Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh

Staff persons #1 and #7 were observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff persons #1 and #7 have not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Pediatric First Aid/CPR.

The file for Staff Person #3 did not contain documentation of Child Abuse and Neglect Clearance results for the state of Florida where the staff person resided within 5 years prior to their date of hire (See LIS Code Sheet). The file for Staff Person #7 contained documentation of PA State Police Clearance results dated March 7, 2022; however, the clearance was issued for volunteer purposes making the clearance invalid for employment. In addition, the file for Staff Person #7 did not contain documentation of the Child Abuse and Neglect Clearance results for the state of New Jersey where the staff person resided within 5 years prior to their date of hire (See LIS Code Sheet).

The file for Staff Person #1 did not contain documentation of a signed disclosure statement prior to date of hire (See LIS Code Sheet). The file for Staff person #3 contained documentation of NSOR clearance results dated November 25, 2024 but was after the staff person's date of hire (See LIS Code Sheet).

On July 22, 2025, Staff Person #6 submitted a Pediatric First Aid/CPR certificate for Staff Person #1 dated August 22, 2023. The font of the individual's name was inconsistent when compared to other certificates, and the QR Code would not scan. The training center verified that the Ecard Number on the certificate is linked to Staff Person #5. Staff statements confirmed Staff Person #1 did not attend training on that date, and the training center verified that the certificate was invalid. Therefore, Staff Person #1 does not have a valid Pediatric First Aid/CPR certificate within 90 days of hire. On July 30, 2025, it was determined the Pediatric First Aid/CPR certificate on file for Staff Person #2 was invalid. The printed name listed Staff Person #2; however, scanning the QR code showed the certificate belonged to Staff Person #5. Staff Person #2 does not have a valid Pediatric First Aid/CPR certificate. Staff person #2 does not have current Pediatric First Aid/CPR training. This is evidenced by the previously documented Pediatric First Aid/CPR training expiration date of August 31, 2024. On July 22, 2025, Staff Person #6 submitted a Pediatric First Aid/CPR certificate for Staff…

The files for Staff Persons #1, #3, and #9 did not contain documentation of emergency plan training at initial hire.

In Room 108, two large areas of sealant foam (an expanding chemical spray used for insulation and gap-filling, labeled "Keep out of reach of children") were observed along the baseboard on the back wall and were accessible to children in care. Based on staff statements, the sealant foam had been sprayed earlier that morning and was still in the process of drying at the time of inspection. It was further noted that Staff Person #10 attempted to conceal the presence of the foam from the Certification Representative by covering it with a rug.

A determination could not be made on when the health assessment in the file for Staff Person #7 was conducted due to the health assessment was not dated by the physician. The file for Staff Person #8 did not contain documentation of a health assessment at initial employment. The file for Staff Person #9 contained documentation of a health assessment dated July 9, 2025 but was after the staff person's date of hire (See LIS Code Sheet).

The files for Staff Persons #1 and #8 did not contain documentation of a TB screening at initial employment. The file for Staff Person #9 contained documentation of a TB screening on July 11, 2025 but was after the staff person's date of hire (See LIS Code Sheet).

*SECOND VIOLATION In the small outdoor play space, several pickets to the wooden fence surrounding the play space were observed to be broken causing splintering and were not in good repair. Previously cited on 5/1/25. SIN-00265488.

On July 31, 2025, the facility failed to provide the Certification Representative with immediate and unrestricted access to staff files. Between 10:15 AM and 11:45 AM, Staff Person #6 sent several electronic folder links by email; however, the files were not shared in a way that permitted access. When the Certification Representative attempted to open the links again at 1:10 PM, access was restricted and denied, resulting in a delay in the review of staff files.

Staff person #2 does not have current Pediatric First Aid/CPR training. This is evidenced by the previously documented Pediatric First Aid/CPR training expiration date of August 31, 2024. On July 30, 2025, it was determined the Pediatric First Aid/CPR certificate on file for Staff Person #2 was invalid. The printed name listed Staff Person #2; however, scanning the QR code showed the certificate belonged to Staff Person #5. Staff Person #2 does not have a valid Pediatric First Aid/CPR certificate.

Staff persons #7 and #8 have not completed Pediatric First Aid/CPR within 90 days of their hire date (See LIS Code Sheet). On July 22, 2025, Staff Person #6 submitted a Pediatric First Aid/CPR certificate for Staff Person #1 dated August 22, 2023. The font of the individual's name was inconsistent when compared to other certificates, and the QR Code would not scan. The training center verified that the Ecard Number on the certificate is linked to Staff Person #5. Staff statements confirmed Staff Person #1 did not attend training on that date, and the training center verified that the certificate was invalid. Staff Person #1 does not have a valid Pediatric First Aid/CPR certificate within 90 days of hire. On July 22, 2025, Staff Person #6 submitted a Pediatric First Aid/CPR certificate for Staff Person #3 dated November 24, 2024. Staff statements confirmed Staff Person #3 did not attend training on that date, and the training center verified that no Pediatric First Aid/CPR training was offered by the listed instructor on that date. This certificate was invalid. Staff Person #3 does not have a valid Pediatric First Aid/CPR certificate within 90 days of hire. On July 30, 2025, it was…

The files for Staff Persons #3 and #8 (identified as assistant group supervisors) lacked qualification documents for the position in which the staff persons are performing. The file for Staff Person #9 (identified as an assistant group supervisor) contained documentation of a foreign diploma that has not been translated and evaluated to determine the staff person's qualifications.

The file for Staff Person #8 contained documentation of one written, nonfamily reference.

Based on staff conversation with staff, Staff Person #1 was reported to have demonstrated aggressive behavior toward children. It was reported that Staff Person #1 yanked and pulled a child by the arm and wrist to prevent the child from climbing a slide, pulled a chair out from under a child, and abruptly lifted a child under the arms and forcefully relocated them to another area in the room.

Based on staff conversation, Staff Person #1 reportedly denied children access to food on multiple occasions as a form of discipline for not meeting behavior expectations. It was determined that Staff Person #1 refused to allow a child to eat from a lunchbox because the child would not eat their chicken nuggets first. Additionally, Staff Person #1 was observed discarding food that children were actively eating, stating the children were not listening and had stood up from their seats too many times.

Based on staff conversation, Staff Person #1 was reported to interact with children using an aggressive, harsh, and overpowering tone, causing fear amongst the children. It was determined that Staff Person #1 screamed in children's faces and made statements such as, "You're a bad kid! Go sit in a chair! Get out of my way!

At approximately 10:40am in Room 110, 4 infants and 3 young toddlers were observed napping in their cribs on the right side of the room. Staff Persons #1 and #6 were observed sitting on a sofa and chair on the opposite side of the room. Due to where Staff Persons #1 and #6 were positioned in the room and furniture blockage, Staff Persons #1 and #6 were not able to properly supervise their assigned groups of children.

Based on conversations with staff, children were in the outdoor play space pouring water from their water bottles onto the ground. Staff Person #1 became frustrated and collected the children's water bottles, placed them in a milk crate, and refused to give the children back their water bottles that are used for drinking water for the remaining time the class was outside.

Based on staff conversation, Staff Person #1 reportedly denied children access to food on multiple occasions as a form of discipline. It was determined that Staff Person #1 refused to allow a child to eat from a lunchbox because the child would not eat their chicken nuggets first. Additionally, Staff Person #1 was observed discarding food that children were actively eating, stating the children were not listening and had stood up from their seats too many times.

In the small outdoor play space, several pickets to the wooden fence surrounding the play space were observed to be broken causing splintering and were not in good repair.

The facility's fire drill log did not contain documentation of the names of the facility persons and the number of children who participated in the fire drills on 12/2/24 and 12/31/24.

The files for Staff Persons #2 and #4 contained documentation of mandated reporter training that was not renewed before the expiration date of the most current certification on file. Staff person #2: 3/4/20 and 3/12/25. Staff person #4: 1/5/20 and 1/30/25.

Staff Persons #3 and #5 have not completed mandated reporter training within the last 60 months. This is evidenced by the previously documented mandated reporter trainings on file being dated 4/14/20.

Continued Non-Compliance: On 11/12/24, a renewal inspection was conducted at the facility. Staff person #1 had acceptable pediatric first aid/CPR training in an approved curriculum, however the trainer had not provided documentation that they are PQAS-certified in that training topic. The facility's acceptable plan of correction indicated the correction would be implemented by 12/31/24. On 1/9/25, an unannounced inspection was conducted. Staff person #1 has acceptable pediatric first aid/CPR training in an approved curriculum, however the trainer still has not provided documentation that they are PQAS-certified in that training topic.

The file for staff person #1 did not have documentation of child abuse clearance results from the state of New York, where the staff person resided in the 5 years prior to employment (See IS CODE SHEET).

The file for staff person #2 had documentation of completing Mandated Reporter training on 7/11/19 and 10/28/24, which is more than 60 months apart. The file for staff person #3 had documentation of PA Child Abuse clearance results dated 9/5/19 and 11/1/24, which is more than 60 months apart. The file for staff person #9 had documentation of PA State Police clearance results dated 10/26/18 and 7/18/24 and FBI clearance results dated 3/15/19 and 5/2/24, which are more than 60 months apart.

