Creative Kids Child Development Center · Orefield
7584 Kernsville Rd, Orefield, PA 18069 · Lehigh County
2 complaint investigations found violations
Keystone STAR 1
Creative Kids Child Development Center is a certified child care center in Orefield, PA, with capacity for 166 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 5 times and confirmed violations in 2 complaint investigations. The state cited 27 violations, 6 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep). 2 citations came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #118 of 155 centers in Lehigh County and has more citations per inspection than 68% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
More citations than 68% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most
Tied for #118 of 155 centers in Lehigh County
6
Core-safety citations
21
Other citations
5
Inspections
2
Complaint investigations that found violations
27 citations from 8 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 2 in the last 12 months · last inspected Sep 17, 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
6
Health & medication
6
Records & paperwork
6
Background checks
5
Food & feeding
1
Supervision
1
Emergency preparedness
1
Transportation
1
Citations, newest first
Citation
Sep 17, 2026
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
A renewal inspection was conducted at the facility on 9/17/26, at the time of the inspection a bottle labeled bleach and water was found on a shelf that was accessible to children in the Preschool room bathroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “We removed the bleach bottle from the sink and moved it to a high shelf that is out of reach from the children.”
Citation
Sep 17, 2026
Inspection
Health & medication
Original label 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(5)
A renewal inspection was conducted at the facility on 9/17/26, at the time of the inspection a bottle of Benadryl that expired in 8/26 and an epi pen that expired in 8/26 were found in the Pre-K room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “The expired medicine was removed on 9/17. The parents brought new medicine and it was placed in the classroom on 9/22/26.”
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
During the renewal inspection on 9/19/25, a review of staff files was conducted and found that staff person #1 was hired provisionally and did not have a completed PA Child Abuse History clearance on file prior to beginning direct care with children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 3, 2025): “We will ensure that when hiring new staff, they have in their file their PA Child Abuse Clearance, along with the other necessary clearances. The staff now has their PA Child Abuse Clearance in their file.”
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
During the renewal inspection on 9/19/25, a review of staff files was conducted and found that staff person #2 did not update their clearances every 60 months as evidenced by a previous National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) verification dated 1/16/20 and a current dated 7/15/25.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 3, 2025): “We will lay off any staff who do not have their clerances completed before they expire.”
Citation
Sep 12, 2024
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
in the school age room, there was a container of disinfecting wipes under the sink which were accessible to children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 24, 2024): “Disinfecting wipes were removed from under the sink and were moved to a spot not accessible to children.”
Citation
Sep 12, 2024
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Toxic plants not permitted 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(d)
Inch plants which are toxic to children were found in the infant and pre-k rooms and aloe plants which are toxic to children were found in the pre-k room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 24, 2024): “Toxic plants were removed from the center.”
Citation
Sep 12, 2024
Inspection
Health & medication
2 feet apart 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(f)
At nap time, it was observed that there was less than 2 feet of space between several of the children who were laying down for nap in the young toddler room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 24, 2024): “Children's mats were seperated by at least two feet during nap.”
Citation
Sep 12, 2024
Inspection
Food & feeding
Refrigerator 55 Pa. Code §3270.107
The thermometer in the young toddler refrigerator was broken.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 24, 2024): “A working thermostate was placed in the fridge in the young toddler classroom, so that the teamperature could be seen.”
Citation
Sep 12, 2024
Inspection
Health & medication
Original label 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(5)
Albuterol in the young toddler room expired May 2024.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 24, 2024): “Medicine cabinets in each classroom will be checked regularly to be sure that all medications are within their expiration date.”
Citation
Sep 12, 2024
Inspection
Health & medication
2 hour diaper check 55 Pa. Code §3270.135(e)
When asked, two staff members stated that they sometimes check children's diapers every 2 and a half hours.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 10, 2024): “Staff was reminded that all diapers should be checked at least every two hours.”
Show 17 older citations
Citation
Jul 30, 2024
Complaint investigation
Building & playground safety
Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)
On 7/24/24 when a parent was leaving after picking up their child, Child #1 had his hand close to the door and his thumb was shut in the hinge side of the door.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 12, 2024): “Pinch guards were added to classroom doors in the wobbler and toddler rooms.”
