Goldfinger Childcare and Learning Centers
4240 Elmerton Ave, Harrisburg, PA
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Scholars Academy of Harrisburg is a child care center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It is certified by the state, for up to 53 children, serving school-age children.
It is open Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It describes a Play-based approach, with infant care, preschool and toddler care.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning made 6 visits in the last 3 years and cited 38 rules across 6 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.
Hours
| MondayToday | 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | Not listed |
| Sunday | Not listed |
Programs
| Ages | School-age childrenFrom the state license. It lists: From birth through age 5 |
|---|---|
| Programs | Infant care, preschool and toddler care |
| Approach | Play-based |
| Curriculum | Experience Curriculum |
| Child care subsidy | Accepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license |
| Parent updates | Parent app (brightwheel) |
| Licensed capacity | 53 childrenFrom the state license |
Cost
Scholars Academy of Harrisburg has not listed its tuition.
State record
6 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Jun 2, 2026: 2 rules cited
Rules cited on 6 of 6 visits · 38 rules in all · 31 corrected
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
3270.20(a)(1)/3270.20(b) Inpatient hospitalization or ER treatment of child/Mail or deliver written report to regional office within 72 hours
“The operator did not notify the central regional office within 24 hours of child #1 receiving emergency room treatment. A written report was not provided within 72 hours after emergency room treatment.”
3270.52 Mixed Age Level
“On 05/28/2026, staff stated that the infant classroom and young toddler classroom combined in the infant classroom during naptime. There was a mixed age group of 1 infant and 7 young toddlers in the infant classroom during naptime with 1 staff person. Staff person #1 was over ratio while staff person #2 was on their break. Naptime ratios do not double when there is an infant in care.”
Correction date in the state record: Jul 6, 2026
3270.76 Building Surfaces
“On 06/02/2026 at 9:45 am, observed the exterior side of the metal door leading from the preschool classroom to the playground reached a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The playground faces the morning sun and does not have a source of shade. Children at the facility go outside to play in the mornings between 9:00 - 10:30 creating a threat to the health and safety of the children due to surfaces on the playground reaching temperatures over 110 degrees F.”
3270.113(a) Supervised at all times
“On 05/28/2026, child #1 received 1st and 2nd degree burns on their hands while at the facility. Staff person #1 did not observe how the injury occurred and did not notice the burns and blisters on the child's hands while in their care.”
3270.182(7) Reports of accidents, injuries and illnesses. Original report - parent same day Copy - facility accident file. Copy - child's file
“On 05/28/2026, child #1 received 1st and 2nd degree burns on their hands while at the facility. An incident report was not completed on the date of the injury. A report was not completed until 05/29/2026 after the parent notified the operator and director of the child's injuries.”
3270.166(6) Infant/toddler - no bottle in mouth to sleep
“Observed a bottle with milk or formula in the crib with child #2, a young toddler (see LIS code sheet), while the child was sleeping. *Corrected at the time of the inspection.”
Correction date in the state record: May 19, 2026
3270.113(a) Supervised at all times
“Observed staff person #2 standing with their back to the infants and toddlers in the infant classroom. Staff person #2 was unable to supervise a young toddler asleep in a crib on the far side of the room. The crib was placed behind another crib and a Pack N Play which were blocking visibility. *Corrected at the time of the inspection.”
Correction date in the state record: May 19, 2026
3270.112 Infant/Toddler Stimulation
“During diaper changing, observed 3 young toddlers sitting in highchairs watching a video on a small tablet placed on a nearby shelf in lieu of the children being engaged in an age-appropriate activity with staff interacting with the children.”
Correction date in the state record: Jun 1, 2026
3270.101(a) Age appropriate
“Observed child #1, a young toddler (see LIS code sheet), in the infant classroom using a Bright Starts Cute Critters Activity Jumper. The recommended age range for use is 6 - 12 months. The manufacturer's instructions warning includes the following statement, "DO NOT allow children who can stand or walk on their own to use the activity jumper."”
Correction date in the state record: Jun 1, 2026
3270.72(c)/3270.76 Good repair/Building Surfaces
“Observed 2 windows open in the preschool classroom next to the door leading to the outside play space. The window on the right had a screen which was damaged creating gaps along the windowsill and frame. The window on the left had damaged wood on the lower right corner of the bottom rail of the window which created a hole and rough splintering wood.”
