ST Joseph the Worker Ece is a certified child care center in Orefield, PA, with capacity for 98 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 6 times. The state cited 14 violations, 1 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (6 of 14). 1 citation came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #39 of 155 centers in Lehigh County and has fewer citations per inspection than 70% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
On November 4, 2025 a renewal inspection was conducted at the facility. At that time it was observed in room 254, that a cabinet door was broken.
A couple outlets in the gym were missing protective covers.
In room 251, there were several containers of cleaning products on a low shelf in the unlocked closet.
There were no lidded trash cans in the classrooms for trash that has been contaminated by human secretions or excrement.
FBI and NSOR clearances were on file for all staff. However, staff #6 (see code sheet for date of hire) did not have a submission of receipt on file showing proof of FBI fingerprint clearance (prior to working with children). Staff #6 also did not have receipt or application for NSOR Clearance.
Facility did not have documentation of continuity of operations in their emergency plan.
On 11/20/23 during renewal inspection, hand sanitizer was accessible to children in room 250. The sanitizer states keep out of reach of children due to alcohol content.
During renewal inspection on 11/20/23, water was tested in rooms 254 and 257 of the facility. Water temperature reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
There was not a thermometer placed inside of the refrigerator in room 257.
Child #2 did not have an approved physical on file. The physical that was presented was on the department of Ed health assessment form and is not approved for preschool children.
During renewal inspection on 11/20/23, it was observed that child #3's Auvi -Q inhaler was not in its original box and did not have a prescription label.
Child files were observed on 11/20/23. Child #1 did not have an initial physical on file and has been enrolled at the facility for longer than 60 days. (See LIS code sheet for date of enrollment). Facility was informed that child cannot return until a physical was completed. Child #1's physical is scheduled for 11/22/2023.
Staff #1, #3, #4 #5, and #6 and #8 are working in the capacity of group supervisor. They did not have transcripts of their bachelor's or associates degree on file. Staff # 2 and # 9 did not have documentation of experience or their transcripts in their file.
Staff #8, working in the capacity of a group supervisor, did not have the 30 credits in human services or education fields and therefore cannot be qualified to be a group supervisor.
“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) | $90.00 | $45.00 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | — | $27.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | — | $27.00 |
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
Common questions
Has ST Joseph the Worker Ece had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 1 violation 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 Nov 20, 2023 (background checks): “FBI and NSOR clearances were on file for all staff. However, staff #6 (see code sheet for date of hire) did not have a submission of receipt on file showing proof of FBI fingerprint clearance (prior to working with…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about ST Joseph the Worker Ece?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at ST Joseph the Worker Ece since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is ST Joseph the Worker Ece’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Apr 22, 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 ST Joseph the Worker Ece compare with other daycares in Lehigh County?
It is tied for #39 of 155 centers in Lehigh County by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 70% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was ST Joseph the Worker Ece last inspected?
Nov 4, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does ST Joseph the Worker Ece cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $90.00 for preschool in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs ST Joseph the Worker Ece?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is ST Joseph The Worker Ece.
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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.