Three federally-funded Pennsylvania daycare centers that passed state inspections had “play areas” that exposed children to deadly dangers, including an “electrical hazard,” “sharp metal edges” and mold, according to a government watchdog report released Thursday.
The three daycare centers the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services inspector general visited in Bethlehem, Harrisburg and Philadelphia, Pa. “had instances of noncompliance with the requirements to protect children from potentially hazardous conditions,” even though they had already passed the state’s Department of Human Services’ inspections, the report said.
The most egregious examples include:
- “Mold growing on building walls and stagnant water in the outdoor play area;”
- “An unsecured grounding wire from a transformer causing an electrical hazard in the playground area;”
- “Old fencing with many sharp metal edges abandoned in the children’s play area;”
- “A string with triangle flags instead of fencing separating the play area from a parking lot;” and
- “Cleaning supplies left out and accessible to children.”
It also appears that the “play area” for at least one daycare was a small asphalt alley behind the facility.
The state Human Services Department “lacked a sufficient number of inspectors to identify all areas of noncompliance,” the report said.
In fact, the Child Care Aware of America recommends a ratio of one inspector per 50 daycare providers. Pennsylvania, however, employs on one inspector for 143 providers.
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