Active Learning Center

544 Jubilee St, Emmaus, PA 18049 · Lehigh County

8 complaint investigations found violations Keystone STAR 4

Active Learning Center is a certified child care center in Emmaus, PA, with capacity for 150 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 9 times and confirmed violations in 8 complaint investigations. The state cited 34 violations, 10 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (7 of 34). 3 citations came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #4 of 5 centers in Emmaus and has more citations per inspection than 51% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 51% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. About typical

#4 of 5 centers in Emmaus

10 Core-safety citations

24 Other citations

9 Inspections

8 Complaint investigations that found violations

34 citations from 19 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 3 in the last 12 months · last inspected Feb 18, 2026

Every state visit

Violation found No violation Top row: inspections · bottom row: complaint investigations, self-reported incidents and other visits

What inspectors cited most

Building & playground safety 7

Health & medication 5

Background checks 4

Emergency preparedness 4

Records & paperwork 4

Supervision 3

Other standards 2

Caregiver conduct 2

Training & qualifications 2

Child protection 1

Citations, newest first

Citation Feb 18, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety

Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)

Play couches in the 1-year-old room and 2-year-old room were observed to have rips in the fabric.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 18, 2026): “The rips in the couches were covered.”

Citation Dec 4, 2025 Complaint investigation Building & playground safety

Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)

On 11/21/25, facility reported that earlier that day Child #1 had their finger pinched in a classroom door resulting in an emergency room visit.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 29, 2025): “Due to our toys, play equipment and other indoor and outdoor equipment used by the children are not all b clean, in good repair and free from rough edges, sharp corners, pinch and crush points, splinters and exposed bolts. We will be adding door hinge guards to all indoor doors in our facility.”

Citation Dec 4, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety

Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)

On December 4, 2025 an inspection was conducted at the facility a review of the fire drill and detection log showed the last documented fire detection system test was conducted on October 28, 2025.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 29, 2025): “In accordance to the regulations we will distinguish a staff person (ahead of time) to perform fire drills that will be manually tested at least once every 30 days and shall maintain a written record of testing with the facility's fire drill logs.”

Core safety Feb 10, 2025 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)

Staff Person #1 has a volunteer PA Child Abuse History clearance.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 21, 2025): “Our facility will comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). Facility Person # 1 may not work in a childcare position at the facility until a PA Child Abuse History clearance for employment is received by the facility. Staff Person provided a clearance from the…”

Citation Feb 10, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety

Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76

In the 4/5-year-old room, an area rug had a corner turned up posing a possible tripping hazard.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 21, 2025): “Floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces, including the facility's outdoor play space surfaces will be kept clean, in good repair and free from visible hazards. We moved the rug and pinned the turned-up corner under a shelf to prevent tripping hazard.”

Citation Feb 10, 2025 Inspection Other standards

Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21

Staff Person #2 has completed Health and Safety Basics: Requirements for Certification (6 hours),but has not completed Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update 2022 (1hour). Staff Person # 2 has been in a childcare position for more than 90 days. see code sheet for date of hire.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 21, 2025): “Our facility will 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…”

Citation Mar 26, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness

Letter to parents 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(e)

The facility had emergency procedures listed in their emergency plan, however, did not have it documented in the parent letter.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 29, 2024): “The operator will provide to the parent of each enrolled child a letter explaining the emergency procedures. The operator will also provide to the parent of each enrolled child a letter explaining any subsequent update to the plan. We updated the parent handbook to include the letter and it will be…”

Citation Mar 26, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety

No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)

It was observed in the Monkey's room that the partition wall was peeling, causing hazardous exposure of wall material to the children. It was also observed in the Cub's room that there was chipped paint along the border of the wall.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 29, 2024): “We will perform the site safety and maintenance checklists weekly in order to check for damaged paint or walls. Walls will be repaired if observed. The wall has been mad inaccessible to the child by putting a book shelf in front of the damaged walls.”

Citation Apr 11, 2023 Complaint investigation Health & medication

General Health and Safety/Child Medication and Special Diets 55 Pa. Code §3270.21/3270.133

This was verified on SIN-00220908. Please refer to SIN-00220908 for violation description.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 3, 2023): “Please refer to SIN-00220908 for accepted plan of correction.”

