Sheryl Buffingtons Daycare Preschool Palace

The file for staff person #1 lacked a disclosure statement.

In the toddler room, a power strip that was plugged into an outlet in the back left corner of the room lacked 6 outlet covers and was accessible to children 5 years of age and younger.

On the toddler play space on a shelf, there was a bottle of Purell Hand Sanitizer that was labeled "Keep out of reach of children" and was accessible to children. In the large preschool/school-age room in an unlocked drawer in a desk, there was a bag of Luden's Wild Cherry Throat Drops that was labeled "Keep out of reach of children" and was accessible to children.

On the upper preschool play space, there were multiple areas of the green carpet surface that were torn, not secured on the ground, and had overlapping areas of the carpet that resulted in a tripping hazard. On the toddler play space, there was a piece of metal wire that was protruding out from the top of the fence that had sharp edges and was accessible to children. In the preschool bathroom downstairs in the last stall, there was a board with knobs attached for hanging coats that was leaning against the wall and was a visible hazard.

In the infant room, there was peeling paint on the wall in a couple areas in the back left corner behind a chair. In the 3 year old room downstairs, there were multiple areas of peeling paint on the wall to the left of the sink and one area on the wall to the left of the freezer. In the toddler room, there were a couple areas of peeling paint on the right wall.

In the infant room, there was a bottle of Up & Up Infants' Acetaminophen that was not labeled with the child's name. In the toddler room, there was a bottle of Parent's Choice Infant Ibuprofen that was not labeled with the child's name.

In the toddler room, there was an open bag on the floor in a child's cubby that contained a bottle of Parent's Choice Infant Ibuprofen that was accessible to children.

In the 3 year old room, the diapering can near the sink and changing area contained diapers/pull-ups and was not plastic-lined inside the hands-free covered can.

The file for staff person #1 had a health assessment that said the person was not suitable to provide child care and lacked an explanation from the physician or CRNP.

According to the log, the operator did not manually test the interconnected fire detection system in the facility at least once every 30 days between 2-13-25 to 3-18-25.

On the outdoor toddler play space, the emergency contact forms were not present on the play space for the preschoolers, young toddlers, and older toddlers that were receiving care on the play space.

The file for staff person #3 had state police clearances, child abuse clearances, FBI clearances, and NSOR verification certificates that exceeded 60 months between clearances/certificates.

In the Great Hall, there were multiple bottles of hand sanitizers, including Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer, in an unlocked drawer in the desk that were labeled "Keep out of reach of children" and were accessible to children.

On the front preschool play space, there were multiple bolts on the base of the awnings that were protruding upwards and were a visible hazard. On the back preschool play space near the back left corner, a piece of the fence had come apart and was on the ground leaving a gap in the fence. There was a stake in the ground near that area of the fence that had sharp edges on top and was accessible to children.

In the back left room on the bottom floor, there was peeling paint in a few areas on the small wall that's connected to the back wall and one area in the back right corner. In the toddler towers room, there were a few areas of peeling paint on the left wall and one area on the right wall. In the infant room, there were multiple areas of peeling paint on the back wall.

The file for child #1 lacked an initial health assessment for a school-age child in accordance with the requirements for medical examinations for school attendance in 28 Pa. Code § 23.2 (relating to medical examinations).

The files for staff person #2 and #4 had a health assessment that exceeded 24 months between assessments.

According to the log, the operator did not manually test the interconnected fire detection system in the facility at least once every 30 days between 4-3-24 to 6-19-24 and 7-12-24 to 8-12-24.

Staff person #1, prior to their hire date, had completed the health and safety course titled Health and Safety Basics: Requirements for Certification (6 hours) and had the required health and safety update course titled Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update 2022 (1 hour) training dated 6-14-24 that was over 90 days after their date of hire.

The file for staff person #3 had current pediatric first-aid/CPR training with a completion date of 6-10-24 that was after the May 2024 expiration of the prior training.

