Childrens Center of Mercer County
Childrens Center of Mercer County is a certified child care center in Hermitage, PA, with capacity for 156 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 11 times and confirmed violations in 2 complaint investigations. The state cited 170 violations, 23 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (50 of 170). 25 citations came in the last 12 months, including 1 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #7 of 7 centers in Hermitage and has more citations per inspection than 99% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
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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.
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.
The file for staff person #2 had child abuse and FBI clearances that exceeded 60 months between clearances.
The operator's letter provided to the parent of each enrolled child explaining the emergency procedures lacked the accommodations for infants and toddlers.
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.
In the 3 year old room, the window ledge had visible dirt, including multiple dead bugs/insects.
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.
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.
In the toddler 2 room during naptime, there was one child sleeping on a cot that lacked 2 feet of space on three sides.
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.
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).
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.
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.
In the pre-k room, there was Epinephrine medication for child #5 that was expired.
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.
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.
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.
The file for staff person #3 had health assessments that exceeded 24 months between assessments.
The file for staff person #4, functioning as an aide, lacked verification of education to qualify as an aide.
The files for staff person #1 and #2 had staff evaluations that exceeded 12 months between evaluations.
The file for child #2 had an agreement that lacked the fee amount.
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.
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.
The emergency transportation plan was not posted in the gross motor room and gym.
The file for child #3 lacked a current agreement updated by the parent within the last 6 months.
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The files for staff person #2, #3, and #4 had a disclosure statement that was dated after their start date. The file for staff person #9 had a state police clearance and NSOR verification certificate that were dated after their start date. The file for staff person #10 had a state police clearance and FBI clearance that were dated after their start date. The file for staff person #11 had an FBI clearance that was dated after their start date.
At approximately 2:48 p.m. on 9-4-25, the left side preschool room in the front hallway with a capacity of 16 children was observed with 21 preschoolers in the room resulting in the room being overcapacity.
In the hallway leading to the toddler rooms, there was a metal hot box containing hot food that was plugged into the wall and had unlocked doors and surfaces inside with a temperature of 140° F that were accessible to children.
In the preschool room in the right hallway, there was a window in the back corner that had a screen on the inside of the window that had a tear in the screen.
In the pre-k room, there was a broken metal frame with sharp edges around the screen on the inside of the window that was accessible to children. On the preschool play space, there were multiple areas on the fences that had sharp edges on the top of the posts and at the ends of multiple metal wires that were accessible to children. In the gross motor room, there was visible dirt observed in a few areas on the ledges/windows behind the shades on the far wall.
On the preschool play space, there were multiple areas of peeling blue paint on the wall of the building. In the infant room, there was one area of peeling paint on the right wall near the baseboard.
In the left preschool room, the sliding door between the right school-age room and the left preschool room was blocked by a shelf in the left preschool room.
In the infant room, there was a 4moms baby swing that had been recalled by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
In the infant room, there was a blue fabric climber that had multiple areas with tears and small pieces coming apart that were less than 1 inch in diameter and were accessible to infants and young toddlers in the room who are still placing objects in their mouths.
The files for staff person #4 and #5 had a health assessment and tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method that were dated after providing initial service in a child care setting at the facility. The file for staff person #8 had a health assessment that was dated after the staff person provided initial service in a child care setting at the facility. The files for staff person #3 and #10 had a tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method that was dated after their initial employment at the facility.
Staff person #1 had mandated reporter trainings dated 3-12-20 and 5-22-25 that were over 60 months between trainings.
The files for staff person #6 and #7, functioning as aides, lacked verification of education/experience, including enrollment in a training curriculum described at §3270.31(c) and the completed classroom training portion of the curriculum, to qualify as an aide.
The walkway leading from the back door of the facility to the toddler play space had snow/ice on the walkway in multiple areas.
In the bathroom next to the lunchroom, there was an unlocked cabinet with multiple diaper creams including Desitin that were labeled "Keep out of reach of children" and were accessible to children.
