Stepping Stones Daycare And Ps Inc - Altoona PA Child Care Center

201 E WALTON AVE , ALTOONA PA 16602
(814) 946-0180

About the Provider

Description: STEPPING STONES DAYCARE AND PS INC is a Child Care Center in ALTOONA PA, with a maximum capacity of 37 children. The provider also participates in a subsidized child care program.

Program and Licensing Details

  • License Number: CER-00179583
  • Capacity: 37
  • State Rating: 1
  • Enrolled in Subsidized Child Care Program: Yes
  • Schools Served: Altoona Area - Serviced by school bus
  • 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
2020-06-23 Renewal 3270.102(a) - Clean and good repair Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 7/21/20 observed rust on the handle bar of the pink big wheel in the Preschool/School-Age Outdoor Play Space. On 7/21/20 observed rust on the handle bar and pedals of the blue riding toy in the Preschool/School-Age Outdoor Play Space. On 7/21/20 observed rust on the handle bar and rear axle of the silver tricycle with red wheels in the Preschool/School-Age Outdoor Play Space.

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.)
These bikes were thrown away. Moving forward, I will keep a better eye on toys that are rusty.
2020-06-23 Renewal 3270.124(c) - Each child care space Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: Emergency contact information for Child #6 was not present when Child #6 was in the Preschool/School-Age Classroom on 7/21/20.

Correction Required: When children are in the facility, emergency contact information shall be present in a child care space for children receiving care in the space.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Emergency contact information for Child #6 is now in the Preschool/School-Age Classroom. Moving forward, I will double check and use a better system of updating emergency forms in the rooms.
2020-06-23 Renewal 3270.124(f)/3270.181(c) - Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The files of Children #4 and #5 lacked a reviewed and updated emergency contact form and financial agreement which should have been reviewed at least once in a 6-month period. Child #4 had an emergency contact form and financial agreement reviewed on 5/26/20 with a previous review on 1/7/19. Child #5 had an emergency contact form and financial agreement reviewed on 5/26/20 with a previous review on 4/26/19.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Child #4 and #5 have currently reviewed emergency contact forms and agreements. Moving forward, I will make sure forms are reviewed and updated every 6 months.
2020-06-23 Renewal 3270.131(a) - Within 60 days Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The file of Child #2 lacked an initial health report no later than 60 days following the first day of attendance at the facility. The file of Child #2 contained a health report dated 6/11/20 which indicated a well examination conducted on 12/2/19. Child #2 had a start date of 9/3/19.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Child #2 has a current physical in the file. Moving forward, I will watch dates better for physicals due in a timely fashion.
2020-06-23 Renewal 3270.131(e)(1) - Exemption documentation from parent/guardian Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The files of Children #1, #2, #3, and #4 lacked a current influenza immunization in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP. The file of Child #2, a 2 year old, lacked Hepatitis A immunizations in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP. The file of Child #2 contained documentation of one Hepatitis A immunization. The file of Child #3, a 4 year old, lacked Pneumococcal immunizations in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP. The file of Child #3 contained documentation of 3 Pneumococcal immunizations.

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.)
Child #1, #2, and #3 have letters of exemption for the flu shots in their files. Child #4 has documentation of the flu shot in the file. Child #2 has documentation of the 2nd Hepatitis A shot in the file. Child #3 has documentation from the doctor regarding pneumococcal shot. Moving forward, I will do better keeping track of immunizations.
2020-06-23 Renewal 3270.151(a)/3270.192(3) - 12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The file of Staff #2 lacked a health assessment conducted every 24 months. The file of Staff #2 contained a current health assessment dated 5/11/20 with a previous one dated 6/29/16.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Staff #2 has a current health assessment. Moving forward, I will do better with files and paperwork due dates.
2020-06-23 Renewal 3270.21 - General Health and Safety Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 7/21/20 observed an electrical cord to a baby swing which was not secured creating a potential strangulation hazard in the Infant Room.

