The Learning Experience · Bethlehem

2955 Linden St, Bethlehem, PA 18017 · Northampton County

6 core-safety citations in last 12 months 2 complaint investigations found violations Keystone STAR 1

Part of The Learning Experience · 20 Pennsylvania locations

The Learning Experience is a certified child care center in Bethlehem, PA, with capacity for 169 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 7 times and confirmed violations in 2 complaint investigations. The state cited 33 violations, 8 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (14 of 33). 20 citations came in the last 12 months, including 6 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #24 of 45 centers in Bethlehem and has more citations per inspection than 62% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 62% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most

Tied for #24 of 45 centers in Bethlehem

8 Core-safety citations

25 Other citations

7 Inspections

2 Complaint investigations that found violations

33 citations from 11 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 20 in the last 12 months · last inspected Jul 28, 2026

Every state visit

Violation found No violation Top row: inspections · bottom row: complaint investigations, self-reported incidents and other visits

What inspectors cited most

Building & playground safety 14

Health & medication 5

Records & paperwork 5

Caregiver conduct 4

Supervision 4

Training & qualifications 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Aug 31, 2026 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct

No ridicule or threaten harm 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(c)

A complaint inspection was conducted 8/31/26. Through staff interviews, it was discovered that Staff Person #3 will tell Child #1 "you're going to get a "¡pao-pao!" When interviewed, Staff Person #3 stated that they have told Child #1 "¡pao-pao!" When asked what that means, Staff Person #3 hit the top of their hand and said that it means "no, thank you." Staff Person #3 explained that it is used in the child's culture and the child's father has told Staff Person #3 to say it to Child #1 when they are not listening. Staff Person #3 stated that they would never and have never hit the child's hand but they have told the child "Papi says "¡pao-pao!"

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 18, 2026): “1. 8/31/26 Staff will not single out children for ridicule, threaten harm to the child or the child's family, and may not specifically aim to degrade the child or the child's family. (Implemented 9/18/26) 2. 9/9/26 Staff Person #3 is no longer employed as of 9/9/26. (Implemented 9/18/26)”

Core safety Aug 31, 2026 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct

No harsh language 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(d)

A complaint inspection was conducted 8/31/26. During the investigation and staff interviews, it was discovered that Staff Person #1 and Staff Person #2 will curse in frustration in front of the children and in general conversation, saying "s**t, f***, b*****." Staff Person #1 admitted that they have slipped up and have cursed in conversation in front of the children while speaking to another staff.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 18, 2026): “1. 8/31/26 Staff will not use harsh, demeaning, or abusive language in the presence of children. (Implemented 9/18/26) 2. 9/10/26 Staff Person #1 is no longer employed as of 9/10/26. Staff Person #2 is no longer employed as of 9/9/2026. (Implemented 9/18/26)”

Citation Jul 28, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety

No more than two 1/2 hour time periods daily/Designated on facility schedule 55 Pa. Code §3270.61(h)(2)(i)/3270.61(h)(2)(ii)

An unannounced inspection was conducted 7/28/26. The capacity of Room 133 is 25 children and had been exceeded by 5 children from 10:00am-11:30am on 7/28/26. Staff in Room 133 stated that the last of the school age children arrived at about 9:30, giving them 30 total school age children with three staff. The staff stated that a group of school age children had been outside from 9:30-10:00, but all the school age children had been in Room 133 since 10:00am. This was at 11:30am. The school age schedule did not include any designated times when the classroom would be over capacity.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 26, 2026): “The class has a schedule that they are utilizing to ensure that the number of children does not exceed measured capacity of the classroom. Weather permitting, we will utilize the playground to make sure that we do not exceed capacity. If the weather is not suitable for outside play, we will utilize…”

Core safety Apr 20, 2026 Self-reported violation Supervision

Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1)

