ERIE, Pa. -- Penn State has suspended operations at the Early Learning Center, a child care facility at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, as two allegations of non-sexual physical contact with children are investigated. The allegations involve “unprofessional physical guidance,” which can include such actions as rough handling of a child or moving or lifting a child by his or her arm.
The facility will reopen under new management June 1, with additional staff in place to assist children with the transition to new caregivers.
The initial complaint was received by Penn State’s Ethics and Compliance Hotline. An investigation by University officials, including a review of video from cameras in the center’s classrooms, led Penn State to self-report a second incident to the state’s Childline and Abuse Registry.
Penn State considers the safety and security of the children in its care a primary obligation and immediately contacts the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services when any alleged incident surfaces.
“The safety and well-being of every member of the Penn State Behrend community, particularly the children we work with, is and always will be of the utmost importance to us,” Penn State Behrend Chancellor Don Birx said. “We are taking these actions to protect the children in our care, fully address any concerns their families have and thoroughly and deliberately review operations at our Early Learning Center.”
Approximately 60 children are enrolled at the center, which is in Penn State Behrend’s Knowledge Park. They range in age from 6 weeks to 6 years.
The center, which opened in 1993, is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. It was the first facility in the Erie region to be endorsed as an Eco-Healthy Child Care site.