MEADVILLE CHILDRENS CENTER

No smoking areas (3270.68(a))

Based on statements made by staff, staff #1 has been observed smoking in the presence of children using a vape device on two occasions over the past few months. Once instance occurred in the restroom and the other in the older toddler room. Requirement: Cigarettes, pipes or cigars may not be smoked in a child care space, a play space or a food preparation area when children are in care or when food is being prepared. Correction: MCC created/updated our smoking/vaping policy to prevent staff from smoking/vaping in the building or around children. The policy requires that staff leave any smoking/vaping paraphernalia in their vehicle and can only smoke there. A lock box was purchased for any who do not drive and they must go 50 feet away. Inspection: Complaints- Legal Location. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Supervised at all times (3270.113(a))

Based on statements made by staff, on a recurring basis multiple staff have been observed using cell phones, for personal use, in a manner that prevented them from appropriately supervising the children in their care. 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: A new policy regarding cell phone/smart watch use was updated and presented at the staff meeting that evening. MCC purchased walkie talkies for staff communication to help enforce and uphold the cell phone limits for the policy. Inspection: Complaints- Legal Location. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

General Health and Safety (3270.21)

Based on statements made by staff and investigation findings, staff #1 has been observed roughly handling infants in their care including pulling child #1 by one arm to guide their movement, quickly placing a child into an activity seat, and abruptly removing children from the arms of other staff or parents without providing proper support to the child. Requirement: Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. Correction: When the inspector came on 5/12/26 MCC had already taken action. The teacher was removed from the room on 4/28/26, suspended with pay for the week while we did an internal investigation, put on 60 day probation, and assigned 2 trainings about safely and appropriately handling infants and young children. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Locked or inaccessible (3270.66(a))

Based on statements made by staff, in early May 2026, a child found a vape device on the playground and brought the device to staff #2. Requirement: Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be kept in an area or container that is locked or made inaccessible to children. Correction: Staff involved was written up. MCC created/updated our smoking policy to include vaping and vaping materials. A lock box was purchased for staff who cannot keep toxic materials in their vehicles as our policy includes that smoking/vaping must be done in cars or 50 feet away from the building and playground. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

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

During the renewal inspection, the CR was informed by the Allegheny College Public Safety office that the fire detection system was not functioning; there was an issue with the panel. The officer informed the CR that they discovered this on 1.7.26 when they planned a fire drill. The childcare facility was not made aware that the fire detection system was not functioning. 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: MCC purchased and installed smoke detectors to rely on for safety until Allegheny College repairs their system. The smoke detectors were sounded while the DHS inspector was present. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Restraints prohibited (3270.113(e))

According to staff statements, on separate occasions, Staff #1 and Staff #2 each restrained Child #1 when Child #1 was acting out aggressively toward others. Requirement: 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. Correction: The prohibition of restraining a child will be discussed at our staff in-service meeting on 10.31.25. Staff #1 and #2 will complete a training on the PA PD Registry called "Kids & Tweens: Managing School Age Behavior" as it provides information about preventative strategies and behavior management approaches. Inspection: Complaints- Legal Location. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

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

Staff person #4 has completed the health and safety course titled Get Started with Center-Based Care: Building Blocks for Quality-(10 hours) but has not completed the required health and safety update course titled Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update 2022 (1 hour) training. 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. Staff person #4 must complete PA Required Health and Safety for Centers-Group Child Care Parts 1 and 2 Correction: Staff person #4 is no longer working at MCC. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

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: MCC's Shaken Baby Policy has been updated to include language regarding the prevention and identification of maltreatment. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

General Health and Safety (3270.21)

There was a running fan in the Racoon room that was accessible to children and did not have any safety guard, creating a hazard to children. Requirement: Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. Correction: The fan was removed from the room. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

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

Staff person #8 did not complete Pediatric first aid and CPR training on or before expiration of the most current certification date2.28.25; the training was updated on 3.6.25. 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: Staff person #8 completed the Pediatric first aid and CPR course. Her certificate was placed in her staff file. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Health and Safety Training (3270.31(f))

Staff person #3 did not complete the following required pre- service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): PA Required Health and Safety for Centers-Group Child Care Part 2; the training was completed on 4.11.25. Staff person #7 did not complete the following required pre- service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric First Aid/CPR; the training was completed on 6.26.25. Staff person #7 did not complete the following required pre- service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): PA Required Health and Safety for Centers-Group Child Care Part 2; the training was completed on 7.3.25. Requirement: Staff persons shall complete professional development within 90 days of hire as listed in subsections (f)1-10. Correction: Staff #3 completed part 2 of the Health and Safety training. The certificate was placed in her file. Staff #7 completed first aid and CPR training and the Health and Safety training. The certificates were placed in her file, though staff #7 is no longer employed with MCC. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

