Scholars Academy of Harrisburg · 4601 Devonshire Rd, Harrisburg
Scholars Academy of Harrisburg is a certified child care center in Harrisburg, PA, with capacity for 53 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 2 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 5 times and confirmed violations in 1 complaint investigation. The state cited 38 violations, 8 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep). 35 citations came in the last 12 months, including 8 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #51 of 75 centers in Harrisburg and has more citations per inspection than 82% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
On 05/28/2026, staff stated that the infant classroom and young toddler classroom combined in the infant classroom during naptime. There was a mixed age group of 1 infant and 7 young toddlers in the infant classroom during naptime with 1 staff person. Staff person #1 was over ratio while staff person #2 was on their break. Naptime ratios do not double when there is an infant in care.
The operator did not notify the central regional office within 24 hours of child #1 receiving emergency room treatment. A written report was not provided within 72 hours after emergency room treatment.
On 05/28/2026, child #1 received 1st and 2nd degree burns on their hands while at the facility. Staff person #1 did not observe how the injury occurred and did not notice the burns and blisters on the child's hands while in their care.
On 06/02/2026 at 9:45 am, observed the exterior side of the metal door leading from the preschool classroom to the playground reached a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The playground faces the morning sun and does not have a source of shade. Children at the facility go outside to play in the mornings between 9:00 - 10:30 creating a threat to the health and safety of the children due to surfaces on the playground reaching temperatures over 110 degrees F.
On 05/28/2026, child #1 received 1st and 2nd degree burns on their hands while at the facility. An incident report was not completed on the date of the injury. A report was not completed until 05/29/2026 after the parent notified the operator and director of the child's injuries.
Staff person #1 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff person #1 has not completed Pediatric first aid and CPR training through a Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) approved curriculum and the trainer has not provided documentation that they are PQAS-certified in that training curriculum.
The file for staff person #1 did not include a PA State Police Clearance for employment; a volunteer clearance dated 04/12/2026 was on file. Staff person #1 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised.
Observed staff person #2 standing with their back to the infants and toddlers in the infant classroom. Staff person #2 was unable to supervise a young toddler asleep in a crib on the far side of the room. The crib was placed behind another crib and a Pack N Play which were blocking visibility. *Corrected at the time of the inspection.
Observed 2 windows open in the preschool classroom next to the door leading to the outside play space. The window on the right had a screen which was damaged creating gaps along the windowsill and frame. The window on the left had damaged wood on the lower right corner of the bottom rail of the window which created a hole and rough splintering wood.
Observed child #1, a young toddler (see LIS code sheet), in the infant classroom using a Bright Starts Cute Critters Activity Jumper. The recommended age range for use is 6 - 12 months. The manufacturer's instructions warning includes the following statement, "DO NOT allow children who can stand or walk on their own to use the activity jumper."
During diaper changing, observed 3 young toddlers sitting in highchairs watching a video on a small tablet placed on a nearby shelf in lieu of the children being engaged in an age-appropriate activity with staff interacting with the children.
Observed a bottle with milk or formula in the crib with child #2, a young toddler (see LIS code sheet), while the child was sleeping. *Corrected at the time of the inspection.
Staff person #1 has completed Pediatric first aid and CPR training, however the training was not completed through a Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) approved curriculum and the trainer has not provided documentation that they are PQAS-certified in that training curriculum. Staff person #1 had documentation of Standard First Aid dated 04/01/2025 through the American CPR CARE Association which is not an approved Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric CPR Provider and Curriculum.
The file for staff person #1 did not include a second written, nonfamily reference from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person.
The file for staff person #1 included a PA State Police clearance, Child Abuse Clearance and FBI which were not updated with 60 months of the previous clearance. The current PSP clearance was dated 10/22/2025 with the previous dated 10/07/2020. The current Child Abuse clearance was dated 12/19/2025 with the previous dated 10/09/2020. The current FBI clearance was dated 11/18/2025 with the previous clearance dated 10/26/2020. Staff person/facility 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 01/08/2021. Staff person #2 was observed working unsupervised in the preschool classroom. The file for staff person #2 did not include out of state clearances for states in which they have resided in the previous 5 years prior to working in a child care position at the facility (see LIS code sheet).
The letter to the parent explaining the emergency procedures did not include information which addresses lock-down procedures in the event of an intruder; accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions; or a statement that an emergency drill is conducted annually.
Observed drop ceiling tiles in the infant classroom which was not installed properly on the ceiling brackets. Observed drop ceiling tiles in the older toddler classroom that were missing or not installed properly on the ceiling brackets.
The portable sink located in the young toddler classroom did not have a platform or steps for the young toddlers to easily approach and use the sink.
Observed prescription medication for child #6 which did not have written consent for administration from the parent. The facility created tracking sheet for administration of medication did not request a signature from the parent.
The facility created tracking sheet for the administration of medication did not include the amount of medication to be administered.
Observed staff person #5 use diaper wipes to clean the hands of young toddlers in lieu of handwashing after being diapered.
