Manoa Nursery School welcomed students back Friday, Sept. 25, after a months-long state-ordered closure for operating without a license at 153 N. Eagle Road in Havertown.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a cease-and-desist letter to the school on June 8, as first reported by the Delaware County Daily Times. The preschool, a ministry of Manoa Community Church, had been serving Havertown families for 55 years.
State officials visited the school on April 30 and observed 20 children on site. Staff told the officials the center had eight employees and 79 enrolled students, the Daily Times reported. Pennsylvania law requires a license for any provider caring for four or more unrelated children.
Jamila Dashiell, a DHS regional manager, sent the cease-and-desist to Alex Vesper, the school's former director. Brandon Cwalina, a DHS press secretary, confirmed the order but said the department could not comment on inspections or licensing timelines.
The school submitted required compliance paperwork on July 18. In a statement published in September, the school said the delay stemmed from an administrative paperwork issue and that DHS had praised the facility and program during a visit.
School representatives attended a mandatory orientation session on Sept. 23. DHS then conducted a final facility walkthrough and granted full authorization to reopen.
The school is now fully licensed.
Pastor Stefan Bomberger of Manoa Community Church announced the reopening, saying the school had worked to resolve state paperwork requirements so teachers could return to the classroom, according to the Daily Times' Oct. 3 report.
Manoa Nursery School serves children entering pre-kindergarten 3 and pre-kindergarten 4. Before the closure, a church social media post indicated Delaware County Christian School would assume management responsibilities beginning in August. Whether that arrangement is in place has not been confirmed.