Correction date in the state record: May 31, 2026
3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) Comply with CPSL/CPSL information
“The file for staff person #1 did not include a PA State Police Clearance for employment; a volunteer clearance dated 04/12/2026 was on file. Staff person #1 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised.”
Correction date in the state record: May 19, 2026
3270.31(f) Health and Safety Training
“Staff person #1 has completed Pediatric first aid and CPR training, however the training was not completed through a Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) approved curriculum and the trainer has not provided documentation that they are PQAS-certified in that training curriculum. Staff person #1 had documentation of Standard First Aid dated 04/01/2025 through the American CPR CARE Association which is not an approved Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric CPR Provider and Curriculum.”
Correction date in the state record: May 19, 2026
3270.14/3270.21 Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety
“Staff person #1 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff person #1 has not completed Pediatric first aid and CPR training through a Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) approved curriculum and the trainer has not provided documentation that they are PQAS-certified in that training curriculum.”
Correction date in the state record: May 19, 2026
3270.192(5) Two written references
“The file for staff person #1 did not include a second written, nonfamily reference from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person.”
Correction date in the state record: Jun 1, 2026
3270.151(a)/3270.151(c)(2) 12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Mantoux TB
“The file for staff person #3 included a health assessment and TB test which was not conducted within 12 months prior to providing initial service at the facility (see LIS code sheet). The health assessment on file was dated 10/05/2025 and the TB test results were dated 10/02/2025.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 10, 2026
3270.134(a) Child's hands washed
“Observed staff person #5 use diaper wipes to clean the hands of young toddlers in lieu of handwashing after being diapered.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 10, 2026
3270.133(7)(iv) Amount to administer
“The facility created tracking sheet for the administration of medication did not include the amount of medication to be administered.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 10, 2026
3270.152 Adult Hygiene
“Observed staff person #5 did not wash their hands after diapering a child in the young toddler classroom. Staff person #5 used nonporous gloves for diaper changes in lieu of handwashing.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 10, 2026
3270.166(3) Disposable nursers or parents
“Observed bottles provided by the parent which were being hand washed in the sink and reused for infants and young toddlers. The facility does not have a commercial dishwasher to wash bottles.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 16, 2026
3270.192(2)(iii)/3270.192(2)(iv) Exp, educ., training at facility/Transcript, diploma and letters
“The files for staff person #4, #5, and #6 did not include acceptable verification of child care experience following the outset of service at the facility.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 16, 2026
3270.27(a)(5) Emergency plan
“The facility emergency plan did not include accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 30, 2026
3270.133(6) Written consent
“Observed prescription medication for child #6 which did not have written consent for administration from the parent. The facility created tracking sheet for administration of medication did not request a signature from the parent.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 10, 2026
3270.124(b)(7) Name/address/phone release person
“The emergency contact information for child #1, #2, and #3 did not include the addresses for the individuals designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 13, 2026
3270.124(b)(3) Parent home/work address, phone
“The emergency contact information for child #2 did not include the work address of the enrolling parent.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 13, 2026
3270.124(b)(2) Physician name, address, phone
“The emergency contact information for child #1 included an incomplete address of the child's physician or source of medical care. The emergency contact information for child #3 did not include the name of the child's physician or source of medical care.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 13, 2026
3270.123(b)/3270.182(8) Parent receives original/Copy of initial and subsequent agreements. Parent receives original.
