A Way to Grow Learning and Development Center
115 Howard St, Jersey Shore, PA 17740 · Lycoming County
2 complaint investigations found violations
Keystone STAR 4
A Way to Grow Learning and Development Center is a certified child care center in Jersey Shore, PA, with capacity for 65 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 8 times and confirmed violations in 2 complaint investigations. The state cited 36 violations, 11 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep). None of them came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #5 of 5 centers in Jersey Shore and has more citations per inspection than 58% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
More citations than 58% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. About typical
#5 of 5 centers in Jersey Shore
11
Core-safety citations
25
Other citations
8
Inspections
2
Complaint investigations that found violations
36 citations from 11 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · none in the last 12 months · last inspected Apr 24, 2026
Every state visit
Violation found
No violation
Top row: inspections · bottom row: complaint investigations, self-reported incidents and other visits
What inspectors cited most
Records & paperwork
6
Health & medication
6
Supervision
6
Building & playground safety
5
Training & qualifications
5
Emergency preparedness
3
Caregiver conduct
3
Background checks
2
Citations, newest first
Citation
Jul 14, 2025
Self-reported violation
Records & paperwork
Locked cabinet/No information disclosed 55 Pa. Code §3270.183(a)/3270.183(b)
On 07/02/2025 a wagon containing the bag that held their children's emergency contact forms was stolen moments after arriving back at the center after an excursion and during the transition getting the children inside. The police were called, and parents were notified. Thus far the perpetrator has not been identified nor the property recovered.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 14, 2025): “When leaving the facility the backpack containing the children's emergency contact forms will remain with a staff member at all times. We spoke with all staff members about this situation and trained them on the importance of these confidential forms and keeping them safe.”
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
Record for Staff #1 contained an expired State Police Clearance, last dated 01/25/2019 (submitted after inspection, dated 04/03/2025 - corrected). Record for Staff #2 did not contain a child abuse clearance from time of hire 09/09/2024 (submitted after inspection, dated 04/08/2025), nor completed mandated reporter training until 03/26/2025 (both corrected). Record for Staff #3 did not contain evidence of an FBI clearance result.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 15, 2025): “Provider began process to obtain missing clearances for staff.”
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
During the renewal inspection, Staff #3 was past the provisional hire period and did not have an NSOR Certificate on file. The FBI Clearance for Staff # 1 and Staff # 2 were received after the provisional hire period had ended.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 17, 2024): “Staff person #3 is not working as we are awaiting is NSORV Clearance. We had to resend for it on 4/26/2024.”
Citation
Apr 24, 2024
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)
During the renewal inspection, Staff #1 and Staff #5 had not completed their emergency plan training at the time of initial employment.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 1, 2024): “Staff person #1 has completed her Emergency Plan Training on 3/25/2024 and staff person #5 completed her Emergency Plan Training on 1/19/2024, although their were done after their initial date of hire.”
Citation
Apr 24, 2024
Inspection
Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)/3270.192(3)
During the renewal inspection, the health assessment and tuberculin skin test for Staff #4 were not conducted within 12 months of the re-hire date.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 20, 2024): “Staff person #4 will immediately receive a new TB test and health assessment.”
Citation
Apr 24, 2024
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Every 60 days 55 Pa. Code §3270.94(a)(1)
During the renewal inspection, the most recent fire drills had not been conducted at least once every 60 days.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 1, 2024): “Our next fire drill will be conducted within 60 days of our previous fire drill.”
Citation
Apr 24, 2024
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)
During the renewal inspection, testing of the interconnected fire detection system had not been conducted every 30 days.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 1, 2024): “The director will test the fire detection device/system is tested every 30 days.”
Citation
Apr 24, 2024
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
During the renewal inspection, Staff #1 had not completed the Health and Safety Training and Update within 90 days of their hire date.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 17, 2024): “Staff person #1 will complete her Health & Safety Training.”
Citation
Apr 24, 2024
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)
During the renewal inspection, Staff #1 and Staff #5 had not completed the pediatric first aid and CPR within 90 days of their date of hire.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 1, 2024): “Staff persons #1 and #5 completed their pediatric first aid and CPR training on 1/13/2024, although it was not within 90 days of their initial hire date.”
Citation
Apr 24, 2024
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
During the renewal inspection, Staff #1 had not completed the mandated reporter training within 90 days of their date of hire.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 1, 2024): “Staff member #1 has completed her mandated reporter training (on 4/21/2024), although it was beyond the 90 days of her initial hire date.”
Show 26 older citations
Citation
Apr 24, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
During the renewal inspection, the file for Staff #2 did not contain any written, nonfamily references.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 17, 2024): “Staff person #2 did not have 2 written, nonfamily references in her file.”
