The Growing Patch Early Learning Center
650 Tunkhannock Ave, Exeter, PA
4.8· 24 reviews
Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Educatio
- licensed capacity
- 169
- open each week
- 5 days
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About
About Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Educatio
Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Educatio is a child care center in Pittston, Pennsylvania. It is certified by the state, for up to 169 children, serving school-age children.
It is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It describes a Faith-based approach, with full-time care, part-time care, pre-k and preschool.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning made 12 visits in the last 3 years and cited 18 rules across 10 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.
Preschool / pre-KSchool-ageFaith-basedAccepts child care subsidy
Ages served: school-age children
6 wk
6 mo
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
12 yr
Ask when you call: rates, current openings, staff-to-child ratio and teacher qualifications.
- Type
- Child care center
- Ages
- School-age children
- Hours today
- 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Licensed capacity
- 169 children
Hours
Hours
| MondayToday | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | Not listed |
| Sunday | Not listed |
Programs
Programs and care
| Ages | School-age childrenFrom the state license. It lists: Toddlers, Preschoolers and School Age children |
|---|---|
| Programs | Full-time care, part-time care, pre-k, preschool and toddler care |
| Approach | Faith-based (Christian principles) |
| Child care subsidy | Accepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license |
| Licensed capacity | 169 childrenFrom the state license |
Cost
Tuition and costs
Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Educatio has not listed its tuition.
Ask the daycare for its ratesIt has not listed its tuition.
State record
Inspection reports for Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Educatio
License
- Status
- Certified by the state and operating
- License type
- Certificate of Compliance
- Capacity
- 169 children
- Ages
- School-age children
- License number
- #CER-00250605
Summary
12 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Jun 8, 2026: 2 rules cited
Rules cited on 10 of 12 visits · 18 rules in all · 18 corrected
- Staff training and qualifications 5
- Supervision and ratios 5
- Safety and hazards 2
- Discipline and child guidance 2
- Health, medication and illness 2
- Building, equipment and play areas 1
- Background checks 1
For comparison: 93% of Pennsylvania daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 14.
A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record
See all 19 visits
Jun 8, 2026Complaint investigation2 rules cited
3270.31(f)/3270.31(f)(10) Health and Safety Training/Health and Safety Training - Pediatric First Aid and CPR
“During complaint investigation on 6/8/26, staff files were reviewed. Staff #1 did not have an acceptable pediatric first aid/ CPR training in an approved curriculum. Staff #2 has not completed the required Part 1 or Part 2 Health & Safety training within 90 days of hire. (See code sheet for dates of hire).”
Correction date in the state record: Jul 10, 2026
3270.113(a)/3270.113(b) Supervised at all times /No physical punishment
“Interviews conducted during complaint investigation on 6/8/26 corroborated allegations that staff #1 had inappropriately handled a child while transitioning from the playground back to the classrooms. The mishandling was also confirmed from video footage dated on 5/22/26. It was confirmed through staff interviews that Staff #2 had left a preschool child in the bathroom for 2 minutes on 5/15/26.”
Correction date in the state record: Aug 4, 2026
Jun 8, 2026Inspection2 rules cited
3270.31(f)/3270.31(f)(10) Health and Safety Training/Health and Safety Training - Pediatric First Aid and CPR
“During complaint investigation on 6/8/26, staff files were reviewed. Staff #1 did not have an acceptable pediatric first aid/ CPR training in an approved curriculum. Staff #2 has not completed the required Part 1 or Part 2 Health & Safety training within 90 days of hire. (See code sheet for dates of hire).”
Correction date in the state record: Jul 10, 2026
3270.113(a)/3270.113(b) Supervised at all times /No physical punishment
“Interviews conducted during complaint investigation on 6/8/26 corroborated allegations that staff #1 had inappropriately handled a child while transitioning from the playground back to the classrooms. The mishandling was also confirmed from video footage dated on 5/22/26. It was confirmed through staff interviews that Staff #2 had left a preschool child in the bathroom for 2 minutes on 5/15/26.”
Correction date in the state record: Aug 4, 2026
Nov 6, 2025Inspection3 rules cited
3270.31(f) Health and Safety Training
“During renewal inspection, staff files were reviewed. Staff #1 completed Health and Safety Part 1 on 7/8/25. Staff #1 did not complete Health & Safety Part 2. This review shows that Staff #1 did not complete the required pre-service training within 90 days of hire. (See code sheet for date of hire).”
Correction date in the state record: Dec 11, 2025
3270.27(a)(6) Emergency plan
“During renewal inspection, the facilities drill log was reviewed. The facility did not have any documentation of completing an annual emergency drill on file.”
Correction date in the state record: Dec 11, 2025
3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1) Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children
“Based on interviews during a complaint investigation on 11/6/25, it has been determined that a staff had left child #1 in the hallway during transition from the classroom to the outside playground. Child was reportedly unsupervised for under 4 minutes. The child was then found by another staff and reunited with their class.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 19, 2026
Nov 6, 2025Complaint investigation3 rules cited
3270.31(f) Health and Safety Training
“During renewal inspection, staff files were reviewed. Staff #1 completed Health and Safety Part 1 on 7/8/25. Staff #1 did not complete Health & Safety Part 2. This review shows that Staff #1 did not complete the required pre-service training within 90 days of hire. (See code sheet for date of hire).”
Correction date in the state record: Dec 11, 2025
3270.27(a)(6) Emergency plan
“During renewal inspection, the facilities drill log was reviewed. The facility did not have any documentation of completing an annual emergency drill on file.”
Correction date in the state record: Dec 11, 2025
3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1) Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children
“Based on interviews during a complaint investigation on 11/6/25, it has been determined that a staff had left child #1 in the hallway during transition from the classroom to the outside playground. Child was reportedly unsupervised for under 4 minutes. The child was then found by another staff and reunited with their class.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 19, 2026
Oct 15, 2025Complaint investigation1 rule cited
3270.113(d) No harsh language
“During complaint investigation on 10/15/25, it was discovered that a staff utilized inappropriate, harsh & demeaning language towards a child. The facility acted upon the incident by terminating the staff member the same day.”
Correction date in the state record: Sep 29, 2025
- Sep 25, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
- Sep 25, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
Nov 19, 2024Inspection3 rules cited
3270.124(e) Written emergency plan posted
“During renewal inspection, it was observed in the Pre-K (H) and the School Age (M) room did not have an emergency transportation plan posted.”
Correction date in the state record: Nov 19, 2024
3270.151(a)/3270.192(3) 12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test
“During renewal inspection, it was observed that Staff #1 did not obtain an updated health assessment within the 24-month requirement. Previous assessment is dated for 8/16/22 and update was not obtained until 10/13/24. It was also observed that Staff #2 did not have an updated health assessment on file. Last assessment is dated for 11/3/22.”
Correction date in the state record: Dec 31, 2024
3270.75(c) Has all items
“During renewal inspection, it was observed in the Young Toddler F room that there were no band aids in the first aid kit.”
Correction date in the state record: Nov 19, 2024
Sep 16, 2024Complaint investigation6 rules cited
3270.31(e)(4)(i)/3270.31(f)(10) Age and Training/Health and Safety Training - Pediatric First Aid and CPR
“Staff #2, #3, & #5 have not completed the Pediatric CPR pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet).”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2024
3270.14/3270.21 Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety
“During an unannounced visit on 9/16/24, it was observed that staff #1 was working unsupervised in the Pre-K room. Staff #1 did not have a valid CPR training. Staff #1 is still within her 90-day window for new hire. Staff #4 did not have health and safety training on file. Staff #5 had their health and safety training on file however, it is dated for 9/18/24. This exceeds the 90-day pre-service training requirement. See LIS code sheet for dates of hire.”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2024
3270.113(b) No physical punishment
“On 9/16/24 an unannounced visit was conducted. In interviews with staff and director, both relayed the child was pulled in an upright position by the hands/wrists. According to interviews, the child was not cooperating when the group was getting ready to go outside and would not stand up.”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 11, 2024
3270.51 Similar Age Level
“During an unannounced visit on 9/16/24, it was observed in the older infant room that it was out of ratio. There were 5 infants to one staff.”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2024
3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1) Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children
“During unannounced visit on 9/16/24, it was observed in the Infant D room that the staff could not identify the children they were responsible for on that day.”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2024
3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1) Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children
