Childrens Center of Mercer County

General Health and Safety (3270.21)

On January 9, 2026, a prescription pill, reported to have been identified as 15mg Morphine Sulfate, was found on the floor in Classroom 23 (Toddler 2). The pill was found after the children had exited the classroom to go to the indoor gross motor room. The facility is uncertain of the length of time the pill may have been present or where it may have come from. This posed a risk to the health and safety of children at the facility. Requirement: Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. Correction: We did an internal investigation which led us to believe the pill belonged to a BHT from an outside organization. The teachers signed an agreement to maintain the highest level of safety in their classrooms. Inspection: Complaints- Legal Location. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Original container (3270.66(b))

On January 9, 2026, a prescription pill, reported to have been identified as 15mg Morphine Sulfate, was found on the floor in Classroom 23 (Toddler 2). The pill was found after the children had exited the classroom to go to the indoor gross motor room. The facility is uncertain of the length of time the pill may have been present or where it may have come from. Requirement: Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be stored in an original labeled container or in a container that specifies the content. Toxics shall be stored away from food, food preparation areas and child care spaces. Correction: We did an internal investigation and found that this most likely came from a BHT from an outside organization. The teachers signed an agreement to maintain the highest level of safety in their classroom. Inspection: Complaints- Legal Location. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Letter to parents (3270.27(e))

The operator's letter provided to the parent of each enrolled child explaining the emergency procedures lacked the accommodations for infants and toddlers. 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: The emergency procedures letter has been updated to include infants and toddlers. 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 #2 had child abuse and FBI clearances that exceeded 60 months between clearances. 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 #2 now has updated clearances on file. 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 #4, functioning as an aide, lacked verification of education to qualify as an aide. 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 appropriate qualifications were added to the staff person's file to make them eligible to be an aide. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Staff evaluations (3270.34(a)(6))

The files for staff person #1 and #2 had staff evaluations that 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: Staff person #1 and #2 now have updated staff evaluations. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

110º F or less (3270.69(b))

The water temperature at the sink in the toddler 2 room that children use to wash their hands was 116° F. The water temperature at the sink in the bathroom between the toddler 1 and toddler 2 rooms that children use to wash their hands was 119° F. Requirement: Hot water temperature, in areas accessible to children, may not exceed 110° F. Correction: The temperature was lowered to under 100 degrees F. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Building Surfaces (3270.76)

In the 3 year old room, the window ledge had visible dirt, including multiple dead bugs/insects. 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 ledge was cleaned. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

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

In the toddler 2 room, there was a cabinet with a handle that was broken and had sharp edges. In the school-age room, there was a blue fabric chair that had pieces of the fabric that were peeling and coming apart in multiple areas. Requirement: Furniture must be durable, safe, easily cleaned and appropriate for the child's size, age and special needs. Correction: The chair was removed from the facility immediately and the handle was repaired. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Clean, age appropriate (3270.106(a))

In the 3 year old room, the cots were not labeled with the names of the 8 children in the room that use the equipment. 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: The cots were labeled correctly to show the child that sleeps on them. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

2 feet apart (3270.106(f))

In the toddler 2 room during naptime, there was one child sleeping on a cot that lacked 2 feet of space on three sides. 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: The child's cot was moved so that it would have 2 feet on at least 3 sides. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Refrigerator (3270.107)

The refrigerator in the lunchroom that stored milk and juice for children at the facility lacked a thermometer. In the toddler 1 room, the refrigerator storing food for children at the facility had a thermometer that was not functioning. Requirement: A facility shall have an operable, clean refrigerator used to store potentially hazardous foods. The refrigerator shall be capable of maintaining food at 45° F or below. An operating thermometer shall be placed in the refrigerator. Correction: The refrigerator in the lunchroom now has a thermometer and the thermometer in Toddler 1 was replaced with a working one. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

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

The file for child #2 had an agreement that lacked the fee amount. Requirement: An agreement shall specify the amount of the fee to be charged per day or per week. Correction: The fee amount was added to the agreement for child #2. The parents signed off. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Services proceeded (3270.123(a)(3))

