Daycare Record Child care inspection records

Lehigh Valley Childrens Centers/South Mount

2002 S Albert St, Allentown, PA 18103 · Lehigh County
1 core-safety citation in last 12 months Keystone STAR 4

Lehigh Valley Childrens Centers/South Mount is a certified child care center in Allentown, PA, with capacity for 232 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 6 times. The state cited 37 violations, 3 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (14 of 37). 4 citations came in the last 12 months, including 1 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #54 of 82 centers in Allentown and has more citations per inspection than 65% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 65% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most
Tied for #54 of 82 centers in Allentown
3 Core-safety citations
34 Other citations
6 Inspections
0 Complaint investigations that found violations
37 citations from 7 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 4 in the last 12 months · last inspected Oct 16, 2025

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Apr 6, 2026 · Report/investigation · citation found Oct 16, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Oct 8, 2024 · Inspection · citation found Oct 18, 2023 · Inspection · citation found Oct 14, 2022 · Inspection · citation found Aug 24, 2022 · Inspection · citation found Oct 19, 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

Building & playground safety 14
Records & paperwork 8
Training & qualifications 7
Health & medication 4
Background checks 2
Supervision 1
Emergency preparedness 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Apr 6, 2026 Self-reported violation Supervision
Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1)
On 3/26/27 Staff person #1 left child #1 unsupervised in the preschool room for 5 minutes. Staff person was terminated on 3/31/26.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 17, 2026): “1. 4-8-26, Children will be supervised at all times each staff member will be assigned and will be responsible for supervision of specific children. The staff will know the names and whereabouts of each child in their group. 2. 3-27-26, Meeting was held to review the supervision plan with staff.”
Citation Oct 16, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
Cert Rep observed 2 water stained ceiling tiles in the hallway near the office. Cert Rep observed several holes in the drywall near the preschool sinks.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 10, 2025): “Stained ceiling tiles were changed out.”
Citation Oct 16, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
Staff person #1 has not completed mandated reporter training within the last 60 months. This is evidenced by the previously documented mandated reporter training on file being dated 6/26/20. Staff person #2 has not completed mandated reporter training within the last 60 months. This is evidenced by the previously documented mandated reporter training on file being dated 8/31/20. Staff person #3 has not completed mandated reporter training within the last 60 months. This is evidenced by the previously documented mandated reporter training on file being dated 6/13/20. Staff person #4 has not completed mandated reporter training within the last 60 months. This is evidenced by the previously documented mandated reporter training on file being dated 9/27/20. Staff person #5 has not completed mandated reporter training within the last 60 months. This is evidenced by the previously documented mandated reporter training on file being dated 9/20/20. Staff person #6 has not completed mandated reporter training within the last 60 months. This is evidenced by the previously documented mandated reporter training on file being dated 8/31/20.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 10, 2025): “Staff persons #1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 completed mandated reporter training.”
Citation Oct 16, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
Staff person #4 is missing two written nonfamily references.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 10, 2025): “Staff person #4 nonfamily references were added to their file.”
Citation Oct 8, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Every 60 days 55 Pa. Code §3270.94(a)(1)
The fire drill log reflects the last fire drill conducted was on 6/7/24, which exceeds the requirement of conducting a fire drill every 60 days.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 29, 2024): “A fire drill was conducted to come into compliance.”
Citation Oct 8, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Director or designated staff person ensure compliance 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(b)
The fire system check log reflects the last system check was conducted on 6/7/24, which exceeds the requirement of testing the fire system every 30 days.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 29, 2024): “The system was checked to be in compliance.”
Citation Oct 8, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
Staff person #2 is missing proof of the required 1 hour health and safety training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 20, 2024): “Health and safety training was completed.”
Citation Oct 8, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)
Staff person #4 has not completed the following required pre service training within 90 days of their date of hire.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 20, 2024): “Staff #4 completed the pre-service training.”
Citation Oct 8, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications
Staff evaluations 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(a)(6)
Staff person #1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7 do not have annual written evaluations on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 20, 2024): “Annual evaluations were filed in Staff #1,2,3,4,5,6, &7 file.”
Core safety Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
Staff 3 had a volunteer child abuse clearance on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 16, 2023): “Staff #3 completed employment child abuse clearance on 1/30/2023”
Show 27 older citations
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
In the downstairs infant/toddler area, there were cleaning supplies accessible to children in an unlocked cabinet.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 16, 2023): “Cleaning supplies were places in a locked cabinet inaccessible to children.”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
In the back downstairs toddler room, the hot water temperature measured at 112 degrees.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 1, 2023): “The water temperature was turned down to 109 degrees.”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
In the upstairs school age bathroom and the gross motor room, plaster was crumbling.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 1, 2023): “Plaster was fixed, and paint was applied to wall.”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Health & medication
Immunization record/Dismissal policy 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(d)(5)/3270.131(e)(3)
Children 3 and 6 did not have an updated fu shot or exemption letter on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 16, 2023): “Child #3 provided shot records as of 10/21/2023, child #6 completed a letter of exemption as of 11/13/23.”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)
Staff person #2 and 4 did not complete the required one-hour 2022 update to the health and safety training by 12/30/2022.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 16, 2023): “Staff #2 and #4 completed the one hour health and safety training.”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Services proceeded 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(3)
Child 3 had an outdated child service report. The child service report was last updated 4/21/2022. Children 7 and 8 did not have child service reports on file. Please see LIS for dates of admission.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 16, 2023): “Service reports for child # 3 were completed on 10/5/2023, child 7 on 11/13/2023, and child 8 on 10/30/2023.”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
Child 2 did not have a health insurance policy number on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 16, 2023): “The insurance policy number was added to the emergency contact form.”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.181(c)
Children 1 and 2 currently have updated emergency forms on file. There was previously more than 6 months between between. Children 1 and 2 had updates in 09/2022 and not again until 09/2023. Children 4, 5 and 7 currently need updated emergency forms. Child 4 last had the emergency form updated 11/4/2022, child 5's emergency form was updated 7/7/2022 and child 7's emergency form was last updated 3/9/2023.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 16, 2023): “Emergency contact form was updated.”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(2)(ii)
Staff 1 did not have proof of child care experience on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 16, 2023): “Staff will not be left alone with children until child care experience is obtained.”
Citation Oct 18, 2023 Inspection Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training - Pediatric First Aid and CPR 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)(10)
Staff 1 did not have an approved pediatric first aid/cpr training curriculum or trainer on file during the annual renewal inspection on 10/18/2023.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 16, 2023): “Staff #1 completed first aid/cpr training on 11/9/2023.”
Core safety Oct 14, 2022 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
Staff 1 had a DOE clearance on file, which is no longer accepted by DHS. Staff 1 also lived in New York within the past 5 years and did not have out of state clearances on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 8, 2022): “Staff 1 submitted applications for clearances required under CPSL and out of state clearances. Staff 1 is not permitted to work in a child care position until all clearances are obtained.”
Citation Oct 14, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
There was an uncovered outlet in the gross motor room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 8, 2022): “The electrical outlet was covered with safety plugs.”
Citation Oct 14, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
In the infant room, both sinks measured at 112 degrees.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 8, 2022): “The temperature on the infant room sinks was turned down to 110 degrees.”
Citation Oct 14, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)
There was exposed foam from a mat in the school age classroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 8, 2022): “The mat was discarded.”
Citation Oct 14, 2022 Inspection Health & medication
Infant: updated health report every 6 months/Exemption documentation from parent/guardian 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(b)(1)/3270.131(e)(1)
Child 1 and 3 need updated health assessments and immunizations (See LIS code sheet for date of birth (DOB) and date of admission (DOA). Child 1's updated health assessment was on 4/11/2022 and did not have updated Rotavirus, DTAP, HIB, Pneumococcal, Polio, MMR and Varicella vaccines. Child 3's last updated health assessment was on 7/27/2021 and did not have MMR, Varicella and Hepatitis A updated.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 28, 2022): “Child 1 and 3 received updated health assessments.”
Citation Oct 14, 2022 Inspection Health & medication
Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(b)(2)
Child 2 (See LIS code sheet for date of birth (DOB) and date of admission (DOA) had a physical that was last updated on 1/25/2021, making it more than 12 months since the last update.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 22, 2022): “Child #2 health report was updated.”
Citation Oct 14, 2022 Inspection Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)
Staff 2 (see LIS code sheet for date of hire (DOH), did not have a health assessment on file that was within 12 months of hire.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 22, 2022): “Staff 2 received a health assessment.”
Citation Oct 14, 2022 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 the annual renewal inspection on 10/14/2022, the fire alarm testing was last completed on 9/6/2022, making it more than 30 days since the last fire alarm test.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 22, 2022): “The fire alarm was tested on 10/14/2022.”
Citation Oct 14, 2022 Inspection Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
Child 7 did not have the health insurance policy number on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 22, 2022): “The health insurance policy number was added to the emergency contact form.”
Citation Oct 14, 2022 Inspection Records & paperwork
Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.181(c)
Children 4 and 5 did not have updated fee agreements on file. Child 4's fee agreement was last dated 3/4/2022 and child 5's was last dated 3/21/2022.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 22, 2022): “Child's 4 and 5's fee agreement was updated.”
Citation Oct 14, 2022 Inspection Records & paperwork
Consent for emergency medical care required prior to admission/Consent for administration of minor first-aid required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(3)/3270.182(5)
Child 6 did not have updated consent for emergency medical care and minor first aid on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 22, 2022): “The emergency contact form was updated with signed parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff.”
Citation Aug 24, 2022 Inspection Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)
Staff person #1 completed the pre-service health and safety training on 7/6/2016, which is before 9/30/2016. If the "Health & Safety Basics: Requirements for Certification", which is the training staff 1 took, was taken before 9/30/2016 or after 6/30/2018, it is considered not acceptable.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 27, 2022): “Staff competed professional development of the required health and safety topics.”
Citation Oct 19, 2021 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
In the first floor play area, there was a missing outlet cover against the back wall.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 12, 2021): “The outlet cover was replaced during inspection”
Citation Oct 19, 2021 Inspection Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
In the infant room, the temperature of the sink was 114 degrees.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 12, 2021): “The temperature was turned down on the main water heater. Water was tested at under 110 degrees and a reading was taken that was recorded at 104 degrees.”
Citation Oct 19, 2021 Inspection Building & playground safety
Has all items 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(c)
The first aid kit in the upstairs preschool room, behind the school age room, was missing tweezers.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 2, 2021): “Tweezers were found in the first aid bag after the inspection and put in the first bag of the kit for future reference.”
Citation Oct 19, 2021 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
The mixed tods classroom had peeling paint on the right wall. The first floor gym had peeling paint by the exit door.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 12, 2021): “Peeling paint was plastered and covered up with a new coat of paint.”
Citation Oct 19, 2021 Inspection Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)
Facility did not have proof of purchase on file for the fire alarm system.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 2, 2021): “A letter was written on behalf of Lehigh Valley Children's Centers giving a timeline of the purchase and updates made to the alarm system.”

“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 Apr 6, 2026 Self-reported violation
1 violation 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
Newborn (Under 6 Weeks) $54.80 $44.40
Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) $54.80 $44.40
Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) $50.80 $42.60
Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) $49.60 $40.80
Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) $46.20 $38.00
Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) $38.40 $31.20
Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) $38.40 $31.20

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 232 children
Certificate status Regular (COMPASS: awaiting renewal)
Certificate valid through Jan 27, 2027
Keystone STARS STAR 4
since Jan 6, 2026 · what STARS means
Programs PA Pre-K Counts
Operator Lehigh Valley Childrens Centers INC
Hours Monday–Friday 6:30 AM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone (610) 791-4828
State certificate # CER-00247393
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has Lehigh Valley Childrens Centers/South Mount 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 Apr 6, 2026 (supervision): “On 3/26/27 Staff person #1 left child #1 unsupervised in the preschool room for 5 minutes. Staff person was terminated on 3/31/26.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about Lehigh Valley Childrens Centers/South Mount?

Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Lehigh Valley Childrens Centers/South Mount since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.

What is Lehigh Valley Childrens Centers/South Mount’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 4, effective Jan 6, 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 Centers/South Mount compare with other daycares in Allentown?

It is tied for #54 of 82 centers in Allentown by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 65% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was Lehigh Valley Childrens Centers/South Mount last inspected?

Oct 16, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.

How much does Lehigh Valley Childrens Centers/South Mount cost?

It reported full-time daily rates of $54.80 for newborn, $54.80 for infant, $50.80 for young toddler, $49.60 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.

Who runs Lehigh Valley Childrens Centers/South Mount?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Lehigh Valley Childrens Centers INC.

Certified centers nearby

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.