EARLY CONNECTIONS/HARBOR HOMES EARLY LRNG CTR

Staff evaluations (3270.34(a)(6))

The most recent annual written evaluations in the file for Staff Person #2 exceeded 12 months between evaluations. Requirement: A director is responsible for written evaluation of staff persons on a regular basis, a minimum of one evaluation every 12 months. Correction: The most recent evaluation in the file for Staff Person #2 is current. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Locked or inaccessible (3270.66(a))

The child-proof lock on the lower cabinet next to the refrigerator on the toddler side of the PreK room was broken. The door on the storage cabinet on the Pre-K side of the Pre-K room was broken. This made cleaning products stored in these cabinets accessible to children. 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 cleaning supplies in the lower cabinet next to the refrigerator have been moved to a cabinet with a functional magnet lock. The door on the storage cabinet on the Pre-K side of the Pre-K room has been repaired. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Building Surfaces (3270.76)

Observed a dangling green wire extending from a utility box on the building surface in the outdoor play space. 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 dangling green wire extending from a utility box on the building surface in the outdoor play space has been repaired. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Clean and good repair (3270.102(a))

Observed dirt and debris under the mat of the diaper changing table located on the toddler side of the Pre-K Room. 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: Debris under the mat of the diaper changing table located on the toddler side of the PreK room was immediately clean. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

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

The emergency contact forms in the files for Child #1 and #3 did not include the work address and phone number of the enrolling parent. Requirement: Emergency contact information must include the home and work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent. Correction: The emergency contact forms in the files for Child #1 and #3 include the correct information including work address and phone number of the enrolling parent. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Infant: updated health report every 6 months/Initial and subsequent health reports (3270.131(b)(1)/3270.182(1))

The file for Child #1, a young toddler, does not include an updated health report conducted within the past 6 months. Requirement: The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 6 months for an infant or young toddler. A child's record shall contain initial and subsequent health reports. Correction: Parent was informed and had appt for October 16th. Parent requested appt to be earlier and it is on Oct. 10th. Parent will turn the forms in by Oct 13. If not received, the child will be suspended/unenrolled due to health forms not provided. 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 in the file for Child #3 is not dated and therefore cannot be determined if the health report is timely. 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: Parent obtained a new health report that show the date clearly and is within the required time frame. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos (3270.181(c))

The first parent update for the emergency contact form in the file for Child #3 was greater than 6 months after the child's first day in attendance. The emergency contact form in the file for Child #2 has not been updated by the parent in the past 6 months. Requirement: 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: The parent update for the emergency contact forms for child #2 and #3 has been updated. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

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

The initial health assessment in the file for Staff Person #1 was conducted more than 12 months prior to the staff person's first day working in child care and is not valid. 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: Staff person #1 is no longer employed with us. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Free from contagious/communicable disease (3270.131(d)(7))

The most recent health report in the file for Child #2 does not include a statement that the child is able to participate in child care and appears to be free from contagious or communicable disease. Requirement: A health report shall include a statement that the child is able to participate in child care and appears to be free from contagious or communicable disease. Correction: Health form has been returned by parent and filed. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months/Initial and subsequent health reports (3270.131(b)(2)/3270.182(1))

The file for Child #4, a preschool child, does not include an updated health report conducted within the past 12 months. Requirement: The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 12 months for an older toddler or preschool child. A child's record shall contain initial and subsequent health reports. Correction: The health form has been provided by the parent and filed. Inspection: Renewal. 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))

The fire alarm 30-day test log included test dates 12/13/25-1/13/25, 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: An annual inspection was conducted on the interconnected system on 3/5/2025 by the Erie Fire Marshal. The certificate has been filed with the fire drill log. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Similar Age Level (3270.51)

Based on video footage, Child #1 was observed running out the PS Room and into the internal lobby to open the door for their parent. At the time of the incident, Staff #1 was responsible for Child #1 and was not present with the child in the internal lobby. Staff #1 stood in the doorway of the PS Room watching Child #1 in the lobby but remained in the room with the remaining children in their supervision group. 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: Gates were installed in the classroom doorways to prevent children in care from exiting out of the classroom without the presence of their assigned caregiver. An exit button has also been installed on the internal door of the childcare lobby. Inspection: Complaints- Legal Location. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Mixed Age Level (3270.52)

Based on interviews, when bathroom breaks are needed 1 staff member will stand in the middle of the Toddler/PS room to supervise both the toddlers and the preschoolers, even if that puts the classroom out of 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: Maintain enough staff on site to allow for ratio and personal breaks. Inspection: Complaints- Legal Location. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

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

Based on video footage, Child #1 was observed running out the PS Room and into the internal lobby to open the door for their parent. At the time of the incident, Staff #1 was responsible for Child #1 and was not present with the child in the internal lobby. Staff #1 stood in the doorway of the PS Room watching Child #1 in the lobby but remained in the room with the remaining children in their supervision group. 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: Gates were installed in the classroom doorways to ensure children can not leave the room unattended. Active Supervision reviewed with staff member. 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 #1 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff #1 has not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Get Started with Center-Based Care - Revised 2022. 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: Staff #1 was removed from unsupervised care until completion of the Better Kid Care Health & Safety Part 1 was complete on 5/18/25 Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Health and Safety Training (3270.31(f))

Staff #1 has not completed the required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (SEE IS CODE SHEET): Get Started with Center-Based Care - Revised 2022. Staff #1 completed the 10 hour training on 7/14/22, but did not complete the 1 hour update. Requirement: Staff persons shall complete professional development within 90 days of hire as listed in subsections (f)1-10. Correction: Staff #1 was requested to immediately complete the pre-service training, Better Kid Care Health and Safety Part 1 before being permitted to be with children unsupervised. 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))

The fire drill/fire system test log documented one time when fire system checks exceeded 30 days between checks. 5/3/24-6/28/24. 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: On the day of the inspection, most recent fire system check had been conducted within the past 30 days. An additional fire system check was conducted on 10/8/24, the day of the inspection. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Locked or inaccessible (3270.66(a))

Observed cleaning products (bleach, soapy water, detergent), which were accessible to children, in the lower cabinet next to the dryer in the Preschool Room. The child-proof lock on the door of the cabinet was not secure. Requirement: Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be kept in an area or container that is locked or made inaccessible to children. Correction: Early connection staff secured the cabinet containing cleaning supplies with a child proof lock. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Toxic plants not permitted (3270.66(d))

Observed two pothos plants in on a ledge in the Preschool Room. Requirement: Toxic plants are not permitted in a child care space. Correction: Toxic plants were removed from the facility immediately. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Building Surfaces (3270.76)

Observed flaking rust on the bottoms of both of the exit doors and door frames in the Preschool Room. Observed a wall panel, which was peeling away from the wall, beside the exit door on the right side of the Preschool 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: Director reported the flaking rust and peeling wall panel to building Maintenance for repair/replacement on 10/10/2024. Maintenance came in today 10/15/2024 and informed me that they will order new doors. They sanded rust, took floor tile out and will repair the wall panel as soon as they can. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Written emergency plan posted (3270.124(e))

The emergency transportation plan was not posted in the gym. Requirement: A written plan identifying the means of transporting a child to emergency care and staffing provisions in the event of an emergency shall be displayed conspicuously in every child care space and shall accompany a staff person who leaves on an excursion with children. Correction: The emergency transportation plan was immediately posted in the gym. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months/Initial and subsequent health reports (3270.131(b)(2)/3270.182(1))

The file for Child #1, a Preschool Child, did not include an updated health report conducted within the past 12 months. Requirement: The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 12 months for an older toddler or preschool child. A child's record shall contain initial and subsequent health reports. Correction: The directore requested an immediate health report update for child #1. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

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

The most recent updated health assessments in the file for Staff Person #1 exceeded 24 months between assessments. 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: Staff person #1 has the most recent, up to date health assessment on file. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).