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A Place To Grow Learning Center
1331 Freeport Rd # A1331b, Pittsburgh PA 15238 · License #CER-00246590 · Child Care Center
Contact
- Phone
- (412) 963-1222
- Website
- www.aplacetogrow.net
- Address
- 1331 Freeport Rd # A1331b, Pittsburgh PA 15238 · 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 245 children
How this facility compares
Violations per inspection, 3-yrInspection history & violations
Source: Pennsylvania DHS, Office of Child Development and Early Learning- Violation
3270.32(a) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). Facility Person #2 may not work in a child care position at the facility.
The file for Staff Person #2 lacked an approved out of state Child Abuse Clearance for a state they have resided in within the last 60 months.
Corrected by Sep 16, 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.
One large clear tote was observed to have a large crack across the bottom, causing a potential pinch point, in Classroom 114.
Corrected by Sep 9, 2025
- 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.
At approximately 9:57am Staff Person's #3, #4 and #5 were observed to be caring for 12 young toddlers. Staff Person #3 reported being assigned responsibility for 3 young toddlers. Staff Person #4 reported being assigned responsibility for 4 young toddlers. Staff Person #5 reported being assigned responsibility for 4 young toddlers. This left 1 young toddler not being assigned to a specific Staff Person.
Corrected by Sep 9, 2025
- Violation
3270.131(b)(2) · The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 12 months for an older toddler or preschool child.
The file for Child #1, an older toddler, lacked a current health report that had been completed within the last 12 months. The most recent health report was dated 8.26.24. The updates to the health reports on file for Child #2, a preschooler, exceeded 12 months between examinations on 7.25.23 and 3.13.25.
Corrected by Sep 12, 2025
- Violation
3270.151(c)(3) · An adult health assessment must include an examination for communicable diseases and the results of that examination.
The most recent health assessment on file for Staff Person #1 lacked information confirming that an examination for communicable diseases had occurred and the results of that examination.
Corrected by Sep 17, 2025
- Violation
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 and #2 may not work in a child care position at the facility.
The file for Staff Person #1 lacked an out of state Child Abuse Clearance for a state they have resided in within the last 60 months. The file for Staff Person #2 lacked an out of state Child Abuse Clearance and Sex Offender Registry completed through the approved agencies for a state they have resided in within the last 60 months.
Corrected by Apr 29, 2025
- Violation
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 Classroom 123, the cabinet under the sink was observed to be unlocked and contained disinfecting wipes, glass cleaner and stainless steel cleaner. The items were all labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children.
Corrected by Apr 29, 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.
One cracked bin with a potential pinch point was observed in Classroom 123.
Corrected by Apr 29, 2025
- Violation
3270.151(c)(5) · An adult health assessment must include the physician's or CRNP's assessment of the person's suitability to provide child care.
The health assessment on file for Staff Person #1 lacked information related to the physician's assessment of their suitability to provide child care.
Corrected by May 14, 2025
- Violation
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.
The file for Staff Person #3 lacked verification that they had requested their required out of state Child Abuse Clearance prior to starting at the facility. The completed out of state Child Abuse clearance was dated 39 days after starting at the facility. The PA State Police, PA Child Abuse and FBI Clearances on file for Staff Person #4 exceeded 60 months between updates. This was evidenced by the State Police Clearances being dated 8.8.19 and 8.28.24, the Child Abuse Clearances being dated 8.16.24 and 9.9.24 and the FBI Clearances being dated 8.10.19 and 8.29.24. The update to the mandated reporter trainings on file for Staff Person #5 exceeded 60 months between updates. This was evidenced by trainings completed on 3.25.19 and 5.14.24.
Corrected by Sep 27, 2024
- Violation
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.
The file for Staff Person #3, who was identified as an assistant group supervisor, lacked verification that they had graduated from high school.
Corrected by Oct 30, 2024
- Violation
3270.131(b)(2) · The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 12 months for an older toddler or preschool child.
The file for Child #1, a preschool age child, lacked an updated health report that had been completed within the last 12 months. The most recent health report on file was dated 7.20.23.
Corrected by Oct 30, 2024
- Violation
3270.151(c)(3) · An adult health assessment must include an examination for communicable diseases and the results of that examination.