Correction Required: Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
I removed extension cord that day and then I had an electrical outlet put in up high so swing can be put right into outlet and out of reach of babies and toddlers.
2020-06-23 Renewal 3270.32(a)/3270.192(4) - Comply with CPSL/CPSL information Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The files of Staff #1 and #3 lacked the National Sex Offender Registry Certificate prior to or on the first day of caring for children. Staff #1 had a start date of of 12/9/19 with a NSOR dated 12/10/19. Staff #3 had a start date of 1/6/20 with a NSOR dated 5/29/20. The file of Staff #2 lacked a State Police Clearance, Child Abuse Clearance, and FBI Clearance updated every 60 months. The file of Staff #2 contained a State Police Clearance dated 5/9/20 with a previous one dated 5/1/14, a Child Abuse Clearance dated 5/9/20 with a previous one dated 5/6/14, and a FBI Clearance dated 5/27/20 with a previous one dated 4/25/14. The file of Staff #6 lacked a signed disclosure statement at initial employment. Staff #6 had a start date of 6/5/20 with a disclosure statement dated 4/28/17.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Staff #1 and #3 have a NSOR in their files. Staff #2 has current clearances. Staff #6 has a current disclosure statement in the file. Moving forward, I will make sure all necessary paperwork is complete before the 1st day of employment. I will also make sure clearances are updated every 60 months.
2020-06-23 Renewal 3270.34(a)(6) - Staff evaluations Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The files of Staff #2, #3, and #4 lacked a written evaluation on a regular basis, a minimum of one evaluation every 12 months completed by the director.

Correction Required: A director is responsible for written evaluation of staff persons on a regular basis, a minimum of one evaluation every 12 months.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
I was not aware being the owner and operator of business I wasn't allowed to do evaluations. The director reviewed the current evaluations and signed them. Moving forward the director will complete the evaluations. As the owner, I will give input.
2020-06-23 Renewal 3270.34(b)(1)/3270.192(2)(ii) - Bachelor's + 1 yr/Exp, educ., training prior to facility Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The file of Staff #1, who was designated as the Director, lacked documentation of 1 year of experience with children.

Correction Required: A director shall have attained 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 and 1 year of experience with children. A facility person's record shall include verification of child care experience, education and training prior to service at the facility.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Documentation of experience was added to the file. Moving forward I will make sure all documentation of experience is completed.
2020-06-23 Renewal 3270.36(b)(5)/3270.192(2)(ii) - HS/GED + 2 yrs/Exp, educ., training prior to facility Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: The files of Staff #3, #5, and #7 who were designated as assistant group supervisors, lacked documentation of 2 years experience with children.

Correction Required: 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.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Documentation of experience was added to the files of Staff #3, #5, and #7. Moving forward, I will make sure all new employees has completed paperwork in their files before start date.
2020-06-23 Renewal 3270.65 - Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 7/21/20 observed an electrical power strip which lacked protective receptacle covers behind the changing table in the Infant Room.

Correction Required: Protective receptacle covers shall be placed in electrical outlets accessible to children 5 years of age or younger.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
The outlet covers were placed in the electrical outlet during the inspection. I have stressed to the girls they must be present at all times. Moving forward, I will make sure they are covered.
2020-06-23 Renewal 3270.66(a) - Locked or inaccessible Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 7/21/20 observed Dawn Dish Detergent and Gorilla Glue which indicated "keep out of the reach of children" on the the counter top which were accessible to children in the Preschool/School-Age Classroom. On 7/21/20 observed a Febreeze Plug-In which indicated "keep out of the reach of children" on the book case outside of the Preschool/School-Age Classroom which was accessible to children.

Correction Required: Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be kept in an area or container that is locked or made inaccessible to children.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Dawn Dish Detergent was placed in the cupboard out of the reach of children. Gorilla glue was placed in the office. Febreeze Plug-In was removed. Moving forward, I will make sure these items are out of reach of children.
2020-06-23 Renewal 3270.66(b) - Original container Compliant - Finalized

Noncompliance Area: On 7/21/20 observed two bottles of Scrubbing Bubbles and Lysol Power Foam Bathroom Cleaner beside cheese balls on the shelf in the closet connected to the bathroom.

Correction Required: Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be stored in an original labeled container or in a container that specifies the content. Toxics shall be stored away from food, food preparation areas and child care spaces.

Provider Response: (Contact the State Licensing Office for more information.)
Cheese balls were removed from the shelf and placed with other food. Moving forward, I will make sure the unopened containers are not placed on the same shelf.
2019-05-14 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 Preschool 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.)
Rest equipment was labeled. Will make sure all rest equipment shall be labeled and only used for the child that the name appears on rest equipment.

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Providers in ZIP Code 16602