In the lunchroom, the trash can was observed containing food trash contaminated by human secretions and did not have a lid as required.
The file for staff person #1 lacked the out of state Sex Offender and Child Abuse & Neglect registry checks at their start date and requires current out of state Sex Offender and Child Abuse & Neglect registry checks. (See LIS CODE SHEET) The files for staff person #12, #14, and #17 had a disclosure statement that lacked the date. The file for volunteer #13 lacked a disclosure statement. The file for staff #14 lacked a state police clearance and the out of state Sex Offender and Child Abuse & Neglect registry checks at their start date and requires a current state police clearance and out of state Sex Offender and Child Abuse & Neglect registry checks. (See LIS CODE SHEET) The file for staff person #7, hired provisionally, had proof of application for the NSOR verification certificate at their start date and had an NSOR verification certificate dated 9-24-24 that was not within 45 days of their start date as required for a provisional hire. (See LIS CODE SHEET)
At approximately 10:33 a.m. in the gross motor room with a total of 15 children including 3 young toddlers, 11 older toddlers, and 1 preschooler, staff person #11 left the room and the staff person's group of 4 older toddlers were not accounted for by the other 3 staff persons in the room, resulting in the group of 4 older toddlers not being assigned to a staff person while staff person #11 was out of the room. At approximately 10:37 a.m. in the gross motor room with a total of 15 children including 3 young toddlers, 11 older toddlers, and 1 preschooler, staff person #14 left the room and the staff person's group of 4 older toddlers were not accounted for by the other 3 staff persons in the room, resulting in the group of 4 older toddlers not being assigned to a staff person while staff person #14 was out of the room.
In the kitchen that is located through a door down a hallway from the lunchroom, there were multiple sharp knives in two unlocked drawers.
The files for staff person #8 and volunteer #13 lacked emergency plan training at the time of initial employment and require current training. The file for staff person #3 had emergency plan training that was completed after initial employment at the facility.
In the bathroom next to the lunchroom, there was an unlocked cabinet with multiple diaper creams including Desitin that were labeled "Keep out of reach of children" and were accessible to children.
In the 3 year old room, there was an unlabeled bottle in a locked cabinet that contained a pink liquid that a staff person identified as a cleaning solution.
In the gym with the 3 year old group in the room, the first-aid kit was observed in a bag on the ground and was accessible to children. In the lunchroom with the pre-k group in the room, the first-aid kit was observed in a bag on the table and was accessible to children.
The right-side school-age room had a first-aid kit that lacked soap.
On the outdoor toddler play space in the back corner, there was a wooden fence with one of the stakes that was broken and was splintering with sharp edges. On the outdoor preschool play space, there was a green fence with 11 stakes that had sharp edges on the top of the stakes and had sharp edges across the surface of the fence that were accessible to children.
In the gross motor room with multiple 1 year olds and 2 year olds that were walking and able to wash their hands, the sink next to the changing table lacked a platform or steps and was unable to be reached by the children after diapering to wash their hands.
A handwashing sign was not posted at the toilet in the left stall in the bathroom between the toddler 1 and toddler 2 rooms.
In the gross motor room, there were several mats with multiple areas that had small pieces of fabric coming apart that were less than 1 inch in diameter and were accessible to young and older toddlers receiving care in the room who are still placing objects in their mouths. In the bathroom between the toddler 1 and toddler 2 rooms, there was an unlocked drawer near the sink that had multiple plastic garbage bags that were accessible to 2 year olds that use the bathroom.
The file for child #3, a young toddler, had a health assessment that exceeded 6 months between assessments.
The file for child #5, a preschooler, lacked a current health assessment updated within the last 12 months. The file for child #4, a preschooler, had a health assessment that exceeded 12 months between assessments.
The file for child #3, a 19-month-old enrolled more than 60 days at the facility, lacked documentation of the 4th DTAP vaccination and the 3rd HIB, Pneumococcal, and Polio vaccinations being administered in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP and lacked exemption documentation.