The file for staff person #3 had fire safety training that exceeded a year between trainings.

Staff person #1 completed mandated reporter training on 6-9-24 that was over 90 days after their date of hire. (see LIS code sheet)

The file for staff person #4, hired provisionally, lacked an FBI clearance or verification of being fingerprinted for the FBI clearance at their start date to be a provisional hire and requires a current FBI clearance.

The emergency plan lacked requirements for continuity of operations according to federal requirements at 45 CFR § 98.41(a)(1)(vii).

The facility lacked a letter to provide to the parent of each enrolled child explaining the emergency procedures.

In the preschool palace room, there were multiple bottles of hand sanitizer that were under the sink in an unlocked cabinet and bottles of Bic Cover-It Correction Fluid and The Original Super Glue in a bin that were labeled "Keep out of reach of children" and were accessible to children. In the great hall, there were multiple bottles of hand sanitizer on the table that were labeled "Keep out of reach of children" and were accessible to children. On the toddler play space, there were multiple bottles of hand sanitizer in a bin on a shelf that were labeled "Keep out of reach of children" and were accessible to children. In the downstairs hallway, there was a container of Boudreaux's Butt Paste labeled "Keep out of reach of children" that was in a child's open backpack that was hanging on a hook on the wall near the entrance and was accessible to children.

On the toddler play space, there was a trash can that contained trash inside that had not been removed from the facility grounds in over a week. According to staff, the outdoor play space had not been used in months.

In the prince and princess room, the left window had a screen that had a large hole and had tears in the screen.

The homework hall lacked a first-aid kit.

On the toddler play space, the first-aid kit was in a bin on a shelf that was accessible to children. In the preschool palace room, the first-aid kit was in an unlocked cabinet on a shelf that was accessible to children.

On the preschool play space, there was a wooden stake with sharp edges that was protruding out near the back fence and was accessible to children.

In the infant room, there was peeling paint in one area on the back wall.

On the preschool play space, there was a red tricycle with a cracked seat that had sharp edges and a circular merry-go-round with bikes that had one bike that had a wheel coming apart from the bike and was missing a pedal.

In the infant/toddler room with infants and 1 year olds present in the room, there were multiple blocks with tears in multiple areas that had small pieces coming apart with a diameter of less than 1 inch and were accessible to children who are still placing objects in their mouths.

In the older toddler room in the right bathroom, there were 3 loose wooden doors from a toy cabinet that were laying on a shelf in the bathroom and had hinges that had sharp edges that were accessible to children. In the infant/toddler room, there was a cubby in the front left corner of the room that had a partition/divider that was loose and coming apart from the cubby. In the older toddler room, the cabinet near the sink had a plastic drawer that was cracked and had sharp edges that were accessible to children.

In the infant room, there was a highchair that was missing the center strap for the T-shaped safety strap.

In the great hall, the refrigerator that contained food for the children had a bottom drawer that had food that was dried and sticking to the inside of the drawer.

The file for child #4, a young toddler, lacked a current health assessment updated within the last 6 months.

The file for child #1, a preschooler, lacked a current health assessment updated within the last 12 months. The files for child #5 and #6, preschoolers, had a health assessment that exceeded 12 months between assessments.

The file for child #2, a 6 month old enrolled more than 60 days at the facility, lacked documentation of the 1st & 2nd Hepatitis B, DTAP, HIB, Pneumococcal, & Polio vaccinations and the 2nd Rotavirus vaccination being administered in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP and lacked exemption documentation. The file for child #3, a 2 year old enrolled more than 60 days at the facility, lacked documentation of the 2nd Hepatitis A vaccination being administered in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP and lacked exemption documentation. The file for child #4, a 1 year old enrolled more than 60 days at the facility, lacked documentation of the 4th DTAP & Pneumococcal vaccinations and the 1st MMR & Varicella vaccinations being administered in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP and lacked exemption documentation.

