Small Steps Early Learning Center

3270.62(a)/3270.102(e) · A facility shall provide outdoor or indoor play space to be used for large muscle activity which includes running, jumping, climbing and riding. Pea gravel and other materials with a diameter of less than 1 inch may not be used in spaces where infants or toddlers receive care.

During the time of inspection, there was no indoor gross motor play space, and the outdoor play space is covered in mulch and not appropriate for use by infants or toddlers.

Corrected by Jan 9, 2026

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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.

During the time of inspection, ground fabric used on the playground as a barrier for the mulch was ripped and sticking out of the ground causing a tripping hazard.

Corrected by Jan 9, 2026

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3270.102(b) · Toys soiled by secretion or excretion shall be cleaned with soap and water, rinsed and sanitized before being used by a child.

During the time of inspection, it was observed in the infant classroom that a child put a toy in their mouth, and it was not rinsed and sanitized before being used by another child.

Corrected by Oct 21, 2025

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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.

During the time of inspection, the outdoor playground mulch was measured at 2.5 inches. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission playground safety handbook states that mulch must be 9 inches.

Corrected by Jan 9, 2026

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3270.123(a) · An agreement shall be signed by the operator and the parent.

Child #1 agreement is not signed by the operator. - Corrected on site

Corrected by Oct 20, 2025

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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.

During the time of inspection, the 2 year old / preschool classroom had Desitin and wipes in an unlocked cabinet under the changing table accessible to children.

Corrected by Jul 24, 2025

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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.

1 year old classroom: During the time of inspection, 5 ceiling tiles were showing visible water damage. 2 year old / Preschool: During the time of inspection, 1 ceiling tile in the closet was showing visible water damage. The closet door was open at the time of the inspection. PreK: During the time of inspection, the air vent on the ceiling had visible thick dust and dirt present.

Corrected by Oct 1, 2025

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3270.107 · A facility shall have an operable, clean refrigerator used to store potentially hazardous foods. The refrigerator shall be capable of maintaining food at 45° F or below. An operating thermometer shall be placed in the refrigerator.

During the time of inspection, the refrigerator in the 1 year old classroom had visible dirt, hair, and was sticky inside. The 1 year old classroom refrigerator did not have a thermometer present.

Corrected by Jul 11, 2025

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3270.166(4) · Disposable nursers and bottles shall be labeled with the child's name.

During the time of inspection, the infant classroom had a bottle that was not labeled. - corrected on site

Corrected by Jul 11, 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.

Documentation shows that the fire detection system was not tested every 30 days. 5.20.25 - 6.20.25 (31 days)

Corrected by Jul 24, 2025

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3270.21/3270.76 · Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. 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. Children may not be present in the classroom with mold until it has been verified that mold remediation has been completed, and an air quality test has been provided to the regional child care certification office.

Mold was observed on the ceiling tiles in the older toddler classroom. Several air vents in the older toddler classroom were visibly covered in dust.

Corrected by Apr 11, 2025

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