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
Staff Person #1 has a Department of Education FBI clearance on file and not the Department of Human Services FBI clearance.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 17, 2023): “Staff made an appointment at Identigo to have DHS fingerprints. She is not working at the center until we recieve her DHS fingerprints.”
Pertinent Laws & Regulations 55 Pa. Code §3270.14
FACILITY RECENTLY HAD A POWER OUTAGE WHICH LEFT THE BUILDING WITHOUT WATER. UPON RETURNING THE POWER AND TESTING THE WATER, IT AS FOUND THAT THE WATER WAS CONTAMINATED WITH E COLI. FACILITY IS UNDER A WATER BOIL ADVISORY UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS FIXED.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 3, 2023): “A water boil advisory has been put into effect and will remain until the problem is fixed. A water boil advisory notice has been posted in the facility and all parents were notified via writing.”
Citation
Mar 23, 2023
Complaint investigation
Building & playground safety
Running water/ safe drinking water 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(a)
FACILITY RECENTLY HAD A POWER OUTAGE WHICH LEFT THE BUILDING WITHOUT WATER. UPON RETURNING THE POWER AND TESTING THE WATER, IT AS FOUND THAT THE WATER WAS CONTAMINATED WITH E COLI. FACILITY IS UNDER A WATER BOIL ADVISORY UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS FIXED.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 3, 2023): “Bottled water was supplied to all classrooms for drinking. Bottle water is also being used in the kitchen for cooking and dishes as well.”
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
File for staff person #2, (see code sheet for date of hire), did not contain out of state clearances or a copy of the requests for out of state clearances, and documentation on file verified that staff person #2 has live outside of PA within the last 5 years. File for staff person #3, (see code sheet for date of hire), contained a single NSOR clearance dated 5/4/22. This NSOR clearance is dated more than their allowable 45 day provisional hire period according to the date of hire on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 4, 2022): “Facility person was removed from care immediately. Out of state clearances were obtained and will be placed on file. Staff person #3 currently has their NSOR on file.”
Citation
Sep 22, 2022
Other state visit
Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan/Letter to parents 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(1)/3270.27(e)
It was observed and stated that the facility did not have a lock-down procedure created in their emergency plan. It was also observed and stated that the emergency plan letter provided to families did not contain a statement about a lock-down procedure or accommodations for infants, toddlers, those with special needs or chronic medical conditions.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 4, 2022): “Facility created a lockdown drill and this was added to the emergency plan. The lockdown and accommodations from the facility's emergency plan was added to the emergency plan letter for parents. A copy of the additional emergency plan items will also be forwarded to the emergency management agency…”
Citation
Sep 22, 2022
Other state visit
Transportation
Pick-up and drop-off points 55 Pa. Code §3270.171(a)
It was observed that the facility did not notify local traffic safety authorities annually in writing of the location of the facility and the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the child care facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 4, 2022): “Facility created and notified the local traffic authority of our location and programs use of pedestrian and routes around the child care facility. It was forwarded to our local police department.”
Citation
Sep 22, 2022
Other state visit
Records & paperwork
Written emergency plan posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(e)
It was observed that an emergency transportation plan was not posted in any child care spaces throughout the facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 4, 2022): “A written emergency transportation plan has been placed in every classroom and will accompany staff on field trips.”
Citation
Sep 22, 2022
Other state visit
Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
File for staff person #1 did not contain two written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 4, 2022): “Staff person #1 has two written nonfamily references now on file.”
Citation
Sep 22, 2022
Other state visit
Records & paperwork
Availability of certificate of compliance and applicable regulations 55 Pa. Code §3270.25(a)
It was observed and stated that the facility did not provide to families information on how to access the regulations in this chapter electronically.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 4, 2022): “The website was added to the brochure which is given to all newly enrolled families and was added to the parent bulletin board for all currently enrolled families.”