A handwashing sign was not posted near the toilet in Room 114.

The lid to the trash receptacle in the outdoor play area was observed to be cracked with sharp edges and was not in good repair.

The file for child #1, preschool aged, does not include a health report that was conducted within the last 12 months. The most current health report on file is dated 10/24/23.

The two most recent health assessments in the files for staff persons #2 and #11 are dated more than 24 months apart. Staff person #2: 5/24/22 and 6/19/24. Staff person #11: 11/22/21 and 12/8/23.

The health assessment on file for staff person #6 did not include a physical examination.

The file for child #6 had documentation of a health report dated 5/2/24 but was not within 60 days following the first day of attendance at the facility.

The files for staff persons #4 and #5 did not include documentation of current pediatric first aid/CPR training. The most recent training in the file for staff person #4 is dated 8/18/2022 and staff person #5 is dated 10/3/22.

Staff person #1 has acceptable pediatric first aid/CPR training in an approved curriculum; however, the trainer has not provided documentation that they are PQAS-certified in that training topic.

The files for staff persons #7, #10 and #12 had documentation of pediatric first aid/CPR training dated 8/2024 but was not completed within 90 days of hire. Staff person #8, who has worked at the facility for more than 90 days, lacked training in the 10 required health and safety training topics.

The files for staff persons #5, #6 and #7, identified as an Assistant Group Supervisors, did not include qualification documents for the position they are performing.

The emergency contact form in the file for child #4 lacked the phone numbers of the individuals designated by the parent to whom the child may be released. The emergency contact forms in the file for children #5 and #6 lacked the addresses of the individuals designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.

The emergency contact forms in the files for children #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6 have not been reviewed/updated by the parent within the last 6 months.

The file for staff person #10 had documentation of one written, nonfamily reference.

Based on statements from the director and multiple staff, on the morning of 12/28/23 Staff Person #1 fell asleep while carrying for 10 preschool children in the preschool classroom.

Based on statements from the director and multiple staff, on the morning of 12/28/23 Staff Person #1 fell asleep while carrying for 10 preschool children in the preschool classroom.

Based on statements from the director and multiple staff, on the morning of 12/28/23 Staff Person #1 fell asleep while carrying for 10 preschool children in the preschool classroom.

Loose crib sheets were observed on cribs in the Infant Room, causing the risk of suffocation.

The State Police Clearance on file for Staff Person #2 is dated 11/5/23 which is after initial hire date (See LIS Code sheet). The two most recent State Police Clearances for Staff Person #6 are dated 6/22/17 and 7/28/22 which are more than 60 months apart. The two most recent Child Abuse Clearances for Staff Person #6 are dated 6/28/17 and 8/12/22 which are more than 60 months apart.

It was observed in the hallway that there was an outlet without protective coverings.

In room #107 it was observed that the to go bag that contained the first-aid kit was on the floor in front of the children's cubbies making it accessible to the children.

The first aid kit in Room #104 was lacking tape. The first-aid kit in Room #109 was lacking soap.

It was observed in Room #105 in the back comfy corner that there was peeling and chipping paint on the wall.

In Rooms #102, #107 and #108 it was observed that there was a bin of magnetic tiles that had cracks in the tiles with some missing magnetics. In Room #108 there were foam letters that had bite marks in them.

The immunization record on file for Child #1 and Child #2 does not include a current influenza vaccination that is recommended annually by the ACIP.

The health report on file for Child #3 does not indicate if the child is free from contagious disease and may be participate in child care.

The two most recent health assessment on file for Staff Person #7 are dated 7/22/21 and 8/23/23 which are more than 24 months apart.

An empty bottle for an infant in care did not contain the name of the child that it was fed too.

The initial health assessment for Child #4 is dated 8/17/22 which is more than 60 days after enrollment (see LIS code sheet for enrollment date).

The One-Hour Health and Safety professional development training on file for Staff Person #7 is dated 11/13/23, which is after the deadline date of 12/30/22.

The file for Staff person #1 includes verification of Pediatric First Aid/CPR training dated 8/22/23, after the expiration date of 6/21/23. The file for Staff person #4 includes verification of Pediatric First Aid/CPR training dated 8/18/22, after the expiration date of 2/16/22. The file for Staff person #5 includes verification of Pediatric First Aid/CPR training dated 8/22/23, after the expiration date of 6/21/23.