“The original agreement is not provided to the parent, the parent is provided a copy and the original is placed in the child's file. The files for child #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 included the original agreement.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 13, 2026
3270.82(e) Toilet and sinks proper height
“The portable sink located in the young toddler classroom did not have a platform or steps for the young toddlers to easily approach and use the sink.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 20, 2026
3270.76 Building Surfaces
“Observed drop ceiling tiles in the infant classroom which was not installed properly on the ceiling brackets. Observed drop ceiling tiles in the older toddler classroom that were missing or not installed properly on the ceiling brackets.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 10, 2026
3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) Comply with CPSL/CPSL information
“The file for staff person #1 included a PA State Police clearance, Child Abuse Clearance and FBI which were not updated with 60 months of the previous clearance. The current PSP clearance was dated 10/22/2025 with the previous dated 10/07/2020. The current Child Abuse clearance was dated 12/19/2025 with the previous dated 10/09/2020. The current FBI clearance was dated 11/18/2025 with the previous clearance dated 10/26/2020. Staff person/facility person #1 has not completed mandated reporter training within the last 60 months. This is evidenced by the previously documented mandated reporter training on file being dated 01/08/2021. Staff person #2 was observed working unsupervised in the preschool classroom. The file for staff person #2 did not include out of state clearances for states in which they have resided in the previous 5 years prior to working in a child care position at the facility (see LIS code sheet).”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 10, 2026
3270.27(e) Letter to parents
“The letter to the parent explaining the emergency procedures did not include information which addresses lock-down procedures in the event of an intruder; accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions; or a statement that an emergency drill is conducted annually.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 30, 2026
3270.14/3270.21 Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety
“The Prevention of Shaken Baby, Syndrome, Abusive Head Trauma, and Child Maltreatment Policy did not include the recognition of potential signs and symptoms of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma or address the prevention and identification of child maltreatment. The facility Emergency Plan did not include a statement regarding the continuity of operations in the event of an emergency at the facility. Staff person #1 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff person #1 has not completed mandated reporter training within the last 60 months. This is evidenced by the previously documented mandated reporter training on file being dated 01/08/2021.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 30, 2026
3270.135(a)(3) Disposable diapers
“The diapering area in the young toddler classroom had a hands-free covered can which was not functioning properly. Observed staff #5 open the lid using their hand to dispose of a soiled diaper. The diaper genie located in the infant classroom did not open with the foot petal as intended for the proper disposal of soiled diapers.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 13, 2026
3270.32(a) Comply with CPSL
“On 12/5/25, it was observed that CPSL (Child Protective Services Law) was not followed. Staff person 1 was observed working in a childcare position with 3 children in the 1 year old classroom without documentation of their NSOR (National Sex Offender Registry) certificate on file.”
3270.192(5) Two written references
“On 12/5/25, it was observed that staff person 1 did not have 2 nonfamily references on file. Staff person 1 has 1 reference on file. An additional reference is needed.”
3270.14/3270.21 Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety
“On 12/5/25, it was observed that staff person #1 caring for 3 children unsupervised in the one year old classroom. Staff person #1 has not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Pediatric First Aid and CPR, Mandated Reporter Training, Health and Safety Training.”
3270.192(5) Two written references
“On 5/29/25, it was observed that staff person 1 did not have documentation of 2 written, nonfamily references on file. On reference on file indicated that it was written by the staff person's sister. CORRECTED ON SITE.”
Correction date in the state record: May 30, 2025
3270.151(a)/3270.151(c)(2) 12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Mantoux TB
“On 5/29/25, it was observed that staff person 5 did not have documentation of a physical or TB test on file.”
Correction date in the state record: Jun 2, 2025
3270.32(a) Comply with CPSL
“On 5/29/25, it was observed that staff persons 2 and 3 had a mandated reporter training on file that was expired. Mandated reporter training must be updated every 60 months. Staff person 2 had a mandated reporter training on file that expired on 7/22/24 and no update was available. Staff person 3 had a mandated reporter training on file that expired on 7/19/24 and no update was available.”
Correction date in the state record: Jun 2, 2025
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4240 Elmerton Ave, Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg, PA 17109 · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
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4700 Locust Ln, Harrisburg, PA
Harrisburg, PA 17109 · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
FAQ
Yes. Scholars Academy of Harrisburg is certified by the state and operating. This is how Pennsylvania authorizes this type of child care.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning lists the most recent visit on June 2, 2026, with 2 rules cited. It lists 6 visits in the last 3 years.
Yes. Inspectors cited 38 rules across 6 of 6 visits in the last 3 years; 31 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.
53, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve school-age children.
Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.
Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Holiday hours can differ.
It has not listed its tuition. Call (717) 412-4931 to ask.
(717) 412-4931.
4601 Devonshire Rd Suite 103, Harrisburg, PA 17109. The nearest other daycare we list is YMCA SACC North Side, 0.1 miles away.