Supervised at all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)
At approximately 10:30 AM on 7/12/23, 3 school age girls were observed to be unsupervised while using the bathrooms a short distance from the main group of children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 26, 2023): “Children on the premises and on outings will be supervised by a staff member at all times. When in the building, the list of each staff members specific children are listed on the board in their room. While on outings, a staff member will have a list on their person of the children in their direct…”
Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)(1)
Staff #1, #2, and #3 knew the number of children assigned to them, however staff could not name the specific children assigned to them for supervision.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 26, 2023): “Children on the premises and on outings will be supervised by a staff member at all times. When in the building, the list of each staff members specific children are listed on the board in their room. While on outings, a staff member will have a list on their person of the children in their direct…”
Citation
Jul 12, 2023
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Has all items 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(c)
The first aid kit did not include scissors and tweezers.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 26, 2023): “First aid kit will be checked by a staff member weekly to ensure all required components are there.”
Citation
Jul 12, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Excursions 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(d)
The operator did not have written emergency contact information with them for the children present on the field trip.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 26, 2023): “All Emergency contact papers will be in a binder in a backpack. A staff member will be assigned to be responsible for the backpack on each outing.”
Citation
Apr 27, 2023
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
Observed the register cover to be in disrepair and pulling loose from the floor in the 2-3 year old room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2023): “The register cover was replaced with a new one.”
Citation
Apr 27, 2023
Inspection
Health & medication
Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(b)(2)
Children's files were reviewed, child #3 did not have an updated health assessment on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2023): “Child was not permitted to return to the center until the form was updated.”
Citation
Apr 27, 2023
Inspection
Health & medication
Immunization record 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(d)(5)
Children's files were reviewed, child #2 did not have record Hep B shot series on file and did not have a parental statement of exemption on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2023): “Parent was contacted and they provided a letter indicating the child was on a delayed vaccine schedule.”
Citation
Apr 27, 2023
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(f)
Facility emergency plan was not sent to the county emergency agency.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2023): “An emergency plan was sent to the county emergency agency immediately after the inspection.”
Citation
Apr 27, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
Staff files were reviewed, Staff #1 through #12 did not obtain the required Health and Safety professional development training update required by OCDEL within the prescribed time-frame.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2023): “All staff members have taken the required health and safety update, except for staff #2 and #10 who already had it. Documentation is submitted”
Citation
Apr 27, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Written consent 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(4)
Children's files were reviewed, child #1 did not a parental signature for emergency medical care.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2023): “Parent was contacted and came in to sign the empty spaces.”
Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)(1)
Staff members #2 and #2 did not know the names and whereabouts of the children in their care. The staff have 14 children assigned to them, there were 15 children in the group.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 18, 2022): “Each staff will know the names, faces, and where abouts of the children in their care at all times. Staff member #2 was required to take a training on proper supervision.”
Citation
Apr 26, 2022
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
Observed the refrigerators in the kitchen area to be dirty, with spilled liquid and dried food items throughout the refrigerator.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 16, 2022): “Cook immediately cleaned all refrigerators out and sanitized all surfaces.”
Citation
Apr 26, 2022
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)
Staff persons shall complete professional development in the following topics within 90 days of the date of hire.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 16, 2022): “Staff person will complete the required training.”
Citation
Apr 26, 2022
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Transcript, diploma and letters 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(2)(iv)
Staff files were reviewed, staff person #5 did not have education verification on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 16, 2022): “Staff person #5 was required to present her highest level of education verification.”
Citation
Apr 26, 2022
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
Staff files were reviewed staff #4 and #5 did not have 2 non-family written references on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 16, 2022): “Each persons file shall include 2 written non-family references. Staff #4 and #5 presented 2 written references.”
No ridicule or threaten harm 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(c)
Staff person #1 used excessive and repetitive time-out with a 2 year old child for purposes of discipline.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 12, 2022): “Children under the age of 2 will not be put in "time out" as a form of punishment. Appropriate non-physical discipline will be used with all children All teachers were made aware of the new policy and signed a written acknowledgment.”
No harsh language 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(d)
Staff #1 used harsh and demeaning language with a 2 year old for purposes of discipline.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 12, 2022): “Staff will not use and demeaning language withe children. Children will be redirected away from the negative behavior and repetition is used to remind them of kind and nice hands.”
Restraints prohibited 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(e)
Staff #1 placed a 2 year old in a chair with a strap for purposes of discipline.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 12, 2022): “Staff will not use restraints for any purpose of discipline. Chairs with restraints have been removed from the room.”