In the infant/toddler room, there was Mommy Bliss Gripe Water that was not labeled with the name of the child for whom the medication was intended. In the older toddler room, there was a bottle of Infants' Tylenol that was not labeled with the name of the child for whom the medication was intended.

In the older toddler room, there was a bottle of Infants' Tylenol that was expired.

In the infant/young toddler room, there was Children's Tylenol for child #8 that lacked written parental consent for administration of the medication. In the infant/young toddler room, there was Mommy Bliss Gripe Water for child #3 that lacked written parental consent for administration of the medication.

The file for staff person #3 had a tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method that was dated after initial employment at the facility.

In the great hall in the refrigerator where food stored for children is contained, there was a bag stored in the refrigerator that contained moldy cheese.

The facility's emergency plan lacked a plan that provides for accommodations for infants, toddlers, and children with chronic medical conditions.

According to the log, the operator did not manually test the interconnected fire detection system in the facility at least once every 30 days on multiple occasions within the last year.

The facility's emergency plan lacked a plan that provides for accommodations for evacuation of children to a location away from the facility premises.

The file for staff person #1, functioning as a staff person, lacked verification of education to qualify as a staff person.

The file for staff person #2, functioning as an aide, lacked verification of child care experience to qualify as an aide.

The files for child #2 and #4 had an emergency contact form that lacked the telephone number of the child's physician.

The file for child #7 had an emergency contact form that lacked the name of the health insurance and the policy number.

The file for child #7 had an emergency contact form that lacked the address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.

The file for child #4 lacked a current emergency contact form and agreement updated within the last 6 months.

The facility lacked a current occupancy permit posted or on file at the facility.

In the Kings & Queens Room, there were 2 Boppy Newborn Lounger Pillows, one in use by an infant, that were observed in the room and were recalled by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and therefore were not age-appropriate rest equipment.

In the Kings & Queens Room, an infant was observed sleeping on a Boppy Newborn Lounger Pillow and was not placed in the sleeping position recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

In the Kings & Queens Room, there were 2 Boppy Newborn Lounger Pillows, one in use by an infant, that were observed in the room and were recalled by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.

In the Kings & Queens Room during naptime, there was one child observed on a cot that lacked 2 feet of space on three sides.

Staff person #1 did not give a written report to the parent when their 7-month-old child received a serious injury while receiving care in the facility.

* From June through August of 2023, Staff Persons # 2, #3, #4, #5, and #6 were interviewed and reported that Staff Person # 1 (1) forcefully tossed infants onto sleeping mats located on the floor from approximately 3 to 4 feet high, (2) aggressively grabbed infants by one arm and pulled them off the ground, (3) grabbed infants by the hand or wrist and snapped them up from the ground, (4) dragged infants on their mats away from other infants, and /or (5) yelled at the infants out of frustration. These Staff Persons reported that Staff Person # 1 acted in these ways with the children when he/she was frustrated. These Staff Persons also reported that the way in which Staff Person #1 handled the children could result in the children breaking their bones or sustaining head injuries due to how hard they hit the ground. Staff Person #6 reported that he/she has observed Staff Person #1 use a flashlight to check the infants' eyes/pupils after he/she threw them to the ground because they hit their heads.

** From June through August of 2023, Staff Persons # 2, #3, #4, #5, and #6 were interviewed and reported that Staff Person # 1 (1) forcefully tossed infants onto sleeping mats located on the floor from approximately 3 to 4 feet high, (2) aggressively grabbed infants by one arm and pulled them off the ground, (3) grabbed infants by the hand or wrist and snapped them up from the ground, (4) dragged infants on their mats away from other infants, and /or (5) yelled at the infants out of frustration. These Staff Persons reported that Staff Person # 1 acted in these ways with the children when he/she was frustrated. These Staff Persons also reported that the way in which Staff Person #1 handled the children could result in the children breaking their bones or sustaining head injuries due to how hard they hit the ground. Staff Person #6 reported that he/she has observed Staff Person #1 use a flashlight to check the infants' eyes/pupils after he/she threw them to the ground because they hit their heads.