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
Staff 1 - DOH - 5.3.21 - has expired state police clearance, child abuse clearance and fbi clearance on file. Staff 1 did not update all 3 clearances within 60 months of previous clearances that are on file. Staff 1 has a state police clearance on file dated 10.16.16, a child abuse clearance on file dated 10.21.16 and a fbi clearance on file dated 10.16.21. Staff 3 has a state police clearance on file that does not have the state official seal making the state police clearance incomplete.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 30, 2021): “Facility person 1 - criminal history record, child abuse registry clearance and FBI fingerprint clearance were completed on 11/2/21. The new forms are being sent to your office for review. A disclosure statement was also signed on 11/2/21 and is being sent to your office as well. Facility person…”
Citation
Nov 1, 2021
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
In the older toddler room, inspector observed toxics (eucerin eczema relief, coppertone pure and simple baby sun protect, and desitin maximum strength) in a childs baby bag that was hanging on the hook in the classroom. Hook was very low and bag was accessible to children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 18, 2021): “Bag was removed from the hook and was no longer accessible to the children. This took place during the inspection.”
Citation
Nov 1, 2021
Inspection
Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)
Staff 4 - did not update their health assessments within 24 months of the previous health assessment. Staff 4has a health assessment on file dated 9.27.19.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 30, 2021): “Staff 4- Staff's health assessment was done on 10/6/21.”
Citation
Nov 1, 2021
Inspection
Health & medication
Mantoux TB 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(2)
Staff 2 - DOH - 9.15.21 - did not receive a tb screening at initial employment. Staff 2 has a tb screening in file dated 9.23.21.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 18, 2021): “Staff 2 received a TB test 8 days post hire date. She was not able to get an earlier appointment due to COVID patients having priority at her doctor's office. Test is dated 9/23/21.”
Citation
Nov 1, 2021
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Review policies and procedures/Given parents in writing 55 Pa. Code §3270.121(a)/3270.121(b)
The parent handbook does not include a clothing policy and supervision policy.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 30, 2021): “The parent handbook has been updated to include a paragraph regarding outdoor playtime and a supervision policy. This includes information regarding appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.”
Citation
Nov 1, 2021
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Written consent/Consent for emergency medical care required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(4)/3270.182(3)
Child 1's emergency contact from contains initials for emergency medical care. The emergency contact form for child 1 does not contain signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 30, 2021): “Emergency contact form is signed by parent. We are sending a signed copy to you.”
Citation
Nov 1, 2021
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Consent for administration of minor first-aid required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(5)
Child 1's emergency contact from contains initials for administration of minor first aid. The emergency contact form for child 1 does not have signed parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 30, 2021): “Duplicate of violation 4 Emergency contact for is singed by parent. We are sending a signed copy to you.”
“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
Violation found
Jul 30, 2024
Complaint investigation
1 violation cited, listed under Citations.
Violation found
Mar 23, 2023
Complaint investigation
2 violations cited, listed under Citations.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $42.00 | $42.00 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $41.00 | $41.00 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $39.00 | $39.00 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $40.00 | $40.00 |
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
Capacity
166 children
Certificate status
Regular
Certificate valid through
Dec 3, 2027
Operator
Marybeth Long Lindsey Kahl
Hours
Monday–Friday 6:00 AM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone
(610) 481-9984
State certificate #
CER-00261442
Common questions
Has Creative Kids Child Development Center had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 6 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 Sep 19, 2025 (background checks): “During the renewal inspection on 9/19/25, a review of staff files was conducted and found that staff person #1 was hired provisionally and did not have a completed PA Child Abuse History clearance on file prior to…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Creative Kids Child Development Center?
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 Creative Kids Child Development Center’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 1, effective May 31, 2019. 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 Creative Kids Child Development Center compare with other daycares in Lehigh County?
It is tied for #118 of 155 centers in Lehigh County by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 68% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Creative Kids Child Development Center last inspected?
Sep 17, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does Creative Kids Child Development Center cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $42.00 for infant, $41.00 for young toddler, $40.00 for older toddler, $39.00 for preschool in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Creative Kids Child Development Center?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Marybeth Long Lindsey Kahl.
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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.