Little Explorers Learning Academy

According to video evidence and staff statements, Child #1 was not being supervised while Staff person #1 had their back to the children in the outside play space and did not observe Child #1 turn a seesaw on its side, stand on top of it and fall to the ground when the seesaw wobbled. This resulted in Child #1 receiving an injury (see LIS Code Sheet) after the fall. According to staff statements, on 9.23.25, Staff person #1 sent Child #1 up a 1/2 flight of steps from the outside play space to the school-age classroom at the top of the steps. Staff person #1 did not accompany the child to the classroom or notify any staff person in the school-age classroom that Child #1 was coming back inside.

According to video evidence and staff statements, the whereabouts and activities of Child #1 were not known to Staff person #1 while Staff person #1 had their back to the children in the outside play space. Staff #1 did not observe Child #1 turn a seesaw on its side, stand on top of it and fall to the ground when the seesaw wobbled. This resulted in Child #1 receiving an injury after the fall. According to staff statements, on 9.23.25, Staff person #1 sent Child #1 up a 1/2 flight of steps from the outside play space to the school-age classroom at the top of the steps. Staff person #1 did not accompany the child to the classroom or notify any staff person in the school-age classroom that Child #1 was coming back inside.

While assessing supervision/ratio, the CR observed Staff person #1 in the Middlers room with 7 older toddlers. Nap time had ended and Staff person #6 had stepped out of the room, but multiple children were awake and off their cots, and walking around the room, so naptime ratios were not in effect. According to staff statements, on 9.23.25, Staff person #1 sent Child #1 up a 1/2 flight of steps from the outside play space to the school-age classroom at the top of the steps. Staff person #1 did not accompany the child to the classroom or notify any staff person in the school-age classroom that Child #1 was coming back inside.

According to video evidence and staff statements, Child #1 fell after they tipped a seesaw on to its side to dump water out, stood on top of the seesaw while on its side, and fell to the ground on their arm when the seesaw tipped over. This resulted in Child #1 receiving an injury (see LIS Code Sheet) after the fall.

According to staff interviews, when Child #1 fell on the playground and injured their arm (see LIS Code Sheet) and showed evidence of being in pain, the facility staff did not contact the parent or emergency services. Child #1 was later taken to the ER in the evening and was found to have an injury (see LIS Code Sheet) requiring medical care.

In the outside playground there was a water spigot protruding from the wall about 1-2 feet off the ground that was not covered, making it a potential hazard for a child to be injured on.

There was an Epi-pen in the Early Preschool classroom labeled for use by a specific child that had an expiration date of 8.2024.

There was an Epi-pen in the Early Preschool room that was labeled for use by a specific child that does not have written parental permission to administer.

The file for staff person #4 does not include documentation of a health assessment being completed within 12 months prior to date of hire (See LIS CODE SHEET). The health assessment on file for staff person #4 was dated 9.25.25.

The fire alarm 30-day test log includes test dates 8.29.25 and 9.29.25, more than 30 days apart

Child #1 suffered an injury (see LIS Code Sheet) that required a visit to the ER after a fall from a see saw on the playground. The parent of child #1 was not provided with a written accident report until the following day.

The file for Staff person #1, who is classified as an aide, does not include a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate; or a minimum of an 8th grade education and 2 years of experience with children. The file for Staff person #5, classified as an assistant group supervisor, does not include a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 30 credit hours in education or a related human services field; or a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate with 15 credits in education or a related human services field and 1 year of experience with children; or a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 2 years experience with children

The file for Staff person #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 does not include 2 written non-family references attesting to the staff person's suitability to work in childcare.

During a supervision and ratio check in the school-age room on 7.17.25 at 12:40 PM, Staff person #1 named 11 children, including 5 preschool children and 6 school-age children, resulting in Staff person #1 being over ratio.