The file for child #7 had a child service report that was dated over 6 months after the child's start date at the facility. 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: The child's CSR was placed in their file. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Name/address/phone release person (3270.124(b)(7))

The file for child #2 had an emergency contact form that lacked the address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released. Requirement: Emergency contact information must include the name, address and telephone number of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released. Correction: The address of child #2's parent to whom the child may be released was added to the file. 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 gross motor room and 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 is now posted in the gross motor room and the gym. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Initial health report for school age; accordance with school attendance (3270.131(a)(4))

The file for child #4 lacked an initial health assessment for a school-age child in accordance with the requirements for medical examinations for school attendance in 28 Pa. Code § 23.2 (relating to medical examinations). Requirement: The initial health report for a school-age child must be dated in accordance with the requirements for medical examinations for school attendance in 28 Pa. Code § 23.2 (relating to medical examinations). Correction: The initial health report was added to the child's file. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Exemption documentation from parent/guardian/Dismissal policy (3270.131(e)(1)/3270.131(e)(3))

The file for child #1, enrolled more than 60 days at the facility, lacked documentation of the 4th DTAP vaccination being administered in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP and lacked exemption documentation. The file for child #2, enrolled more than 60 days at the facility, lacked documentation of the 2nd Hepatitis B, DTAP, HIB, Pneumococcal, & Polio vaccinations being administered in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP and lacked exemption documentation. 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. The facility shall implement dismissal policies in accordance with the Department of Health regulation in 28 Pa. Code § 27.77 (relating to immunization requirements for children in child care group settings). Children #1 and #2 must be dismissed from care by close of business on 12-16-25 and may only return to care when the immunization record is updated or when a parent provides a written, signed exemption letter. Correction: Child #1 had their appt scheduled before returning to the facility and has since returned the 4th DTAP vaccination form and it was added to the file. Child #2 did not return to the facility until the updated immunization record was received. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Name on bottle (3270.133(3))

In the toddler 2 room, there was Children's Tylenol that was not labeled with the name of the child for whom the medication was intended. In the toddler 1 room, there was Equate Children's Ibuprofen that was not labeled with the name of the child for whom the medication was intended. 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 medication was properly labeled to show ownership of the particular child. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Original label (3270.133(5))

In the pre-k room, there was Epinephrine medication for child #5 that was expired. Requirement: Medication shall be stored in accordance with the manufacturer's or health professional's instructions on the original label. Correction: The epi pen was removed and returned to the family. They since brought in a new one that is in date. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Written consent (3270.133(6))

In the pre-k room, there was Epinephrine medication for child #5 that lacked written parental consent for administration of the medication. In the toddler 1 room, there was Infants' Tylenol for child #6 that lacked written parental consent for administration of the medication. In the infant room, there were Parents' Choice Infant Gas Relief Drops and Motrin for child #7, Infants' Tylenol for child #8, and Camilia Gas & Colic Relief medication for child #2 that lacked written parental consent for administration of the medication. Requirement: A parent shall provide written consent for administration of medication or a special diet. Correction: The parents filled out a consent form and it was added to their file. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Child's hands washed (3270.134(a))

On 12-12-25 at approximately 12:07 p.m. in the toddler 1 room, staff person #5 was observed changing a child's diaper and did not immediately wash the child's hands after diapering. The child was placed on the floor and walked to their cot for naptime without washing their hands. Requirement: A staff person shall ensure that a child's hands are washed before meals and snacks, after toileting and after being diapered. Correction: The staff member was reminded of proper protocol and retrained on it. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Disposable diapers (3270.135(a)(3))

In the bathroom between the toddler 1 and toddler 2 rooms, there was a pull-up/diaper that was observed in a trash can that had a flip lid and was not a hands-free diapering can. Requirement: If disposable diapers are provided by a parent or by a facility, a soiled diaper shall be discarded by immediately placing the diaper into a plastic-lined, hands-free covered can. Correction: The flip lid trash can was removed and replaced with a hands-free diapering can. 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 file for staff person #3 had health assessments that 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. Correction: The staff person had their health assessment completed and placed in their file. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

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

The file for child #3 lacked a current agreement updated by the parent within the last 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 current agreement was added to child #3's file. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).