Church's Unlicensed Daycare In Delco Forced To Cease Operations: State

HAVERTOWN, PA — A Havertown church's daycare was forced to cease operations after state officials say it operated without proper childcare licensing.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) issued a cease-and-desist letter to Manoa Community Church on June 8 for operating its preschool without a license.

Manoa Nursery School is located in the church on 153 N Eagle Road.

A PA DHS representative visited the school April 30 and observed 20 children under their care. School leadership informed the representative that the daycare had eight staff members and 79 enrolled students, according to the department's cease-and-desist letter.

Childcare centers in the state must be licensed by the PA DHS. Certified childcare centers must obtain child abuse-clearances, complete required inspections and, once licensed, undergo annual inspections.

When the department is alerted of potential violators, they send an inspector to the facility. If investigators confirm that a childcare center is illegally operating, they send a cease-and-desist letter.

PA DHS spokesperson Brandon Cwalina confirmed to Patch that Manoa Community Church operated a daycare without the proper license and shared the cease-and-desist letter with Patch.

The Delaware County Daily Times reported the news Thursday after a parent alerted them.

Church Pastor Stefan Bomberger said Manoa Nursery School has applied for licensing and expects the DHS to complete its review next week.

Patch reached out to PA DHS once more to confirm this and will update with any response.

Manoa Nursery School plans to reopen Sept. 25, Bomberger says.

"For over 55 years, Manoa Nursery School has created a joyful, hands-on preschool experience for children entering PK 3 and PK 4, helping them build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning," Bomberger said in a statement.