The file for Staff Person #3, was observed not to have completed pre-service training, Get Started with Center Based Care: Building Blocks for Quality, within 90 days of hire (see LIS code sheet). The pre-service training on file for Staff Person #3 was dated 6/22/22.

There was not a daily schedule posted in Rooms #103, #105, and #109.

Observed staff file #1 contained a volunteer child abuse clearance which is not accepted for child care employment. Observed staff file #2 contained an initial CPSL required mandated reporter training which was dated more than 90 days after staff #2 start date (See LIS Code Sheet) in a child care position. Observed staff file #3 and #4, who had lived out of state within the last 5 years, did not contain the required out of state child abuse clearance.

Observed the cribs which were in use in room 104, did not have 2 feet of space on three sides. Observed an infant sleeping with a pacifier toy in room 106.

Observed in room 102, Lysol cleaner on the same shelf as food.

Observed the first aid kit in room 101 and room 107 were missing soap.

Observed in room 108, a ceiling vent which needed to be cleaned. Observed in room 107, a damaged ceiling tile and 2 ceiling vents which needed to be cleaned. Observed in room 106, a detached electrical wall outlet and ceiling fans which needed to be cleaned. Observed in room 101, a detached heater front. Observed in the outdoor play area, exposed nails and bolts by the outside wooden door.

Observed damaged plaster or paint flakes on the floor by the swings in room 104. Observed peeling paint on the slide support in the young toddler area.

Observed trash cans which did not have a lid in the sink or toilet area in room 108, 103, 105, 101, and 102.

Observed in room 101, a white chair with a loose back creating a pinch point. Observed in room 100, a loose/separating manipulative shelve unit. Observed in room 103, a torn diaper changing pad, a white and a blue chair with loose back or support screw, and a split in the wood of the blue chairs back support. Observed in room 107, a wooden chair with a loose back creating a pinch point and a sand table with a peeling cover. Observed in room 108, a blue couch with exposed foam.

Observed in room 100, which provides care for toddlers, several small particles/plastic with a diameter of less than one inch on the floor by a tablet. Observed in room 104, an infant room, small plastic/particles with a diameter of less than one inch on the floor by the swing.

Observed on 11/22/22, child file #1 did not contain written verification of ongoing flu vaccines administered in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP.

Observed the facility did not have medication logs for Benadryl and an epi pen which are stored and maintained at the facility.

Based on information obtained in room 104, it was determined that the bottles used to feed the infants were being washed by hand and not in a dishwasher.

Observed the operator did not have documentation of submitting a copy of the emergency plan to the local municipality and to the county emergency management agency.

Observed the required child care staff files which documented these staff have acceptable pediatric first aid/CPR training in an approved curriculum; however, the trainer has not provided documentation that they are PQAS-certified in that training topic.

The most recent State Police Criminal History clearance on file for Staff person #4 is dated 7/21/19, more than 60 months after the previous clearance, dated 7/11/12.

There were cracked floor tiles in Room 103, causing a potential tripping hazard.

The thermometer in the refrigerator in Room 108 and Room 107 measured more than 45 degrees during the inspection.

The current immunization record on file for Child #1, who is 3 years old, includes 3 of 4 Pneumococcal vaccines recommended by the ACIP for a child this age. The current immunization record on file for Child #1 also does not include an annual influenza vaccination, which is recommended annually by the ACIP.

The 2 most recent health assessments on file for Staff person #1 are dated 7/18/19 and 7/21/21, more than 24 months apart.

The facility does not have proof of purchase for the interconnected fire alarm system.

The 2 most recent completed Mandated Reporter training certificates for Staff person #2 are dated 3/10/15 and 4/14/20, more than 60 months apart. The 2 most recent completed Mandated Reporter training certificates for Staff person #3 are dated 3/10/15 and 4/14/20, more than 60 months apart. The 2 most recent completed Mandated Reporter training certificates for Staff person #5 are dated 8/19/16 and 8/24/21, more than 60 months apart.

The file for Staff person #4, classified as a Group supervisor, does not include verification of a Bachelor or Associates degree in Education or a related human services field, or a Bachelor degree or Associates degree with the appropriate number of related credits and experience.

The emergency contact form on file for Child #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10 does not include the work address and telephone number for the enrolling parent.

The emergency contact form on file for Child #7 does not indicate whether or not the child has special medical needs, as required in the event of an emergency.

The file for Staff #4, an existing staff member, lacked documentation of health and safety training numbers 1 - 9, as listed in the regulation 3270.31(f). Training was required within 180 days following the implementation of the current regulations, 6/17/21.