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

The file for Staff person #5 includes NSOR clearances dated 1.14.20 and 1.28.25, more than 60 months apart. The file for Staff person #5 includes a Criminal History clearance dated 10.14.19 and a Child Abuse clearance dated 10.4.19, both more than 60 months ago. The file for Staff person #7 does not include a criminal history clearance, child abuse clearance, or sex offender history clearance from New York, where she resided in the 5 years prior to her employment. The file for Staff person #7 does not contain documentation of application for a PA Criminal History clearance prior to date of hire or a complete and valid PA Criminal History clearance within 45 days (See IS CODE SHEET) required for provisional hiring under the CPSL. The file for Staff person #9 includes criminal history clearances dated 3.9.20 and 4.9.25; child abuse clearances dated 3.27.20 and 4.14.25; FBI clearances dated 3.4.20 and 4.14.25; and NSOR clearances dated 11.6.19 and 11.8.24, all more than 60 months apart. The file for Staff person #10 does not contain an NSOR clearance prior to the first day caring for children (See IS CODE SHEET) required for provisional hiring under the CPSL. The file for Staff person #12 includes NSOR clearances dated 5.26.20 and 7.15.25, more than 60 months apart. 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. Facility Person #5, #7, #10 may not work in a childcare position at the facility. Correction: Staff person #5 obtained her NSOR on 1/28/25.Staff #5 also obtained her Child Abuse clearance and her Criminal History clearance. Staff #7 no longer works for MCC. Staff #9 has obtained all of her clearances. Staff #10 has obtained her NSOR. Staff #12 no longer works for MCC. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

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

The file for Staff person #6, #10, #11, 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: Staff #6 has her diploma and a professional development report from Pakeys qualifying her as an assistant group supervisor. Staff #10 is getting a copy of her high school diploma for her file. She has a professional development report from the Pakey qualifying her as an assistant group supervisor. Staff #11 no longer works for MCC. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Locked or inaccessible (3270.66(a))

There was a bottle of Purell disinfectant spray, labeled "Keep out of the reach of children", in an unlatched cabinet under the changing table in the Bears room, making it accessible to children. There was a spray can of Febreze air freshener in the Wolves classroom that was accessible to children. The Racoon room had a bottle of Tylenol, a container of wipes, and a tube of Neosporin, all labeled "keep out of reach of children" that were in the open emergency bag that was sitting on the floor and accessible to children in care. Requirement: Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be kept in an area or container that is locked or made inaccessible to children. Correction: The changing table doors were latched with a childproof latch. The Febreze spray was removed from the room. The Tylenol was placed in the medicine box. The wipes and Neosporin were kept in the emergency bag, but the bag was placed out of the children's reach (on a new hook). Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

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

Children were observed in the Squirrel room placing soiled plates, utensils, etc. in an unlidded bin in the middle of the table, rather than throwing the items in a lidded, plastic-lined receptacle. Requirement: Trash that has been contaminated by human secretions or excrement shall be contained in closed, plastic-lined receptacles. Correction: The unlidded bins were removed from the room. The children dispose of their garbage in the lidded garbage can. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Inaccessible to children (3270.75(b))

The first aid kit in the Racoon room was in an open backpack that was sitting on the floor, making the first aid kit accessible to children. Requirement: A first-aid kit must be inaccessible to children. Correction: The backpack that contains the first aid kit has been hung on a hook out of the children's reach. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Has all items (3270.75(c))

The first aid kit in the Racoon room did not include scissors, tweezers, soap, or 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: Scissors, tweezers, soap, and gloves were placed in the Raccoon's first aid kit. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Building Surfaces (3270.76)

There was a hole in the wall in the Racoon room in the far-left corner above the ledge along the floor. 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 hole in the wall was covered. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Clean and good repair (3270.102(a))

There was a plastic storage bin holding butterfly connecting toys in the Racoon room that was cracked, causing a potential pinch point. 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 bin was discarded. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Small Toys and Objects (3270.103)

The Bear and Duck rooms each had an unlatched cabinet that contained a container of "rainbow pebbles", meant for fish tanks, that were smaller than 1" in diameter and were accessible to children who are still placing objects in their mouths. 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 pebbles were removed from the lower cabinets in each room and placed in a cabinet that is out of reach of the children. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Written plan (3270.111(a))

There was no written daily activity schedule posted in the Racoon room. Requirement: A written plan of daily activities and routines, including a time for free play shall be established for each group. The plan shall be flexible to accommodate the needs of individual children and the dynamics of the group. Correction: A schedule of daily activities has been posted in the Raccoon room. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Amount of fee (3270.123(a)(1))

The agreement on file for Child #1 does not include the amount of the fee to be paid by the parent/guardian. Requirement: An agreement shall specify the amount of the fee to be charged per day or per week. Correction: Child #1 no longer attend MCC Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Admission date/Application, admission, withdrawal dates (3270.123(a)(6)/3270.182(2))

The agreement on file for Child #9 does not include the child's date of admission. Requirement: An agreement shall specify the date of the child's admission. A child's record shall contain the dates of application, admission and withdrawal of the child. Correction: Child #9 no longer attends MCC Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Physician name, address, phone (3270.124(b)(2))

The emergency contact form on file for Child #5, #6, and #8 does not include the complete address and/or telephone number for the child's pediatrician/source for medical care. Requirement: Emergency contact information must include the name, address and telephone number of the child's physician or source of medical care. Correction: Child #5 and Child #6 no longer attend MCC. The pediatrician's information has been added to the emergency contact form of Child #8. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Parent home/work address, phone (3270.124(b)(3))

The emergency contact form on file for Child #8 does not include the work address and telephone number for the enrolling parent's place of employment Requirement: Emergency contact information must include the home and work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent. Correction: The work information for the parent of Child #8 has been added to the emergency contact form. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).