The most recent health assessment on file for Staff Person #6 lacked information related to an examination for communicable diseases.
Corrected by Oct 30, 2024
- Violation
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.
The file for Staff Person #2 lacked one written, nonfamily references attesting to their suitability to serve as a facility person. One of the two references on file was written by a relative.
Corrected by Oct 30, 2024
- Violation
3270.31(f)(10) · Staff persons shall complete professional development in pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation within 90 days of hire.
The file for Staff Person #1 lacked completion of their Pediatric First Aid and CPR training within 90 days of starting at the facility. The Pediatric First Aid and CPR training was completed 106 days after starting at the facility.
Corrected by Sep 27, 2024
- Violation
3270.104(a) · Furniture must be durable, safe, easily cleaned and appropriate for the child's size, age and special needs.
The bottom level preschool classrooms (currently labeled as Music, Art and Library classrooms) each contained one black metal cabinet approximately 6 feet tall which was not anchored to the wall. The cabinets were not stabilized and could tip over.
Corrected by Mar 26, 2024
- Violation
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.
Documentation of the testing of the fire detection system was dated 10/23/2023 and the next on 12/21/2023 which exceeded 30 days.
Corrected by Mar 26, 2024
- Violation
3270.31(e)(4)(ii) · Staff persons shall participate, at least annually, in firesafety training conducted by a fire protection professional. Staff persons and volunteers shall receive training in maintenance of smoke detectors, the duties of facility persons during a fire drill and during a fire and the use of the facility's fire extinguishers, not including discharge of the fire suppressant agent.
The last two fire safety trainings in the file for staff person #1 were dated 2/24/22 and 6/2/23.
Corrected by Sep 29, 2023
- Violation
3270.31(f) · Staff person(s) shall complete professional development in the topics of 3270.31(f)(1 -- 10), 3280.31(f) (1-10), or 3290.31(g) (1-10) within 90 days of hire. Staff person #4, #5 and #9 will have until 11/11/23 to complete the required training. Until such time as the required training has been completed, staff person #4, #5 and #9 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 #4, #5 and #9, staff person #4, #5 and #9 may not work in a child-care position at the facility.
Staff person #2, #4, #5 and #9 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet):
Corrected by Nov 11, 2023
- Violation
3270.31(f) · Staff persons shall complete professional development within 90 days of hire as listed in subsections (f)1-10.
The first-aid/CPR training in the file for staff person #2, #3, #4 #6 and #7, hired on (SEE LIS CODE SHEET), was dated more than 90 days after the individual began working with children. The revised health and safety training in the file for staff person #2, hired on (SEE LIS CODE SHEET), was dated 8/18/23.
Corrected by Sep 29, 2023
- Violation
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 #10 may not work in a child care position at the facility.
The only disclosure statement in the file for staff person #10 was from the substitute child care agency.
Corrected by Sep 29, 2023
- 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 a low shelf in room 113, the following objects were accessible to the two year-old children in care at the time and are less than 1 inch in diameter or have removable parts: a container of rubber dinosaurs, a few small plastic dinosaurs, tanagrams and foam paint rollers.
Corrected by Sep 28, 2023
- Violation
3270.131(b)(1) · The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 6 months for an infant or young toddler.
Two of the three last health reports in the file for child #2, a 19 month old, were dated 8/25/22 and 5/18/23.
Corrected by Sep 29, 2023
- Violation
3270.131(b)(2) · The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 12 months for an older toddler or preschool child.
The last two health reports in the file for child #1, a 4 year old, were dated 10/6/21 and 7/14/23.
Corrected by Sep 29, 2023
- Violation
3270.131(d)(5)/3270.131(e)(3) · A health report shall include a review of the child's immunized status according to recommendations of the ACIP. The facility shall implement dismissal policies in accordance with the Department of Health regulation in 28 Pa. Code § 27.77 (relating to immunization requirements for children in child care group settings). "Child #3 must be dismissed from care by close of business and may only return to care when the immunization record is updated or when a parent provides a written, signed exemption letter."
There was no evidence of a flu shot in the file for child #3, a young toddler, and the file did not contain a writtent statement of exemption from a parent.
