Begin With Us Child Care And Preschool Bld B - Altoona PA Child Care Center

729 GRANT AVE , ALTOONA PA 16602
(814) 941-0606

About the Provider

Description: Young children learn through everything they do. At Begin With Us, we've taken the best methods for teaching young children, combined them with 18 years of experience and structured programs that prepare your child for elementary school ... and we make learning fun! Local teachers know that Begin With Us children come to kindergarten ready to learn, participate and make new friends!

Program and Licensing Details

  • License Number: CER-00185795
  • Capacity: 131
  • State Rating: 4
  • Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program: No
  • District Office: Early Learning Resource Center for Region 6
  • District Office Phone: (814) 623-9129 (Note: This is not the facility phone number.)

Location Map

Inspection/Report History

Where possible, ChildcareCenter provides inspection reports as a service to families. This information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed. We encourage families to contact the daycare provider directly with any questions or concerns, as the provider may have already addressed some or all issues. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.

Inspection Date Reason Description Status
2020-10-05 Renewal 3270.102(c) - Outdoor equip.- protective surfacing Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 10/26/2020 observed embedded equipment in the outdoor play space with approximately 4 inches of mulch. Observed approximately 4 inches of mulch under the dark yellow and green slide and under the seesaw. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends 9 inches of mulch as protective surface covering.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Mulch had previously been delivered to the center on Friday, October 23, 2020. The custodian was in the process of removing the newly fallen leaves and adding the mulch to the play yard. Moving forward, we will continue to complete site safety checks in order to maintain the required amount of mulch.
2020-10-05 Renewal 3270.106(b) - No bed linens alone Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: At approximately 12:15 PM on 10/26/2020 Certification Staff observed only blankets for rest equipment for a child in the Castle Classroom.

Correction Required: Bed linens may not be used alone as age-appropriate rest equipment.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
A clean, extra sleeping bag was provided for the child. Staff were reminded that bed linens may not be used alone as age-appropriate rest equipment. Moving forward, bed linens will not be used alone as age-appropriate rest equipment. Parents were sent a memo on 11/06/2020 to remind them to return rest equipment on their next school day.
2020-10-05 Renewal 3270.75(b) - Inaccessible to children Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 10/26/2020 observed a bag containing a first-aid kit hanging on the side of the cabinet to the left of the refrigerator in the School House Classroom which was accessible to children.

Correction Required: A first-aid kit must be inaccessible to children.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The first aid kit was moved to the labeled, locked cabinet, where it was to be kept. Staff were reminded that the first-aid kits must be inaccessible to children at all times.
2020-10-05 Renewal 3270.82(i) - Lidded waste receptacles Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The bathroom in the Castle Classroom lacked a clean, lidded waste receptacle.

Correction Required: A toilet area, training chair area, diapering area and sink area shall be equipped with a clean, lidded waste receptacle.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
A clean, lidded waste receptacle was present in the classroom, but had been moved out of the bathroom to use closer to the diapering area. The waste receptacle was moved back into the bathroom and an additional one was put in the diapering area. A clean, lidded waste receptacle will remain in the bathroom at all times.
2020-10-05 Renewal 3270.82(j) - Running water - diapering Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 10/26/2020 observed the diapering area for young toddlers in the Castle Classroom lacked a source of running water for handwashing. The diapering area is located across the room from the bathroom, and staff need to open and close 2 gates to reach the bathroom.