*** From June through August of 2023, Staff Persons # 2, #3, #4, #5, and #6 were interviewed and reported that Staff Person # 1 (1) forcefully tossed infants onto sleeping mats located on the floor from approximately 3 to 4 feet high, (2) aggressively grabbed infants by one arm and pulled them off the ground, (3) grabbed infants by the hand or wrist and snapped them up from the ground, (4) dragged infants on their mats away from other infants, and /or (5) yelled at the infants out of frustration. These Staff Persons reported that Staff Person # 1 acted in these ways with the children when he/she was frustrated. These Staff Persons also reported that the way in which Staff Person #1 handled the children could result in the children breaking their bones or sustaining head injuries due to how hard they hit the ground. Staff Person #6 reported that he/she has observed Staff Person #1 use a flashlight to check the infants' eyes/pupils after he/she threw them to the ground because they hit their heads.

**** From June through August of 2023, Staff Persons # 2, #3, #4, #5, and #6 were interviewed and reported that Staff Person # 1 (1) forcefully tossed infants onto sleeping mats located on the floor from approximately 3 to 4 feet high, (2) aggressively grabbed infants by one arm and pulled them off the ground, (3) grabbed infants by the hand or wrist and snapped them up from the ground, (4) dragged infants on their mats away from other infants, and /or (5) yelled at the infants out of frustration. These Staff Persons reported that Staff Person # 1 acted in these ways with the children when he/she was frustrated. These Staff Persons also reported that the way in which Staff Person #1 handled the children could result in the children breaking their bones or sustaining head injuries due to how hard they hit the ground. Staff Person #6 reported that he/she has observed Staff Person #1 use a flashlight to check the infants' eyes/pupils after he/she threw them to the ground because they hit their heads.

***** From June through August of 2023, Staff Persons # 2, #3, #4, #5, and #6 were interviewed and reported that Staff Person # 1 (1) forcefully tossed infants onto sleeping mats located on the floor from approximately 3 to 4 feet high, (2) aggressively grabbed infants by one arm and pulled them off the ground, (3) grabbed infants by the hand or wrist and snapped them up from the ground, (4) dragged infants on their mats away from other infants, and /or (5) yelled at the infants out of frustration. These Staff Persons reported that Staff Person # 1 acted in these ways with the children when he/she was frustrated. These Staff Persons also reported that the way in which Staff Person #1 handled the children could result in the children breaking their bones or sustaining head injuries due to how hard they hit the ground. Staff Person #6 reported that he/she has observed Staff Person #1 use a flashlight to check the infants' eyes/pupils after he/she threw them to the ground because they hit their heads.

From June through August of 2023, Staff Persons # 2, #3, #4, #5, and #6 were interviewed and reported that Staff Person # 1 (1) forcefully tossed infants onto sleeping mats located on the floor from approximately 3 to 4 feet high, (2) aggressively grabbed infants by one arm and pulled them off the ground, (3) grabbed infants by the hand or wrist and snapped them up from the ground, (4) dragged infants on their mats away from other infants, and /or (5) yelled at the infants out of frustration. These Staff Persons reported that Staff Person # 1 acted in these ways with the children when he/she was frustrated. These Staff Persons also reported that the way in which Staff Person #1 handled the children could result in the children breaking their bones or sustaining head injuries due to how hard they hit the ground. Staff Person #6 reported that he/she has observed Staff Person #1 use a flashlight to check the infants' eyes/pupils after he/she threw them to the ground because they hit their heads.

The file for staff person #6 lacked a disclosure statement and had state police and child abuse clearances that were dated after their start date. The file for staff person #2 had state police and FBI clearances that exceeded 60 months between clearances.