Core safety Mar 13, 2023 Complaint investigation Supervision

Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1)

During a complaint investigation conducted on 3/1323. it was determined that on 3/7/23, Staff Person #2 left Child #2, a preschool aged child, inside, unsupervised for between 45 - 60 seconds, while Staff Person #2 took the rest of the class outside to the outdoor play space.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 7, 2023): “Ms. Ali will reach out to a DHS approved instructor and set a date for training with all staff. The date will be shared with the inspector upon scheduling. All staff will attend the three hour in-person supervision training.”

Show 24 older citations

Citation Mar 13, 2023 Complaint investigation Health & medication

Inpatient hospitalization or ER treatment of child 55 Pa. Code §3270.20(a)(1)

During a complaint investigation conducted on 3/13/23, it was determined that the operator did not notify the Northeast Regional Office within 24 hours of Child #1 receiving emergency room treatment for an allergic reaction that occurred at the facility on 3/6/23.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 3, 2023): “On 3/13/23, the parent of child #1 was contacted to send documentation from the emergency room visit. On 3/14/23 at 6:02pm, the emergency room documentation was received via email from the parent of Child #1. The incident regarding child #1 with proper documentation was submitted via Pelican on…”

Citation Mar 13, 2023 Complaint investigation Health & medication

General Health and Safety/Child Medication and Special Diets 55 Pa. Code §3270.21/3270.133

During a complaint investigation conducted on 3/13/23, it was determined that on 3/6/23, Staff Person #1 served Child #1 a fig bar that contained wheat & eggs, both of which he is allergic to. The facility is aware of the child's allergies; there is documentation on file from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 3, 2023): “On 3/6/23, an email of expectations regarding staff covering in other classrooms was sent. The email included making sure to check in with the Lead Teacher regarding any allergies of students in the classroom. The teachers are also responsible for checking their primary group tags which include…”

Citation Mar 13, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety

Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)

There is exposed foam on the small couch in the Preschool Room.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 16, 2023): “The exposed foam was covered with blue duct tape.”

Citation Mar 13, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

2 feet apart 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(f)

There wasn't two feet on three sides of a crib that was in use in the Infant Room

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 14, 2023): “The crib was moved so there were there two feet of space on three sides.”

Citation Mar 13, 2023 Complaint investigation Records & paperwork

Reports of accidents, injuries and illnesses. Original report - parent same day Copy - facility accident file. Copy - child's file 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(7)

During a complaint investigation that was conducted on 3/13/23, it was determined that an incident report was not completed when Child #1 had an allergic reaction at the facility on 3/6/23.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 3, 2023): “An incident report was completed for child #1 on 3/13/23. The parent will receive the original, a copy will be kept in child #1's file and the 3rd in our Master Incident Report Log”

Citation Mar 13, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Reports of accidents, injuries and illnesses. Original report - parent same day Copy - facility accident file. Copy - child's file 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(7)

The facility does not have an accident file for incident reports.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 14, 2023): “The Director will create a Master Incident Report Binder; it will be kept in her office. Copies of all incident reports will be put in the binder in addition to the child's file.”

Core safety Mar 9, 2023 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct

No physical punishment 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(b)

During a complaint investigation conducted on 3-13-23, it was determined that on multiple occasions, Staff Person #1 yanked children by their arms and pulled children down from the step near the sink by their shirts. There was also one occasion in which a child's arm was scratched when Staff Person #1 grabbed the child's arm.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 16, 2023): “Upon management getting a phone call from CYS on 3/8/23, staff Person #1 was suspended immediately until further investigation. Staff person #1 is to remain suspended until the case is resolved. Following further investigation, the footage viewed on 3/17/23 referenced by the caseworker did show…”

Core safety Mar 9, 2023 Complaint investigation Child protection

Mistreatment or abuse of a child/children cared for in facility 55 Pa. Code §20.71(a)(5)

During a complaint investigation conducted on 3/14/23, it was determined that Staff Person # 1 mistreated or abused Child # 1 while being cared for in the facility on 3/2/23.

Core safety Oct 19, 2022 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

During unannounced inspection conducted 9/22/2022, Staff #2 began working without properly requesting out-of-state clearances. There is no NSOR clearance on file for Staff #3. Staff #3 is past 45-day provisional hiring period (see LIS code sheet). An acceptable plan of correction was received on 10/11/2022 with a correction date of 9/22/2022. When certification representative returned for unannounced monitoring on 10/19/2022, Staff #2 and Staff #3 were not present in the facility. Last FBI clearance results on file for Staff #4 are dated 10/10/2017. There is a receipt on file for fingerprints completed on 10/4/2022; however, results were not on file at the facility at the time of inspection.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 4, 2022): “Staff #2 is no longer employed. Staff #3 was suspended from work until NSOR certificate was on file dated 9/27/2022. Staff #4 received FBI clearance in the mail on the day of unannounced visit on 10/17/2022. FBI clearance is on file dated 10/4/2022.”