Correction Required: A source of running water for handwashing shall be present in infant and toddler diapering areas. If the running water does not flow directly into a drain that is connected to a sewage system, a receptacle shall be provided to contain the water used for washing. The receptacle shall be emptied into an approved sewage system at least once a day.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The classroom furniture was rearranged so that the diaper changing area is closer to the bathroom sink and the need for gates to get to the bathroom was eliminated. Moving forward, diaper changing areas will remain in close proximity, without barriers to running water for handwashing.
2020-01-24 Complaints- Legal Location 3270.113(a) - Supervised at all times Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On January 17, 2020, at 2:53 PM Child #1, a school-age child, exited the building between two families at pick up time. Child #1 exited the door located in the gym area between the Victorian Room and the Schoolhouse Room. Staff #1 was assigned to Child #1. Staff #1 stated that she was cleaning up, handing out snack, and dealing with a child having a temper tantrum in the gym area. Staff #2 who was working in the Victorian Room which is adjacent to the gym area saw Child #1 leaving the building. Staff #2 left her classroom and exited the building behind the family who followed Child #1 through the door. Child #1 walked between 2 parked vehicles before stopping at the back of them. Child #1 then turned around and walked back towards Staff #2. Child #1 took Staff #2's hand and then entered the building. Staff #1 was unaware that Child #1 had exited the building until Staff #2 returned Child #1 to the gym area and indicated what happened.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Interior gates and exterior fencing were in place in the area, but the parents of two different families failed to follow procedure, and held the gate and the fence open. Signs were hung on all interior gates and exterior fence gates on 01/20/2020 as a reminder to parents that interior gates and exterior fence gates must be kept closed at all times. Parents were reminded by direct message for five (5) consecutive days, 01/27-31/2020, while signing in and out via ProCare, our check-in and check-out computer system. Letters were sent out to all parents on 01/24/2020 as a reminder of our safety policies and procedures. A reminder was also added to the monthly parent newsletter in March 2020. A chime was added to exterior door of the gym area to alert staff when the door is open. A supervision and ratio training was provided to staff online on 12/10/2019 and in person by ELRC 6 on 01/11/2020. Staff member #1 attended the training on 01/11/2020. All staff members are now using child identification cards in order to maintain supervision and ratio at all times. Moving forward, parents will be regularly reminded that interior gates and exterior fence gates must be kept closed at all times. And, staff members will continue to use child identification cards in order to maintain supervision and ratio at all times. We will continue to address staff of our Supervision of Children procedure via our bi-weekly Staff Memorandum.
2019-12-09 Unannounced Monitoring 20.71(b)(5) - Perpetrator in an indicated or founded report of child abuse Needs Verification

Noncompliance Area: Facility persons #1 and #2 have been named as a perpetrator in an indicated report of child abuse.

Correction Required: A facility person who has been named as perpetrator in a founded/an indicated report of child abuse may not be present in the facility.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Begin with Us respectfully disagrees with the violations as related to any staff members named in the CYS Report being present in any of the centers once the Report was received on 12/6/19, as set forth in the Inspection Summary, Inspection Date 12/9/19. Staff #3 and #4 have not been in any of the centers since 9/10/19 and 9/20/19 respectfully. Staff member #2 has not been in the centers since before the report was received as she worked from home on 12/5 and 12/6/19. Staff member #1 was asked to leave the center immediately on Friday, December 6, 2019 after the report was received by the owners. Aware of the ramification of the Indicated Report, Staff #1 and #2 made arrangements and staffing changes over the weekend so the center was staffed appropriately as of first thing Monday morning 12/9/19. Neither Staff member #1 or #2 have been in the center, when children are present since the report was received. Staff members #1 and #2 were not present in the centers during the inspection on Tuesday, December 10, 2019. Also note, the letter from CYS stating that the 4 staff members were under CYS investigation was received on 12/7/19, a day after the final report was received. Due to the fact that none of the 4 staff members were present at the site any time after receiving notice of the indicated report, Begin with Us respectfully inquires how the 12/10/19 inspection resulted in these violations. However, in order to ensure compliance with the directive from OCDEL, Begin with Us respectfully submits this Plan of Correction. Effective immediately, Staff 1 and 2 fully understand that they are not to be on premises when children are in care. A qualified Director is already in place at this site.
2019-10-21 Renewal 3270.102(a) - Clean and good repair Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Observed 4 cracked plastic containers labeled "gems", "numbers", "dominoes", and "pattern blocks" creating rough edges and pinch points in the Victorian Room. Observed loose trim on the 1st cubby by the book area creating pinch points in the Victorian Room. Observed a plastic bin labeled "transportation" with 2 broken corners creating rough edges in the Tree House Classroom. Observed a cracked plastic bin containing plastic tubes and funnels creating pinch points and rough edges in the Tree House Classroom. Observed a cracked plastic bin containing tinker toys creating pinch points and rough edges in the Tree House Classroom. Observed 5 cracked/broken connecting blocks in the Tree House Classroom. Observed 3 broken Crystal Climbers cylinder connecting shapes in the Tree House Classroom. Observed 11 broken Crystal Climbers of various shapes in the Tree House Classroom. Observed 3 cracked Magna Tiles in the Cottage Classroom. Observed a small round table in the science area in the Cottage Classroom with a loose leg. Observed a broken craft stick in the art area creating splintering wood in the Cottage Classroom. Observed 3 cracked Magna Tiles in the Castle Classroom. Observed a wooden train track with splintering wood in the Schoolhouse Classroom.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
All broken bins and toys have been discarded. The trim on the cubby and the table have been fixed. Moving forward, staff members will conduct daily site safety checks in the classrooms and on the play yard. We continue to use the "Daily Site Safety" forms and "Weekly Check-In" forms to document supplies that need to be replaced and/or repaired. Directors will continue to do quarterly site safety checks to reassess safety in all classrooms and on the play yard.
2019-10-21 Renewal 3270.106(a) - Clean, age appropriate Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Observed rest equipment not labeled for the use of a specific child in the Victorian Room.