In the gross motor room next to the changing table, there was a trash can that is used for discarding diapers that was not a hands-free covered can.
The file for staff person #14 had a health assessment with a record of a positive tuberculin skin test and had a chest x-ray that was dated over 12 months prior to providing initial service in a child care setting at the facility and requires a current chest x-ray.
The file for staff person #1 lacked a health assessment and tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method prior to providing initial service in a child care setting at the facility and requires a current health assessment and tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method. The file for staff person #9 lacked a health assessment prior to providing initial service in a child care setting at the facility and requires a current health assessment. The file for facility person #2 lacked a current health assessment updated within the last 24 months. The file for staff person #5 had a health assessment and tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method that were dated after providing initial service in a child care setting at the facility. The files for staff person #6 and #11 had a health assessment that exceeded 24 months between assessments.
The file for staff person #11 had a health assessment that lacked a physical examination.
The file for staff person #10 had a health assessment that said "Yes" to having any communicable diseases and lacked an explanation of the results of the examination.
The file for staff person #17 had a health assessment that lacked an examination for communicable diseases and the results of that examination and the physician's or CRNP's assessment of the person's suitability to provide child care.
Documentation of a current emergency drill conducted within the last year was not on file at the facility.
According to the log, the operator did not manually test the interconnected fire detection system in the facility at least once every 30 days on multiple occasions within the last year.
Staff person #8 has not completed the following required pre- service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Health and Safety Training in the topics of 3270.31(f)(1-9). Staff person #3 completed the following required pre-service training on 10-22-24 that was over 90 days after their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Health and Safety Training in the topics of 3270.31(f)(1-9). Staff person #5 completed the following required pre-service training on 12-12-24 that was over 90 days after their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Health and Safety Training in the topics of 3270.31(f)(1-9). Staff person #16 completed the following required pre-service training on 11-7-24 that was over 90 days after their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric first-aid/CPR training.
Volunteer #13 has not completed mandated reporter training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet). Staff person #15 completed mandated reporter training on 10-28-24 that was over 90 days after their date of hire. (see LIS code sheet)
The files for staff person #4, #6, and #7 lacked a current staff evaluation completed by the director within the last 12 months.
The file for staff person #1, functioning as the director, lacked verification of 1 year of experience working with children to qualify as the director.
The daily activities schedule was not posted in the lunchroom.
The file for child #2 had a child service report that exceeded 6 months between reports.
The files for child #2 and #3 had an agreement that lacked the child's arrival and departure times.
The files for child #1, #2 and #3 had an agreement that lacked the persons designated by a parent to whom the child may be released.
The file for child #4 had an emergency contact form that lacked the work address and telephone number of the enrolling parent.
The files for volunteer #13 and staff person #14 lacked two written, nonfamily references.
Staff persons #1 and #2 were observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff persons #1 and #2 have not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: (health and safety training).
Per operator statements, the facility lacked a director from 8/12/24 till 11/11/24.
Staff person #1 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): health and safety training
According to the log, the operator did not manually test the interconnected fire detection system in the facility at least once every 30 days between 5-24-24 to 6-24-24, and a test has not been conducted within the last 30 days as of 7-26-24, with the last test being completed on 6-24-24.
The file for staff person #6 lacked the out of state Sex Offender and Child Abuse & Neglect registry checks at their start date and requires current out of state Sex Offender and Child Abuse & Neglect registry checks. (See LIS CODE SHEET)
The file for staff person #5 lacked emergency plan training at the time of initial employment and requires current emergency plan training. The file for staff person #7 lacked current emergency plan training completed within the last year.
In the library on the back wall, there were multiple dead bugs and visible dirt on the window sills.
In the preschool room, there was one area of peeling paint and damaged plaster in the back left corner of the room. In the left school-age room, there were a couple areas of peeling paint on the left wall.
In the gym, the door leading to the outside lacked a visual strip/visual identification on the glass.
In the right school-age room, the door between the right and left school-age rooms was blocked by a table in the left school-age room.