An inspection was conducted 4/20/26 as a result of self-reported non-compliance. On 4/15/26, Child #1 was sleeping in a crib in the Infant B Room when the fire alarm sounded. This was not a scheduled fire drill. Child #1 was left inside during the evacuation by Staff Person #1, Staff Person #2, Staff Person #3, and Staff Person #4. Staff had not assigned children to primary care groups and none of the eleven children in the room were assigned to a primary staff. Staff stated that they did not conduct name-to-face checks. Staff reported to Staff Person #5 that they had 10 children total in their care. Staff were unaware that Child #1 was left inside until another staff performing a classroom sweep was observed carrying the infant outside.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 26, 2026): “1. 4/15/26 Children will be supervised at all times by a staff person. Staff will know children assigned to their primary care. Staff will supervise their children, be physically present and know the names and whereabouts of the children assigned to their group. (Implemented 8/26/26) 2. 8/12/26 All…”

Core safety Apr 20, 2026 Inspection Supervision

Supervision on and facility premises 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)(2)

An unannounced inspection was conducted on 4/20/26. At that time, Staff Person #6 named 6 young toddlers in their primary care group. Staff Person #7 named 4 young toddlers in their primary care group.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 26, 2026): “1. 4/20/26 Staff will follow staff:child ratio at all times following proper primary groups. (Implemented 8/26/26) 2. 8/8/26 Staff will remain in proper staff:child ratio at all times over the next 90 days. (Implemented 8/26/26)”

Core safety Apr 20, 2026 Inspection Caregiver conduct

No harsh language 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(d)

An unannounced inspection was conducted on 4/20/26. At that time, Staff Person #6 was heard harshly yelling "Lay down! No! Lay down!" to Child #2, a young toddler, who was off their nap mat during naptime.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 23, 2026): “1. 4/20/26 Staff will use positive redirection as the only form of redirection. Staff may not use harsh, demeaning or abusive language in the presence of children. (Implemented 5/19/26) 2. 5/22/26 Discipline policy will be created and staff will be trained on discipline policy. Policy will be…”

Core safety Mar 18, 2026 Inspection Caregiver conduct

Restraints prohibited 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(e)

An unannounced inspection was conducted 3/18/26. At that time, Child #2 was observed wrapped in their blanket, laying facedown on their nap mat. The child was wrapped so that their arms were inside the blanket and could not move. Staff Person #1 was sitting on the floor, perpendicular to Child #2, with both legs placed on top of the child, restricting their movement. The child was laying still and not struggling to free themselves. Staff Person #1 stated that this is how Child #2 falls asleep. Staff Person #1 was instructed to remove their legs from the child. Staff Person #1 removed one leg from the child. Staff Person #1 was again instructed to remove their leg from overtop of the child. Once they did, Child #2 got up and began wandering around the room.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 19, 2026): “1. 3/18/26 Children will not be restrained at only point in time. (Implemented 5/19/26) 2. 5/15/26 Teachers will sign and follow the approved napping policy to ensure children are not restrained at any time. (Implemented 5/19/26)”

Citation Mar 18, 2026 Complaint investigation Building & playground safety

Indoor space- small muscle 55 Pa. Code §3270.61(a)

A complaint inspection was conducted 3/18/26. During the investigation, staff stated that between 1-3 infants and young toddlers are receiving care in the lobby and front office for at least one hour at least once per week. The lobby and front office are not measured child care space.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 20, 2026): “Children will only receive care in measured child care space.”

Citation Mar 18, 2026 Complaint investigation Health & medication

Clean, age appropriate 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(a)

A complaint inspection was conducted 3/18/26. During the investigation, staff stated that between 1-3 infants and young toddlers are receiving care in the lobby and front office for at least one hour at least once per week. Child #1 was observed sleeping in a buggy/stroller on one occasion. The facility's handbook states that children will be placed in a crib or laid down on a nap mat or cot.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 20, 2026): “Children will only be provided care in the rooms that are licensed for children, that are clean and age-appropriate, and will nap in age-appropriate rest equipment and/or be immediately moved to the rest equipment if they fall asleep.”

