Little Learners Child Care Center · Luzerne

A pink container, containing cut strawberries and cheese, was observed on a shelf, near the sink, in the Young Toddler Room. On that same shelf, was a white container which had chicken nuggets. Also, Clover Farms Milk, which was labeled, "keep refrigerated," was observed on a wooden shelf in the Preschool Room. These potentially hazardous food items were not refrigerated.

Upon inspection on 3/3/2025, 12 seats were observed in the 2002 Ford E-150 van which is used for transporting children. The vehicle was originally manufactured as an 8-passenger van. However, the operator admitted that, after purchasing the vehicle, they added a third row. This row contained 4 seats, making the vehicle a 12-passenger van, which is not allowed to be used for transporting children in childcare.

The fire detection system was not tested at least once every thirty days as evidenced by the following fire detection system logs that were on file: 7/19/24 to 8/19/24, 8/19/24 to 9/19/24, and 1/3/25 to 2/11/25.

The file for Volunteer #1 (see code sheet for first day with children) only had a Department of Education FBI clearance on file which is not suitable for child care, and not the required DHS FBI clearance.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/14/24. The emergency plan does not address continuity of operations.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/14/24. In the preschool playground, to the left of the gate, there is a hole in the fence near the ground, that children could easily crawl out of. To the right of the gate, the fence is not attached to the metal poles and was able to be easily pushed out allowing a child to crawl underneath.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/14/24. The infant/toddler first aid kit in the emergency bag did not contain soap. The older toddler first aid kit in the emergency bag did not contain scissors.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/14/24. The preschool/school age classroom have water damaged ceiling tiles.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/14/24. Located in the back of the preschool/school age classroom is a wooden playhouse that has an exposed screw sticking out that is accessible to the children.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/14/24. On the preschool playground, the mulch under the swings, slide, and climber on the embedded swing set measured 2 inches deep. The required depth of mulch is 9 inches.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/14/24. The diaper changing table in the older toddler classroom had a roll of plastic bags on top of the table and underneath the table. The plastic bags were accessible to children.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/14/24. In the transportation van, the operator did not have the car seat manufacturer's instructions. The operator admitted she did not keep the manufacturer's instructions and threw them away.

A complaint investigation was conducted on 3/21/23. At 8:30am, Staff Person #1 had two infants and two young toddlers in their primary group. Staff Person #3 had seven young toddlers and two preschool children in their group. Staff Person #2 had three older toddlers and nine preschool children in their group. Two additional staff were needed to maintain ratio at that time. At 11:15am, Staff Person #2, an assistant group supervisor, and Staff Person #4, an aide, had a combined group of twelve preschool children. Staff Person #4 was seen leaving the building at 11:19 and returning at 11:20am. Staff Person #4 was seen yelling out the back door of the building to Staff Person #2, who was seen leaving the building at 11:22 am, before Staff Person #2 returned to the building a minute later. At 11:25am, Staff Person #4 was the only staff observed in the preschool room with the twelve children. Staff Person #2 returned to the room a minute later and was with the twelve children while Staff Person #4 had entered the kitchen area to prepare lunches leaving Staff Person #2 with twelve preschool children.

A complaint investigation was conducted on 3/21/23. At 11:15am, Staff Person #2, an assistant group supervisor, and Staff Person #4, an aide, had a combined group of twelve preschool children. Staff Person #4 was seen leaving the building at 11:19 and returning at 11:20am. Staff Person #4 was seen yelling out the back door of the building to Staff Person #2, who was seen leaving the building at 11:22 am, before Staff Person #2 returned to the building a minute later. At 11:25am, Staff Person #4 was the only staff observed in the preschool room with the twelve children. Staff Person #2 returned to the room a minute later and was with the twelve children while Staff Person #4 had entered the kitchen area to prepare lunches with headphones in where she could not see or hear all of the children in the classroom. During naptime, the lights of the facility are turned off and staff are unable to see the children and properly supervise them.

