Stepping Stones Preschool · Elkland

Staff member #1 picked up child #1 by the arms and put child #1 against the wall causing red marks on child #1's shoulders.

Staff member #1 was heard yelling. In reviewing of the video footage, staff member #1 can be seen yelling at the child for an extended period of time while moving with the child from one room to another (although no sound with the video, so you cannot hear what is being said, it is clear the staff member is upset and heated with the child), continuing even when a parent enters the room to pick up their child. This continues for approximately 5-10 minutes until child is removed and taking to the administrator's office. Child visibly frightened by the incident.

During the renewal inspection, the facility did not comply with CPSL requirements as follows: Out of State Clearance were not on file for Staff #1 and Staff #4. The state police clearance for Staff #5 was in "request still pending" status. An updated NSOR Certificate was not on file for Staff #2 and Staff #3. The state police, child abuse and FBI clearances on file for Staff #3, had not been updated within 60 months. An updated mandated reporter training was not on file for Staff #3.

During the renewal inspection, disinfectant spray and disinfectant wipes were observed in an unlocked cabinet in the Pre-K bathroom. Also, disinfectant wipes were observed in an unlocked cabinet under the changing table in the Toddler Room.

During the renewal inspection, the required handwashing sign was not present in the Pre-K and Toddler bathrooms or at the Toddler Room changing table.

During the renewal inspection, the testing documentation confirmed that the fire alarm testing was not being conducted every 30 days.

During the renewal inspection, the provider had not notified local traffic authorities annually in writing of the location of the facility and the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the childcare facility.

During the renewal inspection, it was verified through record review that fifty-seven children were enrolled. Based on the number of children enrolled, two group supervisors were required however there was only one group supervisor on staff.

During the renewal inspection, the following professional development was not completed within 90 days of hire for Staff #5, #6, #7 and #8: Pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

During the inspection, Staff #1, an employee who comes into direct contact with children, did not have a health assessment on file.

During the inspection, mold was observed on the rear left corner walls in the toy room.

During the inspection, the file for Staff #1, who was past the provisional hire period, did not contain completed DHS FBI Clearance required under the CPSL and did not contain a copy of a request for the FBI Clearance. In addition, Staff #1 had not completed Mandated Reporter Training required under the CPSL.

During the inspection, the file for Staff #1 did not contain documentation of emergency plan training at time of initial employment.

During the inspection, Staff #1 had not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of hire: Health and Safety Training.

During the renewal inspection, Staff #3 and Staff #4 were past the provisional hire period and continued to work without an NSOR certificate on file.

During the inspection, peeling paint was observed on the outside walls on each side of the door leading to the infant/toddler outside play area.

During the renewal inspection, the health assessment for Staff #1 was dated 11/2/22 which was more than 24 months from the previous health assessment dated 2/27/20.

During the renewal inspection, the file for Staff #2 did not contain documentation of the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their hire date: mandated reporter training.

During the renewal inspection, there were 97 children enrolled and Staff #1 was the only group supervisor on staff.

During the renewal inspection, the emergency contact and agreement for Child #1 and Child #2 had not been updated at least once in a 6-month period.

During the inspection, it was verified, through interviews and attendance sheets, that classrooms have not been maintaining the proper staff:child ratios.

During the inspection, it was verified that Staff #1 walks alone each morning, with 9-16 school age children, to drop them off at their elementary school which is a 15-minute walk from the childcare facility. It was also verified that Staff #2 walks alone with 17-18 school age children, when picking them up after school, to bring them back to the childcare facility.

During the inspection, it was verified, through interviews and attendance sheets, that classrooms have not been maintaining proper staff:child ratios during the opening and closing of the center.

During the complaint investigation, it was verified that Staff #1 inappropriately disciplined Child #1 by sitting the child down so hard that it caused the child's head to hit the wall.

During the complaint investigation, it was verified through interviews that Staff #1 uses harsh language when disciplining children and does so in the presence of other children.

During the inspection, large areas of mold were observed in the right corner of the pantry room, on the back left corner walls in the toy room, and on the right corner wall and floor of the director's old office.

During the inspection, peeling paint was observed on the outside walls on each side of the door leading to the infant/toddler outside play area.

During the renewal inspection, the file for Child #2, enrolled 8/25/21, contained an immunization record only and did not contain a completed initial health report.

During the renewal inspection, the emergency contact for Child #1 did not include the written consent signed by a parent for emergency medical care.

During the renewal inspection, the file for Child #1 did not contain signed parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff.