)

   The following conditions were accessible and posed a threat to the health and safety of children in care: sharp adult scissors in the all stars room; a sharp pizza cutter in an unlocked drawer in the safari room; a long extension cord draped over furniture in the fly guys room; and sharp adult scissors and batteries in an unlocked desk drawer in the entryway of the church building. Requirement: Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. Correction: The following conditions that were accessible and posed a threat to the health and safety of children were corrected. Sharp adult scissors in the all stars room were locked up, a sharp pizza cutter in the safari room was locked up, a long extension cored draped over furniture in the fly guys room was removed and sharp adult scissors and batteries in a drawer in the entryway of the church were removed. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 8/4/2025
3. Medium-High risk7/14/2025

   Training regarding plan/Exp, educ., training at facility (3270.27(c)/3270.192(2)(iii))

   The file for Staff Person #1 does not contain documentation of emergency plan training conducted within the past 12 months. Requirement: The operator shall assure that each facility person receives training regarding the emergency plan at the time of initial employment, on an annual basis and at the time of each plan update. The operator shall document the date of each training and the names of all facility persons who received the training and kept on file at the facility. A facility person's record shall include verification of child care experience, education and training following the outset of service at the facility. Correction: Emergency plan training was conducted and updated documentation was added to the file for staff person #1. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 7/21/2025
4. Medium-High risk7/14/2025

   Age and Training (3270.31(e)(4)(i))

   The most recent Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification in the file for Staff Person #5 was acquired after the previous certification had expired. Requirement: Competence is the completion of training by a professional in the field of first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). All staff persons shall renew their certification in pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on or before the expiration of the most current certification. Correction: Pediatric First Aid/CPR was acquired for staff person #5, yet it was taken after the due date. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 8/12/2025
5. Medium-High risk7/14/2025

   Fire safety - 1 yr./Exp, educ., training at facility (3270.31(e)(4)(ii)/3270.192(2)(iii))

   The file for Staff Person #1 does not contain documentation of fire safety training conducted within the past 12 months. Requirement: Staff persons shall participate, at least annually, in firesafety 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. A facility person's record shall include verification of child care experience, education and training following the outset of service at the facility. Correction: Staff person #1 completed fire safety training and documentation was added to their file. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 7/16/2025
6. Medium-High risk7/14/2025

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

   The most recent Child Abuse Clearances and NSOR Certificates in the file for Staff Person #3 exceeded 60 months between clearances/certificates. The most recent State Police Clearances in the file for Staff Person #4 exceeded 60 months between clearances. The most recent NSOR Certificates in the files for Staff Person #6, #8 exceeded 60 months between certificates. The State Police, Child Abuse, and FBI Clearances in the file for Staff Person #7 were conducted after the staff person's first day working in child care. The most recent State Police, Child Abuse, and FBI Clearances in the file for Staff Person #9, #10 exceeded 60 months between clearances. The NSOR Certificate in the file for Staff Person #10 was acquired after the staff person's first day working in child care (See LIS Code Sheet). Requirement: 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. Correction: Staff person #3 completed child abuse clearance and NSOR certificate but it did exceed the 60 months. Staff person # 4 did complete their child abuse clearance, but it did exceed the 60 months. Staff person # 6 & #8 did complete their NSOR certificate but it did exceed the 60 months. Staff person # 7 did complete their child abuse, state police and FBI clearances but it was after the staff persons first day working in child care. Staff person #9 & # 10 did complete state police, child abuse and FBI clearances but it did exceed the 60 months. Staff person # 10 did complete their NSOR certificate but it was after the staff persons first day working in child care. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 8/4/2025
7. Medium risk7/14/2025

   Comply with CPSL (3270.32(a))

   The Mandated Reporter Trainings in the files for Staff Person #2, #7, #9, #10 were conducted more than 90 days after the staff persons' first day working in child care (See LIS Code Sheet). The most recent Mandated Reporter Trainings in the file for Staff Person #5 exceeded 60 months between trainings. Requirement: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). Correction: Staff persons will have the Mandated Reporter Training within the 90 days of hire and within every 60 months thereafter. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 8/18/2025
8. Medium risk7/14/2025

   Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less (3270.65)

   Protective covers were not placed in electrical outlets in the following areas, accessible to children 5 years of age or younger: an electrical outlet on an extension cord that was plugged into the wall in the ocean room; (2) electrical outlets by the lizard cage in the all star room; and (2) electrical outlets by the sink in the women's room in the church building. Requirement: Protective receptacle covers shall be placed in electrical outlets accessible to children 5 years of age or younger. Correction: Protective covers were placed in the electrical outlets in areas accessible to children 5 years of age or younger. An electrical outlet on an extension cord that was plugged into the wall in the ocean room was removed. Protective covers were put into the electrical outlet by the lizard cage in the all star room. Protective covers were put into the electrical outlets by the sink in the women's room in the church building. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 8/6/2025
9. Medium-High risk7/14/2025

   Locked or inaccessible (3270.66(a))

   A bottle of white-out labeled keep out of the reach of children was accessible to children in the all stars room. Requirement: Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be kept in an area or container that is locked or made inaccessible to children. Correction: A bottle of white out that was accessible to children in the all stars room was removed. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

   Corrected 7/16/2025
10. High risk7/14/2025

    Emergency Numbers Posted (3270.74)

    Emergency telephone numbers were not posted by the telephone in the giraffes room. Requirement: The telephone number of the nearest hospital, police department, fire department, ambulance and poison control center shall be posted by each telephone in the facility. Correction: Emergency telephone numbers were posted by the telephone in the giraffe room. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 7/16/2025
11. Medium-High risk7/14/2025