A complaint investigation was conducted on 3/21/23. At that time, it was found that staff yell harshly at the children, including yelling "Get away from there!" and that staff swear in front of children saying "What the f***!" "F***" and "D***"

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, the gate to the kitchen was observed to be open. The stovetop in the kitchen measured a temperature of 144° F. The children had access to the stove with the gate open. The gate was closed. Later during the inspection, a child was observed pushing the gate open. Staff attempted to fix the gate, but it was not able to latch properly and did not prevent access to the kitchen. An acceptable plan of correction was received on 3/15/23 with a correction date of 3/15/23. A complaint investigation was conducted on 3/21/23. At that time, the gate preventing access to the kitchen was left open three separate times allowing children access to the stove and the toxic cleaning products in an unlocked cabinet under the sink.

A complaint investigation was conducted on 3/21/23. At that time, rodent feces was observed in the cabinet under the sink in the kitchen.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, Odo-ban was observed in an unlocked cabinet in the furthest bathroom from the front entrance. The Odo-ban was labeled "keep out of reach of children" and was accessible to the children in care. An acceptable plan of correction was received on 3/15/23 with a correction date of 3/15/23. During an investigation conducted at the facility on 3/21/23, Red Bull, labeled "not recommended for children" was observed on the desk in the big preschool room. Glade Pumpkin Spice Things Up Room refresher was observed on the desk in the big preschool room. Glade Fall Night Long room refresher and Barbasol Shaving Foam were observed on low shelves in the unlocked tall storage cabinet in the big preschool room. Lysol disinfectant spray, Lemon Fresh Disinfectant Cleaner, and Clorox cleaner were observed in an unlocked cupboard under the sink in the kitchen area. The gate to the kitchen area was open on three separate occasions during the inspection. Odo-ban was observed in an unlocked cabinet in the furthest bathroom from the front entrance. All items listed above were labeled "keep out of reach of children" and were accessible to the…

During an investigation conducted at the facility on 3/21/23, two trash cans in the big preschool room were observed to have food in them at 9:00am. Neither were plastic lined. One trash can had peas and other food from a previous day's lunch. The other trash can had an overwhelming odor similar to that of a soiled diaper, but was observed to have food in it.

During an investigation conducted at the facility on 3/21/23, two trash cans in the big preschool room were observed to have leftover food in them at 9:00am. Neither were plastic lined. One trash can had peas and other food from a previous day. The other trash can had an overwhelming odor similar to that of a soiled diaper, but was observed to have leftover food in it. The trash can in the kitchen was not lidded and a discarded tampon was observed in it.

During an investigation conducted at the facility on 3/21/23, a first aid kit was observed on a cabinet in the hallway approximately 30 inches high and was accessible to the children.

During an investigation conducted at the facility on 3/21/23, Staff Person #1 was observed changing a child's diaper while another child used the bathroom next to the changing table. The child came out of the bathroom and was seen touching the toy box and changing table before their hands were washed. Staff Person #1 was observed washing both children's hands before walking the soiled diaper to the front of the building and handing the soiled diaper to Staff Person #6 to disposed of. Staff Person #6 did not wash their hands after handling the soiled diaper. Staff Person #1 then returned to the changing table and cleaned and sanitized the changing table. Staff Person #1 did not wash their hands before changing the next child.

During an investigation conducted at the facility on 3/21/23, the shelves in the big preschool room were empty. During the investigation, children were offered play-doh or television, but no other toys or activities were available. It was found that the preschool classrooms do not follow the schedule throughout the day. Children are not engaged in activities and do not have toys to play with and instead are offered television or an ipad for the day.

During an investigation conducted at the facility on 3/21/23, the playhouse on the playground was broken and cracked, presenting pinching hazards.

During an investigation conducted at the facility on 3/21/23, ibuprofen was observed in an unzipped backpack hanging in the hallway and was accessible to the children. Children's pain and fever reliever was observed on top of the cubbies in the big preschool room and was accessible to the children. XtraCare Oatmeal Lotion with Cooling Action was observed on the desk in the big preschool room and was accessible to the children.

