Daycare Record Child care inspection records

Nativity Lutheran Early Childhood Education Center

4004 W Tilghman St, Allentown, PA 18104 · Lehigh County
1 core-safety citation in last 12 months Keystone STAR 2

Nativity Lutheran Early Childhood Education Center is a certified child care center in Allentown, PA, with capacity for 161 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 2 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 6 times. The state cited 32 violations, 6 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (12 of 32). 2 citations came in the last 12 months, including 1 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #57 of 82 centers in Allentown and has more citations per inspection than 66% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 66% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most
#57 of 82 centers in Allentown
6 Core-safety citations
26 Other citations
6 Inspections
0 Complaint investigations that found violations
32 citations from 6 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 2 in the last 12 months · last inspected Dec 8, 2025

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Dec 8, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Dec 3, 2024 · Inspection · citation found Sep 30, 2024 · Inspection · citation found Dec 21, 2023 · Inspection · citation found Dec 20, 2022 · Inspection · citation found Jan 25, 2022 · 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 12
Background checks 5
Records & paperwork 5
Emergency preparedness 3
Health & medication 2
Food & feeding 1
Transportation 1
Other standards 1
Training & qualifications 1
Supervision 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Dec 8, 2025 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
A renewal inspection was conducted at the facility on 12/8/25, at that time a review of staff files occurred and found that staff person #1's most recent PA Child Abuse History clearance is dated 7/22/20. Also staff person #1 updated their FBI clearance late as evidenced by prior FBI clearance dated 2/20/20 and current FBI clearance dated 3/10/25.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 17, 2025): “It was noted that staff #1's child abuse was sent on Monday, November 24, 2025. It was completed the same day and results emailed to staff # 1. Staff did not open the email resulting in lack of clearance renewal. We have printed out the clearance on 12/8/25. Staff #1 was able to report to work the…”
Citation Dec 8, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
A renewal inspection was conducted at the facility on December 8, 2025. At the time of inspection there was a small area of peeling paint on the wall under the window in the Cubs room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 17, 2025): “Bruce Evans (church sexton) was messaged and he patched, sanded and painted the wall. This was completed the evening of December 8, 2025. (Photo attached)”
Citation Dec 3, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
An outlet was missing a protective cover in the hallway outside the Cubs room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 6, 2024): “a protective receptacle cover was placed in the outlet outside the Cubs room.”
Citation Dec 3, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
A can of Lysol was accessible to the children in an unlocked cabinet in the Cubs room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 6, 2024): “The can of Lysol was immediately removed and placed in a cabinet out of reach of the children.”
Citation Dec 3, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)
On the larger outdoor playground there were three black plastic railroad ties that were cracked.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 6, 2024): “I spoke with Don who is on property committee for the church. He is in charge of replacing the black railroad ties. He assured me it would get done ASAP.”
Citation Dec 3, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)
Per the facility's fire drill and detection log, there were more than 30 days between manual tests of the facility's fire detection system June 20, 2024 to July 31, 2024.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 6, 2024): “I was incorrect in thinking that fire drills had to be conducted one time per month. I am now aware that fire drills need to be conducted every 30 days.”
Core safety Sep 30, 2024 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
Staff person #1 has a volunteer PA Child Abuse History clearance, which is not acceptable for employment. Staff Person #1 has been working in a childcare position at the facility for more than 45 days. See code sheet for date of hire.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 11, 2024): “I messaged Staff Person #1 and informed her that she was not to report to work. I let her know we need a new PA Child Abuse History clearance since hers was a volunteer one and that it should be for employment. Daisy has not reported to work and will not until her clearance comes through. Daisy…”
Citation Sep 30, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
There was a can of Glade spray in the bathroom near the Cubs room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 11, 2024): “The can of Glade spray was removed immediately during the inspection and placed in the adult bathroom.”
Citation Sep 30, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces/No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.76/3270.77(a)
The bathrooms had several small holes in the walls from where old paper towel dispensers were removed. In the Cubs room there were several areas of peeling paint above where the children hang belongings.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 11, 2024): “On Wednesday, October 2 Don from the church property comm came and spackled all holes related to the old paper towel dispensers and the Cubs room where children hang their belongings. (see photos)”
Citation Sep 30, 2024 Inspection Food & feeding
Potentially hazardous food refrigerated 55 Pa. Code §3270.161(d)
Potentially hazardous foods are kept in the children's lunch boxes with ice packs and are not being refrigerated.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 11, 2024): “On Tuesday, October 1 a message was sent to the parents of all childcare children to place their child's lunchbox on the cart by the Cubs room if it contains any dairy or potentially hazardous food brought from home so it can be placed in the refrigerator”
Show 22 older citations
Core safety Dec 21, 2023 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
Staff #1 did not have NSOR clearance on file, only the receipt. Staff #2 did not have the correct FBI clearance, it was not DHS approved. Staff #3 did not have a FBI clearance at all on file. Staff #3 has not completed the mandated reporter training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 16, 2024): “Staff #1 was notified that her NSOR clearance was not on file. She was not able to work until we received it. NSOR was received on 1/2/24. Her status update was from 12/22/23. Staff #2 was informed that she needed her FBI Clearance from DHS. We received her clearance on 12/21/23. Staff #3 is no…”
Citation Dec 21, 2023 Inspection Health & medication
Original container 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(1)
It was observed in the Kangaroo room that a child's Avi-q medication did not come in it's original container.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 6, 2024): “Provider will contact the child's parents and let them know that we need the medication to be placed in its original box”
Citation Dec 21, 2023 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(5)
The facility did not have a policy in their emergency plan or family letter addressing accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities or children with chronic medical conditions.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 16, 2024): “We will add the following to our emergency plan: Our facility currently does not have any infants or toddlers. Parents would be responsible for their toddler/infant upon pick up or drop off. Our facility currently dos not have any child with special needs.”
Citation Dec 21, 2023 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Every 60 days/Written record 55 Pa. Code §3270.94(a)(1)/3270.94(a)(9)