“During unannounced visit on 9/16/2024, it was observed in the Infant D room that the staff could not identify the children they were responsible for on that day.”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2024
Sep 16, 2024Complaint investigation6 rules cited
3270.31(e)(4)(i)/3270.31(f)(10) Age and Training/Health and Safety Training - Pediatric First Aid and CPR
“Staff #2, #3, & #5 have not completed the Pediatric CPR pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet).”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2024
3270.14/3270.21 Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety
“During an unannounced visit on 9/16/24, it was observed that staff #1 was working unsupervised in the Pre-K room. Staff #1 did not have a valid CPR training. Staff #1 is still within her 90-day window for new hire. Staff #4 did not have health and safety training on file. Staff #5 had their health and safety training on file however, it is dated for 9/18/24. This exceeds the 90-day pre-service training requirement. See LIS code sheet for dates of hire.”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2024
3270.113(b) No physical punishment
“On 9/16/24 an unannounced visit was conducted. In interviews with staff and director, both relayed the child was pulled in an upright position by the hands/wrists. According to interviews, the child was not cooperating when the group was getting ready to go outside and would not stand up.”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 11, 2024
3270.51 Similar Age Level
“During an unannounced visit on 9/16/24, it was observed in the older infant room that it was out of ratio. There were 5 infants to one staff.”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2024
3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1) Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children
“During unannounced visit on 9/16/24, it was observed in the Infant D room that the staff could not identify the children they were responsible for on that day.”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2024
3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1) Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children
“During unannounced visit on 9/16/2024, it was observed in the Infant D room that the staff could not identify the children they were responsible for on that day.”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2024
Show 9 earlier visits
Sep 16, 2024Inspection6 rules cited
3270.31(e)(4)(i)/3270.31(f)(10) Age and Training/Health and Safety Training - Pediatric First Aid and CPR
“Staff #2, #3, & #5 have not completed the Pediatric CPR pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet).”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2024
3270.14/3270.21 Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety
“During an unannounced visit on 9/16/24, it was observed that staff #1 was working unsupervised in the Pre-K room. Staff #1 did not have a valid CPR training. Staff #1 is still within her 90-day window for new hire. Staff #4 did not have health and safety training on file. Staff #5 had their health and safety training on file however, it is dated for 9/18/24. This exceeds the 90-day pre-service training requirement. See LIS code sheet for dates of hire.”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2024
3270.113(b) No physical punishment
“On 9/16/24 an unannounced visit was conducted. In interviews with staff and director, both relayed the child was pulled in an upright position by the hands/wrists. According to interviews, the child was not cooperating when the group was getting ready to go outside and would not stand up.”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 11, 2024
3270.51 Similar Age Level
“During an unannounced visit on 9/16/24, it was observed in the older infant room that it was out of ratio. There were 5 infants to one staff.”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2024
3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1) Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children
“During unannounced visit on 9/16/24, it was observed in the Infant D room that the staff could not identify the children they were responsible for on that day.”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2024
3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1) Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children
“During unannounced visit on 9/16/2024, it was observed in the Infant D room that the staff could not identify the children they were responsible for on that day.”
Correction date in the state record: Oct 4, 2024
Nov 3, 2023Inspection3 rules cited
3270.31(f) Health and Safety Training
“Staff person #2 did not complete the required pre-service health and safety training within 90 days of their hire date as was required (see the LIS code sheet).”
Correction date in the state record: Nov 9, 2023
3270.77(a) No peeling paint or plaster
“While at the facility unannounced for the renewal inspection the inspector observed the paint in the preschool J room to be chipped.”
Correction date in the state record: Nov 9, 2023
3270.32(a) Comply with CPSL
“Staff person #1 did not complete the required Pa Mandated Reporter Training within the required 90-day timeframe (see the LIS sheet for date of hire);”
Correction date in the state record: Nov 9, 2023
Jun 21, 2023Visit1 rule cited
3270.76 Building Surfaces
“On 6/8/23, while closing the door to the room child #1 was in, the child's index finger got pinched in the hinge.”