The file for staff person #7 lacked current emergency plan training completed within the last year. The files for staff person #1, #2, #4, and #10 had emergency plan training that exceeded a year between trainings.

In the Great Hall, there were a bottle of Bic Wite Out, Elmer's Rubber Cement, Micro Ban Sanitizing Spray, and Assured Men's Shave Cream in unlocked drawers and Anker Multi-purpose Adhesive Spray on a shelf that were labeled "Keep out of reach of children" and were accessible to children.

In the Great Hall, the first-aid kit lacked tweezers.

On the back play space, the fence in the back left corner and on the left side of the play space had multiple areas with sharp edges along the top of the chain-link fence. On the back play space in the 2 year old covered pavilion area, there were multiple areas of the turf surface that were not laying flat and were raised causing potential tripping hazards.

In the Royal Nursery, there was one area of peeling paint on the wall in the back right corner near a cubby. In the preschool room, there was peeling paint in a few areas on the left wall near the entrance to the room.

In the Royal Nursery, there was one rest mat that had a tear in the fabric exposing the stuffing inside.

In the Royal Nursery, there was a mat on the floor that had multiple areas with small pieces of fabric coming apart that were less than 1 inch in diameter and were accessible to infants in the room who are still placing objects in their mouths.

In the Prince and Princess room with 1 and 2 year olds in the room, there was a table with 8 high chair seats that lacked a T-shaped safety strap.

The file for child #4 had a health assessment that lacked a statement that the child is able to participate in child care and appears to be free from contagious or communicable disease.

The file for child #2 had a health assessment that lacked a statement that age-appropriate screenings recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics were conducted since the time of the previous health report.

The files for child #1, a 22 month old, and child #3, a 4 year old, had an immunization record that lacked verification of the Influenza vaccination being administered within the last calendar year in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP and lacked exemption documentation.

In the Kings and Queens room, child #5 had Auvi-Q medication that was expired.

In the Kings and Queens room, child #5 had Auvi-Q medication that lacked written parental consent for administration of the medication.

In the Prince and Princess room, the Royal Nursery, and the Toddler Towers room, the diaper changing pad had a fabric cover that was not being changed after each use between diapering.

The files for staff person #1 and #4 had a health assessment that exceeded 24 months between assessments.

The files for staff person #1 and #9 had a health assessment that lacked an examination for communicable diseases and the results of that examination and the physician's or CRNP's assessment of the person's suitability to provide child care.

The facility had a policy and procedure to identify the prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment that did not address the prevention of child maltreatment as required to comply with 45 CFR 98.41(a)(1)(vi). The emergency plan lacked requirements for volunteer emergency preparedness training and continuity of operations according to federal requirements at 45 CFR § 98.41(a)(1)(vii).

The file for staff person #7 had fire safety training that was completed over a year after their start date.

Staff person #11 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric first-aid/CPR training. Staff person #3 had not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire with a completion date of 9-10-22 (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric first-aid/CPR training. Staff person #8 had not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire with a completion date of 9-10-22 (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric first-aid/CPR training. Staff person #8 had not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire with a completion date of 3-21-22 (see LIS code sheet): Health and Safety Training in the topics of 3270.31(f)(1-9).

Staff person #1 had not completed mandated reporter training within 60 months. This is evidenced by the documented mandated reporter trainings on file being dated 11-3-15 and 12-2-20. Staff person #5 had not completed mandated reporter training within 60 months. This is evidenced by the documented mandated reporter trainings on file being dated 9-14-16 and 10-6-21. Staff person #8 had mandated reporter training dated 3-5-22 that was not completed within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet).

The file for staff person #7 lacked a current staff evaluation completed within the last 12 months.

In the preschool room at approximately 9:30 a.m., there were 3 children receiving care in the room that lacked emergency contact forms in the room.

The file for staff person #7 lacked 12 hours of child care training completed within a year of their start date.

According to staff statements, when an incident report is completed for a child, the original report is given to the parent and a second original report is placed in the facility's accident file. A third copy of the report is not being made and kept in the child's file.

The most recent FBI clearance on file for Facility Person #1 was more than 60 months old. The current child abuse and criminal history clearances on file for Facility Person #1 were completed more than 60 months after the previous respective clearances on file. Current clearances on file for Facility Person #6 were invalid as the child abuse clearance was a volunteer clearance, and the FBI clearance was not processed through the Department of Human Services.

There were sharp adult scissors on a desk in the Preschool/Schoolage room, in reach of preschoolers in care.

There was no documentation the facility's emergency plan had been reviewed and updated in the previous 12 months.

There was no documentation of initial emergency plan training on file for Facility Person #8.

The faciility's emergency plan was not posted conspicuously in the downstairs portion of the facility.

The letter to the parents explaining the emergency plan did not include the procedures involved in a lockdown.

There were cleaning supplies in a cabinet in a low unlocked cabinet in the unlocked kitchen adjacent to the preschool/ schoolage and preschool rooms.

There was a tear in a screen in a window in the older toddler room.

The first aid kit in the preschool/schoolage room was stored low enough to be in reach of children in care.

There were small areas of peeling paint on walls in the preschool/schoolage room and the preschool room.

There were two children in high chairs in the infant room, not secured with a t-shaped strap. There was an additional high chair in the infant room without a t-shaped strap.

There was no documentation of an influenza vaccine from the previous year on file for chidl #6.

The current health assessment on file for Facility Person #6 was completed after her start date in a child care position, and did not include the results of a TB screening. The current health assessment on file for Facility Person #1 was completed more than 24 months after the previous health assessment on file.

The health assessment on file for Facility Person #1 did not include an examination for communicable diseases and the results of that examination

The current health assessment on file for Facility Person #1 did not include the physician's or CRNP's assessment of the person's suitability to provide child care.

The facility's emergency plan did not specify accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.

There was no proof of purchase of the interconnected fire detection system on file at the facility.

The documentation of the two most recent inspections of the facility's fire detection system indicate the inspections were completed on 8/29/20 and 10/6/21, more than a year apart.

The operator indicated they had not yet sent a copy of the emergency plan to the local municipality.

The most recent firesafety training completed and documented on file for Facility Person #3 was completed more than 12 months after the prior firesafety training documented and on file.

Facility Persons #1, #3, #4, #6, and #7 completed pediatric first aid and CPR more than 90 days after their start date, according to training documented and on file. There was no documentation of completion of pediatric first aid and CPR on file for Facility Person #2, employed at the facility more than 90 days. Facility Persons #6, and #7 completed the remaining nine health and safety training topics more than 90 days after their start date, according to training documented and on file.

The current mandated reporter training documentation on file for Facility Person #4 was completed more than 60 months after the previous mandated reporter training documented and on file. the current mandated reporter training documented and on file for Facility Person #7 was completed more than 90 days after her first day in a childcare position at the facility.

Facility Persons #5 and #6 were classified as assistant group supervisors. There was documentation of 12 credits in a human services field on file for Facility Person #5. There was documentation of 18 credits in a human services field on file for Facility Person #6. There was no child care experience documented and on file for either Facility Person #5 or #6.

There was no current agreement on file for child #2.

The agreement on file for child #1 did not specify the arrival and departure times.

The release persons were not specified on the agreements on file for children #1, #4, #5, #6, and #8.

The agreement on file for child #6 did not specify the admission date.

The emergency contact forms on file for children #3 and #9 did not include the release persons' addresses.

There was not an emergency contact form in the Kings & Queens room for one of the children receiving care in that room.

There was no signed parental consent for emergency medical care on file for child #3.

There was no signed parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff on file for child #3.

The certification contact information was not posted in a conspicuous location used by parents who only access the downstairs portion of the facility. The operator indicated parents were not yet provided with information on how to access the regulations in this chapter electronically.