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Begin With Us Child Care And Preschool Bld B
729 Grant Ave, Altoona PA 16602 · License #CER-00243803 · Child Care Center
Contact
- Phone
- (814) 941-0606
- Website
- www.beginwithus.net
- Address
- 729 Grant Ave, Altoona PA 16602 · Directions
Hours
Not published by the state. Owners can add hours via profile claim.
Care & schedule
When they operate
Ages served
- 4-Star quality rating
- Accepts Child Care Works subsidy
- Licensed for 131 children
How this facility compares
Violations per inspection, 3-yrInspection history & violations
Source: Pennsylvania DHS, Office of Child Development and Early Learning- Violation
3270.34(a)(6) · A director is responsible for written evaluation of staff persons on a regular basis, a minimum of one evaluation every 12 months.
The file for staff #1 was observed to lack a written evaluation of staff person on a regular basis, a minimum of one evaluation every 12 months. This was evidenced by an evaluation dated 4/18/2024 being the most current evaluation present in the file.
Corrected by Mar 27, 2026
- Violation
3270.66(b) · Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be stored in an original labeled container or in a container that specifies the content. Toxics shall be stored away from food, food preparation areas and child care spaces.
The facility was observed to have a clear spray bottle that contained a pale-yellow liquid but lacked a label that specified the contents of the clear bottle.
Corrected by Mar 25, 2026
- Violation
3270.102(a) · Toys, play equipment and other indoor and outdoor equipment used by the children shall be clean, in good repair and free from rough edges, sharp corners, pinch and crush points, splinters and exposed bolts.
The facility had applied tape to cover the edge of a wooden paper station in the Treehouse room that was observed to be peeling, lifting and rolling, and tape on the loft that was also observed to be lifting and peeling.
Corrected by Mar 25, 2026
- Violation
3270.102(a) · Toys, play equipment and other indoor and outdoor equipment used by the children shall be clean, in good repair and free from rough edges, sharp corners, pinch and crush points, splinters and exposed bolts.
The facility was observed to have a broken Lil Scooter in the Victorian room.
Corrected by Mar 25, 2026
- Violation
3270.124(a) · Emergency contact information is required for each enrolled child. Emergency contact information must reference who shall be contacted in an emergency.
The file for child #1 was observed to contain an emergency contact form that lacked to reference who shall be contacted in an emergency.
Corrected by Mar 25, 2026
- Violation
3270.124(b)(3) · Emergency contact information must include the home and work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent.
The file for child #1 was observed to contain an emergency contact form that lacked work addresses and telephone numbers for the enrolling parents.
Corrected by Mar 25, 2026
- Violation
3270.124(b)(5) · Emergency contact information must include information on the child's special needs, as specified by the child's parent, physician, physician's assistant or CRNP, which is needed in an emergency situation.
The file for child #1 was observed to contain an emergency contact form that lacked information on the child's special needs if any,
Corrected by Mar 25, 2026
- Violation
3270.123(a)(4) · An agreement shall specify the child's arrival and departure times.
The file for child #1 was observed to contain a Financial Agreement that did not specify the child's arrival and departure times.
Corrected by Mar 27, 2025
- Violation
3270.133(6) · A parent shall provide written consent for administration of medication or a special diet.
The facility was observed to have a medication prescribed to child #2, but failed to have a parent's written consent for administration.
Corrected by Mar 26, 2025
- Violation
3270.102(a) · Toys, play equipment and other indoor and outdoor equipment used by the children shall be clean, in good repair and free from rough edges, sharp corners, pinch and crush points, splinters and exposed bolts.
The facility was observed to have 2 wooden Lakeshore brand wooden chairs in the School House room that had loose legs and were unsteady, and a round table on the stage in the Castle room was also observed to have loose legs and be unsteady.
Corrected by Apr 30, 2025
- Violation
3270.182(5) · A child's record shall contain signed parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff. Written consent is required prior to admission.
The Emergency Contact on file for Child #1 and Child #2 were observed not to contain signed parental consent for administration of minor first aid procedures by facility Staff.
Corrected by Apr 18, 2024
- Violation
3270.82(g) · Toilet areas and fixtures shall be cleaned daily and be in good repair.
On the day of inspection, it was observed in Treehouse and in Cottage bathrooms, exposed bolts at the base of the toilet.
Corrected by Mar 28, 2023
- Violation
3270.133(3) · The label of a medication container shall identify the name of the medication and the name of the child for whom the medication is intended. Medication shall be administered to only the child whose name appears on the container.
On the day of inspection, it was observed that a bottle of Tylenol was not marked to identify the name of the child for whom the medication is intended.
Corrected by Mar 28, 2023
- Violation
3270.102(a) · Toys, play equipment and other indoor and outdoor equipment used by the children shall be clean, in good repair and free from rough edges, sharp corners, pinch and crush points, splinters and exposed bolts.
In the outdoor play area, in the red shed building a rubber ball was observed to be torn.
Corrected by Jun 15, 2022
- Violation
3270.133(5) · Medication shall be stored in accordance with the manufacturer's or health professional's instructions on the original label.
Expired diaper cream was observed in the Cottage Room diaper changing area.
Corrected by Jun 15, 2022
- Violation
3270.25(a) · The facility's current certificate of compliance shall be posted in a conspicuous location used by parents. The operator shall provide the parent of each child enrolled with information on how to access the regulations in this chapter electronically and with instructions for contacting the appropriate regional child care office.
It was observed that the phone number for contacting the appropriate regional child care office was not posted in a conspicuous location used by parents.
Corrected by Jun 15, 2022
- Violation
3270.51 · When children are grouped in similar age levels, the following maximum child group sizes and ratios of staff persons apply: Infants 1:4 with a maximum group size of 8; Young toddlers 1:5 with a maximum group size of 10; Older toddlers 1:6 with a maximum group size of 12; Preschool children 1:10 with a maximum group size of 20; Young school-age children 1:12 with a maximum group size of 24; Older school-age children 1:15 with a maximum group size of 30.
Based on interviews and video footage, Staff #1 and Staff #2 left Child #1 alone in the classroom for approximately 4 to 5 minutes while they took the rest of the children outside to play. Child #1 is found by Staff #3 approximately 1 to 2 minutes after he is last seen on video in the classroom.
Corrected by Feb 17, 2022
- Violation
3270.113(a) · The legal entity must arrange for all facility staff to receive a minimum of two hours of training regarding supervision of children. The legal entity must receive DHS approval of the training content prior to scheduling the training.
**Based on interviews and video footage, Staff #1 and Staff #2 left Child #1 alone in the classroom for approximately 4 to 5 minutes while they took the rest of the children outside to play. Child #1 is found by Staff #3 approximately 1 to 2 minutes after he is last seen on video in the classroom.
Corrected by Apr 5, 2022
- Violation
3270.113(a) · The operator will contact the ELRC 6 to arrange for Start Up TA to come to the facility to conduct a minimum of 4 classroom observations.
***Based on interviews and video footage, Staff #1 and Staff #2 left Child #1 alone in the classroom for approximately 4 to 5 minutes while they took the rest of the children outside to play. Child #1 is found by Staff #3 approximately 1 to 2 minutes after he is last seen on video in the classroom.
Corrected by Jul 1, 2022
- Violation
3270.113(a) · Children on the facility premises and on facility excursions off the premises shall be supervised by a staff person at all times. Outdoor play space used by the facility is considered part of the facility premises.
*Based on interviews and video footage, Staff #1 and Staff #2 left Child #1 alone in the classroom for approximately 4 to 5 minutes while they took the rest of the children outside to play. Child #1 is found by Staff #3 approximately 1 to 2 minutes after he is last seen on video in the classroom.
Corrected by Feb 17, 2022
- Violation
3270.113(a)(1) · The operator will develop and implement a physical means of assigning children to staff for the purpose of maintaining compliance with the Staff to child ratio and the supervision of children. OCDEL will approve the plan before its implementation. (Example: Photo name tags with the child's ratio category that a staff person can keep while the child is assigned to them.)
**Based on interviews and video footage, Staff #1 and Staff #2 left Child #1 alone in the classroom for approximately 4 to 5 minutes while they took the rest of the children outside to play. Child #1 is found by Staff #3 approximately 1 to 2 minutes after he is last seen on video in the classroom.
Corrected by Mar 10, 2022
- Violation
3270.113(a)(1) · Each staff person shall be assigned the responsibility for supervision of specific children. The staff person shall know the names and whereabouts of the children in his assigned group. The staff person shall be physically present with the children in his group on the facility premises and on facility excursions off the facility premises.
*Based on interviews and video footage, Staff #1 and Staff #2 left Child #1 alone in the classroom for approximately 4 to 5 minutes while they took the rest of the children outside to play. Child #1 is found by Staff #3 approximately 1 to 2 minutes after he is last seen on video in the classroom.
Corrected by Feb 17, 2022
- Violation
3270.77(a) · Peeled or damaged paint or damaged plaster is not permitted on indoor or outdoor surfaces in the child care facility.
2nd citation. Previously cited on 10/18/21. Observed peeling black paint on the seat of the train's caboose in the outdoor play space.
Corrected by Dec 22, 2021
- Violation
3270.106(b) · Bed linens may not be used alone as age-appropriate rest equipment.
At approximately 11:45 AM Certification Staff observed only a blanket to be used as rest equipment in the School House Room. Staff indicated the child's parent had forgotten his/her rest equipment so staff provided an extra facility blanket.
Corrected by Dec 13, 2021
- Violation
3270.106(f) · At least 2 feet of space is required on three sides of a bed, cot, crib or other rest equipment while the equipment is in use.
At approximately 11:45 AM Certification Staff observed two rows each of 5 rest equipment with approximately 12 inches between them in the School House Room.
Corrected by Dec 17, 2021
- Violation
3270.131(e)(1) · The facility shall require the parent to provide updated written verification from a physician, physician's assistant, CRNP, the Department of Health or a local health department of ongoing vaccines administered to an infant, toddler or preschool child in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP.
2nd citation. Previously cited on 10/18/21. The file of Child #1, a 2 year old, lacked an influenza immunization in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP.
Corrected by Dec 13, 2021
- Violation
3270.113(c) · A facility person may not single out the child for ridicule, threaten harm to the child or the child's family and may not specifically aim to degrade the child or the child's family.
Based on interviews, Staff #1 singled out a child for ridicule, threatened harm to the child or the child's family, and specifically aimed to degrade the child or the child's family. Based on interviews, Staff #1 called a particular child "devil child". Based on interviews, Staff #1 grabbed a child by the wrist to pull the child into line before grabbing the child in the face area and telling the child to stay in line or Staff #1 was going to beat the child's buttocks.
Corrected by Jan 19, 2022
- Violation
3270.113(d) · A facility person may not use harsh, demeaning or abusive language in the presence of children.
Based on interviews, Staff #1 used profane language in front of the children or directed it towards the children.
Corrected by Jan 19, 2022
- Violation
3270.21 · Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children.
On 10/18/21 observed adult scissors in a container on the cabinet beside the changing table which were accessible to children in the Castle Room.
Corrected by Oct 18, 2021
- Violation
3270.27(c) · The operator shall assure that each facility person receives training regarding the emergency plan at the time of initial employment, on an annual basis and at the time of each plan update. The operator shall document the date of each training and the names of all facility persons who received the training and kept on file at the facility.
The operator did not provide training regarding the emergency plan to Staff #1, #2, #3, and #4 when it was updated on 12/18/20. The update on 12/18/2020 addressed lockdown and accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities and children with chronic medical conditions. The files of Staff #1, #2, #3, and #4 contained documentation of emergency plan training completed on 12/31/20.
Corrected by Nov 12, 2021
- Violation
3270.76 · Floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces, including the facility's outdoor play space surfaces shall be kept clean, in good repair and free from visible hazards.
On 10/18/21 observed the bathroom faucet in the Tree House Classroom was pitted creating rough edges.
Corrected by Oct 18, 2021
- Violation
3270.77(a) · Peeled or damaged paint or damaged plaster is not permitted on indoor or outdoor surfaces in the child care facility.
On 10/18/21 observed peeling blue paint on the seat of the train's caboose in the outdoor play space.
Corrected by Nov 11, 2021
- Violation
3270.103 · Toys and objects with a diameter of less than 1 inch, objects with removable parts that have a diameter of less than 1 inch, plastic bags and styrofoam objects may not be accessible to children who are still placing objects in their mouths.
On 10/18/21 observed purple foam blocks with bite marks in the Tree House Room.
Corrected by Oct 18, 2021
- Violation
3270.124(c) · When children are in the facility, emergency contact information shall be present in a child care space for children receiving care in the space.
Emergency contact information was not present for Children #1 and #2 while they were in the Cottage Room.
Corrected by Oct 18, 2021
- Violation
3270.131(e)(1) · The facility shall require the parent to provide updated written verification from a physician, physician's assistant, CRNP, the Department of Health or a local health department of ongoing vaccines administered to an infant, toddler or preschool child in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP.
The file of Child #1, a 2 year old, lacked DTAP/DTP/TD, influenza, and Hepatitis A immunizations in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP. The file of Child #1 contained documentation of 3 DTAP/DTP/TD immunizations and 1 Hepatitis A immunization.
Corrected by Oct 20, 2021
- Violation
3270.21 · Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children.
Based on interviews and video, Staff #1 nudges Child #1 with the sweeper before running over Child #1's hand causing 2nd degree burns. Based on the video, Staff #1 does not stop running the sweeper until Staff #2 gestures and speaks to Staff #1. Based on video, Staff #1 looks at Child #1's hand, gets ice for Child #1, and then resumes running the sweeper.
Corrected by Aug 27, 2021
- Violation
3270.113(c) · The legal entity will work with ELRC #6 staff to arrange for classroom observations to assess program to assist in program development and classroom schedules and the schedule of duties at the facility.
**Based on interviews and video, Staff #1 nudges Child #1 with the sweeper before running over Child #1's hand causing 2nd degree burns. Based on the video, Staff #1 does not stop running the sweeper until Staff #2 gestures and speaks to Staff #1. Based on video, Staff #1 looks at Child #1's hand, gets ice for Child #1, and then resumes running the sweeper.
Corrected by Jan 31, 2022
- Violation
3270.113(c) · A facility person may not single out the child for ridicule, threaten harm to the child or the child's family and may not specifically aim to degrade the child or the child's family.
*Based on interviews and video, Staff #1 nudges Child #1 with the sweeper before running over Child #1's hand causing 2nd degree burns. Based on the video, Staff #1 does not stop running the sweeper until Staff #2 gestures and speaks to Staff #1. Based on video, Staff #1 looks at Child #1's hand, gets ice for Child #1, and then resumes running the sweeper.
Corrected by Aug 26, 2021
- Violation
3270.182(7) · A child's record shall contain reports of accidents, injuries and illnesses involving a child in care at the facility. The original report shall be given to the parent on the day of the incident. The second copy of the report shall be retained at the facility in an accident file. The third copy of the report shall be retained at the facility in the child's file.
Based on interviews, staff did not complete a report of the injury to Child #1's hand and give the original report to the parent on the day of the incident.
Corrected by Nov 30, 2021
Questions to ask on your tour
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
- 1The Mar 25, 2026 inspection noted: “The file for staff #1 was observed to lack a written evaluation of staff person on a regular basis, a minimum of one evaluation every 12 months. This was evide…” — what has changed since then?
- 2The Mar 26, 2025 inspection noted: “The file for child #1 was observed to contain a Financial Agreement that did not specify the child's arrival and departure times.” — what has changed since then?
- 3The Mar 28, 2024 inspection noted: “The Emergency Contact on file for Child #1 and Child #2 were observed not to contain signed parental consent for administration of minor first aid procedures by…” — what has changed since then?
Data synced from Pennsylvania DHS, Office of Child Development and Early Learning · Source records · Report an error