Corrected by Oct 2, 2023
- Violation
3270.151(b) · A health assessment shall be conducted and a report shall be written and signed by a physician, physician's assistant or CRNP. The signature must include the individual's professional title.
The health assessment in the file for staff person #10, who was from a substitute child care agency, was signed by an individual whose title was listed as "NP."
Corrected by Sep 29, 2023
- Violation
3270.151(c)(3) · An adult health assessment must include an examination for communicable diseases and the results of that examination.
On the health assessment in the file for staff person #8 , the question regarding communicable disease was marked "yes."
Corrected by Sep 29, 2023
- Violation
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.
On the facility's testing log, there were two times where the fire detection system was tested more than 30 days apart: 4/6/23 and 5/26/23 and 6/22/23 and 7/25/23.
Corrected by Sep 29, 2023
- Violation
3270.151(b) · A health assessment shall be conducted and a report shall be written and signed by a physician, physician's assistant or CRNP. The signature must include the individual's professional title.
The most recent health assessment in the file for staff person #9 was signed by an individual who listed "NP" as their title.
Corrected by Oct 17, 2022
- Violation
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
One of the reference letters in the file for staff person #4 was written by a family member.
Corrected by Oct 17, 2022
- Violation
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.
The previous FA/CPR training in the file for staff person #9, hired (see LIS code sheet), expired on 2/28/22 and was not updated until 7/19/22. The previous FA/CPR training in the file for staff person #11, hired (see LIS code sheet), expired on 8/31/20 and was not updated until 10/26/21. The updated training should have been completed by 6/17/21.
Corrected by Oct 17, 2022
- Violation
3270.31(f) · Staff persons shall complete professional development within 90 days of hire as listed in subsections (f)1-10.
The only FA/CPR training in the file for staff person #1, hired (see LIS code sheet), was dated 1/11/22. The only FA/CPR training in the file for staff person #2, hired (see LIS code sheet), was dated 7/19/22. The only health and safety training in the file for staff person #3, hired (see LIS code sheet), was dated 2/6/22. The only acceptable FA/CPR training by a PQAS instuctor in the file for staff person #5, hired (See LIS code sheet), was dated 7/19/22. The training should have been completed by 4/29/22. The health and safety training in the file for staff person #5 was dated 1/20/22. The only FA/CPR training in the file for staff person #6, hired (see LIS code sheet), was dated 10/13/21. The training should have been completed by 6/17/21. The only acceptable FA/CPR training by a PQAS instuctor in the file for staff person #8, hired (see LIS code sheet), was dated 7/19/22. The training should have been completed by 4/29/22. The following staff files included the 6 hour training "Health and Safety Basics: Requirements for Certification" dated before 9/30/2016, making it unacceptable, and a 10-hour training dated after 4/29/22: #1, #7 and #12 through #19.
Corrected by Oct 17, 2022
- Violation
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. LACKING REQUIRED HIRING DOCUMENTS: Facility Person #5 may not work in a child care position at the facility. PROVISIONAL HIRE UNSUPERVISED: A provisional employee may not be permitted to work alone with children and must work within the vicinity of a permanent employee.
The child abuse clearance in the file for staff person #5, hired provisionally on (see LIS code sheet), was for volunteer purposes, and the individual was observed alone in a classroom with children on 9/29/22. The FBI clearance and proof of request of the clearance in the file for staff person #5 were both dated 10/11/21. The last two state police, child abuse and FBI clearances in the file for staff person #7 and #8 were dated more than 60 months apart. The last two FBI clearances in the file for staff person #11 were dated more than 60 months apart.
Corrected by Oct 17, 2022
- Violation
3270.32(a) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services).
The last two mandated reporter training in the file for staff person #1 were dated 5/22/17 and 8/8/22. The last two mandated reporter training in the file for staff person #6 were dated 1/12/17 and 7/21/22. The last two mandated reporter training in the file for staff person #8 were dated 4/13/16 and 8/30/21.The last two mandated reporter training in the file for staff person #11 were dated 6/13/17 and 9/28/22.
Corrected by Oct 17, 2022
- Violation
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 room Preschool A, there was a bag of Vigoro all-purpose potting soil mix inside the sensory table, making it accessible to children in care at the time. The directions included instructions to keep out of the reach of children.