Citation Oct 19, 2022 Complaint investigation Building & playground safety

Drinking water available 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(c)

During complaint investigation conducted 10/19/2022, facility acknowledged that a child in the facility was not given water all day on 10/17/2022 due to a lack of communication.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 1, 2022): “Staff member responsible for child is on a 30-day probation as of 10/18/2022. Staff member is on a performance plan to complete weekly trainings and reflection page. Observations and feedback will be given during a weekly 1:1 with a director. On 11/8/2022, probationary period ends. Plastic cups are…”

Core safety Sep 22, 2022 Complaint investigation Supervision

Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1)

During complaint investigation conducted 9/22/2022, staff in several classrooms (Chicklets, Cubs, and Pandas) had trouble identifying their specific groups inside the classroom. Some children present were identified in two groups, and staff identified children who were not present when asked to name individual groups.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 19, 2022): “All staff monitored to ensure proper supervision is upheld. Directors will do spot checks to make sure staff can see, hear, assess, and direct children at all times as well as use the company tag system for primary groups.”

Core safety Sep 22, 2022 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct

Restraints prohibited 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(e)

During complaint investigation conducted 9/22/2022, rep reviewed video footage from 9/20/2022 at 9:30AM. In the video, Child #1 begins to hit another child on the back with a toy. Following incident, Staff #1 is observed to be holding Child #1 on the floor for approximately 10 minutes until another staff member came into the room. Child #1 is observed to be fidgeting, reaching for peers, and tying to get up.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 15, 2022): “Staff #1 was written up and suspended from the center for 3 days. Better Kid Care trainings to be completed prior to return: Resilient Caregivers: Bouncing Back from Stress. Staff #1 was also to complete the PBIS training and Handle with Care. Observations and action plan created with Staff #1 to…”

Core safety Sep 22, 2022 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

During unannounced inspection conducted 9/22/2022, Staff #2 began working without properly requesting out-of-state clearances. There is no NSOR clearance on file for Staff #3. Staff #3 is past 45-day provisional hiring period (see LIS code sheet).

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 30, 2022): “Staff #2 and Staff #3 have been suspended until proper clearances are on file. Director will register for and attend Existing Provider Orientation on 11/30/2022.”

Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized

Citation Sep 22, 2022 Inspection Health & medication

12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)

During unannounced monitoring conducted 9/22/2022, last health assessment on file for Staff #1 was dated 8/20/2020 (see LIS code sheet).

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 1, 2022): “Staff #1 was suspended until updated health assessment was on file; however, Staff #1 is no longer employed at Active Learning Center.”

Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized

Citation Jul 27, 2022 Complaint investigation Other standards

Promote development 55 Pa. Code §3270.111(c)

During a complaint investigation completed on 7/27/22, facility staff admitted that on 7/25/22 at approximately 3:30pm child #1, who was toilet trained, reportedly asked to use the bathroom and this request was denied by staff person #1, which resulted in the child soiling themselves; therefore facility staff's daily routine did not promote developmental skills, social competence, self-esteem, or respect the child's personal privacy.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 15, 2022): “On 7/26/22, when the parent had brought the incident to Director's attention, a full investigation took place. Center Director team interviewed staff and children to confirm that the staff #1 had denied the bathroom to the child. Once the investigation was complete, Center Management, with the…”

Core safety Jun 16, 2022 Inspection Supervision

Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)(1)

During a complaint investigation conducted on 6/16/22, it was observed in the Falcons School Aged classroom that 3 staff were present with 26 children. When staff were asked which children were assigned to them in their care group, staff #1 stated they had 11 in their care group, staff #2 stated they had 3 in their care group, and staff #3 stated they had 8 in their care group. In total, 22 children in the room were assigned to the care group of a specific staff person leaving 4 children unassigned to any care group in that space.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 27, 2022): “Class was called to order and primary care groups were re-assigned immediately. Additional staff also came into the room to assist.”