In the gross motor room on the stair climber, there were non-slip strips on the stairs that were coming apart and were a tripping hazard.
In the gross motor room, there was an unlocked cabinet with a roll of plastic garbage bags that was accessible to children who are still placing objects in their mouths.
In the library, there was a table with the edge at the end of the table that was loose and coming apart with sharp edges.
In the preschool room, there were two inhalers for child #2 that lacked the original container with the prescription identifying that the medication was prescribed for that child.
In the preschool room, there were two inhalers for child #2 that lacked written parental consent for administration of the medication.
The file for staff person #1 had an initial health assessment that was dated over 12 months prior to providing initial service in a child care setting at the facility and requires a current health assessment.
The file for staff person #4 lacked a tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method at initial employment and requires a current tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method.
The files for staff person #2 and #3 had a health assessment that lacked an examination for communicable diseases and the results of that examination.
The file for staff person #3 had a health assessment that lacked the physician's or CRNP's assessment of the person's suitability to provide child care.
In the lunch room, there was a child's lunch box that contained a bottle of milk that was not refrigerated.
The file for child #1 lacked an initial health assessment within 60 days following the child's first day of attendance at the facility and requires a current health assessment.
The file for staff person #4, functioning as a staff person, lacked verification of education to qualify as a staff person.
The file for child #1 had an emergency contact form that lacked the enrolling parent's home address.
The file for staff person #5 lacked two written, nonfamily references.
A functioning portable space heater was observed in the office of the facility.
The sanction letter and corresponding inspection summaries were not posted in a conspicuous location used by parents.
On 8-10-23 in the infant room with a total of 4 children, staff person #3 identified 4 children in their group, including 2 infants and 2 young toddlers. Staff person #4 was also in the room and did not identify any children in their group. Both staff person #3 and staff person #4 qualify as aides and were not supervised by a staff person who is qualified at minimum as an assistant group supervisor.
On 8-10-23 at approximately 1:18 p.m. during naptime in the toddler 2 room with a total of 10 children, staff person #1 identified 6 children in their group, including 1 older toddler & 5 preschoolers and volunteer #2 identified 4 children in their group, including 1 older toddler & 3 preschoolers. At the time of observation, volunteer #2 was functioning as a staff person and not as a volunteer. Upon further investigation, it was determined that volunteer #2 did not have the qualifications to be a staff person. As a result, staff person #1 was supervising 10 children in the room, including 2 older toddlers, resulting in staff person #1 being out of ratio.
* On 8-10-23 at approximately 1:18 p.m. during naptime in the toddler 2 room with a total of 10 children, including older toddlers and preschoolers, staff person #1 was unable to see 3 children who were on cots from where the staff person was sitting at the table in the back left corner due to furniture obstructing their view, including 1 child that had a blanket over their head.
* * On 8-10-23 at approximately 1:18 p.m. during naptime in the toddler 2 room with a total of 10 children, including older toddlers and preschoolers, staff person #1 was unable to see 3 children who were on cots from where the staff person was sitting at the table in the back left corner due to furniture obstructing their view, including 1 child that had a blanket over their head.
* * * On 8-10-23 at approximately 1:18 p.m. during naptime in the toddler 2 room with a total of 10 children, including older toddlers and preschoolers, staff person #1 was unable to see 3 children who were on cots from where the staff person was sitting at the table in the back left corner due to furniture obstructing their view, including 1 child that had a blanket over their head.
On 8-10-23 at approximately 1:18 p.m. during naptime in the toddler 2 room with a total of 10 children, staff person #1 identified 6 children in their group, including 1 older toddler & 5 preschoolers and volunteer #2 identified 4 children in their group, including 1 older toddler & 3 preschoolers. At the time of observation, volunteer #2 was functioning as a staff person and not as a volunteer. Upon further investigation, it was determined that volunteer #2 did not have the qualifications to be a staff person. As a result, 4 children were not named in a group.
The file for volunteer #2, functioning as an assistant group supervisor, lacked verification of education/experience to qualify as an assistant group supervisor.