The diapering area in the young toddler classroom had a hands-free covered can which was not functioning properly. Observed staff #5 open the lid using their hand to dispose of a soiled diaper. The diaper genie located in the infant classroom did not open with the foot petal as intended for the proper disposal of soiled diapers.
The file for staff person #3 included a health assessment and TB test which was not conducted within 12 months prior to providing initial service at the facility (see LIS code sheet). The health assessment on file was dated 10/05/2025 and the TB test results were dated 10/02/2025.
Observed staff person #5 did not wash their hands after diapering a child in the young toddler classroom. Staff person #5 used nonporous gloves for diaper changes in lieu of handwashing.
Observed bottles provided by the parent which were being hand washed in the sink and reused for infants and young toddlers. The facility does not have a commercial dishwasher to wash bottles.
The facility emergency plan did not include accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.
The Prevention of Shaken Baby, Syndrome, Abusive Head Trauma, and Child Maltreatment Policy did not include the recognition of potential signs and symptoms of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma or address the prevention and identification of child maltreatment. The facility Emergency Plan did not include a statement regarding the continuity of operations in the event of an emergency at the facility. Staff person #1 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised. 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 01/08/2021.
The original agreement is not provided to the parent, the parent is provided a copy and the original is placed in the child's file. The files for child #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 included the original agreement.
The emergency contact information for child #1 included an incomplete address of the child's physician or source of medical care. The emergency contact information for child #3 did not include the name of the child's physician or source of medical care.
The emergency contact information for child #2 did not include the work address of the enrolling parent.
The emergency contact information for child #1, #2, and #3 did not include the addresses for the individuals designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.
The files for staff person #4, #5, and #6 did not include acceptable verification of child care experience following the outset of service at the facility.
On 12/5/25, it was observed that staff person #1 caring for 3 children unsupervised in the one year old classroom. Staff person #1 has not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Pediatric First Aid and CPR, Mandated Reporter Training, Health and Safety Training.
On 12/5/25, it was observed that CPSL (Child Protective Services Law) was not followed. Staff person 1 was observed working in a childcare position with 3 children in the 1 year old classroom without documentation of their NSOR (National Sex Offender Registry) certificate on file.
On 12/5/25, it was observed that staff person 1 did not have 2 nonfamily references on file. Staff person 1 has 1 reference on file. An additional reference is needed.
On 5/29/25, it was observed that staff person 5 did not have documentation of a physical or TB test on file.
On 5/29/25, it was observed that staff persons 2 and 3 had a mandated reporter training on file that was expired. Mandated reporter training must be updated every 60 months. Staff person 2 had a mandated reporter training on file that expired on 7/22/24 and no update was available. Staff person 3 had a mandated reporter training on file that expired on 7/19/24 and no update was available.
On 5/29/25, it was observed that staff person 1 did not have documentation of 2 written, nonfamily references on file. On reference on file indicated that it was written by the staff person's sister. CORRECTED ON SITE.
“Core safety” marks citations about supervision and staff ratios, discipline and caregiver conduct, background checks, child protection and safe sleep, the topics our score weights most. Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity. “Follow-up” marks a violation re-cited at a follow-up visit, counted once. How scores work.
Complaint investigations and reported incidents
Pennsylvania’s search lists complaint investigations in which the state found at least one violation (“verified complaints”). It does not say what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it. Incident investigations look into something that happened at the center; self-reported violations are ones the center reported to the state itself.
Enforcement actions
Negative sanctions Pennsylvania lists for this center, such as a downgrade to a provisional certificate, refusing to renew or revoking its certificate of compliance, with the status COMPASS shows. “Operation permitted” means the center may keep operating while it appeals; “operation not permitted” means it may not.
About this center
Common questions
Has Scholars Academy of Harrisburg had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 8 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 Jun 2, 2026 (staff ratios): “On 05/28/2026, staff stated that the infant classroom and young toddler classroom combined in the infant classroom during naptime. There was a mixed age group of 1 infant and 7 young toddlers in the infant classroom…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Scholars Academy of Harrisburg?
Pennsylvania lists 1 complaint investigation since 2021 in which it found at least one violation; the violations are listed above. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is Scholars Academy of Harrisburg’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 2, effective Apr 8, 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 Scholars Academy of Harrisburg compare with other daycares in Harrisburg?
It is tied for #51 of 75 centers in Harrisburg by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 82% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Scholars Academy of Harrisburg last inspected?
Jun 2, 2026 (unannounced monitoring). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
Who runs Scholars Academy of Harrisburg?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Nuestro Mundro Educational Serv LLC.
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Citations are quoted from Pennsylvania Department of Human Services inspection records (Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Certification Services), including each finding and the center’s plan of correction. Rule numbers refer mostly to 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3270, the rules for child care centers; a few cite Chapter 20, which covers every certified facility. Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; the “core safety” label and the score are Daycare Record’s.
To check the state’s own record, search the center’s name on COMPASS Child Care Provider Search and open its inspection history. Data refreshed Oct 16, 2026.
Comparing centers? See how to choose a daycare: 30 questions to ask and a printable checklist.
Concerned about this center? See how to report a daycare: which state line to call, what to write down and what happens next.