Citation Mar 18, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety

Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)

An unannounced inspection was conducted 3/18/26. At that time, the thirty-day testing log of the fire detection system was reviewed. The most recent testing date logged was 2/5/26, 41 days prior to the inspection.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 20, 2026): “Fire drills will be performed within 30 days of one another. The fire detection system will be performed within 30 days of one another.”

Citation Jan 9, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety

Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76

A renewal inspection was conducted on 1/9/26 and 1/13/26. On 1/9/26, water stained ceiling tiles were observed in Room 118 and in Room 110. Wallpaper was observed peeling from the wall under the Leap Board in Room 121. The doorknob had fallen off the bathroom door in Room 122.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 25, 2026): “The ceiling tiles will be replaced. The doorknob will be repaired. The peeling wallpaper will be repaired.”

Citation Jan 9, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety

Handwashing signs 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(h)

A renewal inspection was conducted on 1/9/26 and 1/13/26. On 1/9/26, there were no handwashing signs at the sinks in Room 133, Room 130, Room 125, and Room 121.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2026): “Handwashing signs were immediately posted next to the sinks in the classrooms.”

Citation Jan 9, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety

Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)

A renewal inspection was conducted on 1/9/26 and 1/13/26. On 1/9/26, cracked cubbies were observed in Room 133, Room 126, and Room 118. Woven baskets that were coming apart were observed in Room 122, Room 121, and Room 118.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 25, 2026): “The cubbies and baskets will be replaced.”

Citation Jan 9, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety

Small Toys and Objects 55 Pa. Code §3270.103

A renewal inspection was conducted on 1/9/26 and 1/13/26. On 1/9/26, plastic bags were observed in low cubbies where they were accessible to the toddlers receiving care in Room 130 and Room 126. Staff stated that children are still placing objects in their mouths in both rooms.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2026): “The plastic bags will be removed from the cubbies.”

Citation Jan 9, 2026 Inspection Health & medication

Clean, age appropriate 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(a)

A renewal inspection was conducted on 1/9/26 and 1/13/26. On 1/9/26, the nap mats in Room 133 and Room 121 were labeled with numbers. A list denoting which nap mat is assigned to each could not be located in the classrooms.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 25, 2026): “Staff will create a list denoting which child is assigned to each nap mat.”

Citation Jan 9, 2026 Inspection Health & medication

Locked 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(4)

A renewal inspection was conducted on 1/9/26 and 1/13/26. On 1/9/26, the lock on the cabinet under the changing table in Room 125 was not working properly and the cabinet was able to be opened by pulling the cabinet door. Diaper cream labeled "keep out of reach of children" was located on a shelf approximately 12 inches high inside the cabinet and was accessible to the children in the room.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2026): “The lock was immediately repaired.”

Citation Jan 9, 2026 Inspection Health & medication

12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)

A renewal inspection was conducted on 1/9/26 and 1/13/26. On 1/13/26, the staff files were reviewed. The file for Staff Person #2 did not include a health assessment conducted within the past 24 months. The most recent health assessment on file was dated 12/30/23.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 25, 2026): “Staff Person #2 will have a health assessment completed and the results will be placed in the staff's file.”

Citation Jan 9, 2026 Inspection Training & qualifications

Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)

A renewal inspection was conducted on 1/9/26 and 1/13/26. On 1/13/26, the staff files were reviewed. Staff Person #1 did not complete the required PA Required Health and Safety for Centers-Group Child Care Part 1 and Part 2 within 90 days of their date of hire. Staff Person #1 completed PA Required Health and Safety for Centers-Group Child Care Part 1 on 9/17/25, 104 days after their date of hire and PA Required Health and Safety for Centers-Group Child Care Part 2 on 1/2/26, 212 days after their date of hire.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2026): “A spreadsheet has been created to ensure that all staff completed the required preservice training within 90 days of their date of hire.”

