The Childrens Garden of ST Johns Lutheran Churc
The Childrens Garden of ST Johns Lutheran Churc is a certified child care center in Camp Hill, PA, with capacity for 260 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 9 times and confirmed violations in 9 complaint investigations. The state cited 49 violations, 12 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (11 of 49). 31 citations came in the last 12 months, including 10 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #17 of 21 centers in Camp Hill and has more citations per inspection than 66% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
At the time of the inspection, it was observed that the file of staff person #1 did not contain a complete state police clearance and their child abuse clearance, DHS FBI clearance, and NSOR were obtained after they started working with children. At the time of the inspection, it was observed that the file of staff person #4 did not contain a signed disclosure statement or an NSOR clearance. At the time of the inspection, it was observed that the file of staff person #8 had a receipt for their DHS FBI clearance on file, but the clearance had not been returned, and they were outside of their 45-day provisional hire date. At the time of the inspection, it was observed that staff person #9 obtained their DHS FBI clearance and NSOR certificate after they began working with children.
It was observed in the infant room that a sound machine was hanging on the side of a crib.
The emergency plan did not address continuity of operations. (Corrected on site.)
The files of staff persons #5, #7, and #10 did not contain evidence of annual emergency plan training and are outside of their 90-day provisional hire period.
It was observed that in the bathroom across from PK-2 the step stools had an excessive build-up of dirt. There were also stained ceiling tiles near the sinks. It was observed that in the bathroom labeled 'Men' near the entrance of the building the step stools had an excessive build-up of dirt. It was observed that in the bathroom labeled 'Women' near the entrance of the building, the toilet seats in stalls 1, 2, 3, and 4 had stains and were peeling. It was observed that the air vents in PS- 3 had an excessive build-up of dirt. It was observed that the return vents in YT (on the right in infant room), PS-2, and both OT classrooms had an excessive build-up of dirt on them. It was observed that the ceiling lights in YT (on the right in infant room), PS-2, had an excessive build-up of dirt on them.
The play couch in the YT classroom had peeling fabric on the corners of the arms.
The file for child #1 did not contain evidence of an initial health assessment, nor written verification of immunizations within 60 days of enrollment.
It was observed that the files for staff persons #1 and #6 did not contain evidence of a TB test at initial employment.
The files for staff persons #1#3, #4, #6, and #10 did not contain evidence of completing health and safety training and were outside of their 90- day provisional hire period.
The file for staff person #1 did not contain evidence that they renewed their pediatric first aid and CPR training before the expiration of the most current one on file, 1/4/23.
The file of staff person #7 did not contain evidence of fire safety training.
The files of staff person #1, #5, #6, #7and #10 did not contain evidence of annual written evaluations.
The files of children #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, and #10 did not contain evidence of child service reports being completed every 6-months.
The files of children #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, and #9 did not contain evidence of the agreement forms being reviewed and updated every 6 months.
The files for staff persons #1, #8, and #10 did not contain evidence of education at the time of the inspection. The files for staff persons #1, #3, #5, #8 and #10 did not contain evidence of experience at the time of the inspection
It was observed that the file of staff person #1 did not have evidence of obtaining a health assessment every 24 months. The last one on file was dated 6/16/23. It was observed that the file of staff person #10 did not have evidence of obtaining a health assessment every 24 months. (5/24/2206/15/26)
The files of staff persons #1, #2, #9 did not contain evidence of two written, nonfamily references, they had one. The files of staff persons #3and #4 did not contain evidence of two written, nonfamily references.
It was observed that the file for staff person #9 did not contain evidence of completing their pediatric first aid and CPR certification and were outside of their 90-day provisional hire period.
in the older toddler classroom child #1 was able to push over a bookshelf and bite peers while being supervised by staff persons #1 and #2.
It was observed that two incidents occurred with child #1 where incident reports were either not written or was not given to the parent.
It was observed that in the older toddler classroom that the physical environment and daily activities provided by staff persons #1 and #2 do not promote the development of skills, social competence and self-esteem.
Staff #1 stated they carried Child #1 to the office while the child flailed, kicked, and would not walk. Staff #1 held the child on their lap and restrained the child's movement for a minimum of 10 minutes. During this timeframe, Staff #1 stated the child was yelling and kicking.
Self- report investigation revealed that during naptime in the young toddler classroom, staff #1 was observed patting child #1 in an aggressive manner and laying their arm across them to keep child #1 on their cot. Child #1 was also observed to have their head covered by a blanket.
Child #1 in PK-1 was left in the bathroom for approximately 2-5 minutes by staff persons #1 and #2 when the class went back to the classroom. Child #1 was discovered by another teacher when their class was in the bathroom. Child #1 was never alone in the bathroom.
Staff persons #1, #2, and #3 were observed working with children and did not have a current health assessment on file nor did they have a TB test at initial employment on file.