Corrected by Oct 14, 2022
- Violation
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 most recent emergency contact information in the file for child #1 did not include a street name or number for the child's physician.
Corrected by Oct 17, 2022
- 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.
There was no evidence of a flu shot in the file for child #2, an 8 month-old.
Corrected by Oct 17, 2022
- Violation
3270.133(5) · Medication shall be stored in accordance with the manufacturer's or health professional's instructions on the original label.
There was an expired bottle of Benadryl in the PreK room for child #1.
Corrected by Oct 14, 2022
- Violation
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 proof of purchase of their fire detection system.
Corrected by Oct 17, 2022
- Violation
3270.31(e) · A staff person shall obtain an annual minimum of 12 clock hours of child care training.
The file for staff person #6, hired (see LIS code sheet), did not include 12 hours of child care training between 12/19/20 and 12/19/21.
Corrected by Oct 17, 2022
- Violation
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.
The letter the facility provides to the parents of each enrolled child explaining the emergency plan does not include the program's plan for a lock-down situation.
Corrected by Sep 15, 2021
- Violation
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.
The most recent pediatric first aid/CPR training on file for Facility Persons #3 and #4 was expired.
Corrected by Oct 26, 2021
- Violation
3270.31(f)/3270.31(f)(10) · Staff persons shall complete professional development in the following topics within 90 days of hire:Pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
There was no documentation of completion of pediatric first aid/CPR on file for Facility Persons #2, #8, #9, #10, and #11, all employed at the facility for more than 90 days.
Corrected by Oct 26, 2021
- Violation
3270.32(a)/3270.192(2)(iii) · The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). . A facility person's record shall include verification of child care experience, education and training following the outset of service at the facility.
Current mandated reporter training completed by and documented on file for Facility Persons #5 and #7 were each completed more than 60 months after the respective prior mandated reporter training. The mandated reporter training completed and documented on file for Facility Persons #1 and #11 were completed more than 90 days after their start date.
Corrected by Sep 15, 2021
- Violation
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.
The FBI clearance on file at hire for Facility Person #1 was not acceptable for a child care position, as it was processed through the Department of Education. An acceptable clearance, processed through the Department of Human Services, was also on file for Facility Person #1, dated after her start date. The clearance was dated more than 45 days after her start, and there was no proof of application for an FBI clearance on file at hire for Facility Person #1. The current child abuse clearance on file for Facility Person #4 was completed more than 60 months after the prior child abuse clearance on file. The current criminal history and child abuse clearances on file for Facility Person #6 were each completed more than 60 months after the prior respective clearance on file.
Corrected by Sep 15, 2021
- Violation
3270.35(b)(1) · A group supervisor shall have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education or the human services field.
Facility Person #13 was classified as a group supervisor. Documentation of education on file for Facility Person #13 did not indicate they had completed their degree.
Corrected by Sep 15, 2021
- Violation
3270.52 · When children are grouped in mixed age levels, the age of the youngest child in the group determines the staff:child ratio and maximum group size in accordance with the requirements in § 3270.51 (relating to similar age level).
On 9/14/21 at approximately 11:45 AM, Facility Persons #1 and #2 were supervising a total of 12 older toddlers in the Preschool C room. When asked to identify which children they were each supervising, Facility Person #1 claimed responsibility for the supervision of 7 of the older toddlers. Then Facility Person #2 claimed responsibility for the supervision of 5 of the older toddlers.
Corrected by Sep 15, 2021
Questions to ask on your tour
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
- 1The Sep 9, 2025 inspection noted: “The file for Staff Person #2 lacked an approved out of state Child Abuse Clearance for a state they have resided in within the last 60 months.” — what has changed since then?
- 2The Apr 29, 2025 inspection noted: “The file for Staff Person #1 lacked an out of state Child Abuse Clearance for a state they have resided in within the last 60 months. The file for Staff Person…” — what has changed since then?
- 3The Sep 25, 2024 inspection noted: “The file for Staff Person #3 lacked verification that they had requested their required out of state Child Abuse Clearance prior to starting at the facility. Th…” — what has changed since then?
Data synced from Pennsylvania DHS, Office of Child Development and Early Learning · Source records · Report an error