While assessing compliance with supervision and ratio in the school-age classroom on 7.17.25 at approximately 12:00 PM, Staff person #1 stated there were 31 children in the room. Staff person #1 named 9 children, Staff person #2 named 11 children, and Staff person #3 named 6 children, leaving 5 children unnamed. While in the school-age classroom, the CR observed a staff member standing in the doorway of the classroom while children were going to the bathroom in the hallway bathroom outside the classroom door, so that the staff person was not physically present with the child in the bathroom.

RECITED FROM SIN-00263973: Children were observed throwing lunch food remains, plates, and utensils in an unlidded trashcan in the school-age room.

RECITED FROM SIN-00263973: Preschool (Room 202) contained rest equipment that was not labeled for the use by a specific child.

RECITED FROM SIN-00263973: Several rest mats did not have 2 feet of clearance on 3 sides, being placed too close together, in Room 005.

Through staff interviews and reviewing submitted documentation, it was determined that Staff person #1 did not report to the regional childcare certification office that Child #1 was taken to the emergency room for evaluation by the parent after the child fell and hit their head at the childcare center.

According to staff statements and document review, the facility did not provide the parent of Child #1 with a written incident report following an incident on 4.9.25, when child #1 fell and bumped their head then later vomited on until 4.21.25.

The file for Staff person #5 includes criminal history clearances dated 10.9.19 and 2.3.25; child abuse clearances dated 10.9.19 and 2.3.25 and FBI clearances dated 10.14.19 and 10.25.24, all more than 60 months apart. The file for Staff person #6 did not contain documentation of application of a Texas state criminal history clearance prior to date of hire (See IS CODE SHEET) required for provisional hiring under the CPSL. The file for Staff person #7 includes an incomplete criminal history clearance that did not include a dissemination date, (See LIS Code Sheet), making it invalid. The signed disclosure statement on file for Staff person #9 is not dated and does not include a witness signature, making it invalid. The disclosure statement on file for Staff person #11 is not signed and dated. The file for Staff person #12, who was rehired does not include a new signed Disclosure Statement (See LIS Code Sheet). The file for Staff person #13, a facility person, does not include a complete PA Criminal History clearance or NSOR certificate within 45 days of hire (See LIS Code sheet).

During naptime, the certification representative observed 2 children sleeping with blankets covering their faces in the Middler Room (Rm 003), and the room was also observed to be too dark for all of the children to be able to be seen during naptime. During naptime the certification representative observed Staff person #2 in Pre-K (Room 201) was cleaning chairs on the other side of the room where she was unable to see 2 of the 7 children she was assigned to supervise.

During the inspection, the certification representative observed the door to the 1st floor kitchen was open, with no facility person present, and there were adult scissors sitting on a counter, accessible to children.

The letter to the parents of enrolled children regarding the facility emergency plan does not include information regarding accommodations for infants and toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.

Two uncovered outlets were observed on an adapter in Toddler/Middler (Room 005). Three uncovered outlets were observed on a power strip in the facility entrance.

During the inspection, the certification representative observed the door to the kitchen was open, with no facility person present, and there was a bottle labeled as bleach water on a counter, accessible to children. In Toddler/Middler (Room 005) a Swiffer Jet Set mop with cleaning fluid labeled "Keep out of reach of children" was by the sink and accessible to children. In Older Toddler (Room 004) a Swiffer Jet Set mop with cleaning fluid labeled "Keep out of reach of children" was by the changing table and accessible to children. In the Men's Room on the 2nd floor, off Room 5, Lysol Disinfectant, labeled "Keep out of reach of children" was observed in an unlocked cabinet under the changing table, accessible to children. In the entrance to the facility, a hand sanitizer dispenser was on the wall and accessible to children.

There was no lidded trashcan in Early Preschool (Room 201) and in the Flex Room (Room 6) which contained soiled facial tissues.

The water in the classroom sink in the Preschool room (Room 202) measured 130° F. The water in the bathroom sink off Early PS (Room 201) measured 135° F.

There was a pipe on the wall on the right of the entrance to the School-Age room, accessible to children, which measured 121° F on the surface, posing a burn hazard to children.

A window was observed in the blue stairwell on the 2nd floor; in the 2nd floor Preschool (Room 202); in the 2nd floor Pre-K (Room 203); and in the unlocked 2nd floor staff lounge, which were all accessible to children, and were not restricted to opening 6" or less.

The excursion bag containing the first aid kit in Older Toddler (Room 004) was on a hook next to the changing table and accessible to children.

There were stained ceiling tiles from a recent leak in the 2nd floor kitchen.

There was no handwashing sign at the toilet in the Women's bathroom, off the Flex Room, on the basement level.

A source of running water was not present in the diapering area the Young Toddler (Room 108) and Toddlers/Middlers (Room 005).

The hallway and stairs leading to Older Toddler (Room 004) is obstructed by the water table and a large box.

The Toddler Room (Rm 003), Early Preschool (Room 201), Preschool (Room 202) contained rest equipment that was not labeled for the use by a specific child.

Several rest mats did not have 2 feet of clearance on 3 sides, being placed too close together.

The refrigerator in School-age room (Room 108) and in Early Preschool (Room 201), where refrigerated snacks were stored, did not have an operating thermometer.

The most recent health assessment on file for Child #10, who is 21 months old, is dated 8.20.24, more than 6 months ago.

The most recent health assessment on file for Child #2, who is an older toddler, is dated 2.1.24, more than 12 months ago. The most recent health assessment on file for Child #3, who is a preschool age child, is dated 8.28.23, more than 12 months ago.

There was no medication log in Early Preschool (Room 201) for a prescription ointment that the staff apply to a specific child for whom the medication is intended.

The file for staff person #6 does not include documentation of a health assessment being completed within 12 months prior to date of hire (See LIS CODE SHEET).

The current health assessment on file for Staff person #11 does not indicate if the staff person was assessed for communicable/contagious disease.

The health assessment on file for Staff person #11 does not include the physician or health care professional's assessment of the person's suitability to provide childcare.

There were no written feeding plans on file submitted by the parent for the children under the age of 12-months in the infant room.

The fire alarm 30-day test log includes test dates 4.24.24-5.27.24, 8.7.24-9.7.24, more than 30 days apart, and the most recent 30-day test is dated 3.6.25, more than 30 days ago.

The file for Child #4, with an enrollment date of 8.27.24, which is more than 60 days ago, does not include an initial health report. The file for Child #5, with an enrollment date of 3.18.24, which is more than 60 days ago, does not include an initial health report.

The Shaken Baby Policy submitted by the facility does not include language regarding the prevention and identification of child maltreatment.

Staff person #8 did not complete the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric First Aid/Pediatric CPR; the training was completed on 10.3.24. Staff person #11 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Get Started with Center-based Care: Building Blocks for Quality; PA Required Health and Safety for Centers-Group Child Care Parts 1 and 2 was completed on 4.9.25.

Staff person #7 has completed Pediatric first aid and CPR training, however the training was not completed through a Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) approved curriculum. Staff person #14 has not competed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their hire date (See LIS Code sheet): Get Started with Center-based Care: Building Blocks for Quality; Health and Safety Basics: Requirements for Certification (6 hours) was taken previously but is not dated between 9/30/2016 -- 6/30/2018.

The file for Staff person #3, #10, #11, classified as an assistant group supervisor, does not include a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 30 credit hours in education or a related human services field; or a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate with 15 credits in education or a related human services field and 1 year of experience with children; or a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 2 years experience with children. The file for Staff person #12, who is classified as an aide, does not include a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate; or a minimum of an 8th grade education and 2 years of experience with children.

There was no written daily activity schedule in the Toddler room (Rm 003).

The file for Child #6, with an enrollment date of 10.10.24, does not include a signed Agreement

The most recent Child Service Report on file for Child #1, #2 is dated more than 6 months ago. The file for Child #3, #5, #8, who began receiving care more than 6 months ago, does not include any Child Service reports.

The agreement on file for Child #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10 does not include the persons to whom the child can be released. The agreement used by the facility includes the names of emergency contact persons, but not the persons the child can be released to.

The agreement on file for Child #7, #10 is the original agreement, which is to be given to the enrolling parent.

The emergency contact form on file for Child #1 does not include the work telephone number for the enrolling parent.

The emergency contact form on file for Child #6 does not include the policy number for the child's health care benefits. The emergency contact form on file for Child #9 does not include the child's health insurance coverage and policy number for the child's health care benefits.

There was no emergency transportation plan posted in a conspicuous location in the Older Toddler (Room 004); the Toddlers (Rm 003), and School-age (Rm 101) classrooms, or in the Gross Motor room.

The file for Child #3, who has been enrolled for more than 6 months does not include a 6-month parental review signature for the agreement. The most recent 6-month review signature for the emergency contact form and the agreement on file for Child #4, #5, #8 is dated more than 6 months ago. The most recent 6-month review signature for the agreement on file for Child #7 is dated more than 6 months ago.

The file for Staff person #4, #5 includes only 1 written nonfamily reference. The file for Staff person #10, #11 does not include 2 written non-family references attesting to the staff person's suitability to work in childcare.

Facility Person #1 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Facility Person #1 has not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: pediatric first aid & CPR training

There was no documentation the operator has tested the fire alarm system at least every 30 days. Previously it was determined that the disruption to other programs in the building provided a valid reason for the operator not to do so and instead have the system professionally inspected annually. However as the same legal entity owns the building and the child care program, this is not a valid reason for an operator to not test the fire alarm system at least every 30 days and document the testing.

The file for staff #1 did not contain proof of applying for all required out of state clearances and contained a disclosure statement dated 9/11/23, which is after their date of hire. The file for staff #4, who requires out of state clearances, did not contain documentation of applying for those clearances. The file for staff #5 contained an NSOR dated 12/22/23 which is after their date of hire. The file for staff #7 contained a child abuse clearance for the purpose of volunteering, The file for staff #10 contained a child abuse clearance for the purpose of volunteering and an NSOR certificate dated 1/09/24 which is after their date of hire. The application for the NSOR was not on file. The file for facility person #14 did not contain applications for or completed state police or FBI clearances. Facility person #14 was observed having direct contact with children during the inspection. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET)

Adult scissors were accessible to children on a desk in the lobby.

The file for staff #3 did not contain documentation of completing emergency plan training in the last 12 months.

The facility's parent letter explaining the emergency procedures did not include the accommodations made for infants and toddlers.

In the school age room, 3 children were observed playing dodge ball while other children were painting, drawing, and participating in other small motor activities. The space is measured as care space.

Two electrical power strips in the lobby area, accessible to children 5 years of age or younger, were not covered by protective caps.

Cleaning materials, cans of paint, and other toxics were accessible to children in the school age room. The door to the supply closet was locked, however the key was observed in the lock while children were present in the room. Hand sanitizer was accessible to children in the infant room. The bottle was observed attached to a diaper bag on a floor level shelf.

An unlabeled reusable spray bottle containing cleaning material was observed under the sink in the infant room.

In the older toddler room, shave foam labeled keep out of reach of children was observed with stored art materials.

The emergency phone number list, posted near the phones in the new toddler room and the new preschool room, did not include the phone number for the poison control center.

First aid kits were accessible to children in the following spaces; in the gross motor room on a seat, in the school age room hanging on an equipment storage cart, and in the new preschool room hanging on a cabinet knob that allowed the bag to be low enough to be accessible.

A large pile of packaging materials including, but not limited to, cardboard boxes and plastic wrap was observed in the newly added preschool room.

Multiple sinks and toilets in the restrooms on the basement level and the staff restroom on the first floor lacked hand washing signs.

The sink area in the new toddler room lacked a lidded waste receptacle.

An empty plastic grocery bag was accessible to children in a low cubby in the young toddler room. A teacher's folding floor chair with exposed foam padding was observed in the hall outside the young toddler room. The cover for the seat of the chair, which would cover the foam, was not in place.

The refrigerator in the toddler room located behind the STEM room lacked a thermometer.

Hydrocortisone and Tacrolimus ointment were observed in the young toddler room. The medications were stored in a labeled plastic baggie; however the containers of medication were not labeled with the name of the child they were intended for.

Hydrocortisone, Tacrolimus ointment and Nystatin, all which lacked written consent for administration, were observed in the young toddler room.

While changing a diaper, a staff person in the young toddler room did not immediately place the soiled diaper in the trash can, the soiled diaper was first placed on the changing table surface. The diapering area in the new toddler room lacked a hands-free lidded trash can.

The files for staff #5 and #11 contained initial health assessments and TB test results which were more than 12 months old at hire. The files now contain current health assessments, but lack valid TB test results.

Staff person #10 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric First Aid.

The files for staff #2, #6, #8, and #11 designated as assistant group supervisors on the staff data sheet, did not contain documentation of the qualifications required for the position. The files for staff #9 and #10, designated as group supervisors on the staff data sheet, did not contain documentation of the qualifications required for the position.

Written plans of daily activities were not posted in the following rooms; school age, STEM, newly added toddler room and the newly preschool room.

The file for child #1, enrolled for over 6 months, lacked a child service report. The files for school age children #5 and #6, who are in care for more than 15 hours a week based on their financial agreements, did not contain service reports completed in the past 6 months. The files for children #2 and #3 contained service reports dated more than 6 months after start, but are now current.

The agreements for child #1 and child #5 did not specify the persons designated by a parent to whom the child may be released.

The emergency contact forms for child #2 and child #5 did not include the address for the person designated by the parent to whom the child may be released. The emergency contact form for child #5 also lacked the phone number for the person designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.

A medical emergency transportation plan was not posted in the following rooms; STEM, the newly added toddler room and the newly preschool room.

The emergency contact form for children #4 and #6 have not been reviewed and signed by the parent in more than 6 months.

The agreements for children #2, #4 and #6 have not been signed and dated by the parent in the past 6 months. The agreement for child #1 was not signed and dated by the parent at the initial review at enrollment. The child's date of admission was 6/12/23, the agreement was not signed and dated until 12/27/23. The agreement is now current.

The files for staff #9 and facility person #14 did not contain written references. The file for staff #13 contained only 1 written reference.

The file for staff #2 contained CPR and first aid training dated more than 90 days after their date of hire.

At approximately 9:50 am, 3 staff were caring for 10 young toddlers and 1 older toddler in the young toddler classroom. Staff person #1 identified 4 children, staff person #2 identified 4 children and staff person #3 was unable to name the 3 children in their primary supervisory group and stated they were new staff.

A two-year-old child in the Midler's classroom was cleaning the table with a spray bottle of water and paper towels. The adjustable nozzle to the bottle which controls the spray/stream was detached from the bottle and on the table. The child picked up the nozzle, which was less than an inch in diameter, and started lifting it to his mouth until he noticed the certification rep looking his way. He pulled his hand down, and staff #4 went over and took the nozzle and spray bottle off the child and made them inaccessible to the children.

Based on statements made by staff, the temperature in some classrooms on the top floor of the facility has been under 65° on more than one occasion over a period of several weeks from December 2023 through January 2024.

The annual tests of the facility's fire detection system were conducted more than 12 months apart. The reports were dated 9/15/22 and 9/19/23.

Based on discussion with staff, facility person #1 took a child by the leg and pulled him across the carpet where their lip rubbed against the carpet causing it to bleed.

Staff person #1 and #2 were observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff person #1 has not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR. Staff person #2 had mandated reporter training which expired on 8/3/2023 and did not have updated training.

A child was lying in his crib which was placed against a wall and the changing table. 2 feet of space was on 2 sides of the crib and not 3 sides, as regulation requires.

Though the facility stated they have been conducting fire drills, a written record of the fire drills was not provided at the time of the inspection.

Documentation of the health and safety topics listed in subsections (f)1-9 for facility person #3 was documented as being completed on 12/18/2023, which was more than 90 days from their start date at the facility (see coded LIS sheet).

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 8/3/2017.

Facility person #3 has not completed the mandated reporter training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet).

Based on conversations with the staff and review of documentation, an injury occurred on 12/11/2023 and the parent was not notified nor was an incident provided to the parent on the day of the incident. The notification and injury report were provided on 12/14/2023, 3 days after its occurrence.

Staff persons #2 and #3 were observed to be caring for children unsupervised in the preschool room. Staff persons #2 and #3 have not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Pediatric CPR/First Aid. Staff persons #4 and #5 were observed to be caring for children unsupervised in the young toddler room. Staff persons #4 and #5 have not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Pediatric CPR/First Aid, mandated reporter training, and health and safety topics 1-9.

The file for staff #2 (SEE LIS CODE SHEET) did not contain documentation of applying for a DHS FBI clearance. Staff #2 was observed caring for children.

The file for staff #1 contained a health assessment which lacked the results of an examination for communicable diseases lacked a statement regarding the physician's assessment of the person's suitability to provide child care.

The file for staff #1, designated as an assistant group supervisor by the director, did not contain documentation of the qualifications required to perform the position.

Staff person # 4 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff person #4 did not have documentation of completing the following pre-service training on file for review during the inspection: mandated reporter training.

The file for staff #2 did not contain a valid state police clearance. An invoice for the clearance dated 12/26/22 was on file, but the completed clearance was not present. The file for staff #5 did not contain a valid state police clearance. The clearance on file, dated 1/25/23, did not have a purpose listed. The file for staff #6 contained an FBI clearance and a state police clearance which indicated a record, however the attachments were not present in the file for review.

The sink in the young toddler room lacked platforms or steps to allow children to easily wash hands.

The diapering areas in the young toddler and infant rooms lacked handwashing signs.

Based on the manufacturer's description, scissors observed in the preschool room are intended for use by children 5 years of age and older. The description was obtained from the website where the Colorations brand scissors were purchased: Discount School Supply.

A washer was observed to be missing on a bolt on a support piece under the plastic slide in the gross motor room.

The file for child #2, now 7 months old, did not include documentation of receiving the influenza vaccine. A written exemption was not on file.

An epi-pen which lacked the original container was observed in the young toddler room. The medication was labeled for child #6.

Written notification of safe routes was not posted by the operator at a conspicuous location in the child care facility.

The facility's fire drill log did not indicate the specific time of day the drills were conducted.

The operator provided documentation of submitting the the emergency plan to the county EMA, but lacked documentation of submitting the plan locally.

The facility did not have a written policy for the prevention and identification of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment as required by Announcement C-22-03.

The file for staff #3, designated as a group supervisor on the staff data sheet, did not contain documentation of the qualifications required for the position.

The young toddler, infant and school age rooms lacked a posted written plan of daily activities.

The files for child #1 and child #4 did not contain agreements.

The agreement for child #3 did not specify the amount of the fee to be charged.

The agreement for child #3 did not specify the child's departure times.

The files for children #2, #3, and #5 contained the original agreements.

The emergency contact form for child #1 did not include the telephone number of the child's physician or source of medical care.

The emergency contact forms for child #1 and child #2 did not include the work telephone number of the enrolling parent.

The emergency contact forms for child #1, #2, and #4 did not include health insurance coverage and policy numbers.

The emergency contact forms for child #2 and child #4 did not include the addresses of the individuals designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.

The young toddler, infant, preschool, and school age rooms lacked a posted plan identifying the means of transporting a child to emergency care and staffing provisions in the event of an emergency.

The files for children #1 and #4 did not contain the date of admission.

The files for staff #1, #4, and #7 contained only one written reference. The files for staff #3 and #8 did not contain written references.

Staff #7 did not complete training in pediatric first aid and CPR within 90 days of hire. The training on file was dated 5/30/23 (SEE LIS CODE SHEET).

Windows in the two lobby areas, the young toddler room, and at the top of the stairs lacked visual strips. The windows are floor to ceiling.

A source of running water was not located in close proximity to the diapering areas in the infant and young toddler rooms.

Proof of purchase/installation for the fire alarm system was not available at the initial inspection.