Documentation shows that the fire detection system was not tested every 30 days. 12/3/25 and 1/7/26 (35 days)
An altercation took place between child #1 and child #2 in the PK-2 classroom. Staff persons #1 and #2 were unable to give an amount of time that the altercation took place or the amount of time it took for them to notice the altercation.
In the PK-2 classroom staff member #1 was unable to name the children in their primary care group.
Child #1 had scratch marks and red marks on their cheek, and an incident report was not written nor given to the parents the day of the incident.
It was observed that in the OT classroom staff persons 1 and 2 named 12 of 17 children. It was observed that in the PK-2 classroom, staff person #3 was unable to name the children in care during nap time. It was observed that in the PS-1 classroom there were 14 children and staff persons 4 and 5 named 13 children. It was observed that in the PK-1 classroom, staff person #6 was working alone during nap time, but only named the children in their care group not all the children in the classroom.
On 11/18/25, the kindergarten classroom with 22 five-year-olds and the PK-2 classroom with 16 four and five-year-olds were out of ratio for 25 to 30 minutes as one staff person was left supervising the children in each of the aforementioned classrooms.
Show 18 older citations
Facility Self- Reported the following incident occurred on 8/15/25: Facility person #1, employed by an outside agency, was observed to have a vape pen in hand and was actively smoking in the childcare facility.
Staff persons #1 and #2 were reported to have used loud tones and impatient language with children.
On 1/24/25, it was observed that White Out was accessible to children in the PreK 2 and Preschool 2 classrooms. CORRECETED ON SITE.
On 1/24/25, it was observed that magic erasers were stored without their original container and were not labeled in the Preschool 2 and Tot classrooms. CORRECTED ON SITE.
On 1/24/25, it was observed that the health assessment for staff person 1 did not include the results of screening for communicable diseases.
On 1/24/25, it was observed that the facility emergency plan did not include a plan for accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions. CORRECTED ON SITE.
On 1/24/25, it was observed that the agreement forms for children 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 did not include serveices that would be provided to the children.
On 8-6-2-23 at approximately 2:23 pm child #1 was strapped into his stroller by staff #1 without any developmentally appropriate stimulation or enrichment activities for a period from 2-5 minutes.
Facility self-report on 8-11-23, while performing 30 day testing of the facility's smoke detection system, the lights flashed but the alarm did not sound.
It was observed at the time of inspection that the emergency contact information specific to child #1 and child #2 on a swimming excursion, did not accompany a staff person on the excursion.
It was observed at the time of inspection staff #1, hired on 3-21-23, did not have a National Sex Offender Registry Clearance in their file. Staff #1 was working beyond the provisional hire period of 45 days without a National Sex Offender Registry Clearance.
A child was injured at the facility on 6-2-2023 at 11:15 am. The incident report was delivered at 4:11 pm on 6-5-2023 more than 72 after emergency room treatment.
Observed damaged paint to be present near the exterior door in the PK1 room.
Observed the mats used in the PS3 room to be in disrepair with the foam interior exposed on multiple mats.
Children's files were reviewed. Children #1 and #2 do not have updated health assessments on file. Correct child #1 and child #2 folders by contacting parents and receiving new health assessments.
It was observed at the time of inspection the floor under the metal preparation table in the kitchen was dusty and had dried liquid on the floor.
It was observed at the time of inspection the metal heating vent cover had sharp corners. The plastic mats used for napping in the Pre-School 2 classroom were cracked and the foam was exposed.
It was observed at the time of inspection that child #1's pack and play was not labeled for the specific use of child #1.
“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.
Daily rates
| Age group | Full time, per day | Part time, per day |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (Under 6 Weeks) | $60.00 | $44.00 |
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $60.00 | $44.00 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $58.00 | $44.00 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $58.00 | $44.00 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $55.00 | $44.00 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $55.00 | $44.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $55.00 | $44.00 |
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 The Childrens Garden of ST Johns Lutheran Churc had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 12 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 11, 2026 (background checks): “At the time of the inspection, it was observed that the file of staff person #1 did not contain a complete state police clearance and their child abuse clearance, DHS FBI clearance, and NSOR were obtained after they…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about The Childrens Garden of ST Johns Lutheran Churc?
Pennsylvania lists 9 complaint investigations 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 The Childrens Garden of ST Johns Lutheran Churc’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Aug 7, 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 The Childrens Garden of ST Johns Lutheran Churc compare with other daycares in Camp Hill?
It is #17 of 21 centers in Camp Hill 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 The Childrens Garden of ST Johns Lutheran Churc last inspected?
Jun 11, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does The Childrens Garden of ST Johns Lutheran Churc cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $60.00 for newborn, $60.00 for infant, $58.00 for young toddler, $58.00 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs The Childrens Garden of ST Johns Lutheran Churc?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is ST Johns Lutheran Church.
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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.
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