Lehigh Valley Childrens Center on Union BLVD
Lehigh Valley Childrens Center on Union BLVD is a certified child care center in Allentown, PA, with capacity for 172 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 9 times and confirmed violations in 2 complaint investigations. The state cited 55 violations, 9 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (18 of 55). 34 citations came in the last 12 months, including 7 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #61 of 82 centers in Allentown and has more citations per inspection than 69% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
During the Renewal Inspection on 9/8/2026, one of the electrical outlets accessible to children in the preschool classroom was missing a protective receptacle cover.
During the Renewal Inspection on 9/8/2026, the boy's bathroom in the school age classroom and the sink just outside this bathroom did not have a posted sign on which the handwashing requirement was written.
During the Renewal Inspection on 9/8/2026, there were several exposed bolts on the inside part of the fence on both the infant/toddler playground and the preschool/school age playground.
On 9/8/2026, the rest cots that were being used by the children in the preschool classroom and the infant/toddler classroom were not labeled for the use of a specific child.
On 9/8/2026, the fire drill/fire detection log was up to date. However, the log showed a previous lapse in the requirement to manually test the fire detection system at least once every 30 days as follows: Alarm system was tested on 6/22/2026 then not again until 7/28/2026.
Complaint investigation verified that on 4/20/2026, Staff Person #1 and Staff Person #2 exited the facility at the end of the day with Child #1 remaining inside the facility. Child #1 was left alone and unsupervised in the facility for approximately three minutes until the child's parent arrived for pick-up.
During renewal inspection on 4/28/2026, Staff Person #3 and Staff Person #6 observed to be caring for children unsupervised during naptime in the ITCS room. Staff Person #3 has not completed the following pre- service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Pediatric first-aid/CPR from PQAS instructor. Staff Person #6 has not completed the following pre- service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: acceptable pediatric first-aid/CPR from PQAS instructor, CCDBG health and safety training.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, staff files were reviewed. The following files had clearances updated past 60-month requirement per CPSL and Chapter 3490: Staff Person #7: File for Staff Person #7 contained PSP clearances dated 10/30/2020 and 3/31/2026, child abuse clearances dated 11/2/2020 and 4/3/2026, DHS FBI clearances dated 11/17/2020 and 3/31/2026, and NSOR verifications dated 6/26/2020 and 4/2/2026. Staff Person #8: File for Staff Person #8 contained PSP clearances dated 1/15/2021 and 3/31/2026, child abuse clearances dated 1/15/2021 and 3/31/2026 and DHS FBI clearances dated 1/15/2021 and 3/31/2026. Staff Person #9: DHS FBI clearances dated 12/30/2019 and 1/24/2025 and NSOR verifications dated 12/19/2019 and 1/2/2025.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, cribs in the ITCS room were not labeled. Additionally, a stuffed animal was observed in a crib with a sleeping infant.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. During visit on 4/28/2026, an infant was observed sleeping in an infant bouncer seat. Staff in the room indicated that there was no documented medical reason on file from a physician, physician's assistant, or CRNP authorizing the infant to sleep in a position other than that recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, staff files were reviewed. Files for Staff Person #2, Staff Person #3, and Staff Person #5 did not contain proof that they were trained on the facility's emergency plan. Staff Person #2, Staff Person #3, and Staff Person #5 have been employed at the facility for over 90 days (see LIS code sheet for start dates). The most recent emergency plan training on file for Staff Person #9 is dated 1/2/2025.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, unlabeled bottles containing a bleach and water solution, as reported by staff, were observed in both the PKC 2 and ITCS rooms. Additionally, bleach and Borax, both labeled "keep out of reach of children," were observed on the bottom shelf of an unlocked cabinet in the School-Age room, making them accessible to children.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, the following postings were missing in the following rooms: Preschool: Emergency telephone numbers. PKC 1: Emergency telephone numbers. PKC 2: Emergency telephone numbers. PKC 3: Daily activities. School-Age: Daily activities.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, there was no first-aid kits in the School-Age or Toddler rooms. The first-aid kit in the ITCS room was missing bandages and tape. The first-aid kit in the PKC 2 room was missing scissors, tweezers, and soap.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, peeling paint was observed in the PKC 2, PKC 3, and Toddler rooms.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, a handwashing sign was not posted at the sink in the Preschool room.