Early Explorers Child Care Center
1018 Lafayette St, Scranton, PA
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Sophies Learning Center is a child care center in Scranton, Pennsylvania. It is certified by the state, for up to 70 children, serving school-age children.
It is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning made 4 visits in the last 3 years and cited 25 rules across 4 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.
Hours
| Monday | 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | Not listed |
| SundayToday | Not listed |
Programs
| Ages | School-age childrenFrom the state license |
|---|---|
| Child care subsidy | Accepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license |
| Licensed capacity | 70 childrenFrom the state license |
Cost
Sophies Learning Center has not listed its tuition.
State record
4 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Jul 29, 2026: 2 rules cited
Rules cited on 4 of 4 visits · 25 rules in all · 25 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
3270.25(a) Availability of certificate of compliance and applicable regulations
“During allocated unannounced visit, posted notes were reviewed. The facility did not have the current certificate of compliance posted in a conspicuous location.”
Correction date in the state record: Aug 20, 2026
3270.94(a)/3270.94(a)(9) Director or designated staff person responsibility/Written record
“During allocated unannounced visit, rep requested to view the fire safety logs. The facility could not locate documentation of completing any recent fire alarm drills.”
Correction date in the state record: Aug 20, 2026
3270.151(a)/3270.192(3) 12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test
“During renewal inspection, staff files were reviewed. Staff #2s previous health assessment is dated for 8/31/23. An updated health assessment was not obtained until 9/3/25. This date indicates that an updated assessment was not obtained within the 24-month requirement.”
Correction date in the state record: Feb 1, 2026
3270.124(f)/3270.181(c) Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos
“During renewal inspection, child files were reviewed. Child #1's emergency contact sheet was last dated for 7/4/24 and the financial agreement was last dated for 8/1/23. Child 2#'s emergency contact sheet and agreement were last dated for 2/24/25. Child #3's emergency contact sheet and agreement were last dated for 1/2/25. These dates indicate that an update was not done within the 6-month requirement.”
Correction date in the state record: Feb 1, 2026
3270.123(a)(3) Services proceeded
“During renewal inspection, child files were reviewed. Child #2's last service report in file is dated for 12/4/24. This date indicates that a service report was not done within the 6-month requirement. Child #3s service report is dated for 11/25/25, however was not signed by the parent.”
Correction date in the state record: Feb 1, 2026
3270.111(b) Posted in group space
“During renewal inspection it was observed that there was not a daily activities plan posted in the Infant room.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 30, 2026
3270.31(e)(4)(i) Age and Training
“During renewal inspection, staff files were reviewed. Staff #1's previous dated Pediatric CPR training was completed on 2/25/23. An updated training was completed until 8/13/25. This date indicates that the staff did not renew their certification on or before the expiration of their last training.”
Correction date in the state record: Feb 1, 2026
3270.95(a)/3270.95(b) Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance
“During renewal inspection, fire safety logs were reviewed. The following dates indicate that fire alarm testing was not done within the 30-day requirement: 2/1/25 to 3/31/25, 6/27/25 to 7/29/25.”
Correction date in the state record: Dec 26, 2025
3270.27(a)(6) Emergency plan
“During renewal inspection, facility files were reviewed. The facility did not have documentation of completing an annual emergency drill on file.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 30, 2026
3270.76/3270.77(a) Building Surfaces/No peeling paint or plaster
“During renewal inspection it was observed in the preschool room that there were parts of the wall that had chipped and damage paint. It was also observed that there were peelings of the baseboard molding along the walls.”
Correction date in the state record: Feb 1, 2026
3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) Comply with CPSL/CPSL information
“During renewal inspection it was observed that Staff #1's previous Child Abuse clearance was dated for 8/19/19. It was not updated within the 60 months as the update is dated for 12/17/24. It was also observed that Staff #1's previous Mandated Reporter training was dated for 9/26/19 and was not updated until 12/12/24. This indicates that the training was not updated within the 60 months.”
Correction date in the state record: Feb 12, 2025
3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) Comply with CPSL/CPSL information
“During renewal inspection it was observed that Staff #1's previous Child Abuse clearance was dated for 8/19/19. It was not updated within the 60 months as the update is dated for 12/17/24. It was also observed that Staff #1's previous Mandated Reporter training was dated for 9/26/19 and was not updated until 12/12/24. This indicates that the training was not updated within the 60 months.”
Correction date in the state record: Dec 18, 2024
3270.74/3270.75(c) Emergency Numbers Posted/Has all items
“During renewal inspection, it was observed in the Toddler room that emergency telephone numbers were not posted. It was also observed in the Toddler room that scissors were missing from the first aid kit.”
Correction date in the state record: Dec 18, 2024
3270.181(c) Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos
“During renewal inspection, it was observed that Child #1 and #2's financial agreement was not reviewed and updated within 6-months.”
Correction date in the state record: Dec 31, 2024
3270.124(b)(2)/3270.124(b)(5) Physician name, address, phone/Information re: special needs
“During renewal inspection, it was observed that Child #3 did not have the physicians address listed on the emergency contact sheet. Child #4 did not have the physicians name or information of the child's special needs listed on the emergency contact sheet.”
Correction date in the state record: Dec 31, 2024
3270.123(a)(3) Services proceeded
“Child #1 did not have an updated child service report on file. Last review and signed report was on 8/11/2023.”
Correction date in the state record: Dec 25, 2024
3270.124(b)(6)/3270.124(b)(7) Insurance coverage information/Name/address/phone release person
“During renewal inspection, it was observed that Child #4 did not have the health insurance policy number on the emergency contact sheet. It was also observed that Child #2, #4, & #5 did not have the release person's address on their emergency contact sheet.”
Correction date in the state record: Dec 31, 2024
3270.27(a)(6) Emergency plan
“While at the facility for the renewal inspection the director was unable to provide the inspector with proof of having had an annual emergency drill for 2023.”
Correction date in the state record: Feb 2, 2024
3270.27(a)(1) Emergency plan
“While at the facility unannounced for the annual inspection the inspector found that the emergency plan was missing the required accommodations for shelter of children during an emergency including lock-down, shelter in place at the facility and shelter at locations away from the facility premises.”
Correction date in the state record: Feb 2, 2024
3270.27(a)(3)/3270.27(a)(4) Contact when arises/Contact when ended
“While at the facility unannounced for the annual inspection the inspector found that the emergency plan was missing the required method for facility persons to contact parents as soon as reasonably possible when an emergency situation arises and a method for facility persons to inform parents that the emergency has ended and to provide instruction as to how parents can safely be reunited with their children.”
Correction date in the state record: Feb 2, 2024
3270.14/3270.21 Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety
“Staff person #1 and #2 do not have current pediatric first aid/CPR training. This is evidenced by the previously documented pediatric first aid/CPR training expiration date of 10/23 for staff #1 while staff #2 only completed the online portion of the pediatric first aid/CPR training on 6/10/22.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 23, 2024
3270.181(c) Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos
“While at the facility for the renewal inspection the inspector observed the file for child #1 and found that the emergency plan and agreement forms were dated 6/30/23 and not again until 1/2/24.”
Correction date in the state record: Feb 2, 2024
3270.14/3270.21 Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety
“While at the facility unannounced for the renewal inspection the director was unable to provide the inspector with the required plan for continuity of operations.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 23, 2024
3270.32(a) Comply with CPSL
“While at the facility for the renewal inspection the inspector observed that staff # 1 had a Pa State Police clearance dated for 9/19/18 and this clearance was not updated until 11/28/23. This clearance was not updated every 60 months as required by the CPSL. This clearance needed to be updated by 9/19/2023. Staff #1 also had a Pa Mandated Reporter training dated 11/26/18. This clearance was not updated every 60 months as required by the CPSL. The PA Mandated Reporter training needed to be updated by 11/26/23.”
Correction date in the state record: Feb 2, 2024
3270.131(a) Health information
“While at the facility for the renewal inspection the inspector observed the file for child #1 and found that this child did not obtain a health assessment until eight months after enrollment (see LIS sheet for enrollment date). Child #2 did not have a health assessment until 11/2/23 which was four months after enrollment (see LIS sheet for enrollment date).”
