Daycare Record Child care inspection records
Pennsylvania · Lackawanna County · 18436

Jefferson Academy

1151 Mount Cobb Rd, Jefferson Township, PA 18436 · Lackawanna County
1 core-safety citation in last 12 months Keystone STAR 4

Jefferson Academy is a certified child care center in Jefferson Township, PA, with capacity for 60 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 7 times. The state cited 30 violations, 3 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (10 of 30). 5 citations came in the last 12 months, including 1 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #49 of 68 centers in Lackawanna County and has fewer citations per inspection than 55% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

Fewer citations than 55% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. About typical
#49 of 68 centers in Lackawanna County
3 Core-safety citations
27 Other citations
7 Inspections
0 Complaint investigations that found violations
30 citations from 8 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 5 in the last 12 months · last inspected Oct 22, 2025

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Oct 22, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Jan 30, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Oct 7, 2024 · Inspection · citation found Oct 18, 2023 · Inspection · citation found Feb 7, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citation Oct 18, 2022 · Inspection · citation found Jan 25, 2022 · Inspection · citation found Oct 29, 2021 · Inspection · citation found
Violation found No violation Top row: inspections · bottom row: complaint investigations, self-reported incidents and other visits

What inspectors cited most

Records & paperwork 10
Building & playground safety 8
Training & qualifications 6
Background checks 3
Health & medication 2
Emergency preparedness 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Oct 22, 2025 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
During renewal inspection, staff files were reviewed. Staff #2 initially had a volunteer child abuse clearance on file. An updated, employment clearance was not obtained until 2/9/25. This date indicates that staff #2 was working with children without an appropriate clearance on file. (See code sheet for date of hire).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2026): “Provider will comply with the CPSL. The provider immediately had the staff member complete the correct clearance once the incorrect one was spotted.”
Citation Oct 22, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)/3270.192(3)
During renewal inspection, staff files were reviewed. Staff #3 obtained a health assessment on 9/19/25. This date indicates that the assessment was not obtained prior to working with children. Staff #4 last dated health assessment is 9/2/22. Staff #4 did not obtain an updated assessment prior to working with children. (See code sheet for dates of hire).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2026): “Newly hired staff members will be required to complete their physical and TB test before working with children.”
Citation Oct 22, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)
During renewal inspection, staff files were reviewed. Staff #1 and staff #5 did not complete health and safety training within 90 days of hire. (See code sheet for dates of hire).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2026): “Staff #1 completed the center health & safety training. (The staff member accidently took the family child care portion). Staff #5 completed the training as well.”
Citation Oct 22, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(2)(ii)
During renewal inspection, staff files were reviewed. Staff #2, #4 & #5 did not have verification of child care experience on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2026): “The staff had their former employees complete a child care verification form.”
Citation Oct 22, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)
During renewal inspection, staff files were reviewed. Staff #1 did not have an annual minimum of 12 clock hours of childcare training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2026): “Staff #1 completed the required hours in order to meet the 12 hours yearly minimum.”
Citation Jan 30, 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)
During complaint investigation on 1/30 it was observed that the following dates indicate that fire alarm testing was not done within the 30-day requirement: 9/18/24, 10/22/24. Testing was also not documented after 12/18/24.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 26, 2025): “Fire drills will be completed within the 30-day window. If there is severe weather, we will complete a drill but make appropriate accommodations.”
Citation Oct 7, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Services proceeded 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(3)
During renewal inspection, it was observed that children #1, #2, & #3 did not have a child service report on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 21, 2024): “Completed child service reports”
Citation Oct 7, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(f)/3270.181(c)
During renewal inspection, it was observed that child #4's emergency contact sheet and financial agreement were not updated and renewed within the required 6-month period. The last review for both was on 3/5/24.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 21, 2024): “Parent reviewed file and signed/dated.”
Citation Oct 7, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
During renewal inspection, it was observed that Staff #1 and #2 only had one reference within their files.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 21, 2024): “Added an additional reference.”
Core safety Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 10/18/23. At that time, the staff files were reviewed. The PA State Police clearance and request for Staff Person #2 was dated 4/5/23, after their date of hire. The PA State Police clearance and request for Staff Person #3 was dated 9/30/23, after their date of hire.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 18, 2023): “All PA state police clearances for future staff will be requested prior to their date of hire.”
Show 20 older citations
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Running water - diapering/Child's hands washed 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(j)/3270.134(a)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 10/18/23. At that time, staff said that the toddler children's diapers are changed on the changing table and then they are walked around to the other side of the room into the bathroom to was their hands, with possibly cross contamination with the sink being so far from the changing table.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 18, 2023): “Staff will change toddler diapers on the side of the changing table with the bathroom to the immediate right of the table and the bathroom door propped open so as to avoid cross contamination between changing and hand washing.”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Small Toys and Objects 55 Pa. Code §3270.103
A renewal inspection was conducted on 10/18/23. At that time, the large cabinet in the toddler were was observed to be unlocked with plastic bags on the floor level shelf that were accessible to the toddlers in the classroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 18, 2023): “The cabinet will be locked.”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Mantoux TB 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)/3270.151(c)(2)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 10/18/23. At that time, the staff files were reviewed. The most recent health report on file for Staff Person #1 was dated 6/9/21. The health report and TB test for Staff Person #3 was dated 6/1/23 and 6/6/23, which was after their date of hire. The health report and TB test for Staff Person #4 was dated 6/29/23 and 6/27/23, which was after their date of hire. The TB test for Staff Person #6 was dated 5/4/16, which was more than twelve months prior their date of hire.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 20, 2023): “Staff Person #1 will have a health assessment completed and placed on file. Staff Person #6 will have a TB test completed and the results will be placed on file at the facility.”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(6)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 10/18/23. At that time, the last documented emergency drill on file had taken place 5/2022.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 24, 2023): “An emergency drill will be conducted.”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 10/18/23. At that time, the thirty day testing log for the fire detection system was reviewed. The testing dates were: 11/8/22, 12/29/22, 1/17/23, 2/14/23, 3/13/23, 4/10/23, 5/15/23, 6/13/23, 7/11/23, 8/15/23, 9/28/23. The testing log included instances where the system had not been tested every thirty days.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 18, 2023): “The fire drills had been conducted simultaneously with the testing of the fire detection system and were pushed back when there was inclement weather. In the future, the fire detection system will be tested every thirty days regardless of weather conditions.”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 10/18/23. At that time, the preservice trainings were reviewed for all staff. Staff person #1 did not complete the required one-hour 2022 update to the health and safety training by 12/30/2022. Staff person #2, who had the ten hour health and safety training completed when hired, did not complete the required one-hour 2022 update to the health and safety training within 90 days of their start date.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 24, 2023): “Staff person #1 and Staff Person #2 will complete the required one-hour 2022 update to the health and safety training.”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Training & qualifications
Each staff person meets quals/Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.33(a)/3270.192(2)(ii)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 10/18/23. At that time, the staff files were reviewed. The file for Staff Person #3, a group supervisor, did not include verification of education prior to working at the facility. The file for Staff Person #4, a group supervisor, did not include verification of education prior to working at the facility. The file for Staff Person #5, an assistant group supervisor, did not include verification of education or experience prior to working at the facility. Staff Person #5 did have 15 credits of college education in the human services field.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 20, 2023): “Staff Person #3 has high school education but does not have college education to qualify as a group supervisor. Staff Person #3 will now be an assistant group supervisor. Staff Person #4 has high school education but has not yet completed their college education to qualify as a group supervisor.…”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Services proceeded 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(3)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 10/18/23. At that time, the child files were reviewed. The child service report for Child #1 and Child #2 were not completed in an approved assessment tool.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 13, 2023): “Approved child service reports will be completed for Child #1 and Child #2.”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(f)/3270.181(c)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 10/18/23. At that time, the child files were reviewed. The emergency contact form for Child #1 had not been updated since 2/7/23.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 20, 2023): “The parents of Child #1 will review and update the emergency contact form.”
Core safety Oct 18, 2022 Inspection Background checks
CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(4)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 10/18/22. At that time, the file for Staff Person #2 was reviewed. The file did not contain the request for the PA Child Abuse clearance for Staff Person #2. The PA Child Abuse clearance on file was dated 10/11/22, after the date of hire for Staff Person #2.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 18, 2022): “In the future, the director will keep requests for clearances on file if they have been made after the staff has begun working provisionally.”
Citation Oct 18, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Original container 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(b)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 10/18/22. At that time, disinfectant spray was observed in an unlocked floor level cabinet in the bathroom used by the children and was accessible to the children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 18, 2022): “Staff immediately moved the disinfectant spray to an area where it is no longer accessible to the children.”
Citation Oct 18, 2022 Inspection Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 10/18/22. At that time, the file for Staff Person #1 was reviewed. The file contained six hour health and safety training completed 1/2/22, which is outside of the acceptable date range. Staff Person #1 has been employed at the facility for longer than 90 days.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 27, 2022): “Staff Person #1 will complete the approved health and safety training and a copy will be placed on file at the facility.”
Citation Oct 18, 2022 Inspection Training & qualifications
Associate's, 30 + 3 yrs/Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.35(b)(4)/3270.192(2)(ii)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 10/18/22. At that time, the file for Staff Person #2 was reviewed. At that time, the file did not contain documentation of education or experience to qualify Staff Person #2 as a group supervisor.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 15, 2022): “Staff Person #2 submitted an associate's degree that is not in the human services field. Staff Person #2 will be an aide at the facility until documentation of two years' experience submit to qualify them as a group supervisor is on file at the facility.”
Citation Oct 18, 2022 Inspection Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 10/18/22. At that time, the file for Child #1 was reviewed. The emergency contact form did not contain health insurance coverage and policy number.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 18, 2022): “The director immediately added the health insurance coverage and policy number for Child #1 to the emergency contact form.”
Citation Oct 18, 2022 Inspection Records & paperwork
Written emergency plan posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(e)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 10/18/22. At that time, the emergency transportation plan was not posted in the library or in Class B.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 18, 2022): “The director immediately posted the emergency transportation plan in the library and in Class B.”
Citation Jan 25, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Lidded waste receptacles 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(i)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 1/25/22. At that time, the bathrooms were not equipped with lidded trash cans.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 25, 2022): “Provider immediately placed lidded trash cans in the bathrooms.”
Citation Jan 25, 2022 Inspection Records & paperwork
Signed /Copy of initial and subsequent agreements. Parent receives original. 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)/3270.182(8)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 1/25/22. At that time, the file for Child #1 was reviewed. The file did not contain a financial agreement.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 25, 2022): “Provider will have parents complete a financial agreement for Child #1 and place it in the child's file at the facility.”
Citation Jan 25, 2022 Inspection Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
A renewal inspection was conducted on 1/25/22. At that time, the file for Child #1 was reviewed. The emergency contact information did not include health insurance coverage and policy number.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 25, 2022): “Provider will have parents provide health insurance coverage and policy number to be added to the emergency contact information for Child #1.”
Citation Oct 29, 2021 Inspection Building & playground safety
Unsafe Areas in Outdoor Space 55 Pa. Code §3270.63
An initial inspection was conducted on 10/29/21. At that time, the patio intended for outdoor play space, was not gated to keep children away from the busy road.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 31, 2021): “Provider will install gates on the patio so that the children do not have access to the busy road.”
Citation Oct 29, 2021 Inspection Building & playground safety
Has all items 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(c)
An initial inspection was conducted on 10/29/21. At that time, none of the first aid kits at the facility contained soap.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 31, 2021): “Provider will add soap to the three first aid kits at the facility.”

“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.

Daily rates

Age group Full time, per day Part time, per day
Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) $58.00 $58.00
Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) $56.00 $56.00
Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) $54.00 $54.00
Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) $54.00 $54.00
Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) $54.00 $54.00

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 60 children
Certificate status Regular (COMPASS: awaiting renewal)
Certificate valid through Jan 25, 2027
Keystone STARS STAR 4
since Mar 26, 2026 · what STARS means
Operator Moscow Academy Preschool LLC
Hours Monday–Friday 7:30 AM–5:30 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone (570) 848-7988
State certificate # CER-00250241
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has Jefferson Academy had any serious violations?

Pennsylvania cited 3 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 Oct 22, 2025 (background checks): “During renewal inspection, staff files were reviewed. Staff #2 initially had a volunteer child abuse clearance on file. An updated, employment clearance was not obtained until 2/9/25. This date indicates that staff #2…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about Jefferson Academy?

Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Jefferson Academy since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.

What is Jefferson Academy’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 4, effective Mar 26, 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 Jefferson Academy compare with other daycares in Lackawanna County?

It is #49 of 68 centers in Lackawanna County by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 55% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was Jefferson Academy last inspected?

Oct 22, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.

How much does Jefferson Academy cost?

It reported full-time daily rates of $58.00 for young toddler, $56.00 for older toddler, $54.00 for preschool, $54.00 for young school-age in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.

Who runs Jefferson Academy?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Moscow Academy Preschool LLC.

Certified centers nearby

North Pocono Pre School-Moscow Center
126 Brook St, Moscow · 4.9 mi away · 106 spots About typical Tri-Star Academy
1101 Hill St, Jessup · 5.0 mi away · 57 spots About typical Greater Scranton YMCA Early Learning Center
1015 Underwood Rd, Olyphant · 5.1 mi away · 126 spots More citations than most Blessings Learning Center
919 E Drinker St, Dunmore · 5.3 mi away · 55 spots Fewer citations than most Katrinas Creative Learning Center
1262 Church St, Moscow · 5.4 mi away · 67 spots About typical LeeAnn Perrys Academy of Learning Center
114 Prospect St, Dunmore · 5.4 mi away · 57 spots About typical

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.