    Inaccessible to children (3270.75(b))

    A first-aid kit in an excursion bag was stored in an unlocked cabinet in the fly guys room, accessible to children in care. Requirement: A first-aid kit must be inaccessible to children. Correction: The first aid kit in the outdoor bag was moved from an unlocked cabinet to a locked locker in the fly guys room. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 8/14/2025
12. Medium-High risk7/14/2025

    Has all items (3270.75(c))

    The first-aid kit in the rising stars room lacked disposable gloves. Requirement: A first-aid kit must contain the following: soap, an assortment of adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, tweezers, tape, scissors and disposable, nonporous gloves. Correction: Disposable gloves were added to the first aid kit in the rising stars room. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 7/16/2025
13. Medium-High risk7/14/2025

    Building Surfaces (3270.76)

    There were sharp corners on a metal chalkboard tray in the garden room; a metal brace used to secure a rain gutter to the outside of the building in the infant/toddler outdoor play space was detached and sharp; and there were sharp corners underneath a metal box mounted on the wall in the rear of the pig pen room. 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 chalkboard tray in the garden room was removed, the metal brace that was used to secure a rain gutter to the outside of the building in the infant/toddler outdoor play space was replaced and repaired. The sharp corners underneath a metal box on the wall in the pig pen room were covered with a protective tape. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 8/4/2025
14. Medium risk7/14/2025

    No peeling paint or plaster (3270.77(a))

    Peeled or damaged paint/plaster was observed on the wall and ceiling in a corner of the infant play space. Requirement: Peeled or damaged paint or damaged plaster is not permitted on indoor or outdoor surfaces in the child care facility. Correction: All peeled and damaged paint/plaster was fixed right away. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 8/18/2025
15. Medium-Low risk7/14/2025

    Toilet and sinks proper height (3270.82(e))

    Sinks in the panda room and elephants room were not at a proper height for children using them or able to be easily approached by means of platforms or steps. Requirement: Toilets and sinks shall be at proper heights for children using them or shall be easily approached by means of platforms or steps. Correction: New step stools were ordered to help children reach the sink easier. Teachers will assist the children with washing and rinsing hands by pulling the spout of the sink out further. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 8/18/2025
16. Medium risk7/14/2025

    Handwashing signs (3270.82(h))

    A handwashing sign was not posted at each sink in the men's and women's bathrooms in the church building. Requirement: 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. Correction: New signs will be laminated and place in the men's and women's bathroom in the church. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 8/18/2025
17. Medium risk7/14/2025

    Handwashing signs (3270.82(h))

    Children's hands were not dried after handwashing in the panda and elephants rooms. Requirement: 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. Correction: Teachers were told that children's hands need to be dried with a paper towel after each handwashing. Teachers were made to go over the hand washing steps again to remind them of the importance of each step. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 8/18/2025
18. Medium risk7/14/2025

    Stairs, exits, etc. unobstructed (3270.91(a))

    An exit door in the rising stars room was obstructed by a cot in use by a child. Requirement: Stairways, hallways, exits from rooms, exits from the facility and other means of egress serving as an exit shall be unobstructed. Correction: The cot that was blocking the exit door in the rising stars room was moved. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 7/16/2025
19. Medium risk7/14/2025

    No portable space heaters (3270.92(a))

    A portable space heater was observed in entryway of the church building. Requirement: Portable space heaters are not permitted. Correction: The portable space heater in the entryway of the church was removed. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 7/16/2025
20. Medium risk7/14/2025

    Clean and good repair (3270.102(a))

    A plastic bucket in the storage shed in the preschool outdoor play space was broken with rough 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 plastic bucket in the storage shed in the preschool outdoor play space with broken edges was thrown away. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 7/21/2025
21. Medium risk7/14/2025

    Small Toys and Objects (3270.103)

    The lids on (4) sensory bottles that contained objects less than 1 inch in diameter were not secured and they were accessible to children who are still placing objects in their mouths in the panda room. Requirement: Toys and objects with a diameter of less than 1 inch, objects with removable parts that have a diameter of less than 1 inch, plastic bags and styrofoam objects may not be accessible to children who are still placing objects in their mouths. Correction: The sensory bottles were removed from the play space immediately. The sensory bottle lids were properly glued back on so that they were no longer loose before they were put back in the classroom. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 8/18/2025
22. Medium riskStandard 27/14/2025

    2 feet apart (3270.106(f))

    There was less than 2 feet of space on three sides of a cot in use by a child in the rising stars room and (3) cribs in use by children in the lambs room. 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: All cots and cribs will have 2 feet of space around three sides. All teachers have been reminded of the importance of the proper space between rest equipment. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 8/18/2025
23. Medium-Low risk7/14/2025

    Posted in group space (3270.111(b))

    The written plan of daily activities was not posted in the CB3 school age room. Requirement: The written plan of daily activities shall be posted in the group space. Correction: The written plan of daily activities was posted in the school age room Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 7/16/2025
24. Medium risk7/14/2025

    Date fee to be paid (3270.123(a)(2))

    The agreement for child #1 did not specify the date on which the fee is to be paid. Requirement: An agreement shall specify the date on which the fee is to be paid. Correction: A date for when the fee for child # 1 is due was added to their agreement. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 7/21/2025
25. Medium-High risk7/14/2025

    Services proceeded (3270.123(a)(3))

    The child service report for child #4 and #6 was completed more than 6 months following the completion of their previous child service report. The child service report for child #9 and #10 was completed more than 6 months following their date of admission. 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: A child service report has been completed for child #4, #6, #9 and #10 within the last 6 months. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 8/18/2025