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, the refrigerator in the PKC 1 room was observed to have spilled residue and buildup on interior surfaces.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, Child #2 is preschool aged. The most recent health assessment on file for Child #2 is dated 3/14/2024 which is over 12 months ago. Child #5 is a young toddler. The most recent health assessment on file for Child #5 is dated 1/13/2025, which is over 6 months ago.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, unlabeled bottles were observed in the ITCS room.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, staff files were reviewed. Previous pediatric first-aid/CPR certificate on file for Staff Person #1 expired 8/31/2025 and was not renewed until 9/17/2025. Previous pediatric first-aid/CPR certificate on file for Staff Person #7 expired 9/30/2025 and was not renewed until 2/17/2026.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, staff files were reviewed. Last documented fire safety training on file for Staff Person #9 is dated 8/9/2024, which is over 12 months ago.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, staff files were reviewed. Staff Person #3 had an "online skills only" portion of pediatric first-aid/CPR training in file dated 11/27/2025, which is not an acceptable pediatric first-aid/CPR training. Staff Person #3 has not completed the following required pre- service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric first-aid/CPR from PQAS instructor.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, staff files were reviewed. Staff Person #7 did not complete mandated reporter training within 60 months. This is evidenced by documented mandated reporter training certificates on file being dated 10/29/2020 and 1/29/2026.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, staff files were reviewed. The following staff files did not have current staff evaluations done within the previous 12 months: Staff Person #4: Last staff evaluation on file for Staff Person #4 is dated 12/28/2023. Staff Person #5: There was no staff evaluation on file for Staff Person #5. Staff Person #5 has been employed at the facility for over 12 months (see LIS code sheet for start date). Staff Person #7: Last staff evaluation on file for Staff Person #7 is dated 12/28/2023. Staff Person #8: Last staff evaluation on file for Staff Person #8 is dated 12/28/2023. Staff Person #10: Last staff evaluation on file for Staff Person #10 is dated 12/21/2023.
At that time, there was no Child Service Report (CSR) on file for Child #1, Child #2, or Child #5.
At that time, the following information was missing from children's emergency contact forms: Child #1: Both parents' work addresses and work telephone numbers. Release person's address. Child #2: Release person's address. Child #4: Release persons' addresses. Child #5: Both parents' work addresses and work telephone numbers. Child #6: Mother's work address and work telephone number.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, emergency contact forms for several children were not present in the ITCS room where care was being provided.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, the following documents were not updated within the past 6 months: Child #1: Emergency contact form last updated 5/2/2025. Child #2: Emergency contact form last updated 10/8/2024. Child #3: Emergency contact form last updated 3/21/2024. Fee agreement last updated 9/9/2025. Child #5: Emergency contact form last updated 2/18/2025. Child #6: Emergency contact form last updated 3/22/2024.
A renewal inspection was conducted 4/8/2026-4/28/2026. At that time, staff files were reviewed. Staff Person #2 was listed on the Staff Data Sheet as an Assistant Group Supervisor (AGS); however, the file for Staff Person #2 contained only documentation of a high school diploma. No documentation of child care experience, qualifying education, or qualifying training was on file to demonstrate that Staff Person #2 met the qualifications for an Assistant Group Supervisor.
An unannounced monitoring was conducted on 12/30/2025. At that time, Staff Person #2 and Staff Person #3 were observed caring for children unsupervised while the certification representative interviewed Staff Person #1 in a separate room. Staff Person #2 and Staff Person #3 had not completed mandated reporter training within the required 60-month timeframe. This is evidenced by the mandated reporter training certificates on file being dated 11/2/2020 for Staff Person #2 and 10/23/2020 for Staff Person #3.
An unannounced monitoring was conducted on 12/30/2025. At that time, files for all staff present during the inspection were reviewed. The following staff files did not contain current clearances as required by the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL): Staff Person #1: The most recent child abuse clearance on file is dated 10/29/2020, and the most recent FBI clearance on file is dated 11/10/2020. A receipt dated 5/23/2025 was also on file; however, a receipt does not constitute an acceptable or complete clearance. Staff Person #2: The most recent National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) verification on file is dated 6/26/2020 and is expired. Staff Person #3: The most recent National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) verification on file is dated 6/26/2020 and is expired.
An unannounced monitoring was conducted on 12/30/2025. At that time, files for all staff present during the inspection were reviewed. Staff person #3 has completed the health and safety course titled "Health and Safety Basics: Requirements for Certification" but has not completed the required health and safety update course titled Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update 2022 (1 hour) training.
An unannounced monitoring was conducted on 12/30/2025. At that time, files for all staff present during the inspection were reviewed. Staff Person #4 had not completed the required Health and Safety CCDBG pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet). Staff reported that Staff Person #4 assists in classrooms at the end of the day.
An unannounced monitoring was conducted on 12/30/2025. At that time, files for all staff present during the inspection were reviewed. The following staff members did not have current mandated reporter training documentation on file, as required: Staff Person #2: Did not complete mandated reporter training within the last 60 months, as evidenced by the most recent training certificate on file dated 11/2/2020. Staff Person #3: Did not complete mandated reporter training within the last 60 months, as evidenced by the most recent training certificate on file dated 10/23/2020.
Show 21 older citations
There is no threshold strip in the doorway to the Infant/Toddler gym.
There is peeling paint on the bottom shelf and on the corner of the wall between the two doors in the Preschool/School Age gym.
The small couch in the Toddler room is ripped resulting in exposed foam.
The most recent assessment for Child #1 is dated 3/28/24. There is no assessment on file for Child #3. Child #3 started at the facility on 9/18/23.
There is no written plan identifying the means transporting a child to emergency care and staffing provisions in the event of an emergency posted in any of the rooms at the facility.
The emergency contact forms and financial agreements for the following children have not been updated in the last 6 months: Child #1, Child #2, Child #3 and Child #4.
There was a small area of peeling paint on the wall in the school age room.
There were several exposed bolts on the fences surrounding both outdoor playgrounds.
There was a small spill in the refrigerator in the Pre-K Counts 3 room.
Child #1 was enrolled on January 3, 2023 as an infant. The initial health assessment was dated 1/6/23 and an update was not received until 3/18/24. Updates should have been provided in July 2023 and January 2024. See code sheet for date of birth.
Staff Person #1 completed pediatric first-aid and CPR on 1/15/24 which was more than 90 days from date of hire. See code sheet for date of hire.
On 10/19/23 Staff person #1 strapped child #1 into a chair at nap time because child was crying.
Staff Person #1 worked in a child care position with expired clearances. Previous PA State Police clearance was dated 12/26/17 and was not updated until 1/16/23. Previous PA Child Abuse History Clearance was dated 12/27/17 and not updated until 2/3/23. Previous FBI clearance was dated 1/3/18 and was not updated until 3/10/23.
There was a small area of peeling paint on one of the walls in Pre-K 4 near the closet.
Handwashing reminder signs were present near the sinks and toilets but were not all posted.
While the facility's fire detection system was being tested, the exit door in the preschool wing did not open and staff and children were unable to exit that door.
Several bolts were missing the protective cover on the fence around both outdoor play spaces.
The refrigerator in the toddler room had some spills in it that needed to be cleaned.
Evacuation routes were in the rooms but not posted.
Daily schedules were in the classrooms but were not posted.
Written plans plan identifying the means of transporting a child to emergency care and staffing provisions in the event of an emergency were in each classroom but were not posted.
“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.
About this center
Common questions
Has Lehigh Valley Childrens Center on Union BLVD had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 9 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 Apr 24, 2026 (supervision): “Complaint investigation verified that on 4/20/2026, Staff Person #1 and Staff Person #2 exited the facility at the end of the day with Child #1 remaining inside the facility. Child #1 was left alone and unsupervised in…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Lehigh Valley Childrens Center on Union BLVD?
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 Lehigh Valley Childrens Center on Union BLVD’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Jul 22, 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 Lehigh Valley Childrens Center on Union BLVD compare with other daycares in Allentown?
It is tied for #61 of 82 centers in Allentown by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 69% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Lehigh Valley Childrens Center on Union BLVD last inspected?
Sep 8, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
Who runs Lehigh Valley Childrens Center on Union BLVD?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Lehigh Valley Childrens Centers INC.
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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.
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