The Nicholas School
The Nicholas School is a certified child care center in Clifton Heights, PA, with capacity for 49 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 7 times and confirmed violations in 1 complaint investigation. The state cited 25 violations, 1 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (12 of 25). 11 citations came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #4 of 7 centers in Clifton Heights and has fewer citations per inspection than 57% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
During the renewal inspection on 1/28/2026, it was observed that the first aid kit in room D was on the floor and was accessible to the children.
During the renewal inspection on 1/28/2026, there was chipping paint under the sink in the bathroom of room D.
During the renewal inspection on 1/28/2026, it was observed that a resting mat was splitting at the seams in Room D.
During the renewal inspection on 1/28/2026, it was observed that a bookcase was not anchored to the wall and was a tipping hazard.
During the renewal inspection on 1/28/2026, it was observed that cots were not labeled for the use of the specific children.
During the renewal inspection on 1/28/2026, it was observed that staff #1 and staff #2 did not have 8 children from Room C wash their hands before eating lunch.
During the renewal inspection on 1/28/2026, the file for staff #1 was viewed and the file did not include a health assessment.
During the renewal inspection on 1/28/2026, upon request written documentation that the facility notified the local traffic safety authorities annually in writing was not produced.
During the renewal inspection on 1/28/2026, the file for child #2 was viewed and the Emergency Contact Form did not have the addresses of the release persons listed.
During the renewal inspection on 1/28/2026, the file for child #1 was viewed and the Emergency Contact Form did not include a parental signature for the facility to administer minor first-aid procedures.
During the renewal inspection on 1/28/2026, the file for staff # 3 was viewed and did not include two non-family references. (The record included one reference).
During the Allocated Unannounced inspection on 6/30/25 it was observed that there was Air Defense air freshener spray on top of the cubby in the monkey room and it was accessible to the children.
During an Allocated Unannounced inspection on 6/30/25 it was observed that one bedding mat in the monkey room was split at the seams.
During the renewal inspection on 1/22/2025, it was observed that the first aid kit was accessible to the children in the front room.
During the renewal inspection on 1/22/2025, it was observed that the play couch in the back room was fraying from use.
During the renewal inspection on 1/22/2025, the file for child #1 was viewed and the health report was not completed within a 12-month period. The most recent health assessment was completed on 12/22/23.
During the renewal inspection on 1/22/2025, the file for child #2 was viewed and the Emergency Contact Form did not include the insurance policy number.
During the renewal inspection on 1/22/2025, the file for child #1 was viewed and the emergency contact and financial agreement was not updated within a 6-month period. The last review date was 6/5/23.
During complaint investigation on 8/15/2024 it was found that staff person #1 used a form of physical punishment (grabbed child by upper arms and put child down on resting mat).
During the renewal inspection on 1/29/2024 certification representative observed toxic wipes and hand sanitizer in the entryway, Clorox disinfectant wipes in the Tigers Room, and A & D ointment in the Turtle Room, and the toxic substances were accessible to the children.
During the renewal inspection on 1/29/2024 certification representative observed that there was chipped paint and plaster in the Tigers Room, the Turtle Room and the Panda Room.
During the renewal inspection on 1/29/2024 certification representative observed a portable heater in use in the Tuttle Room.
During the renewal inspection on 1/29/2024 certification representative observed that cubbies in the Tigers Room, the Monkey Room, and the shelf in the Turtle Room were not secured to the wall and were a tipping hazard.
During the renewal inspection on 1/29/2024 certification representative observed that 2 mats were splitting and the foam inside was exposed, and all of the mats in the Turtle Room were not labeled.
During the renewal inspection on 1/29/2024, certification representative reviewed the files of staff person #1, and staff person #2. The file for staff person #1 did not have present a completed pre-service Mandated Reporter Training, and staff person #2 did not have the pre-service 10-hr Health and Safety Training completed as required to be completed within 90 days of hire per the 3270 regulations. (See code sheet for hire dates).
“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 |
|---|---|---|
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $45.00 | $43.00 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $45.00 | $43.00 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $45.00 | $43.00 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $45.00 | $43.00 |
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 Nicholas School 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 Aug 9, 2024 (caregiver conduct): “During complaint investigation on 8/15/2024 it was found that staff person #1 used a form of physical punishment (grabbed child by upper arms and put child down on resting mat).” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about The Nicholas School?
Pennsylvania lists 1 complaint investigation 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 Nicholas School’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Jan 9, 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 Nicholas School compare with other daycares in Clifton Heights?
It is #4 of 7 centers in Clifton Heights by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 57% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was The Nicholas School last inspected?
Aug 24, 2026 (allocated unannounced monitoring). No violations were cited during that visit.
How much does The Nicholas School cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $45.00 for young toddler, $45.00 for older toddler, $45.00 for preschool, $45.00 for young school-age in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs The Nicholas School?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is The Nicholas School INC.
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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.