The Red Balloon Daycare INC

Video from July 30, 2025, showed Staff Person #1 engaged in conversation with other staff while supervising toddlers in the sanctuary. Staff Person #1 then walked over to Child #1, used their foot to position a mat directly in the child's path, and guided the child by the hand toward the mat, causing the child to stumble and fall onto the mat. According to staff statements, Staff Person #1 stated that Child #1 cries every time they fall and then intentionally demonstrated this by causing the child to fall. Based on the video evidence and staff interviews, the investigation concluded that Staff Person #1 intentionally caused the child to fall and singled the child out for ridicule.

The most recent Child Abuse Clearances and NSOR Certificates in the file for Staff Person #3 exceeded 60 months between clearances/certificates. The most recent State Police Clearances in the file for Staff Person #4 exceeded 60 months between clearances. The most recent NSOR Certificates in the files for Staff Person #6, #8 exceeded 60 months between certificates. The State Police, Child Abuse, and FBI Clearances in the file for Staff Person #7 were conducted after the staff person's first day working in child care. The most recent State Police, Child Abuse, and FBI Clearances in the file for Staff Person #9, #10 exceeded 60 months between clearances. The NSOR Certificate in the file for Staff Person #10 was acquired after the staff person's first day working in child care (See LIS Code Sheet).

The following conditions were accessible and posed a threat to the health and safety of children in care: sharp adult scissors in the all stars room; a sharp pizza cutter in an unlocked drawer in the safari room; a long extension cord draped over furniture in the fly guys room; and sharp adult scissors and batteries in an unlocked desk drawer in the entryway of the church building.

The file for Staff Person #1 does not contain documentation of emergency plan training conducted within the past 12 months.

Protective covers were not placed in electrical outlets in the following areas, accessible to children 5 years of age or younger: an electrical outlet on an extension cord that was plugged into the wall in the ocean room; (2) electrical outlets by the lizard cage in the all star room; and (2) electrical outlets by the sink in the women's room in the church building.

A bottle of white-out labeled keep out of the reach of children was accessible to children in the all stars room.

Emergency telephone numbers were not posted by the telephone in the giraffes room.

A first-aid kit in an excursion bag was stored in an unlocked cabinet in the fly guys room, accessible to children in care.

The first-aid kit in the rising stars room lacked disposable gloves.

There were sharp corners on a metal chalkboard tray in the garden room; a metal brace used to secure a rain gutter to the outside of the building in the infant/toddler outdoor play space was detached and sharp; and there were sharp corners underneath a metal box mounted on the wall in the rear of the pig pen room.

Peeled or damaged paint/plaster was observed on the wall and ceiling in a corner of the infant play space.

Sinks in the panda room and elephants room were not at a proper height for children using them or able to be easily approached by means of platforms or steps.

A handwashing sign was not posted at each sink in the men's and women's bathrooms in the church building.

Children's hands were not dried after handwashing in the panda and elephants rooms.

An exit door in the rising stars room was obstructed by a cot in use by a child.

A portable space heater was observed in entryway of the church building.

A plastic bucket in the storage shed in the preschool outdoor play space was broken with rough edges.

The lids on (4) sensory bottles that contained objects less than 1 inch in diameter were not secured and they were accessible to children who are still placing objects in their mouths in the panda room.

There was less than 2 feet of space on three sides of a cot in use by a child in the rising stars room and (3) cribs in use by children in the lambs room.

A bottle of Tylenol labeled for use by a child in care in the giraffes room had an expiration date of 2/2025.

A parent did not provide written consent for administration of Motrin labeled for use by a child in care in the giraffes room.

The initial health assessments in the file for Staff Person #1, #10 were conducted after the staff persons' first day working in child care (See LIS Code Sheet). The most recent health assessments in the file for Staff Person #7, #8, #9 exceeded 24 months between assessments.

The most recent Pediatric First Aid/CPR certification in the file for Staff Person #5 was acquired after the previous certification had expired.

The file for Staff Person #1 does not contain documentation of fire safety training conducted within the past 12 months.

The Mandated Reporter Trainings in the files for Staff Person #2, #7, #9, #10 were conducted more than 90 days after the staff persons' first day working in child care (See LIS Code Sheet). The most recent Mandated Reporter Trainings in the file for Staff Person #5 exceeded 60 months between trainings.

The written plan of daily activities was not posted in the CB3 school age room.

The agreement for child #1 did not specify the date on which the fee is to be paid.

The child service report for child #4 and #6 was completed more than 6 months following the completion of their previous child service report. The child service report for child #9 and #10 was completed more than 6 months following their date of admission.

The record for child #4 contained the original agreement.

The emergency contact information for child #2 did not include the work telephone number of the enrolling parent. The emergency contact information for child #5 did not include the work address and telephone number of the enrolling parent. The emergency contact information for child #6 did not include the work address of the enrolling parent.

The emergency contact information for child #5 and #6 did not include a health insurance policy number under a family policy or Medical Assistance benefits, if applicable.

The emergency contact information for child #1, #3, #5, #6 and #7 did not include the address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.

The most recent review of the emergency contact information and financial agreement for child #6 was more than 6 months following the previous review by a parent.

Staff Person #11 will have two letters of reference in their file.

The Pediatric First Aid/CPR training in the file for Staff Person #2 was conducted more than 90 days after the staff person's first day working in child care (See LIS Code Sheet).

Loose sheets were observed in 3 cribs used by infants in the Duckling room and 1 crib used by an infant in the Lamb room, which poses a potential suffocation risk to the children using the equipment. A floor lamp in the Lamb room that was accessible to children in care was not secured from tipping and it was plugged into an extension cord that posed a potential strangulation risk.

The record for staff #2 included a current NSOR verification certificate dated 7/21/2023, which was following their first day working in child care. The record for staff #7 and #9, who were hired following 10/28/2020, lacked the current 2020 Disclosure Statement required under CPSL.

Copies of accident reports involving children in care at the facility have not been retained at the facility in an accident file and in the child's file.

Facility person #5 received training regarding the emergency plan on 6/17/2024, which was more than 12 months following their previous training on 5/17/2023.

The operator did not post the emergency plan in the facility.

The facility's parent letter did not explain the following subsequent updates to their emergency plan: accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions; and accommodations for shelter of children during a lock-down.

A bottle of hand sanitizer labeled keep out of the reach of children was observed on a desk in the Allstars room, accessible to children in care. A Swiffer Wet Jet Mop containing cleaning fluid labeled keep out of the reach of children was observed leaning against the wall in the Fly Guys room, accessible to children in care.

An excursion bag containing a first aid kit was observed hanging on the inside of the fence surrounding the outdoor play space, accessible to children in care.

The first-aid kit in the Rock Stars room did not contain tweezers.

Peeling paint was observed on the foundation of the building outside the basement door that is used by children to access the outdoor play space.

Bite marks were observed on foam blocks in the Safari room.

The rest equipment in the Ocean room was not labeled for the use of a specific child and used only by the specified child.

A bottle of Alka Seltzer that belonged to a staff person was observed in an unlocked desk drawer in the Allstars room, accessible to children in care.

The record for staff #9 did not the results of TB skin tests, x-rays or other medical documentation necessary to confirm freedom from communicable tuberculosis at initial employment.

Manufacturers' instructions for use of safety restraints were not kept in the Toyota minivan being used to transport children in care.

The facility's emergency plan did not provide for accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.

Fire drills have not been conducted during various program activities.

All facility persons and children in attendance did not participate in the fire drills.

The fire drill log did not specify the names of the facility persons.

The fire detection system was not tested at least once every 30 days during the time period between 1/4 to 2/8/2024; and 10/6 to 11/6/2024.