During an investigation conducted at the facility on 3/21/23, Staff Person #1 was observed changing a child's diaper. The trash can used for diapering next to the changing table was not lidded nor plastic lined. Staff Person #1 was observed washing both children's hands before walking the diaper to the front of the building and handing the soiled diaper to Staff Person #6 to disposed of.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, the diaper changing pad outside the bathrooms was observed to be ripped in two places and was unable to be sanitized properly after being used. An acceptable plan of correction was received on 3/15/23 with a correction date of 3/15/23. During an investigation conducted at the facility on 3/21/23, the changing pad used for diapering was cloth and not able to be properly sanitized in between uses. When informed of this, Staff Person #1 used a ripped changing pad for diaper changes, which is not able to be properly sanitized between uses.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, the file for Staff Person #4 was reviewed. The file contained a PA Child Abuse Clearance dated 2/22/23 which was after they began working at the facility.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, the gate to the kitchen was observed to be open. The stovetop in the kitchen measured a temperature of 144° F. The children had access to the stove with the gate open. The gate was closed. Later during the inspection, a child was observed pushing the gate open. Staff attempted to fix the gate, but it was not able to latch properly and did not prevent access to the kitchen.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, the fence on the preschool playground opposite the road did not extend to the ground and was able to be easily pushed out allowing a child to crawl underneath.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, Odo-ban was observed in an unlocked cabinet in the further bathroom from the entrance. The Odo-ban was labeled "keep out of reach of children" and was accessible to the children in care.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, ceiling tiles in the kitchen were observed to be water damaged. Ceiling tiles in the older preschool (purple) room were observed to be water damaged. Toilet paper was observed scattered on the floor of the bathroom.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, small nails were exposed on the top of the cubbies in the young preschool room. A supply cabinet was not secured to the wall and posed a tipping hazard as it was placed on an unlevel floor. The vanity in the bathroom further from the entrance was disintegrating upon touch.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, the child files were reviewed. The immunization records for Child #1 and Child #3 did not contain documentation of administration of the flu vaccine. The date of the most recent flu vaccine administered for Child #2 was dated 12/2/21.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, the diaper changing pad outside the bathrooms was observed to be ripped in two places and was unable to be sanitized properly after being used.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, the file for Staff Person #5 did not contain a health assessment.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, the director stated that an emergency drill had not been conducted in the past year.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, Staff person #6 did not complete the required one-hour 2022 update to the health and safety training by 12/30/2022.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, the file for Staff Person #5, an assistant group supervisor, did not contain verification of 2 years' experience working with children.

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, the child files were reviewed. The emergency contact form and financial agreements had not been updated in the past 6 months for the following children: Child #1 (3/29/22); Child #2 (7/21/22); Child #3 (1/20/22).

A renewal inspection was conducted on 3/15/23. At that time, the staff files were reviewed. The following staff files did not contain two written letters of reference: Staff Person #1, Staff Person #2, Staff Person #3, Staff Person #4, and Staff Person #5.

An unannounced inspection was conducted on 11/7/22. At that time, Staff Person #1 was working unsupervised in the first room to the right upon entering the building. Staff person #1 has not completed the pediatric first aid and cpr training or the health and safety training required prior to caring for children unsupervised. Staff Person #4 was working unsupervised in the first room to the left upon entering the building. Staff person #4 has not completed the pediatric first aid and cpr training or the health and safety training required prior to caring for children unsupervised. Staff Person #2 and Staff Person #3 were working together unsupervised in the second room to the left upon entering the building. Staff person #2 has not completed the pediatric first aid and cpr training or the health and safety training required prior to caring for children unsupervised. Staff person #3 has not completed the health and safety training required prior to caring for children unsupervised.

A complaint inspection was conducted on 11/7/22. At that time, a soiled diaper and a crushed plastic water bottle were observed on the preschool playground. A sticky residue was observed on the floor just inside the door when entering the facility from the playground.

An unannounced inspection was conducted on 11/7/22. At that time, baby powder labeled "keep out of reach of children" was observed in an open diaper bag in a cubby at floor level and was accessible to the infants and young toddlers in care.

An unannounced inspection was conducted on 11/7/22. At that time, a plastic garbage bag was observed on the floor of the infant room, with the top of the bag hung from the changing table. This bag was accessible to the mobile infants in care.