Correction date in the state record: Jun 21, 2023
Dec 29, 2022Inspection8 rules cited
3270.14/3270.21 Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety
“Staff person #4 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff person # 4 has not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Health and Safety.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 16, 2023
3270.161(d) Potentially hazardous food refrigerated
“While at the facility unannounced on 12/29/22 for the renewal inspection the inspector observed a lunchbox with a ham and cheese Lunchables in the child's lunchbox in the cubby area versus the refrigerator.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 16, 2023
3270.151(a) 12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter
“While at the facility unannounced on 12/29/22 for the renewal inspection the inspector observed the file for staff # 1and noted that the last health assessment on file was out of date, having a date of 8/25/20.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 20, 2023
3270.131(d)(5) Immunization record
“While at the facility unannounced on 12/29/22 for the renewal inspection the inspector observed the file for child #1 and noted that there was no proof of an Influenza vaccine.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 16, 2023
3270.133(5) Original label
“While at the facility unannounced on12/29/22 for the renewal inspection the inspector observed Albuterol medication for child #2 to be out of date, having expired 9/2022.”
Correction date in the state record: Dec 30, 2022
3270.61(e)/3270.71 Halls, etc. not included/Heat Source
“While at the facility unannounced on 12/29/22 for the renewal inspection the inspector observed the kitchen area, where the stove is, to be unlocked and accessible to children.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 16, 2023
3270.32(a) Comply with CPSL
“Staff # 2 has a NSOR that was obtained after they began working in direct childcare (see LIS code sheet for date of hire). Staff #3 does not have a completed NSOR clearance on file (see LIS code sheet for date of hire).”
Correction date in the state record: Dec 29, 2022
3270.31(f) Health and Safety Training
“Staff person # 4 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): all trainings related to Health and Safety.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 16, 2023
- Aug 17, 2022InspectionNo rules cited
Jun 15, 2022Inspection1 rule cited
3270.95(b) Director or designated staff person ensure compliance
“While at the facility unannounced on 6/15/22 the inspector asked the director to review the fire drill/detection log and the director last had a manual test on 4/15/22.”
Correction date in the state record: Jun 15, 2022
May 31, 2022Inspection1 rule cited
3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1) Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children
“While at the facility on 5/26/22 the inspector was informed by staff #2 that on 5/24/22 staff #1 was found laying on their back with their arm over their eyes crying while they were supposed to be supervising the 7 preschool aged children in the indoor play area. Staff #2 noted that they had to ask staff #1 to get up and return to their duties. The inspector was able to view this incident on 5/31/22 via a saved video. The video shows staff #1 laying on their back with their arm over their face and seven children left unsupervised until staff #2 enters the indoor play space and redirected staff #1.”
Correction date in the state record: Jun 2, 2022
Mar 18, 2022Inspection2 rules cited
3270.151(a)/3270.151(c)(2) 12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Mantoux TB
“While at the facility unannounced on 3/18/22 the inspector reviewed the files for staff #1, staff # 2, staff # 3, staff # 4, and staff #6 and found that all of the staff began their first day of direct care with children on 2/23/22, 2/14/22, 1/3/22, 1/26/22, 1/3/22 respectively, and none of the five staff had a health assessment or TB screening on file as of 3/18/22.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 30, 2022
3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) Comply with CPSL/CPSL information
“While at the facility unannounced on 3/18/22 the inspector reviewed the file for staff #5 and found that this staff began their first day of direct care with children on 1/10/22 and as of 3/18/22 the staff had a Volunteer Pa Child Abuse on file and not an Employment Child Abuse clearance as is required. Further staff #5 did not have proof of a NSOR clearance on file as is required. The Child Protective Services Law(CPSL) was revised to include the requirement for the National Sex Offender Registry(NSOR) clearance effective 9/30/2019.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 18, 2022
- Dec 28, 2021InspectionNo rules cited
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FAQ
Questions about Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Educatio
Is Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Educatio licensed?
Yes. Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Educatio is certified by the state and operating. This is how Pennsylvania authorizes this type of child care.
When was Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Educatio last inspected?
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning lists the most recent visit on June 8, 2026, with 2 rules cited. It lists 12 visits in the last 3 years.
Has Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Educatio had rules cited by the state?
Yes. Inspectors cited 18 rules across 10 of 12 visits in the last 3 years; 18 show a correction in the state record. For comparison: 93% of Pennsylvania daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 14. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
How many children can Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Educatio care for?
169, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve school-age children.
Does Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Educatio accept child care subsidies?
Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.
What are Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Educatio's hours?
Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.
How much does Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Educatio cost?
It has not listed its tuition. Call (570) 931-3795 to ask.
What is Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Educatio's phone number?
(570) 931-3795.
Where is Mericle Family Center for Early Childhood Educatio?
1122 Oak St, Pittston, PA 18640. The nearest other daycare we list is The Learning Station, 0.8 miles away.