Fire drill log was reviewed and observed to have the dates of 6/12/23 to 8/17/23. This time frame indicates a fire drill was completed in 66 days.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 16, 2024): “Provider will proceed to have a fire drill every 30 days to remain in compliance.”
Citation Dec 21, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)
There was no documentation of fire alarm testing done every 30 days on site.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 16, 2024): “Provider will document fire alarm testing every 30 days on site and record on the fire drill log.”
Citation Dec 21, 2023 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(f)
The facility had documentation of sending their emergency plan to the local municipality but did not have any documentation sending it to the county.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 16, 2024): “The provider will send a copy of the emergency plan to the local municipality and to the county emergency management agency.”
Citation Dec 21, 2023 Inspection Transportation
Pick-up and drop-off points 55 Pa. Code §3270.171(a)
The facility did not have documentation of notifying the local traffic safety authorities of location of facility and use of pedestrian and vehicular routes.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 16, 2024): “Provider sent documentation of the pedestrian and vehicular routes to the local traffic safety authorities.”
Citation Dec 21, 2023 Inspection Other standards
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
Staff #5 did not have the one hour health and safety update.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 16, 2024): “Staff #5 was informed that she needed to complete the health and safety update 2022 (via email). Jennifer completed the training on January 23, 2024.”
Citation Dec 21, 2023 Inspection Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(i)
Staff person #5 does not have current pediatric first-aid/CPR training. This is evidenced by the previously documented pediatric first-aid/CPR training expiration date of 10/11/21.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 20, 2024): “Staff will not be able to work alone until training is complete. Staff #5 (Jennifer Schreiner) was notified that her CPR|First Aid had expired and needed to be updated (via email). She replied that she would "get on it today". Staff #5 completed online CPR/ First aid training on 2/8/24. Staff #5…”
Citation Dec 21, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Written emergency plan posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(e)
It was observed that in room Kittens, Kangaroos, and Busy Bees did not have a transportation plan posted.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 2, 2024): “The kittens, kangaroos, and busy bees were given emergency and transportation paperwork to hang in their classrooms. The cover is titled "Emergency Procedures".”
Citation Dec 21, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(f)/3270.181(c)
Child #1 and #2's emergency contact and financial agreement was not reviewed and updated within 6 months. Child #3's financial agreement had not been reviewed and updated within 6 months. Child #4 emergency contact was not reviewed and updated within 6 months.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 6, 2024): “We have met with each of these parents to update and sign their child's paperwork.”
Citation Dec 21, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Transcript, diploma and letters 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(2)(iv)
Staff #4 did not have proof of bachelors of early education on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 23, 2024): “Staff #4 was informed that she was missing her bachelor's certificate from her file. Staff #4 brought in a copy of her certificate and it is now in her file.”
Citation Dec 21, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(3)
Staff #3 completed a health assessment on 10/3/23. This date indicates that a health assessment was done late after staff's date of hire (see code sheet). Staff #5 did not complete a 2023 health assessment.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 16, 2024): “Staff #3 is no longer with our center. Staff #5 was notified that her health assessment had expired and she was required to schedule and have an appointment.”
Citation Dec 21, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
Staff #2 only had one written reference on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 23, 2024): “Staff #2 was informed that we need another reference letter for her file. staff was given a form to be filled out or letter to be written.”
Core safety Dec 20, 2022 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
Staff Person #1 has been working in a child care position at the facility for more than 45 days and does not have a National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) verification certificate on file at the facility. Staff Person #2 's NSOR was dated 10/20/22, more than 45 days from her start date in a child care position at the facility. See code sheet for dates of hire.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 28, 2022): “A copy of the NSOR for staff person #1 was submitted on 12/21/22. We will be mindful of the timeframe in which a staff can work w/o the NSOR and implement a leave of absences as needed until their NSOR is acquired.”
Core safety Dec 20, 2022 Inspection Supervision
Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1)
During dismissal of the morning students, Staff Person #3 was standing at the door where several children in her group were leaving for the day, while several other children in her group were around the corner in the bathrooms.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2023): “A conversation with staff person #3 took place. We came up with solutions of ways to avoid lack of supervision in the future.”
Citation Dec 20, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible/Arts and crafts non-toxic 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)/3270.66(e)
A can of shaving cream was accessible to children in the Kangaroos room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 28, 2022): “Can of shaving cream was removed and placed in a location out of reach of the children.”
Citation Dec 20, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
In the smaller outdoor play space, there was a see saw that had peeling paint.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 2, 2023): “Contact a local contractor to sand existing playground equipment to remove peeling paint.”
Citation Dec 20, 2022 Inspection Health & medication
Original label 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(5)
In the Busy Bees room there was an inhaler for a child that expired September 2022.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 28, 2022): “Contact the parent via the app re: the above medication mentioned and its expiration date. Ask the parent to provide an up-to-date prescription in its original container from the physician.”
Core safety Jan 25, 2022 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
Staff person #1 began in a child care position on 8/30/21 and did not have an acceptable PA Child Abuse History clearance until 12/30/21.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 11, 2022): “Staff person #1 began in our childcare position on 8/30/21 and provided a PA Child Abuse History certification clearance when hired. It was later released that though her clearance was dated 5/13/2021 it was for volunteer it employment. Staff was instructed to acquire another Child Abuse clearance…”
Citation Jan 25, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
An outlet in Fellowship Hall was missing a protective cover.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 11, 2022): “The outlet cover indicated was put in place while the inspector was present and in her presence.”
Citation Jan 25, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
There was an area of peeling paint on one of the walls in Fellowship Hall.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 6, 2022): “An email was sent to the property committee representative of the NLECEC school board. The email was forwarded to the church's property chair. They will be taking care of this as per their email.”

