MERCEDES CHILDCARE CORP

Similar age levels (3280.52(b))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, Staff Person #1 was observed alone caring for five children, including an infant, during naptime while Staff Person #3 was upstairs. 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 12; Young toddlers 1:5 with a maximum group size of 12; Older toddlers 1:6 with a maximum group size of 12; Preschool children 1:10 with a maximum group size of 12; Young school-age children 1:12 with a maximum group size of 12; Older school-age children 1:15 with a maximum group size of 15. TIERED LIS: 1. The required staff:child ratios must be maintained at all times. The portion of the plan shall have an immediate correction date. 2. The legal entity must post ratio requirements in all child care spaces. The operator shall provide a correction date for when the ratios will be posted. Correction: 1. 2/2/2026. Staff Person #3 was immediately called to come down to be present with the infant. Because we had the confusion with the ratio. 2. 3/13/2026. The legal entity posted ratio requirements in all child care spaces. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Exp, educ., training prior to facility (3280.192(2)(ii))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, staff files were reviewed. File for Staff Person #4 did not contain verification of child care experience or education prior to service at the facility (see LIS code sheet for start date). Requirement: A facility person's record shall include verification of child care experience, education and training prior to service at the facility. Correction: File will be updated with child care experience. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos (3280.181(c))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, a sample of children's files was reviewed. The fee agreement on file for Child #2 was last reviewed and updated on 10/2/2024, which exceeds the required six-month review period. The last signed six-month update on file for Child #3 is dated 4/24/2025, which also exceeds the required six-month review period. 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: Child's parent filled out a new agreement for us because there was a change and parent signed the document. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Written parental consent (3280.172(a))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, emergency contact forms maintained in the vehicle used to transport children were reviewed. Several forms did not contain signed parental consent for transportation by the facility. Requirement: Transportation by the facility requires written parental consent, except for transportation of school-age children who are transported to or from a child care facility in vehicles owned or operated by the school district. Correction: Ask the parents to sign consent for transportation for all children receiving transportation by the facility. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Bottles labeled (3280.166(4))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, two unlabeled bottles were observed. Staff reported that the bottles belonged to an infant enrolled at the facility. Requirement: Disposable nursers and bottles shall be labeled with the child's name. Correction: Put the label on the bottle with the child's name immediately and let the parent know to make sure that they always bring the labeled bottles for their child. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Written statement (3280.166(1))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, staff reported that the facility did not have a written statement from the parent specifying the formula and feeding schedule for an infant enrolled at the facility. Requirement: A written statement giving the formula and feeding schedule for an infant shall be obtained from the parent. Correction: I talked to the parent about the importance of having documented the way to feed the baby. I requested a letter with the portion and the meal times. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Free from contagious/communicable disease (3280.131(d)(7))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, a sample of children's files was reviewed. The health assessment dated 1/19/2026 on file for Child #4 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: Called the parent of child #4 on the same day of inspection and explained to them that the health assessment on file was not suitable for the child. The parent contacted the doctor to give them the correct one. Two days later, the parent gave the provider the correct document. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Name/address/phone release person (3280.124(b)(7))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. A sample of children's files was reviewed. The emergency contact forms on file for Child #3 and Child #4 did not contain release persons' addresses. 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 next day, the parents filled in the missing sections. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Designated release persons/Admission date (3280.123(a)(5)/3280.123(a)(6))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, a sample of children's files was reviewed. The following required items were missing from children's fee agreements: Child #3: Release person(s). Child #4: Date of admission. Requirement: An agreement shall specify the persons designated by a parent to whom the child may be released. An agreement shall specify the date of the child's admission. Correction: The next day, the parents filled in the missing sections. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Services proceeded (3280.123(a)(3))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, a sample of children's files was reviewed. There is no Child Service Report (CSR) on file for Child #2. Operator reports that it was completed; however, the parent took it and has not returned it yet. Last CSR on file for Child #4 is dated 3/20/2024. Requirement: An agreement shall specify 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 at § 3280.124(f). Correction: The same day I requested the parent of Child #2 to return the signed/dated CSR. The child #4 takes therapies and I thought that I didn't have to do the child service report. I now understand that I do need to complete the CSR and it was completed the next day. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Amount of fee/Date fee to be paid (3280.123(a)(1)/3280.123(a)(2))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, a sample of children's files was reviewed. The following required items were missing from children's fee agreements: Child #1: Fee amount. Date fee is to be paid. Child #4: Fee amount. Requirement: An agreement shall specify the amount of the fee to be charged per day or per week. An agreement shall specify the date on which the fee is to be paid. Correction: The next day, the parents filled in the missing sections. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Locked or inaccessible - in original container (3280.66(a))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, the child safety lock on the cabinet located under the bathroom sink used by children was unlocked. The cabinet contained Scrubbing Bubbles, which is labeled "keep out of reach of children," and was accessible to children. 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 kept in a locked area or in an area inaccessible to children, and shall be stored away from food, food preparation areas and child care spaces. Correction: The cabinet was closed immediately because the lock was on, but it wasn't set to close. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Comply with CPSL (3280.32(a))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, staff files were reviewed. Staff Person #2 had mandated reporter training certificates on file dated 6/19/2020 and 1/27/2026. Mandated reporter training was not updated within the required 60-month timeframe. Requirement: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). Correction: Mandated reporter training certificate on file for Staff Person #2 is current. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Age and training (3280.31(e)(4)(i))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, staff files were reviewed. The files for Staff Person #1 and Staff Person #2 contained certificates dated 6/20/2024 identifying the course as HSI Adult First Aid. The modules listed in the letter above the certificate referenced "HSI Pediatric CPR, First Aid and AED." The certification representative scanned the QR code on the certificates in the files and observed that the program listed was HSI Adult First Aid/CPR AED -- All Ages. Based on the documentation reviewed, Staff Person #1 and Staff Person #2 did not complete pediatric first aid/CPR training on or before the expiration of their previous certification, which expired in 8/2024. 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. Until such time as the required training has been completed, Staff Person #1 and Staff Person #2 must be supervised, when interacting with children at a minimum by, a primary staff person who has completed all preservice trainings and has all qualifications to care for children unsupervised. If there are no staff person(s) available to supervise Staff Person #1 and Staff Person #2, Staff Person #1 and Staff Person #2 may not work in a child-care position at the facility. Correction: Staff Person #1 and Staff Person #2 both took a new pediatric first-aid/CPR training through Red Cross. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Age and training (3280.31(e))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, staff files were reviewed. Staff Person #2 completed 9 hours of childcare training for training year 12/31/2024-12/31/2025 Staff Person #3 completed 4 hours of childcare training for training year 3/31/2024-3/31/2025. Requirement: A staff person shall obtain an annual 12 clock hours of child care training. Staff Person #2 must take 3 hours of professional development to fulfill requirement for training year 12/31/2024-12/31/2025. Hours used to fulfill training year12/31/2024-12/31/2025 may not be used to fulfill current training year. Staff Person #3 must take 8 hours of professional development to fulfill requirement for training year 3/31/2024-3/31/2025. Hours used to fulfill training year 3/31/2024-3/31/2025 may not be used to fulfill current training year. Correction: The employees were taking classes to get their GED certificate. That's why we thought they counted for hours of training, but I already understood that now. Staff Person #2 will take 3 hours of professional development to fulfill requirement for training year 12/31/2024-12/31/2025. Hours used to fulfill training year12/31/2024-12/31/2025 will not be used to fulfill current training year. Staff Person #3 will take 8 hours of professional development to fulfill requirement for training year 3/31/2024-3/31/2025. Hours used to fulfill training year 3/31/2024-3/31/2025 will not be used to fulfill current training year. From now on, they will take her 12 hours of training. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Every 60 days (3280.94(a)(1))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, the facility's fire drill log was reviewed. The facility failed to conduct fire drills at least every 60 days. Fire drills exceeded 60 days between the following dates: 5/7/2025--7/8/2025, 7/8/2025--9/8/2025, and 11/7/2025--1/7/2026. Requirement: Fire drills are conducted at least once every 60 days. Correction: I was wrong. I thought it was every two months but in November 2025 they informed me that it was every 60 days. We closed on 12/20/2025 and we open on 1/7/2026 so it is not within the range of 60 days. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Evacuation routes posted (3280.94(a)(5))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, an evacuation route was not posted in the living space of the facility. Requirement: Evacuation routes are posted in a conspicuous location on each floor of the facility. Correction: The next day we prepared a map with the evacuation route and posted it on a wall of the room. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