Correction Required: Individual, clean, age-appropriate rest equipment shall be provided for preschool, toddler and infant children as agreed between the child's parent and the operator. The rest equipment shall be labeled for the use of a specific child and used only by the specified child.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The child's name was on the tag of the sleeping bag when it was sent home to be laundered over the weekend. The tag had been ripped off when the bag was returned on Monday. Moving forward, teachers will check to make sure that all rest equipment is labeled after it is returned weekly from being laundered.
2019-10-21 Renewal 3270.113(a) - Supervised at all times Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: At approximately 1:14 PM Certification Staff observed Staff #2 sitting on the floor working on a computer facing in the opposite direction of 3 children who were sleeping against cubbies in the Schoolhouse Classroom which did not allow Staff #2 to see, hear, direct, or assess the children. Staff #3 who was also present in the Schoolhouse Classroom was unable to see, hear, direct, or assess the 3 children.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The staff members immediately repositioned themselves to be able to see, hear, direct, and assess the children. Moving forward, the teachers will position themselves throughout the classroom to be able to see, hear, direct, and assess the children at all times.
2019-10-21 Renewal 3270.124(b)(3) - Parent home/work address, phone Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The file of Child #1 lacked the work telephone number of the enrolling parent on the emergency contact form. The file of Child #3 lacked the work address of the enrolling parent on the emergency contact form. The file of Child #4 lacked the home telephone number of the enrolling parent on the emergency contact form. The file of Child #5 lacked the work address and work telephone number of the enrolling parent on the emergency contact form.

Correction Required: Emergency contact information must include the home and work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Telephone numbers and addresses have all been completed. Moving forward, we will continue to review all paperwork to ensure completion of all required areas.
2019-10-21 Renewal 3270.124(b)(4)/3270.182(3) - Written consent/Consent for emergency medical care required prior to admission Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The file of Child #2 lacked written consent signed by a parent for emergency medical care on the emergency contact form.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The parent provided written consent for emergency medical care on the emergency contact form. Moving forward, we will continue to review all paperwork to ensure completion of all required areas.
2019-10-21 Renewal 3270.124(b)(6) - Insurance coverage information Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The file of Child #5 lacked the health insurance coverage and policy number for a child under a family policy or Medical Assistance benefits.

Correction Required: Emergency contact information must include health insurance coverage and policy number for a child under a family policy or Medical Assistance benefits, if applicable.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The parent provided the insurance information. Moving forward, we will continue to review all paperwork to ensure completion of all required areas.
2019-10-21 Renewal 3270.131(b)(2) - Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The file of Child #1 lacked an updated health report at least every 12 months for an older toddler or preschool child. The file of Child #1 contained a health report dated 3/8/18.

Correction Required: The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 12 months for an older toddler or preschool child.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Child #1's health report was completed, received, and placed in the child's file. The parent did not return the form in a timely manner. There can be a lag in return time if the parent forgets to take the form to the appointment and then has the pediatrician's office fax it to us. We try to get the physicals back as soon as possible, but the parent and the pediatrician's office don't always cooperate. Health assessment forms are available to the parents before each well-visit. We give the parents health report forms 2-months prior to when the report is due, and they are also always available at the entrance of each building. Moving forward, we will utilize data tracking forms to assist in getting the paperwork back from the parents in a more timely manner. We hired a part-time registered nurse to assist us with health reports and immunizations.
2019-10-21 Renewal 3270.131(e)(1) - Exemption documentation from parent/guardian Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The files of Children #1 and #2 lacked a current influenza immunization in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP. The file of Child #1, a 4 year old, lacked the 2nd Hepatitis A immunization in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Parent of child #1 provided documentation that he will be receiving the flu shot, and that he just hasn't received it yet. The parent of child #2 provided documentation as to why she does not receive the flu shot. The physician of child #1 provided documentation that the 2nd Hepatitis A shot was given in April 2019. Health assessment forms are available to the parents before each well-visit. Moving forward, we will utilize data tracking forms to assist in getting the paperwork back from the parents in a more timely manner.

If you are a provider and you believe any information is incorrect, please contact us. We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.

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Providers in ZIP Code 16602