Core safety Mar 31, 2022 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

Staff 2 (see code sheet for DOH) did not have a completed fbi clearance on file until 3.8.22. Staff 2 has a DOE fbi clearance on file dated 2.15.21 (which is considered not a completed clearance for DHS) and a DHS fbi clearance on file dated 3.8.22.Also, staff 2 lived outside of Pennsylvania within the last 5 year and did not obtain an out of state clearance until 3.1.22. Staff 6 (see code sheet for DOH) does not have proof of request for fbi clearance on file but has a completed fbi clearance on file dated 9.27.21.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 14, 2022): “Staff 2 had DOE FBI clearance before time of hire, during staff file audit, Provider noticed that DHS clearance was needed and had staff complete correct clearance for DHS FBI to be in compliance with regulation immediately. Provider coached staff in charge of Staff Files of the only acceptable FBI…”

Citation Mar 31, 2022 Inspection Emergency preparedness

Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)

The following staff did not have emergency plan training at initial hire; staff 1, staff 6 and staff 7. Staff 1 has emergency plan training on file dated 12.2.21, staff 6 has emergency plan training on file dated 8.24.21 and staff 7 has emergency plan training on file dated 11.30.21

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 14, 2022): “Due to provider having EPP plan on electronic hiring platform, not all staff sign-off on plans at immediate time of hire. Staff has emergency plans signed off after time of hire during their training week.”

Citation Mar 31, 2022 Inspection Emergency preparedness

Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(6)

Provider does not have proof of documentation that emergency drills are being conducted annually.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 14, 2022): “At the time, current Director was not in charge of Center. Prior Director did not document emergency drills being completed for 2021. Assistant Director was able to verbally confirm that these were completed but could not give date or locate written documentation.”

Citation Mar 31, 2022 Inspection Emergency preparedness

Availability of certificate of compliance and applicable regulations/Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.25(a)/3270.27(a)(5)

Provider does not provide the parents with information on how to access the regulations electronically with instructions for contacting the NE Regional child care office. Facility's emergency plan does not have accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 14, 2022): “Provider has regulation book in office available to parents. Inspector advised that QR code for regulation access with DHS contact info provided. Provider has posted information accordingly in front lobby area under all licensing documentation. Inspector saw in person this is hung up and available.…”

Citation Mar 31, 2022 Inspection Training & qualifications

HS/GED + 2 yrs/Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.36(b)(5)/3270.192(2)(ii)

Staff 4 (see code sheet for DOH) does not have proof of 2500 hours of child care experience to qualify as an assistant group supervisor.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 14, 2022): “Teacher has on file a letter stating "3 years" of experience. However, the reference letter did not break down the hours with timeline and/or dateline. Staff has already reached out to prior employers and past references and has already written the letters. Provider will be sending verification of…”

Citation Mar 31, 2022 Inspection Records & paperwork

Written consent/Consent for administration of minor first-aid required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(4)/3270.182(5)

Emergency contact information for child 1 does not include the written consent signed by a parent for emergency medical care.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 14, 2022): “Child's parent used initials instead of signature to sign off on consent for administration of minor first-aide for the child. Provider has educated staff in charge of child files and provider has had parent sign-off using signature for all consents on emergency contact form rather than initials.…”

Citation Mar 31, 2022 Inspection Records & paperwork

Consent for emergency medical care required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(3)

Child 1's record does not contain signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 14, 2022): “Child's parent used initials instead of signature to sign off on consent for emergency medical care for the child. Provider has educated staff in charge of child files and provider has had parent sign-off using signature for all consents on emergency contact form rather than initials. Completion of…”

Citation Mar 31, 2022 Inspection Training & qualifications

Health and Safety Training - Pediatric First Aid and CPR 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)(10)

Staff 5 has been employed for more than 90 days and does not acceptable pediatric first aid and cpr on file. Staff 5 has child/infant and adult first aid and cpr on file. Staff 3 has been employed for more than 90 days and does not have acceptable pediatric cpr training on file. Training was conducted by a person who is not on the approved pediatric first aid and cpr list.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 22, 2022): “Both staff had CPR completed but staff 5's CPR is for Child & Infant rather than Pediatric CPR. Staff 3 came to Center with CPR, outside source confirmed that Basic Life Support would qualify per inspector it does not. Staff are enrolled in Pediatric CPR for 4/19/22; provider will send confirmation…”

“Core safety” marks citations about supervision and staff ratios, discipline and caregiver conduct, background checks, child protection and safe sleep, the topics our score weights most. Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity. “Follow-up” marks a violation re-cited at a follow-up visit, counted once. How scores work.