Citation
Mar 15, 2022
Inspection
Health & medication
2 feet apart 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(f)
Observed the cots in the upstairs preschool room not the have 2 foot of space on 3 sides during nap time.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 12, 2022): “Teachers were reminded that 2 feet of space is required on 3 sides of the sleeping cots and were made aware that if not in compliance at all times, they will be written up. All teachers signed an acknowledgment stating they understood.”
Citation
Jan 13, 2022
Inspection
Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
Observed the paint on the register cover in the boys bathroom to be rusted.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 31, 2022): “Register cover was removed, cleaned and repainted.”
Citation
Jan 13, 2022
Inspection
Health & medication
Immunization record 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(d)(5)
Children's files were reviewed, Child #1 did not have a complete review of immunizations on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 31, 2022): “Child will not attend until proof of vaccines and well child check is approved.”
Citation
Jan 13, 2022
Inspection
Health & medication
Child's hands washed 55 Pa. Code §3270.134(a)
Staff person #1 did not wash young toddlers hands following diapering.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 31, 2022): “Staff will wash children's hands following diapering. All staff are given additional training on how often and how to wash their hands as well as the children in their care.”
Supervised at all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)
On 09/02/21 A child was released by staff person #1, to a person not known by the staff, child left staff supervision.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 28, 2021): “Children in our care will be supervised by a staff person at all times.”
Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)(1)
On 09/02/21 A child was released by staff person #1, to a person not known by the staff, child left staff supervision and the facility for a short period of time.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 29, 2021): “Each teacher will have a board in their room with all the children's names on it. At the start of their shift they will be told who is assigned to their care. Staff will know the names, faces and whereabouts of all children in their care.”
Released only to parent or designee 55 Pa. Code §3270.117(a)
A young toddler was released by staff person #1 to an individual not designated in writing by the enrolling parent.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 29, 2021): “All children will be released to enrolling parents unless written permission is given for another individual. All non-parents will be carded”
“Core safety” marks citations about supervision and staff ratios, discipline and caregiver conduct, background checks, child protection and safe sleep, the topics our score weights most. Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity. “Follow-up” marks a violation re-cited at a follow-up visit, counted once. How scores work.
Complaint investigations and reported incidents
Violation found
Jul 14, 2025
Self-reported violation
1 violation cited, listed under Citations.
Violation found
Mar 15, 2022
Complaint investigation
3 violations cited, listed under Citations.
Violation found
Sep 3, 2021
Complaint investigation
3 violations cited, listed under Citations.
Pennsylvania’s search lists complaint investigations in which the state found at least one violation (“verified complaints”). It does not say what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it. Incident investigations look into something that happened at the center; self-reported violations are ones the center reported to the state itself.
About this center
Capacity
65 children
Certificate status
Regular
Certificate valid through
Jul 31, 2027
Operator
A Way To Grow Learning And Development Center
Phone
—
State certificate #
CER-00255054
Common questions
Has A Way to Grow Learning and Development Center had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 11 violations since 2021 on the topics Daycare Record treats as core safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep). The most recent, on Apr 2, 2025 (background checks): “Record for Staff #1 contained an expired State Police Clearance, last dated 01/25/2019 (submitted after inspection, dated 04/03/2025 - corrected). Record for Staff #2 did not contain a child abuse clearance from time of…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about A Way to Grow Learning and Development Center?
Pennsylvania lists 2 complaint investigations since 2021 in which it found at least one violation; the violations are listed above. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is A Way to Grow Learning and Development Center’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Sep 19, 2025. Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania’s quality rating program for child care, from STAR 1 to STAR 4. It measures program quality, not inspection results, so read both.
How does A Way to Grow Learning and Development Center compare with other daycares in Jersey Shore?
It is #5 of 5 centers in Jersey Shore by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 58% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was A Way to Grow Learning and Development Center last inspected?
Apr 24, 2026 (renewal). No violations were cited during that visit.
Who runs A Way to Grow Learning and Development Center?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is A Way To Grow Learning And Development Center.
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Citations are quoted from Pennsylvania Department of Human Services inspection records (Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Certification Services), including each finding and the center’s plan of correction. Rule numbers refer mostly to 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3270, the rules for child care centers; a few cite Chapter 20, which covers every certified facility. Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; the “core safety” label and the score are Daycare Record’s.
To check the state’s own record, search the center’s name on COMPASS Child Care Provider Search and open its inspection history. Data refreshed Oct 16, 2026.
Comparing centers? See how to choose a daycare: 30 questions to ask and a printable checklist.
Concerned about this center? See how to report a daycare: which state line to call, what to write down and what happens next.