Correction date in the state record: Feb 2, 2024
3270.106(e) Seasonal coverings
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 for the complaint visit the inspector observed a child asleep in a crib missing the sheet, with blankets in replacement of a sheet. The mattress that the child was sleeping on was still sealed in the original plastic bag.”
Correction date in the state record: May 2, 2023
3270.192(5) Two written references
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 the inspector reviewed the file for staff #1 and noted that this staff had been employed over the 45 days (please see the LIS Code Sheet for hire date) and was missing two written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person.”
Correction date in the state record: May 2, 2023
3270.192(2)(ii) Exp, educ., training prior to facility
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 the inspector reviewed the file for staff #1 and noted that this staff had been employed over the 45 days (please see the LIS Code Sheet for hire date) and was missing verification of childcare experience, education and training prior to service at the facility.”
Correction date in the state record: May 2, 2023
3270.32(a) Comply with CPSL
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 the inspector reviewed the file for staff #1 and noted that this staff had been employed over the 45 days (please see the LIS Code Sheet for hire date) and was missing proof having a completed Pa State Police, a completed FBI, and NSOR. The Childline clearance was sent to the director while the inspector was present via email.”
Correction date in the state record: May 2, 2023
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 5/2/23 the inspector reviewed the file for staff #1 and noted that this staff had been employed over the 45 days (please see the LIS Code Sheet for hire date) and was missing proof of having a health assessment conducted within 12 months prior to providing initial service in a childcare setting as well as a tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method at initial employment.”
Correction date in the state record: May 2, 2023
3270.166(1) Written statement
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 for the complaint visit the inspector asked for the infant formula and feeding schedules and none could be produced.”
Correction date in the state record: May 3, 2023
3270.21/3270.103 General Health and Safety/Small Toys and Objects
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 for the complaint visit the inspector observed a child asleep in a crib missing the sheet, with blankets in replacement of a sheet. The mattress that the child was sleeping on was still sealed in the original plastic bag.”
Correction date in the state record: May 2, 2023
3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1) Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 for the complaint visit the inspector observed three children asleep in cribs with blankets completely covering over the children rendering the children unable to be seen and assessed.”
Correction date in the state record: May 2, 2023
3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1) Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 for the complaint visit the inspector observed three children asleep in cribs with blankets completely covering over the children rendering the children unable to be seen and assessed.”
Correction date in the state record: Jul 28, 2023
3270.113(a)(2) Supervision on and facility premises
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 for the complaint visit the inspector observed Staff #1 and staff #2 were in the toddler classroom with 12 mixed aged children. The two youngest children in the group were child #1 and child #2 (See LIS Code Sheet for DOBS). Staff #2 identified child #1 as a child in her group of 8, making the ratio 1 to 6.”
Correction date in the state record: May 2, 2023
3270.106(e) Seasonal coverings
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 for the complaint visit the inspector observed a child asleep in a crib missing the sheet, with blankets in replacement of a sheet. The mattress that the child was sleeping on was still sealed in the original plastic bag.”
Correction date in the state record: May 2, 2023
3270.192(5) Two written references
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 the inspector reviewed the file for staff #1 and noted that this staff had been employed over the 45 days (please see the LIS Code Sheet for hire date) and was missing two written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person.”
Correction date in the state record: May 2, 2023
3270.192(2)(ii) Exp, educ., training prior to facility
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 the inspector reviewed the file for staff #1 and noted that this staff had been employed over the 45 days (please see the LIS Code Sheet for hire date) and was missing verification of childcare experience, education and training prior to service at the facility.”
Correction date in the state record: May 2, 2023
3270.32(a) Comply with CPSL
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 the inspector reviewed the file for staff #1 and noted that this staff had been employed over the 45 days (please see the LIS Code Sheet for hire date) and was missing proof having a completed Pa State Police, a completed FBI, and NSOR. The Childline clearance was sent to the director while the inspector was present via email.”
Correction date in the state record: May 2, 2023
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 5/2/23 the inspector reviewed the file for staff #1 and noted that this staff had been employed over the 45 days (please see the LIS Code Sheet for hire date) and was missing proof of having a health assessment conducted within 12 months prior to providing initial service in a childcare setting as well as a tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method at initial employment.”
Correction date in the state record: May 2, 2023
3270.166(1) Written statement
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 for the complaint visit the inspector asked for the infant formula and feeding schedules and none could be produced.”
Correction date in the state record: May 3, 2023
3270.21/3270.103 General Health and Safety/Small Toys and Objects
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 for the complaint visit the inspector observed a child asleep in a crib missing the sheet, with blankets in replacement of a sheet. The mattress that the child was sleeping on was still sealed in the original plastic bag.”
Correction date in the state record: May 2, 2023
3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1) Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 for the complaint visit the inspector observed three children asleep in cribs with blankets completely covering over the children rendering the children unable to be seen and assessed.”
Correction date in the state record: May 2, 2023
3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1) Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 for the complaint visit the inspector observed three children asleep in cribs with blankets completely covering over the children rendering the children unable to be seen and assessed.”
Correction date in the state record: Jul 28, 2023
3270.113(a)(2) Supervision on and facility premises
“While at the facility unannounced on 5/2/23 for the complaint visit the inspector observed Staff #1 and staff #2 were in the toddler classroom with 12 mixed aged children. The two youngest children in the group were child #1 and child #2 (See LIS Code Sheet for DOBS). Staff #2 identified child #1 as a child in her group of 8, making the ratio 1 to 6.”
Correction date in the state record: May 2, 2023
3270.95(a) Devices must be compliant
“While at the facility unannounced on 1/18/23 for the renewal inspection the inspector observed that the last fire system test was conducted on 12/2/22. Fire system testing is required to be completed every 30 days.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 18, 2023
3270.14 Pertinent Laws & Regulations
“While at the facility unannounced on 1/18/23 for the renewal inspection the inspector observed that staff #1 did not obtain the required 1 hour update to the current Health and Safety requirement until 1/30/23. This update was to be completed by 12/30/22.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 30, 2023
3270.181(c) Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos
“While at the facility unannounced on 1/18/23 for the renewal inspection the inspector observed that child #3 was missing the required update to the emergency contact information and the financial agreement at least once in a 6-month period or as soon as there is a change in the information.”
Correction date in the state record: Feb 24, 2023
3270.102(e) Infant/toddler - no material less than 1 inch
“While at the facility unannounced on 1/18/23 for the renewal inspection the inspector observed that the shared outdoor play space had mulch with a diameter of less than 1 inch.”
Correction date in the state record: Feb 17, 2023
3270.131(d)(5)/3270.131(e) Immunization record/ACIP recommended immunization record
“While at the facility unannounced on 1/18/23 for the renewal inspection the inspector observed that child #1 and #2 were missing proof of having had a Influenza vaccine as is required.”
Correction date in the state record: Feb 14, 2023
3270.76 Building Surfaces
“While at the facility unannounced on 3/9/22 for the renewal inspection the inspection the inspector observed the heat registers on the right side of the floor in the main room to be off the brackets that hold the front cover in place. This created sharp edges in the childcare space.”
Correction date in the state record: Mar 9, 2022
3270.27(a)(1)/3270.27(a)(5) Emergency plan/Emergency plan
“While at the facility for the opening inspection on 11/2/21 the inspector reviewed the emergency plan and found that the emergency plan was missing lock down procedures and accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.”
Correction date in the state record: Nov 5, 2021
3270.27(f) Emergency plan
“While at the facility for the opening inspection on 11/2/21 the inspector reviewed the emergency plan and found that the emergency plan was missing the required concurrence with the local municipality and to the county emergency management agency.”
Correction date in the state record: Nov 5, 2021
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1018 Lafayette St, Scranton, PA
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FAQ
Yes. Sophies Learning Center 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 July 29, 2026, with 2 rules cited. It lists 4 visits in the last 3 years.
Yes. Inspectors cited 25 rules across 4 of 4 visits in the last 3 years; 25 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.
70, 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, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.
It has not listed its tuition. Call (570) 800-5260 to ask.
(570) 800-5260.
1305 Washburn St, Scranton, PA 18504. The nearest other daycare we list is Little People Day Care School, 0.4 miles away.