Small Steps Daycare Center

3270.31(e)(4)(i) · Competence is the completion of training by a professional in the field of first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). All staff persons shall renew their certification in pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on or before the expiration of the most current certification.

Staff person #1 did not renew their certification in pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on or before the expiration of the most current certification. This is evidenced by certificates dated 11/27/2023-2025 and 3/23/2026 - 2028. Staff person #2 did not renew their certification in pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on or before the expiration of the most current certification. This is evidenced by certificates dated 11/27/2023-2025 and 3/23/2026 - 2028. Staff person #3 did not renew their certification in pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on or before the expiration of the most current certification. This is evidenced by certificates dated 11/27/2023-2025 and 3/23/2026 - 2028. Staff person #4 did not renew their certification in pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on or before the expiration of the most current certification. This is evidenced by certificates dated 10/10/2022-2024 and 3/23/2026 - 2028. Staff person #5 did not renew their certification in pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on or before the expiration of the most current certification. This is evidenced by certificates dated 11/27/2023-2025 and 3/23/2026 - 2028. Staff person #6 did not renew their certification in pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on or before the expiration of the most current certification. This is evidenced by certificates dated 11/27/2023-2025 and 3/23/2026 - 2028. Staff person #7 did not renew their certification in pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on or before the expiration of the most current certification. This is evidenced by certificates dated 11/27/2023-2025 and 3/23/2026 - 2028.

Corrected by Apr 22, 2026

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3270.32(a) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services).

The operator did not comply with the CPSL as they did not update clearances in a timely manner. This is evidenced by the record for staff person #3 (DOH see LIS code sheet) containing child abuse clearances dated 10/19/2020 and 3/13/2026 and FBI clearances dated 10/14/2020 and 3/18/2026 which exceeded 60 months. The operator did not comply with the CPSL as they did not update clearances in a timely manner. This is evidenced by the record for staff person #5 (DOH see LIS code sheet) containing PSP clearances dated 6/26/2019 and 3/7/2025, child abuse clearances dated 6/26/2019 and 3/16/2026 and FBI clearances dated 6/29/2019 and 3/14/2026 which exceeded 60 months. The operator did not comply with the CPSL as they did not update clearances in a timely manner. This is evidenced by the record for staff person #7 (DOH see LIS code sheet) containing PSP clearances dated 6/29/2020 and 3/10/2026 which exceeded 60 months. The operator did not comply with the CPSL as they did not update clearances in a timely manner. This is evidenced by the record for staff person #8 (DOH see LIS code sheet) containing PSP clearances dated 9/26/2020 and 3/10/2026 which exceeded 60 months.

Corrected by Apr 22, 2026

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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 director has not completed a written evaluation for staff persons #4 - 7 (DOH see LIS code sheet) at least every 12 months. This is evidenced by a written evaluation not being in the records for staff persons #4,5, and 6 and the most recent one for staff person #7 being dated 8/23/2019.

Corrected by Jun 30, 2026

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3270.65 · Protective receptacle covers shall be placed in electrical outlets accessible to children 5 years of age or younger.

It was observed in the Two's classroom on 4/13/2026 protective receptacle covers were not placed in two different electrical outlets accessible to children 5 years of age or younger. (CORRECTED ON SITE)

Corrected by Apr 22, 2026

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3270.75(c) · A first-aid kit must contain the following: soap, an assortment of adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, tweezers, tape, scissors and disposable, nonporous gloves.

It was observed in the preschool classroom on 4/13/2026 the first-aid kit does not contain tweezers.

Corrected by Apr 27, 2026

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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.

It was observed in the One's classroom on 4/13/2026 a ceiling tile has water stains and is not in good repair.

Corrected by Apr 29, 2026

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3270.77(a) · Peeled or damaged paint or damaged plaster is not permitted on indoor or outdoor surfaces in the child care facility.

It was observed in the Two's classroom on 4/13/2026 the corner of the wall by the emergency exit door has an area of damaged plaster. (CORRECTED ON SITE)

Corrected by Apr 29, 2026

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3270.102(g) · Children's toys and equipment, including furniture and rest equipment, described as hazardous by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission may not be used by children at the facility and may not be on the premises at the facility. At the time of inspection, the operator shall submit to the Department written affirmation on a form provided by the Department stating that the facility is in compliance with this requirement.

It was observed on 4/13/2026 a Bumbo seat without the required safety strap, described as hazardous by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission was in the outdoor infant/toddler play space. (CORRECTED ON SITE)

Corrected by Apr 24, 2026

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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.

It was observed on 4/13/2026 in the 2's classroom plastic bags are accessible to children who are still placing objects in their mouths in the bottom of the changing table. (CORRECTED ON SITE)

Corrected by Apr 24, 2026

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3270.123(a)(3) · The services to be provided to the family and the child, including the Department's approved form to provide information to the family about the child's growth and development in the context of the services being provided. The operator shall complete and update the form and provide a copy to the family in accordance with the updates regarding emergency contact information in § 3270.124(f) (relating to emergency contact information).

The records for child #1 -5 contains an ASQ, which is not an approved form to provide information to the family about the child's growth and development in the context of serviced being provided.

Corrected by Apr 24, 2026

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3270.123(a)(6) · An agreement shall specify the date of the child's admission.

The agreement for child #1, #3, #4, and #5 does not specify the date of the child's admission.

Corrected by Apr 24, 2026

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3270.123(b) · A parent shall receive the original agreement. The facility shall retain a copy of the agreement.

The records for child #1-#5 all contained the original agreement. The operator did not provide the parents with the original agreement.

Corrected by Apr 24, 2026

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3270.124(b)(2) · Emergency contact information must include the name, address and telephone number of the child's physician or source of medical care.

Emergency contact information for child #3 does not include the telephone number of the child's physician or source of medical care.

Corrected by Apr 28, 2026

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3270.124(b)(3) · Emergency contact information must include the home and work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent.

Emergency contact information for child #3 does not include the work address and telephone number of the enrolling parent.

Corrected by Apr 28, 2026

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3270.124(b)(7) · Emergency contact information must include the name, address and telephone number of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.

Emergency contact information for child #2, #3 and #5 does not include the address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.

Corrected by Apr 28, 2026

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3270.124(f)/3270.181(c) · The parent shall update in writing emergency contact information once in a 6-month period or as soon as there is a change in the information. A parent is required to review and update 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.

The operator has been requiring the parents to review and update the emergency contact information and the financial agreement annually and not at least once in a 6-month period. This is evidenced by the emergency contact information and financial agreement for child #1 being reviewed on 3/15/2025 and 3/26/2026, child #2 on 3/19/2025 and 3/12/2026, child #3 on 1/9/2025 and 3/9/2026, and child #4 on 3/19/2025 and 3/9/2026.

Corrected by Apr 27, 2026

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3270.135(a)(3) · If disposable diapers are provided by a parent or by a facility, a soiled diaper shall be discarded by immediately placing the diaper into a plastic-lined, hands-free covered can.

It was observed on 4/13/2026 in the infant room a soiled diaper was left on top of the changing table while the staff and children were outside. The staff member did not immediately discard the diaper into a plastic-lined, hands-free covered can. (CORRECTED ON SITE)

Corrected by Apr 24, 2026

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3270.151(a) · A facility person providing direct care who comes into contact with the children or who works with food preparation shall have a health assessment conducted within 12 months prior to providing initial service in a child care setting and every 24 months thereafter. A health assessment is valid for 24 months following the date of signature, if the person does not contract a communicable disease or develop a medical problem.

The record for staff person #3 (DOH see LIS code sheet) contains health assessments dated 10/7/2022 and 3/12/2025, which exceeds 24 months.

Corrected by Apr 27, 2026

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3270.171(b)/3270.171(c) · Safe pedestrian crossways, pick-up and drop-off points and bike routes shall be appropriately determined in the vicinity of the facility and communicated to the children and parents in writing. Written notification of safe routes shall be posted by the operator at a conspicuous location in the child care facility.

Safe pedestrian crossways, pick-up and drop-off points and bike routes have not been appropriately determined in the vicinity of the facility and communicated to the children and parents in writing. Written notification of safe routes has not been posted by the operator at a conspicuous location in the child care facility.

Corrected by Apr 30, 2026

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3270.27(a)(6) · Emergency drills shall be conducted annually. Annual emergency drills shall be documented and on file at the facility.

An emergency drill has not been conducted annually.

Corrected by May 4, 2026

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3270.95(a)/3270.95(b) · Fire detection devices or systems must be in compliance with standards established under section 1016(c) of the act (62 P.S. § 1016(c)). The Director or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall ensure the requirements under subsection (a) are met.

The Director or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter does not have proof of purchase of an interconnected fire detection system that is required to be kept with the facility's fire drill logs in accordance with 62 P.S. § 1016(c)(3).

Corrected by Apr 24, 2026

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3270.171(a) · An operator shall notify local traffic safety authorities annually in writing of the location of the facility and the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the child care facility.

The operator stated they have never notified local traffic safety authorities in writing of the location of the facility and the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the child care facility.

Corrected by Apr 30, 2026

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3270.153 · A facility person with symptoms of a communicable disease or infection that can be transmitted directly or indirectly and which may threaten the health of children in care shall be excluded from attendance until the facility operator receives notification from a physician or CRNP that the person is no longer considered a threat to the health of others. The notification shall be retained in the facility person's file. Exclusion from the facility is required for diseases and conditions specified in 28 Pa. Code Chapter 27 (relating to communicable and noncommunicable diseases).

On 8/5/25, staff person #1 was allowed to work after testing positive for a communicable disease. The facility did not require notification from a physician or CRNP that the individual was no longer considered a threat to the health of other before allowing them to work on 8/5/25.

Corrected by Aug 11, 2025

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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.

Staff #1 and Staff #2 do not have on file an annual evaluation.

Corrected by Apr 28, 2025

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3270.181(c) · A parent is required to review and update 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.

Children #1 and #2 emergency contact information form and agreement were not updated within 6-month period between 2/28/24 and 3/19/25.

Corrected by Apr 29, 2025

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3270.192(5) · A facility person's record shall include two written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person.

Staff #3 did not have on file two written references.

Corrected by May 7, 2025

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3270.95(a)/3270.95(b) · Fire detection devices or systems must be in compliance with standards established under section 1016(c) of the act (62 P.S. §  1016(c)). The Director or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall ensure the requirements under subsection (a) are met.

Between 4/9/24 and 3/20/25 the facility tested the fire implementation system every 60 days. ***CORRECTED UPON CITE***

Corrected by Apr 28, 2025

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3270.72(c) · Screens shall be in good repair.

The screen in the window to the left of the door to the playground, was observed to be ripped out of the bottom portion of the frame.

Corrected by Nov 1, 2024

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3270.76/3270.102(a) · 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. 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 fence to the left side of the younger children's playground, was observed to have a hole near the far corner. The fence than runs along the back of the young children's play ground was observed to have a hole near the base of the fence half way down the length of the fence. The Little Tykes climber was observed to have cracks in the floor of the climber and the floor was weaken which poses a risk of injury to a child. The playground tile located between the gate of the older and younger children's playground was observed to be broken and cracked. The fence located on the older children's playground side was observed to have 2 holes near the picnic table. (Corrected onsite - the broken tile was removed from the playground).

Corrected by Oct 1, 2024

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3270.31(f)/3270.31(g) · Staff persons shall complete professional development within 90 days of hire as listed in subsections (f)1-10. Completion of professional development shall be documented by the signature and title of a representative of the professional development entity and include the date professional development was completed. Documentation shall be retained in the facility person's file or maintained in an electronic system as designated by the Department. Documentation of the completion of the professional development under subsection (f) taken from September 30, 2016, forward satisfies this requirement.

Staff #3 was hired 9/18/23. Staff #3 does not have on file the required CCDBG Health and Safety training.

Corrected by May 2, 2024

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3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). LACKING REQUIRED HIRING DOCUMENTS: Facility Person # 1, #2 may not work in a child care position at the facility. Facility Person #1, #2 may not work in a child care position at the facility.

Staff #1 had a volunteer child abuse clearance on file dated 9/8/20. Staff #2 did not have a copy of the NSOR clearance on file. Staff #1, staff #4 and staff #5 did not have a copy of mandated reporting training on file.

Corrected by Apr 30, 2024

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3270.75(d) · One first-aid kit per child care group must accompany children and facility persons on excursions from the facility. Each first aid kit taken on an excursion must contain a bottle of water in addition to the items specified at §3270.75(c).

One excursion bag was observed outside on the playground. The one excursion bag was used for all 4 classrooms that were outside on the playground. All rooms do not have an excursion bag.

Corrected by Apr 30, 2024

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3270.76/3270.77(a) · 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. Peeled or damaged paint or damaged plaster is not permitted on indoor or outdoor surfaces in the child care facility.

The wall on the left hand side of the entrance to the bathroom from the 1 year's room, was observed to have a section of paint and dry wall peeled away from the wall.

Corrected by May 8, 2024

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3270.102(c) · Outdoor equipment that requires embedded mounting must be mounted over a loose-fill or unitary playground protective surface covering that meets the recommendations of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. The equipment must be anchored firmly and be in good repair.

The anchored climber located on the playground was observed not to have 9 inches on mulch located in the fall areas outside and inside the climber.

Corrected by May 2, 2024

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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.

All 4 classrooms did not emergency contact information form for each child located in that room.

Corrected by Apr 30, 2024

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3270.151(a)/3270.192(3) · A facility person providing direct care who comes into contact with the children or who works with food preparation shall have a health assessment conducted within 12 months prior to providing initial service in a child care setting and every 24 months thereafter. A health assessment is valid for 24 months following the date of signature, if the person does not contract a communicable disease or develop a medical problem. A facility person's record shall include a written report of initial and subsequent health assessments, including the results of initial and subsequent tuberculin skin tests, x-rays or other medical documentation necessary to confirm freedom from communicable tuberculosis.

Staff #3 and staff #4 do not have on file a health assessment or documentation of results of a TB test.

Corrected by Apr 30, 2024

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3270.182(3)/3270.182(5) · A child's record shall contain signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child. Written consent is required prior to admission. 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 information forms on file for child #1 and child #2 did not have a parent's signature for emergency medical care and administration of minor first-aid.

Corrected by May 1, 2024

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3270.95(a)/3270.95(b) · Fire detection devices or systems must be in compliance with standards established under section 1016(c) of the act (62 P.S. §  1016(c)). The Director or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall ensure the requirements under subsection (a) are met.

The facility did not have documentation on file that the fire detection system was tested every 30 calendar days. (CORRECTED UPON CITE)

Corrected by Apr 19, 2024

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3270.35(e) · In a facility in which more than 45 children are enrolled, a group supervisor is required for the first group of 45 enrolled children and for each group or partial group of 45 additional enrolled children.

The director stated that on the highest days of attendance there are 49-50 children present at the facility. On 4/28/23, 49 children were observed in attendance. 1 Facility staff person is the only staff person qualified as a Group Supervisor.

Corrected by Jun 30, 2023

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3270.111(b) · The written plan of daily activities shall be posted in the group space. (CORRECTED UPON CITE)

The written plan for daily activities was not posted in the 2 yrs. old room.

Corrected by Apr 28, 2023

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3270.123(a)(1) · An agreement shall specify the amount of the fee to be charged per day or per week.

Agreement on file for child #3 did not have fee amount and date fee to be paid.

Corrected by May 22, 2023

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3270.124(b)(2) · Emergency contact information must include the name, address and telephone number of the child's physician or source of medical care.

Child #3's emergency contact form on file did not provide name, address and phone number of child's physician.

Corrected by May 22, 2023

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3270.95(a) · Fire detection devices or systems must be in compliance with standards established under section 1016(c) of the act (62 P.S. §  1016(c)).

Documentation on file for the fire implementation system does show the system was tested every 30 days.

Corrected by May 22, 2023

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3270.119 · Infants shall be placed in the sleeping position recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics unless there is a medical reason an infant should not sleep in this position. The medical reason shall be documented in a statement signed by a physician, physician's assistant or CRNP and placed in the child's record at the facility.

On 11/8/22, at approx 10:00 am, an infant was observed sleeping in a swing in the back of the infant room. Staff #1 stated the infant was sleeping in the swing for 5 minutes as staff #2 placed the infant in the swing prior to staff #2 going to the bathroom.

Corrected by Nov 8, 2022

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3270.27(e) · The operator shall provide to the parent of each enrolled child a letter explaining the emergency procedures. The operator shall also provide to the parent of each enrolled child a letter explaining any subsequent update to the plan.

It was observed that the facility emergency letter provided to parents did not include an explanation of procedures for emergency lock-down.

Corrected by May 26, 2022

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3270.31(f) · Staff persons shall complete professional development in the following topics within 90 days of hire: Staff person(s) shall complete professional development in the topics of 3270.31(f)(1 -- 10) within 90 days of hire. Staff person #1, #2, #3, #4, #5-- will have until 5/31/2022 to complete the required training. Until such time as the required training has been completed, staff person #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 must be supervised, when interacting with children, by an (AGS, primary staff person, or family child care home staff person) who has completed the required training related to this citation. If there are no staff available to supervise staff person #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, staff persons unsupervised may not work in a child-care position at the facility.

Staff person #1, #2, #3, #4, #5--- has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Health & Safety Training.

Corrected by May 31, 2022

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3270.66(a) · Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be kept in an area or container that is locked or made inaccessible to children.

It was observed in the two year old classroom that the diaper changing table was unlocked with ten assorted brands of diaper cream accessible to children.

Corrected by May 26, 2022

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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.

It was observed in the two year old classroom that there was a broken cabinet door.

Corrected by Jun 2, 2022

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3270.123(a)(6) · An agreement shall specify the date of the child's admission.

The file for child #1, #2, #3, #4 did not include admission dates.

Corrected by Jul 5, 2022

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3270.95(b) · The Director or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall ensure the requirements under subsection (a) are met.

The facility director did not ensure that testing of the fire system was conducted every 30 days and documented.

Corrected by May 26, 2022

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3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). LACKING REQUIRED HIRING DOCUMENTS: Facility Person # 2, #4, #6 may not work in a child care position at the facility. A facility person's record shall include a copy of requests for the criminal history record and child abuse registry clearance information, a copy of the disclosure statement and a copy of the completed clearance information required under the CPSL. Facility Person #2, #4, #6 may not work in a child care position at the facility.

The file of facility person #2 contains a child abuse history clearance dated 5/18/16, a DHS required FBI clearance dated 5/16/16, and a PA state police criminal clearance dated 5/16/16. The child abuse clearance DHS required FBI clearance and PA state police criminal clearance are more than 60 months old. There are no applications in the file for an updated child abuse clearance, DHS required FBI clearance and PA state police criminal clearance. The file of facility person #4 contains a child abuse history clearance dated 5/20/16, a DHS required FBI clearance dated 5/19/16. The child abuse clearance DHS required FBI clearance are more than 60 months old. There are no applications in the file for an updated child abuse clearance and DHS required FBI clearance. The file of facility person #6 contains a child abuse history clearance dated 9/18/15 and a PA state police criminal clearance dated 9/18/15. The child abuse clearance DHS required and PA state police criminal clearance are more than 60 months old. There are no applications in the file for an updated child abuse clearance, DHS required FBI clearance.

Corrected by Aug 26, 2021

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3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). LACKING REQUIRED HIRING DOCUMENTS: Facility Person #3, #5, #7 may not work in a child care position at the facility. A facility person's record shall include a copy of requests for the criminal history record and child abuse registry clearance information, a copy of the disclosure statement and a copy of the completed clearance information required under the CPSL. Facility Person #3, #5, #7 may not work in a child care position at the facility.

The file of facility person #3 does not contain a DHS required FBI clearance, NSOR verification, and a PA state police criminal clearance. The file for facility person #5 does not contain a DHS required FBI clearance and a PA state police criminal clearance. Th The LE does not have an approved waiver to hire provisionally. The file does not contain copies of request(s) for the clearances/verification, and the disclosure statement required for provisional hiring under the CPSL.

Corrected by Aug 26, 2021

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