Citation Jan 9, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork

Each child care space 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(c)

A renewal inspection was conducted on 1/9/26 and 1/13/26. On 1/9/26, the emergency contact forms for Child #1 and Child #2 was not present in Room 105, where they were receiving care.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 25, 2026): “Emergency contact forms for all enrolled children will be copied and kept in each classroom so that if a child transitions to another room, their emergency contact form will already be in that classroom.”

Citation Jan 9, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork

Written emergency plan posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(e)

A renewal inspection was conducted on 1/9/26 and 1/13/26. On 1/9/26, the emergency transportation plan was not posted in Room 126 or Room 125.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2026): “The emergency transportation plan will be immediately posted in each classroom.”

Follow-up Nov 21, 2025 Inspection Supervision

Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1)

Continued Non-Compliance: An unannounced inspection was conducted 8/8/25. During the inspection, Staff Person #1 and Staff Person #2 had a group of ten young and older toddlers. Staff Person #3 and Staff Person #4 had a group of ten young toddlers. Staff were able to name all children in the room, however the staff had not assigned the responsibility for supervision of specific children at that time. An acceptable plan of correction was received 9/10/25 with a correction date of 9/22/25. An unannounced inspection was conducted 9/15/25 due to self-reported noncompliance. At that time, it was found that a lapse of supervision occurred on 9/8/25 at approximately 2:30pm. Staff Person #4, Staff Person #5, and Staff Person #6 took a group of 18 two- and three-year-olds to the playground. Child #1 was left behind in the classroom for approximately five minutes before being discovered by another staff person. During this inspection, compliance with 3270.113a2 was verified. The facility's acceptable plan of correction was received 10/27/25 indicating that all staff would complete a minimum of two hours of training in supervision by 11/15/25. An unannounced inspection was conducted…

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 5, 2025): “Staff Person #8 no longer works at the facility effective 11/28/25. Staff Person #8 has not worked at the facility since 11/14/25. All children will be supervised at all times and all staff will know the names and whereabouts of the children assigned to them in their supervisory group.”

Re-cited at a follow-up visit; counted once, with the original citation.

Show 13 older citations

Core safety Sep 15, 2025 Self-reported violation Supervision

Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1)

Continued Non-Compliance: An unannounced inspection was conducted 8/8/25. During the inspection, Staff Person #1 and Staff Person #2 had a group of ten young and older toddlers. Staff Person #3 and Staff Person #4 had a group of ten young toddlers. Staff were able to name all children in the room, however the staff had not assigned the responsibility for supervision of specific children at that time. An acceptable plan of correction was received 9/10/25 with a correction date of 9/22/25. An unannounced inspection was conducted 9/15/25 due to self-reported noncompliance. At that time, it was found that a lapse of supervision occurred on 9/8/25 at approximately 2:30pm. Staff Person #4, Staff Person #5, and Staff Person #6 took a group of 18 two- and three-year-olds to the playground. Child #1 was left behind in the classroom for approximately five minutes before being discovered by another staff person. During this inspection, compliance with 3270.113a2 was verified.

Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Nov 21, 2025): “1. 9/8/25 Children will be supervised at all times. Each staff person will be assigned the responsibility for supervision of specific children. The staff person will know the names and whereabouts of the children in their assigned group. The staff person will be physically present with the children…”

Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized

Core safety Aug 8, 2025 Inspection Supervision

Staff assigned to specific children/Supervision on and facility premises 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)(1)/3270.113(a)(2)

An unannounced inspection was conducted 8/8/25. During the inspection, Staff Person #1 and Staff Person #2 had a group of ten young and older toddlers. Staff Person #3 and Staff Person #4 had a group of ten young toddlers. Staff were able to name all children in the room, however the staff had not assigned the responsibility for supervision of specific children at that time.

Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Oct 2, 2025): “1.8/8/25 Each staff person shall have their assigned children of supervision. Each staff member will know the names and whereabouts of the children in their group at all times. (Not implemented 9/15/25) 2. 9/22/25 The Supervision Policy, once approved, will be implemented and trained on for each…”

Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized