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Pulling inspections, violations, and complaints.
Home › PA › Middletown › Small Steps Early Learning Center
100 Brown St, Middletown PA 17057 · License #CER-00252981 · Center · Child Care Center
Not published by the state. Owners can add hours via profile claim.
When they operate
Schedule type not published.
Ages served
Ages not published.
3270.65 · Protective receptacle covers shall be placed in electrical outlets accessible to children 5 years of age or younger.
During the inspection, an outlet cover was observed to be missing from the dramatic play area in the three-year-old room. Corrected on site by placing an outlet cover into the outlet.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 10, 2026
Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.77(a) · Peeled or damaged paint or damaged plaster is not permitted on indoor or outdoor surfaces in the child care facility.
During the inspection, peeling paint was observed in the following areas: - In the corner of the circle time area in the three-year-old room. - Near the bottom of the pillar in the toddler room - Near the trim on the wall with the door to the gross motor space in the toddler room. Damage to the paint and plaster was observed in the toddler room to the right of the entryway door (when entering the room). Damage to the paint and plaster was observed in the preschool gross motor space on the wall opposite the entry gate. All instances of paint and plaster damage were corrected on site by covering the areas with tape.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 13, 2026
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.78 · Rooms, hallways, stairways, outside steps, porches and ramps shall be lighted by artificial or natural light.
The light bulb in the bathroom of the Pre-K room was observed to be burnt out. Corrected on site by replacing the light bulb.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 10, 2026
Disposition: Compliant - Finalized
Disposition: Compliant - Finalized
Disposition: Compliant - Finalized
Disposition: Compliant - Finalized
Disposition: Compliant - Finalized
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
Data synced from Pennsylvania DHS, Office of Child Development and Early Learning on Jul 8, 2026 · Source records · Report an error
Marked corrected in the state record.
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 library seating area in the toddler room was observed to be dirty. Each side of the seating area contained book racks, and the dirt particles and dust were located within these book racks. Corrected on site by cleaning the area.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 10, 2026
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.104(a) · Furniture must be durable, safe, easily cleaned and appropriate for the child's size, age and special needs.
The diaper changing table and pad in the two-year-old room was observed to contain dust and small particles of dirt. Corrected on site by cleaning the pad and the area under the diaper changing pad.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 10, 2026
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
During the inspection, teachers in the three-year-old classroom were observed to miss naming a child who was present during the check of primary care groups.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 10, 2026
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
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).
At the time of inspection, an approved assessment or Child Service Report was not available for child #1.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 10, 2026
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.124(b)(3) · Emergency contact information must include the home and work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent.
The parent's employer, work address, and work phone number was not available on the emergency contact form for child #3 and child #4. Both forms corrected on site.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 10, 2026
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.124(b)(6) · Emergency contact information must include health insurance coverage and policy number for a child under a family policy or Medical Assistance benefits, if applicable.
Health insurance name and policy number were not available on the emergency contact form for child #3 and child #4. Both forms corrected on site.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 10, 2026
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
At the time of inspection, complete and up-to-date emergency contact forms were not available in classrooms for child #3, #4, #5, and #6. This was corrected on site by placing complete emergency contact forms into the classrooms. At the time of inspection, an emergency contact form was not available in the child care space for child #7. Corrected on site by placing a copy of the emergency contact form in the classroom.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 10, 2026
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.131(e)(2)(i)/3270.131(e)(2)(ii) · Exemption from immunization for religious belief or strong personal objection equated to a religious belief shall be documented by a written, signed and dated statement from the child's parent or guardian. The statement shall be kept in the child's record. Exemption from immunization for reasons of medical need must be documented by a written, signed and dated statement from the child's physician, physician's assistant or CRNP. The statement shall be kept in the child's record.
At the time of inspection, child #2 had an incomplete immunization record. It was reported that some of the immunizations were declined to strong personal beliefs and others were missing due to an altered schedule of immunizations. Letters of exemption from the parent and medical provider were not available.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 13, 2026
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.131(a)/3270.131(a)(1) · The operator shall require the parent of an enrolled child, including a child, a foster child and a relative of an operator or a facility person, to provide an initial health report no later than 60 days following the first day of attendance at the facility. The initial health report for an infant must be dated no more than 3 months prior to the first day of attendance at the facility.
The date of the initial health assessment was not available on the health assessment document for child #4. See LIS for child's first date of enrollment.
Corrected Corrected by Feb 13, 2026
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.67(c) · Evidence of infestation of insects or rodents in the facility is not permitted.
After an investigation, it was confirmed that roaches have been observed in the facility.
Corrected Corrected by Jan 9, 2026
Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.183(b) · A facility person may not disclose information concerning a child or family, except in the course of inspections and investigations by agents of the Department.
Documentation showed that personal messages sent by staff #1 contained photos of children who were not related to the recipient.
Corrected Corrected by Dec 12, 2025
Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.111(c) · Daily activities shall promote the development of skills, social competence and self-esteem. Daily experiences shall recognize the child as an individual and give some choice of activities that respect personal privacy, lifestyle and cultural background. VERIFIED 1/30/26 All staff will participate in a positive environments training provided by the ELRC. VERIFIED 1/20/26 The director will participate in Existing Provider training provided by OCDEL. VERIFIED 1/15/26
During a verification visit, teachers from the two-year-old room were observed to repeatedly and solely use the word "no" with the children. During the observation period (approximately 20 minutes), statements of guidance, redirection, or conversation were not used.
Corrected Corrected by Jan 19, 2026
Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
The name, address and telephone number of the child's physician or source of medical care was not available for child #1 and child #2.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 12, 2025
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.124(b)(4)/3270.182(3) · Emergency contact information must include the written consent signed by a parent for emergency medical care. A child's record shall contain signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child. Written consent is required prior to admission.
Written consent signed by a parent for emergency medical care was not available for child #1 and child #2.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 12, 2025
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.124(b)(6) · Emergency contact information must include health insurance coverage and policy number for a child under a family policy or Medical Assistance benefits, if applicable.
Health insurance coverage and policy number for a child under a family policy or Medical Assistance benefits was not available for child #1 and child #2.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 12, 2025
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
Signed parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff was not available for child #1 or child #2.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 12, 2025
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.21/3270.113(a) · Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. 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. Children must be supervised at all times.
It was reported and confirmed that a child climbed the changing table stairs and sat on top of the changing table without teacher knowledge.
Corrected Corrected by Sep 8, 2025
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). A provisional employee may not be permitted to work alone with children and must work within the vicinity of a permanent employee. 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.
Staff #1 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff #1 has not completed the following preservice training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Mandated reporter training.
Corrected Corrected by May 27, 2025
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.36(b)(5)/3270.192(2)(ii) · An assistant group supervisor shall have a high school diploma or a general educational development certificate and 2 years experience with children. A facility person's record shall include verification of child care experience, education and training prior to service at the facility.
Documentation of experience was not available for staff #1.
Corrected Corrected by Jun 12, 2025
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.65 · Protective receptacle covers shall be placed in electrical outlets accessible to children 5 years of age or younger.
Protective outlet covers were not available in the three-year-old classroom outlet plugs. COS
Corrected Corrected by May 27, 2025
Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
In the twos classroom, the diaper changing station cabinet doors were not secured, allowing access to diaper creams and wipes. COS with a child safety lock.
Corrected Corrected by May 27, 2025
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.91(a) · Stairways, hallways, exits from rooms, exits from the facility and other means of egress serving as an exit shall be unobstructed.
At the time of inspection, a shelf was observed to be positioned in front of one of the exit doors of the 4-year-old classroom. An exit door in the gross motor space was observed to be blocked by a partial wall that had recently been installed.
Corrected Corrected by Jun 12, 2025
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.101(c) · Play equipment and materials shall include the items specified at §3270.101(c)(1) - (6).
It was observed that an adequate amount of dramatic play materials was not available in the two-year-old classroom. It was observed that an adequate number of books and literacy materials were not available in the two-year-old classroom.
Corrected Corrected by Jul 7, 2025
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
During the inspection, a small piece of plastic (less than 1 inch in diameter) with sharp edges was found on the floor of the two-year-old classroom. COS
Corrected Corrected by May 27, 2025
Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.104(a) · Furniture must be durable, safe, easily cleaned and appropriate for the child's size, age and special needs.
During the inspection, 2 shelving units and a tall cabinet in the infant room were observed to be unstable when lightly pushed, creating the potential for injury due to crushing.
Corrected Corrected by Jul 7, 2025
Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.111(c)/3270.113(a) · Daily activities shall promote the development of skills, social competence and self-esteem. Daily experiences shall recognize the child as an individual and give some choice of activities that respect personal privacy, lifestyle and cultural background. 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. TIERED LIS: Children must be supervised at all times. The legal entity must arrange for all facility staff to receive a minimum of 4 hours of training regarding child development and classroom management strategies. The legal entity must receive DHS approval of the training content prior to scheduling the training. The legal entity and the staff working in the two-year-old room will participate in technical assistance, provided by the ELRC, for a minimum of 4 visits. Verified correction of this citation will include active participation in technical assistance, as well as intentional and sustained implementation of recommended strategies.
During the inspection, the children in the twos classroom were observed running in circles around the furniture in the room. The children were allowed to continue to run and not redirected by staff to engage in appropriate play. Children collided and pushed each other several times, many of them were crying. One staff was cleaning the table area, one teacher was standing on the other side of the room watching the children run.
Corrected Corrected by Oct 1, 2025
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
During the inspection, staff #2 was unable to list the children in their primary care group when asked by the CR. COS
Corrected Corrected by May 27, 2025
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.124(c)/3270.181(a) · When children are in the facility, emergency contact information shall be present in a child care space for children receiving care in the space. An operator shall establish and maintain an individual record for each child enrolled in the facility.
At the time if inspection, an emergency contact form for child #3 was not available in the classroom. COS At the time of inspection, no enrollment paperwork, including emergency contact forms, was available for child #1 and child #2.
Corrected Corrected by Jun 12, 2025
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.151(c)(1)/3270.192(3) · An adult health assessment must include a physical examination. 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.
At the time of the file review, documentation on the heath assessment that the employee is suitable to provide child care was not available for staff#1. Documentation of a current NSOR clearance was not available for staff #1 at the time of file review. COS
Corrected Corrected by Jun 1, 2025
Category: background checks. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.163(a)(4) · A lunch or dinner prepared at the facility for children of toddler age or older shall include at least one grain.
It was observed that lunch was served without a grain. Only potatoes, sausage, pineapple, and green beans were served. COS by serving rolls.
Corrected Corrected by May 27, 2025
Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.21 · Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children.
It was reported that contact information for the center, owner, or director was not available during an off-site excursion.
Corrected Corrected by Jun 12, 2025
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.63 · If unsafe areas or conditions are in or near an outdoor play space, fencing or natural barriers are required to restrict children from those unsafe areas or conditions.
It was reported that teachers took children on a walk to an off-site field that provided direct access to a steep fall into deep water; the Swatara Creek, near the Susquehanna River.
Corrected Corrected by Jun 12, 2025
Category: physical safety. Marked corrected in the state record.
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.
During an off-site walk to an open field, reports confirm that supervision was not properly maintained.
Corrected Corrected by Jun 12, 2025
Category: supervision. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.113(e) · A facility person may not restrain a child by using bonds, ties or straps to restrict a child's movement or by enclosing the child in a confined space, closet or locked room. The prohibition against restraining a child does not apply to the use of adaptive equipment prescribed for a child with special needs.
It was reported that, while on an off-site excursion, it was necessary to restrain 3 children who were eloping from the designated area. It was also reported that children who passed the designated invisible boundaries at the field, would be restrained with the straps of the walking lead.
Corrected Corrected by Jun 12, 2025
Category: recordkeeping. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.21 · Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children.
Based on the findings of an investigation, a child was placed in a highchair without being properly strapped in with the safety strap, resulting in an injury to the child.
Corrected Corrected by Jun 12, 2025
Category: health medication. Marked corrected in the state record.
3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). 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 # 1 may not work in a child care position at the facility until valid clearances are obtained.
At the time of inspection, it was discovered that staff #1 had an NSOR clearance that was obtained (12/26/24) after the expiration of the previous NSOR, which was dated 11/19/19. This exceeded the 60-month requirement by one month and one week.
Corrected Corrected by Apr 20, 2025
Category: ratio. Marked corrected in the state record.