FIRE DETECTION/Staff responsibility (3280.95(a)/3280.95(b))

A renewal inspection was conducted on 2/2/2026. At that time, the facility's fire detection testing log was reviewed. The log indicated that smoke detectors were tested on 12/3/2025 and again on 1/7/2026, which exceeds the required 30-day testing interval. 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 primary staff person or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall ensure the requirements in subsection (a) are met Correction: We do the smoke detector test every 30 days but we went on vacation on December 20, 2025 and returned on January 7, 2026. That's why they don't have the 30 day because we were closed. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Written emergency plan posted (3280.124(e))

There is no written plan identifying the means of transporting a child to emergency care and staffing provisions in the event of an emergency. 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 childcare space and shall accompany a staff person who leaves on an excursion with children. Correction: A written plan identifying the means of transporting a child to emergency care and staffing provisions in the event of an emergency will be established & displayed conspicuously in every childcare space and will accompany a staff person who leaves on an excursion with children. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

8th grade + 2 yrs/Exp, educ., training prior to facility (3280.35(3)/3280.192(2)(ii))

There is no verification of education on file for Staff person #1 or Staff person #2. Requirement: A secondary staff person shall have a minimum of an 8th grade education and 2 years of experience with children. A facility person's record shall include verification of child care experience, education and training prior to service at the facility. Correction: Staff person #1 & staff person #2 will provide documentation of their education. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Contact when arises/Contact when ended (3280.26(a)(3)/3280.26(a)(4))

The facility emergency plan does not include the specific method facility persons will use to contact parents to let them know an emergency has occurred. The facility emergency plan does not include the specific method facility persons will use to contact parents to inform them that the emergency has ended and to make arrangements to safely reunify with their children. Requirement: The facility shall have an emergency plan that provides for a method for facility persons to contact parents as soon as reasonably possible when an emergency situation arises. The facility shall have an emergency plan that provides for a method for facility persons to inform parents that the emergency has ended and to provide instruction as to how parents can safely be reunited with their children. Correction: The facility emergency plan will include the specific method facility persons will use to contact parents to let them know an emergency has occurred. The facility emergency plan will include the specific method facility persons will use to contact parents to inform them that the emergency has ended and to make arrangements to safely reunify with their children. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety (3280.14/3280.20)

The emergency plan does not address continuity of operations. 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: The emergency plan will address continuity of operations. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).