“Core safety” marks citations about supervision and staff ratios, discipline and caregiver conduct, background checks, child protection and safe sleep, the topics our score weights most. Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity. “Follow-up” marks a violation re-cited at a follow-up visit, counted once. How scores work.

Daily rates

Age group Full time, per day Part time, per day
Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) $41.20 $31.60
Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) $44.60 $32.20
Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) $44.60 $32.20

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 161 children
Certificate status Regular
Certificate valid through Mar 7, 2027
Keystone STARS STAR 2
since Feb 3, 2026 · what STARS means
Operator ST Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church O
Hours Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–5:30 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone (610) 395-6267
State certificate # CER-00249197
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has Nativity Lutheran Early Childhood Education Center had any serious violations?

Pennsylvania cited 6 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 Dec 8, 2025 (background checks): “A renewal inspection was conducted at the facility on 12/8/25, at that time a review of staff files occurred and found that staff person #1's most recent PA Child Abuse History clearance is dated 7/22/20. Also staff…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about Nativity Lutheran Early Childhood Education Center?

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

What is Nativity Lutheran Early Childhood Education Center’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 2, effective Feb 3, 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 Nativity Lutheran Early Childhood Education Center compare with other daycares in Allentown?

It is #57 of 82 centers in Allentown by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 66% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was Nativity Lutheran Early Childhood Education Center last inspected?

Dec 8, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.

How much does Nativity Lutheran Early Childhood Education Center cost?

It reported full-time daily rates of $41.20 for preschool, $44.60 for young school-age, $44.60 for older school-age in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.

Who runs Nativity Lutheran Early Childhood Education Center?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is ST Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church O.

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.