The operator did not notify local traffic authorities annually in writing of the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the child care facility.

The facility's emergency plan did not provide for the continuity of operations. The operator's policy and procedure to identify the prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment did not address the identification and prevention of child maltreatment, as per Announcement C-22-03.

Staff #1 and #8 completed the Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update 2022 required by OCDEL following the prescribed timeframe of 12/30/22, as per Announcement C-22-06.

Staff person #10 and #11 have not participated, at least annually, in fire safety training.

Staff person #3 completed pediatric first aid/CPR on 10/24/2023, which was more than 90 days following their date of hire (see LIS code sheet). Staff person #6 completed pediatric first aid/CPR on 6/18/2024, which was more than 90 days following their date of hire (see LIS code sheet).

Facility person #5 has not completed the mandated reporter training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet).

The record for staff #6 included verification of education from a foreign country that had not been evaluated by a service that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) and it was unable to be determined whether staff #6 had the equivalent of the minimum of an 8th grade education required to work as an aide.

The emergency contact information for child #2 was completed on 9/21/2023, which was following the child's date of admission.

The emergency contact information for child #4 did not include health insurance coverage and policy number for a child under a family policy or Medical Assistance benefits, if applicable.

The emergency contact information for child #1, #2 and #3 did not include the address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.

The record for staff #4 included 11 of 12 required annual training hours.

The file for staff person #3 did not include documentation of application of a PA Criminal History clearance prior to date of hire, and the Disclosure statement is not dated and does not include a witness signature (See IS CODE SHEET) required for provisional hiring under the CPSL; the clearance is dated 4/19/23. The 2 most recent mandated reporter training certificates on file for Staff person #10 are dated 1/21/18 and 3/21/23, more than 60 months apart. The file for Staff person #12 includes criminal history clearances dated 10/23/17 and2/24/23; child abuse clearances dated 10/30/17 and 3/3/23; and FBI clearances dated 10/26/17 and 2/23/23, all more than 60 months apart. Staff person #15 did not completed the mandated reporter training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet); the training was competed on 3/15/23. The file for staff person #26 did not include documentation of application for an NSOR Certificate prior to date of hire; the NSOR was dated 4/29/23). The file for Staff person #27 does not include a signed Disclosure Statement dated at the time of hire.

During a supervision/ratio check in Room 202, at 2:15 PM, Staff person #1 was in the hallway outside the classroom with 4 preschool age children, assisting children with putting their rest mats and blankets in their lockers, while Staff person #2 was inside the classroom, with 11 pre-school age children.

During a supervision check in the Panda Room at approximately 2:00 PM, the CR observed that based on the positioning of the cots, and of the staff, the lack of natural or artificial lighting, and the staff being on their cell phones, the children could not be observed and were not adequately supervised. During a supervision check during naptime in Room 201, the CR observed that based on staff and furniture positioning, not all of the children could be observed and properly supervised.

The emergency plan on site does not include provisions regarding continuity of operations, required as of 7/1/22, as per Announcement C-22-04.

There were cans of shaving cream, labeled "Keep out of the reach of children" which was accessible to children due to the cabinet not being locked in the Rising Stars classroom.

There were cans of shaving cream, labeled "Keep out of the reach of children", used for arts and crafts projects, in the Rising Stars and Giraffe classrooms. There were Bingo dabbers labeled "Keep out of the reach of children", which are reportedly used for arts and crafts projects, in the Safari classrooms.

The water in the Panda room sink measured 136 degrees Fahrenheit; the water in the Elephant room sink measured 120 degrees Fahrenheit; the water in the Safari room sink measured 135 degrees Fahrenheit; and the water in the Owl room sink measured 112 degrees Fahrenheit.

A first aid kit was observed on the outside playground to be sitting on a table and accessible to children.

At 2:00 PM during a supervision check at nap time, the CR entered the Panda room which had no natural or artificial light, making it impossible to see the children and adequately supervise.

There was a cracked toy bin in the Rising Stars classroom; and 2 cracked 2 bins in the Rainbow classroom. There were 2 torn rest mats in the Safari classroom, which had exposed foam padding.

Rest mats were observed during naptime in Room 201 that were not placed so that there were 2 feet of clearance on 3 sides.

The immunization record on file for Child #3, who is 7 months old, includes 1 of 3 DTAP vaccines recommended by the ACIP for a child this age; 1 of 3 HIB vaccines recommended by the ACIP for a child this age; 1 of 3 Pneumococcal vaccines recommended by the ACIP for a child this age, and 1 of 2 Polio vaccines recommended by the ACIP for a child this age. The 2 most recent influenza vaccines on file for Child #4, who is 2 years old, are dated 10/19/21 and 1/5/23, more than 1 year apart, and are recommended annually by the ACIP for a child this age. The immunization record on file for Child #5, who is 4 years old, does not include a current influenza vaccination, recommended annually by the ACIP for a child this age.

There was an EpiPen labeled for use by a specific child located in an unlocked locker in the hallway, making it accessible to children.

There was an AuviQ pen, an Albuterol inhaler, and Benadryl tablets Rising Stars classroom, labeled for use by a specific child, which did not have written parental permission to administer.

The 2 most recent health assessments on file for Staff person #4 were dated 6/4/21 and 6/6/23, more than 24 months apart. The 2 most recent health assessments on file for Staff person #5 were dated 9/23/19 and9/29/21, more than 24 months apart. The 2 most recent health assessments on file for Staff person #8 were dated 6/2/21 and 6/13/23, more than 24 months apart. The 2 most recent health assessments on file for Staff person #8 were dated 5/28/20 and 6/2/22, more than 24 months apart. The 2 most recent health assessments on file for Staff person #10 were dated 6/10/21 and 7/11/23, more than 24 months apart.

The most recent written documentation of an emergency drill on file at the facility is dated 5/25/22, more than 1 year ago.

The fire alarm 30-day test log includes test dates 2/6/23-3/16/23; 5/9/23-6/12/23; 8/8/22-9/9/22; and 9/9/22-10/10/22, all more than 30 days apart.

The facility does not have documentation verifying that the most recent emergency plan was submitted to the county emergency management agency.

The initial health assessment on file for Child #4, with an enrollment date of 9/20/22, is dated 1/5/23, more than 60 days after enrollment.

The Health and Safety professional development training update on file for Staff person #1, #2, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #11, #14, #16, #18, #20, #21, #22, #23, #24, #25 is dated after the deadline of 12/30/22, as per Announcement C-22-06.

The file for Staff person #5 includes 2 of 12 required annual training hours completed between 12/19/21-12/19/22; an additional 6 hours have been completed in 2023, but Staff person #5 still requires 4 hours of additional training.

The file for Staff person #6 includes verification of First Aid/CPR training dated 6/13/23, after the expiration date of 3/31/23. The file for Staff person #17 includes verification of First Aid/CPR training dated 11/17/22, after the expiration date of 6/30/22.

Staff person #20, #23 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric First Aid/Pediatric CPR.

Staff person #13 did not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Get Started with Center-based Care: Building Blocks for Quality; the training was completed on 7/4/23. Staff person #15 did not complete the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Get Started with Center-based Care: Building Blocks for Quality; the training was completed on 3/1/23. Staff person #19 did not complete the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Get Started with Center-based Care: Building Blocks for Quality; the training was completed on 2/27/23. Staff person #22 did not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric First Aid/Pediatric CPR; the training was completed on 10/19/22.

The file for Staff person #27, who is classified as an aide, does not include a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate; or a minimum of an 8th grade education and 2 years of experience with children.

The emergency contact form on file for Child #2 does not include the telephone number for the child's pediatrician or source of medical care.

The emergency contact form on file for Child #1 and #2 does not include the work address and/or telephone number for the enrolling parent.

The current emergency contact form on file for Child #5 does not indicate if the child has any special medical needs, which is needed in an emergency situation.

The emergency contact form on file for Child #5 does not include the policy number for the medical insurance policy.

The file for Staff person #27 does not include 2 written non-family references attesting to the staff person's suitability to work in child care.

The mulch under the embedded playground equipment measured 7 inches in depth instead of the required 9 inches.

The file for Staff person #7 includes criminal history clearances dated 4/2/16 and 4/22/21; child abuse clearances dated 4/2/16 and 4/21/21; and FBI clearances dated 4/5/16 and 5/1/21, all more than 60 months apart. The file for staff person #25 included documentation of a criminal history clearance dated 9/28/21, after the hire date, (See IS CODE SHEET) required for provisional hiring under the CPSL. The file for staff person #32 included documentation of a child abuse clearance dated 4/22/22, after the hire date, (See IS CODE SHEET) with no proof of application prior to working with children, required for provisional hiring under the CPSL. The file for staff person #33 included documentation of an NSOR certificate dated 10/25/21 (See IS CODE SHEET) with no proof of application prior to working with children, required for provisional hiring under the CPSL. The file for Staff person #17 includes criminal history clearances dated 4/11/15 and 6/3/22; child abuse clearances dated 4/16/16 and 6/21/22; and FBI clearances dated 4/7/15 and 7/8/21, all more than 60 months apart.

The file for Staff person #22 includes an incomplete criminal history clearance that did not include a dissemination date, (See LIS Code Sheet), making it invalid. The file for staff person #28 was observed to include criminal history and child abuse clearances which were obtained for volunteer purposes and are invalid for employment; and the file does not include an application for an FBI clearance prior to hire (See IS CODE SHEET). The file for Staff person #35 includes an incomplete criminal history clearance indicating that it was under review, (See LIS Code Sheet), making it invalid.

There were cans of shaving cream, used for arts and crafts projects, in the Garden classroom.

The first aid kit in the Safari room lacked gauze and the first aid kit in the Rising Stars classroom lacked tape.

In the Older Toddler outdoor space, felt ground covering, which was originally placed under the mulch, was exposed above the wood mulch in four (4) sections from 1' to 3' in length, located near the back fence, creating a tripping/falling hazard for children in care. Approximately 4' of felt ground covering was exposed above the wood mulch on the side near the spinners, creating a tripping/falling hazard for children in care. In the Safari room the heat vent on the wall was open at both ends exposing sharp metal edges that were accessible to the children. In the large indoor gross motor space, the top of the preschool gate was missing 2 covers that exposed screws with sharp edges that were accessible to children.

Peeling paint was present on the right, green wall in the Panda room, near the Meerkat picture, which was accessible to children in care. There was peeling paint observed in the International classroom by the round table in the art area and by the block area. Peeling paint was observed surrounding the sink in the Garden room.

The exit in the lobby area outside the large indoor gross motor space had chairs in front of the door obstructing the right double door exit.

The most recent influenza vaccination on file for Child #2, who is 2 years old, is dated 11/12/20, is dated more than 1 year ago, and is recommended annually by the ACIP. The most recent influenza vaccination on file for Child #3, who is 4 years old, is dated 12/10/19, is dated more than 1 year ago, and is recommended annually by the ACIP. The most recent influenza vaccination on file for Child #5, who is 5 years old, is dated 9/9/20, is dated more than 1 year ago, and is recommended annually by the ACIP. The most recent influenza vaccination on file for Child #6, who is 4 years old, is dated 10/28/20, is dated more than 1 year ago, and is recommended annually by the ACIP.

Infant Tylenol, in the medication bin in the Giraffe's room had expired on 4/20/22, and was therefore not in accordance with the manufacturer's original label.