The files for staff person #3, #5, and #10, hired provisionally, had proof of application for the NSOR verification certificate at their start date and lacked the NSOR verification certificate within 45 days of their start date as required for a provisional hire and require a current NSOR verification certificate. (See LIS CODE SHEET) The file for staff person #7 had a Department of Education FBI clearance dated 7-9-20 and lacked a DHS FBI clearance and NSOR verification certificate at their start date and requires a current DHS FBI clearance and NSOR verification certificate. The file for staff person #9 had a DHS FBI clearance that was dated after their start date. The file for staff person #11 had an FBI clearance with a rap sheet that lacked the required disposition. The file for staff person #15 had state police and child abuse clearances that exceeded 60 months between clearances. The file for staff person #16 had a Department of Education FBI clearance dated 7-9-20 and had a DHS FBI clearance dated 11-19-22 that was after their start date. The file for staff person #17 had a Department of Education FBI clearance dated 7-10-20 and had a DHS FBI clearance dated 11-19-22 that…
In the morning on 5-15-23, child #10 was observed in the library with a speech therapist and two other children that were enrolled in another program and not enrolled in the DHS child care program. The speech therapist is not a staff person. No staff person was present with the child, resulting in child #10 not being supervised by a staff person and child #10 being out of ratio with a 0:1 staff to child ratio. The child does not have written parental consent to work with the speech therapist without staff supervision.
* * In the morning on 5-15-23, child #10 was observed in the library with a speech therapist and two other children that were enrolled in another program and not enrolled in the DHS child care program. The speech therapist is not a staff person. No staff person was present with the child, resulting in child #10 not being supervised by a staff person. The child does not have written parental consent to work with the speech therapist without staff supervision.
* In the morning on 5-15-23, child #10 was observed in the library with a speech therapist and two other children that were enrolled in another program and not enrolled in the DHS child care program. The speech therapist is not a staff person. No staff person was present with the child, resulting in child #10 not being supervised by a staff person. The child does not have written parental consent to work with the speech therapist without staff supervision.
* * * In the morning on 5-15-23, child #10 was observed in the library with a speech therapist and two other children that were enrolled in another program and not enrolled in the DHS child care program. The speech therapist is not a staff person. No staff person was present with the child, resulting in child #10 not being supervised by a staff person. The child does not have written parental consent to work with the speech therapist without staff supervision.
In the morning on 5-15-23, child #10 was observed in the library with a speech therapist and two other children that were enrolled in another program and not enrolled in the DHS child care program. The speech therapist is not a staff person. No staff person was present with the child, resulting in child #10 not being supervised by a staff person. The child does not have written parental consent to work with the speech therapist without staff supervision. At approximately 10:05 a.m. in the toddler 2 room with a total of 10 children, staff person #10 named 5 children in their group, including older toddlers and preschoolers, and staff person #11 named 4 children in their group, including older toddlers and preschoolers, resulting in 9 out of 10 children being named in a group, and 1 child not being named in a group.
At approximately 10:50 a.m. in the infant room, an infant was observed sleeping in a bouncer seat for approximately 7 minutes and was not sleeping in the sleeping position recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. There was no documentation in the child's file with a medical reason that the infant should not sleep in the recommended position.
The emergency plan lacked requirements for continuity of operations according to federal requirements at 45 CFR § 98.41(a)(1)(vii).
The operator's letter provided to the parent of each enrolled child explaining the emergency procedures lacked the accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities and children with chronic medical conditions.
The library lacked a first-aid kit.
The first-aid kit in the preschool room lacked disposable, nonporous gloves. In the gym, the first-aid kit in the room for the pre-k group, with pre-k children present in the room, lacked tweezers. The first-aid kit in the lunch room lacked tweezers, scissors, tape, and disposable, nonporous gloves.
On the toddler play space in the corner near the door to the building, there were 2 wooden stakes against a wooden planter that were angled out and protruding into the play space that were a visible hazard.
The infant room, the gross motor room, and the before & after school room lacked a handwashing sign at the sink in each room.
On the toddler play space with toddlers observed in care in the play space, there were pieces of mulch and pea gravel with a diameter of less than 1 inch that were accessible to toddlers who are still placing objects in their mouths.
In the toddler 2 room with toddlers present in the room, there was peeling contact paper on the side of the counter that was accessible to children who are still placing objects in their mouths.
A veterinarian's certificate of current rabies immunization was not on file for a dog that was observed at the facility.
The files for child #4, a 1 year old, child #7, an 11 month old, child #8, a 1 year old, and child #9, an 11 month old, lacked a current health assessment updated within the last 6 months.
The files for child #1, a 6 month old, and child #9, an 11 month old, had an immunization record that lacked documentation of multiple vaccinations being administered in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP and lacked exemption documentation.
The file for child #3, a 5 year old, lacked an immunization record within 60 days of the child's first day of attendance at the facility and requires a current immunization record.
The file for staff person #6 lacked a current health assessment dated within the last 24 months. The files for staff person #7 and #18 had a health assessment that was dated after their start date providing initial service in a child care setting at the facility.
The file for staff person #11 lacked a tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method at initial employment and requires a current tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method. The files for staff person #7 and #18 had a tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method that was dated after initial employment at the facility.
The file for child #3, a 5 year old, lacked an initial health assessment within 60 days of the child's first day of attendance at the facility and requires a current health assessment.
Staff person #1, #2, and #4, with health and safety training completed prior to 10-4-22, had the Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update 2022 Training dated 3-2-23 that was not completed by 12-30-22 as required. Staff person #6, with health and safety training completed prior to 10-4-22, had the Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update 2022 Training dated 3-1-23 that was not completed by 12-30-22 as required. Staff person #8 and #10, with health and safety training completed prior to 10-4-22, had the Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update 2022 Training dated 3-5-23 that was not completed by 12-30-22 as required. Staff person #13 and #15, with health and safety training completed prior to 10-4-22, had the Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update 2022 Training dated 3-6-23 that was not completed by 12-30-22 as required.
Staff person #14 completed the following required pre-service training on 12-12-22 that was over 90 days after their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Health and Safety Training in the topics of 3270.31(f)(1-9). Staff person #3, #9, and #10 completed the following required pre-service training on 4-15-23 that was over 90 days after their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric first-aid/CPR training. Staff person #12 and #14 completed the following required pre-service training on 5-2-23 that was over 90 days after their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric first-aid/CPR training.
The file for staff person #15 had a staff evaluation that exceeded 12 months between evaluations.
The file for child #3 had an agreement that was not signed by the operator.
The file for child #7 lacked a current child service report updated within the last 6 months. The files for child #5 and #6 had a child service report that exceeded 6 months between updates.
The files for child #1, #2, #3, #6, #7, and #8 had an agreement that lacked the child's admission date.
The file for child #2 had an emergency contact form that lacked the name of the health insurance and the policy number.
The files for child #4 and #7 had an emergency contact form that lacked the address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.
The files for child #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, and #9 lacked a current emergency contact form updated within the last 6 months. The files for child #7 and #9 had an agreement that exceeded 6 months between updates.
The file for staff person #12 had an NSOR verification certificate dated after their start date and lacked a state police clearance at their start date and requires a current state police clearance. The file for staff person #13, hired as the director, lacked an NSOR verification certificate at their start date and requires a current NSOR verification certificate. The file for staff person #5 lacked a disclosure statement at their start date. The file for staff person #6 had a disclosure statement that lacked the signature of a witness. The file for staff person #3, hired provisionally, had an FBI clearance dated after their start date and lacked verification of being fingerprinted for the FBI clearance at their start date to be a provisional hire. The file for staff person #6 had an FBI clearance and NSOR verification certificate that were dated after their start date. The file for staff person #11, hired provisionally, had proof of application for the NSOR verification certificate at their start date and had an NSOR verification certificate that was dated over 45 days after their start date and had an FBI clearance dated after their start date and lacked verification of being…
At approximately 10:45 am, child #7 was observed walking in the hallway with their nurse, who is not a staff person. No staff person was present with them, resulting in child #7 not being supervised by a staff person, and child #7 being out of ratio. At approximately 11:57 am, child #7 was observed with their nurse and no staff person present in the changing table area in the hallway between the preschool and pre-k rooms, resulting in child #7 being out of ratio.
At approximately 10:45 am, child #7 was observed walking in the hallway with their nurse, who is not a staff person. No staff person was present with them, resulting in child #7 not being supervised by a staff person. At approximately 11:57 am, child #7 was observed with their nurse and no staff person present in the changing table area in the hallway between the preschool and pre-k rooms.
At approximately 10:45 am, child #7 was observed walking in the hallway with their nurse, who is not a staff person. No staff person was present with them, resulting in child #7 not being supervised by a staff person. At approximately 11:57 am, child #7 was observed with their nurse and no staff person present in the changing table area in the hallway between the preschool and pre-k rooms.
In the pre-k counts room, there were multiple push pins with sharp edges in a container in an unlocked drawer of the desk and were accessible to children.
The files for staff person #4 and #9 had emergency plan training that exceeded a year between trainings. The files for staff person #5, #6, #7, and #11 had emergency plan training that was dated over 90 days after initial employment.
In the pre-k counts room, there were 2 bottles of Wite-out labeled "Keep out of reach of children" that were in the top right unlocked drawer of the desk and were accessible to children. In the bathroom between the toddler 1 and toddler 2 rooms, there was a bottle of Clorox Hydrogen Peroxide labeled "Keep out of reach of children" under the sink in an unlocked cabinet that was accessible to children. In the changing table area between the preschool and pre-k counts rooms, there were a canister of disinfectant wipes and a bottle of Lysol Disinfectant Spray labeled "Keep out of reach of children" in an unlocked drawer that was accessible to children.
In the toddler 2 room, the temperature at the sink was 127° F. In the toddler 1 room, the temperature at the sink was 125° F. In the bathroom between the toddler 1 and toddler 2 rooms, the temperature at the sink was 130° F.
The telephone number of the nearest hospital, police department, fire department, ambulance and poison control center was not posted by the telephone in the preschool room.
The left side school-age room lacked a first-aid kit.
In the bathroom between the preschool and pre-k counts rooms, there was a loose tile coming apart from the wall to the right of the sink.
In the pre-k counts 2 room, there was peeling paint in 1 area on the left wall to the right of the Smart Board and in 1 area on the right wall towards the back right corner.
In the bathroom between the preschool and pre-k counts rooms that had a sink and a toilet, the trash can lacked a lid.
In the gross motor room, there was a fabric mat at the bottom of the steps to the loft that had tears in multiple areas exposing the stuffing inside.
The file for child #6 lacked an immunization record within 60 days of their start date and requires a current immunization record.
The files for child #3, a 3 year old, and child #4, a 4 year old, had an immunization record that lacked verification of the Influenza vaccination being administered within the last calendar year in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP and lacked exemption documentation. The file for child #5, a 2 year old, had an immunization record that lacked documentation of the 4th dose of the DTAP vaccination by age 18 months and the 2nd dose of the Hepatitis A vaccination by age 23 months in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP and lacked exemption documentation.
In the bathroom between the toddler 1 and toddler 2 rooms, there were diapers in the trash can with a flip lid and not a hands-free covered can. In the toddler 1 room, there were diapers in an unlidded trash can in the room.
The file for staff person #10 lacked a current health assessment updated within the last 24 months. The file for staff person #13 lacked a health assessment at their start date, and requires a current health assessment. The file for staff person #6 had a health assessment that was dated after their start date.
The file for staff person #13 lacked a tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method at initial employment and requires a current tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method. The file for staff person #6 had a tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method that was dated after initial employment.
The facility's emergency plan lacked a plan that provides for accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.
According to the log, the operator did not manually test the interconnected fire detection system in the facility at least once every 30 days between 10-29-21 to 12-2-21, 12-2-21 to 1-11-22, 1-11-22 to 2-26-22, and 2-26-22 to 3-31-22.
The file for child #6 lacked an initial health assessment within 60 days of their start date and requires a current health assessment.
Staff person #1, #4, #5, #8, and #9 have not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Approved Health and Safety Training in the topics of 3270.31(f)(1-9).
Staff person #1, #2, #8, #9, and #10 have not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric first-aid/CPR training from a PQAS approved curriculum. Staff person #3 and #5 have not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric first-aid/CPR training.
Staff person #4 had not completed an updated mandated reporter training within 60 months. This is evidenced by the documented mandated reporter trainings on file being dated 7-7-16 and 4-22-22.
The file for staff person #11, functioning as an assistant group supervisor, lacked verification of education/experience to qualify as an assistant group supervisor.
The file for staff person #13, functioning as the director, lacked verification of 1 year of experience working with children to qualify as the director.
The daily activity schedule was not posted in the pre-k room, lunch room, left side school-age room, and right side school-age room.
The file for child #1 had an emergency contact form that lacked the name of the health insurance and the policy number. The file for child #2 had an emergency contact form that lacked the health insurance policy number.
The emergency transportation plan was not posted in the left side school-age room and the library.
The files for child #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5 lacked an agreement updated within the last 6 months.
The file for child #3 had an emergency contact form that lacked signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child and signed parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff.
The file for staff person #3 lacked two written, nonfamily references. The file for staff person #5 had one written, nonfamily reference and lacked a second written, nonfamily reference.
“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.
Complaint investigations and reported incidents
Pennsylvania’s search lists complaint investigations in which the state found at least one violation (“verified complaints”). It does not say what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it. Incident investigations look into something that happened at the center; self-reported violations are ones the center reported to the state itself.
Daily rates
| Age group | Full time, per day | Part time, per day |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (Under 6 Weeks) | $46.60 | — |
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $46.60 | — |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $44.20 | — |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $43.20 | — |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $39.00 | $35.40 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $40.00 | $35.40 |
The daily price the center lists in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search for families paying privately. The state notes that rates are subject to change and programs don’t have to share them, so confirm with the center. See what daycare costs in Pennsylvania.
About this center
Common questions
Has Childrens Center of Mercer County had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 23 violations since 2021 on the topics Daycare Record treats as core safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep). The most recent, on Dec 12, 2025 (background checks): “The file for staff person #2 had child abuse and FBI clearances that exceeded 60 months between clearances.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Childrens Center of Mercer County?
Pennsylvania lists 2 complaint investigations since 2021 in which it found at least one violation; the violations are listed above. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is Childrens Center of Mercer County’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Mar 28, 2026. Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania’s quality rating program for child care, from STAR 1 to STAR 4. It measures program quality, not inspection results, so read both.
How does Childrens Center of Mercer County compare with other daycares in Hermitage?
It is #7 of 7 centers in Hermitage by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 99% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Childrens Center of Mercer County last inspected?
Dec 12, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does Childrens Center of Mercer County cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $46.60 for newborn, $46.60 for infant, $44.20 for young toddler, $43.20 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Childrens Center of Mercer County?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Childrens Center of Mercer County.
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Citations are quoted from Pennsylvania Department of Human Services inspection records (Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Certification Services), including each finding and the center’s plan of correction. Rule numbers refer mostly to 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3270, the rules for child care centers; a few cite Chapter 20, which covers every certified facility. Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; the “core safety” label and the score are Daycare Record’s.
To check the state’s own record, search the center’s name on COMPASS Child Care Provider Search and open its inspection history. Data refreshed Oct 16, 2026.
Comparing centers? See how to choose a daycare: 30 questions to ask and a printable checklist.
Concerned about this center? See how to report a daycare: which state line to call, what to write down and what happens next.