An unannounced inspection was conducted on 11/7/22. At that time, albuterol was observed on the shelf of a child's cubby approximately 24 inches high. A mobile infant was observed reaching into the cubby during the inspection. The medication was accessible to the mobile infants and young toddlers in care.

An unannounced inspection was conducted on 11/7/22. At that time, a soiled diaper in a plastic garbage bag was observed on the floor of the infant room, with the top of the bag hung from the changing table. The plastic garbage bag was not contained in a hands-free covered can.

An unannounced inspection was conducted on 11/7/22. At that time, Staff Person #3, has not completed the health and safety training within 90 days of their date of hire. Staff Person #4 has not completed the pediatric first aid and cpr training or the health and safety training within 90 days of their date of hire.

During an unannounced complaint visit to the facility on 6/22/22 Cert rep. observed facility person #1 in the young toddler room supervising a group of seven children that included six young toddlers and one infant. The young toddler room was out of ratio and a second staff person was required. Children were immediately re-assigned to staff so the facility was able to come into compliance.

During a walk thru of the facility conducted on 6/22/22 Cert. rep observed facility person #2 change child #1's diaper, an infant, and facility person #2 did not wash her hands or the infant's hands after she was finished diapering the child.

During a physical site walk thru of facility conducted on 6/22/22 Cert. rep observed staff use the kitchen area while children were present in the preschool room leaving the gate unlocked and the stove accessible. The stove does not have a stove guard.

During a physical site walk thru of the facility conducted on 6/22/22 Cert rep observed child #1, an infant less than 6 mos. old, was laying in a carrier and drinking from a bottle that was propped up with a blanket. Facility person #1 was not holding child #1 while being bottle fed.

There is one area of fencing located in the outdoor play space where the fencing ends without connecting to the fence creating a gap (approximately 18 inches) large enough for a child to fit thru and possibly exit the play yard.

The first-aid kit located in the young toddler room is missing gloves

The tan deck that is located in the preschool / school-age room has areas of peeling paint on it. The white train table located in the same room also has peeling paint on it.

The cots used by the toddlers in the young toddler room do not have the names of the children labeled on them. Facility person #1 had one young toddler and an one infant in her assigned group. Cert rep noticed that there were vinyl rest mats in the room but no cribs and asked where child #2, an infant, sleeps. Cert rep was told by facility person #1 that child #2 sleeps on a rest mat. A mat is not age-appropriate rest equipment for an infant. A sleeping infant must be placed in a crib that meets current ASTM standards.

The vinyl diaper pad on the diapering table located outside of the bathrooms has a small hole and some worn areas and is not able to be properly sanitized after each use

Child #1, 2 and 3 are infants and do not have written formula and feeding schedules provided by the parent

Facility person #1 does not have 12 hours of annual child care training documented in her file

A complaint investigation was conducted on site on 2/28/2022. Through staff interviews and review of video footage, it was confirmed that on 2/2/22, Staff #1 pulled the arm of Child #1 two times, causing a scratch to the child's left arm. Staff #1 was pulling the child's arm to force the child to sit down at a table. Staff #1 was also observed to be shouting at the child during this interaction. Staff #2 was observed coming over to the child to intervene in the situation.

A complaint investigation was conducted on site on 2/28/2022. Through staff interviews and review of video footage, it was confirmed that on 2/2/22, Staff #1 pulled the arm of Child #1 two times, causing a scratch to the child's left arm. Staff #1 was pulling the child's arm to force the child to sit down at a table. Staff #1 was also observed to be shouting at the child during this interaction. Staff #2 was observed coming over to the child to intervene in the situation.

An unannounced inspection occurred at the facility. A review of staff files was conducted. Staff file # 3 was reviewed and had a date of hire of 7/23/21. At the time of this inspection, the NSOR clearance for Staff # 3 was unable to be located by the director. Staff # 3 was working in child care without all appropriate clearances on file per the CPSL. Staff # 3 did not participate in mandated reporter training within 90 days of their hire date. Staff # 3 participated in mandated reporter training on 2/11/22.