There was Advil labeled for use by a specific child in the Safari Room that did not have written parental permission to administer. There was Nystatin cream labeled for use by a specific child and 2 bottles of Tylenol labeled for use by 2 children in the Ocean room that did not have written parental permission to administer.

The 2 most recent health assessments on file for Staff person #4 are dated 12/15/20 and 7/22/18 more than 24 months apart. The 2 most recent health assessments on file for Staff person #8 are dated 10/22/21 and 9/4/19, more than 24 months apart. The 2 most recent health assessments on file for Staff person #13 are dated 6/2/21 and 5/6/19, more than 24 months apart. The 2 most recent health assessments on file for Staff person #14 are dated 7/8/21 and 7/1/19, more than 24 months apart. The 2 most recent health assessments on file for Staff person #29 are dated 6/10/21 and 1/16/18, more than 24 months apart. The most recent health assessment on file for Staff person #30 is dated 1/10/20, more than 24 months ago.

The current health assessment on file for Staff person #13 does not indicate if the staff person was assessed for communicable/contagious disease.

The file for Staff person #2 includes verification of First Aid/CPR training dated 7/1/22, after the expiration date of 9/30/21.The file for Staff person #3 includes verification of First Aid/CPR training dated 11/8/21, after the expiration date of 10/31/21.The file for Staff person #10 includes verification of First Aid/CPR training dated 7/1/22, after the expiration date of 3/31/22. The file for Staff person #13 includes verification of First Aid/CPR training dated 1/10/22, after the expiration date of 10/31/21. The file for Staff person #24 includes verification of First Aid/CPR training dated 11/8/21, after the expiration date of 10/31/21. The file for Staff person #26 includes verification of First Aid/CPR training dated 1/10/22, after the expiration date of 10/31/21. The file for Staff person #27 includes verification of First Aid/CPR training dated 11/8/21, after the expiration date of 10/31/21. The file for Staff person #35 includes verification of First Aid/CPR training dated 3/21/21, after the expiration date of 8/11/20.

Staff person #2, #4, #8, #10, #31 have acceptable pediatric first aid/CPR training in an approved curriculum; however, the trainer has not provided documentation that they are PQAS-certified in that training topic.

Staff person #18 did not complete the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Get Started with Center-based Care: Building Blocks for Quality; the training was completed on 7/5/22.Staff person #25 did not complete the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Get Started with Center-based Care: Building Blocks for Quality; the training was completed on 2/25/22. Staff person #35 did not complete the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Get Started with Center-based Care: Building Blocks for Quality; the training was completed on 1/13/22.

Staff person #9, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #19, #20, #21, #22, #25 have not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric First Aid/Pediatric CPR.

Staff person #1, #2, #3, #4 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Get Started with Center-based Care: Building Blocks for Quality.

Staff person #6 completed her current mandated reporter training on 10/22/21, more than 60 months after the previous training dated 9/14/16. Staff person #7 completed her current mandated reporter training on 10/4/21, more than 60 months after the previous training dated 8/10/16. Staff person #8 completed her current mandated reporter training on 2/8/20, more than 60 months after the previous training dated 1/13/15. Staff person #17 completed her current mandated reporter training on 6/30/21, more than 60 months after the previous training dated 10/3/15.

The file for Staff person #23, #32, #34, classified as an assistant group supervisor, does not include a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 30 credit hours in education or a related human services field; or a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate with 15 credits in education or a related human services field and 1 year of experience with children; or a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 2 years experience with children

The current agreement on file for Child #4 does not include the child's arrival and departure times,

The current agreement on file for Child #1 does not include the child's date of admission to the facility.

The current emergency contact form on file for Child #2 does not include the policy number for the child's health insurance coverage.

The file for Staff person #16, #25, #28 does not include 2 written non-family references attesting to the staff person's suitability to work in child care.

The file for Staff person #24, #35 does not include 12 hours of annual training between 12/19/20-12/19/21, as per Announcement C-21-09.