Animal Crackers Playhouse LLC
Animal Crackers Playhouse LLC is a certified child care center in Pittsburgh, PA, with capacity for 38 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 3 times. The state cited 34 violations, 1 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (15 of 34). All 34 came in the last 12 months, including 1 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #160 of 251 centers in Pittsburgh and has more citations per inspection than 89% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
2ND CITATION: The child file for Child #1 through Child #5 contained a financial agreement form that lacked the operator's signature. PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 5/12/26
2ND CITATION: The child file for Child #1 through Child #5 contained a financial agreement form that lacked the date on which the fee is to be paid. PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 5/12/26
2ND CITATION: The child file for Child #1 through Child #5 contained a financial agreement form that lacked mention of services to be provided. PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 5/12/26
2ND CITATION: The child file for Child #1 through Child #5 contained a financial agreement form that lacked the child's arrival and departure times. PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 5/12/26
2ND CITATION: The child file for Child #1 through Child #5 contained a financial agreement form that lacked the persons designated by a parent to whom the child may be released. PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 5/12/26
2ND CITATION: The child file for Child #1 through Child #5 contained a financial agreement form that lacked the date of the child's admission. PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 5/12/26
2ND CITATION: The child file for Child #1 contained an emergency contact information form that was observed to lack the address of the child's physician. PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 5/12/26
2ND CITATION: The child file for Child #2 and Child #5 contained an emergency contact information form that was observed to lack the information on the child's special needs, as specified by the child's parent or physician. PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 5/12/26
2ND CITATIAON: The child file for Child #1 contained an emergency contact information form that was observed to lack the address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released. PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 5/12/26
2ND CITATION: The child file for Child #2, Child #3, Child #4, and Child #5 contained an emergency contact information form that was observed to lack signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child. signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child. PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 5/12/26
2ND CITATION: The child file for Child #2, Child #3, Child #4, and Child #5 contained an emergency contact information form that was observed to lack signed parental consent for emergency medical care for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff. PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 5/12/26.
In the lunchroom, two pairs of adult scissors were observed stored inside an unlocked drawer located to the right of the dishwasher and considered accessible to the children who were in the room eating a snack.
The first-aid kits in the Preschool Room, Library Center, Learning Center, Art Room, and Toddler Room were observed to lack soap.
The child file for Child #2 was observed to contain a health report on file that was not signed by a physician, physician's assistant, or a CRNP.
Upon review of the facility's 30-day fire testing documentation, the following tests were observed to have been conducted more than 30 days apart: 2/10/26 - 4/9/26 (58 Days).
The child file for Child #2 was observed to contain a health report on file that lacked a date. Therefore, it cannot be determined if the health report was provided in accordance with the regulatory requirements.
The Library Center, Learning Center, Art Room, and Toddler Room were observed to lack a daily schedule posted in the room.
The child file for Child #1 through Child #5 contained a financial agreement form that lacked the operator's signature.
The child file for Child #1 through Child #5 contained a financial agreement form that lacked the date on which the fee is to be paid.
The child file for Child #1 through Child #5 contained a financial agreement form that lacked mention of services to be provided.
The child file for Child #1 through Child #5 contained a financial agreement form that lacked the child's arrival and departure times.
The child file for Child #1 through Child #5 contained a financial agreement form that lacked the persons designated by a parent to whom the child may be released.
The child file for Child #1 through Child #5 contained a financial agreement form that lacked the date of the child's admission.
The child file for Child #1 contained an emergency contact information form that was observed to lack the address of the child's physician
The child file for Child #2 and Child #5 contained an emergency contact information form that was observed to lack the information on the child's special needs, as specified by the child's parent or physician.
The child file for Child #1 contained an emergency contact information form that was observed to lack the address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.
The Preschool Room, Library Center, Learning Center, Art Room, and Toddler Room were observed to lack a written plan identifying the means of transporting a child to emergency care and staffing provisions in the event of an emergency.
The child file for Child #2, Child #3, Child #4, and Child #5 contained an emergency contact information form that was observed to lack signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child. signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child.
The child file for Child #2, Child #3, Child #4, and Child #5 contained an emergency contact information form that was observed to lack signed parental consent for emergency medical care for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff.
The facility lacked a means to provide the parent of each child enrolled with information on how to access the regulations in this chapter electronically and with instructions for contacting the appropriate regional childcare office.
The staff file for Staff person #1 and Staff person #2 were observed to lack a signed disclosure statement. The staff file for Staff person #2 was also observed to lack a National Sex Offender Registry Check.
The facility emergency plan was observed to lack information regarding volunteer emergency preparedness and continuity of operations included in their emergency plan.
The Library Center, Art Room, and Learning Center were all observed to lack a first-aid kit.
The following were observed to not be in good repair: In the Toddler Room a 1.5inch by .5 inch hole from a previous phone line was observed in the wall to the left of the doorway. In the Playroom parts of a cove base located on the yellow wall was observed to be detached from the wall. In the Preschool Room a plastic phone jack rectangular plate was observed to be partially detached from the wall.
In the Toddler Room, the diapering area was observed to lack a plastic lined handsfree waste receptacle.
In the Playroom, the vinyl on multiple tumbling mats were observed to be frayed or peeling off exposing the foam inside causing it not to be in good repair.
The refrigerator in the kitchen area was observed to lack an operating thermometer inside the fridge.
The facility emergency plan was observed to lack a plan for accommodating infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.
The facility emergency plan was observed to lack mention of conducting emergency plan drills annually.
The facility emergency plan was observed to lack a plan for accommodations for shelter of children during a lock-down and for shelter in place at the facility during an emergency.
The facility emergency plan was observed to lack a plan for accommodations for evacuation of children from the facility building and to a location away from the facility premises.
The facility lacked proof of having sent a copy of their emergency plan to the local municipality and to the county emergency management agency.
The staff file for Staff person #2, who is functioning as the director, lacked proof of 1 year of experience working with children.
The staff file for Staff person #1, who is functioning as an Assistant Group Supervisor, lacked proof of education.
The staff file for Staff person #1 was observed to lack two nonfamily references.
“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.
Daily rates
| Age group | Full time, per day | Part time, per day |
|---|---|---|
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $76.00 | $35.00 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $76.00 | $76.00 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $76.00 | $35.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $76.00 | $35.00 |
The daily price the center lists in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search for families paying privately. The state notes that rates are subject to change and programs don’t have to share them, so confirm with the center. See what daycare costs in Pennsylvania.
About this center
Common questions
Has Animal Crackers Playhouse LLC had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 1 violation 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 Nov 7, 2025 (background checks): “The staff file for Staff person #1 and Staff person #2 were observed to lack a signed disclosure statement. The staff file for Staff person #2 was also observed to lack a National Sex Offender Registry Check.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Animal Crackers Playhouse LLC?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Animal Crackers Playhouse LLC since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is Animal Crackers Playhouse LLC’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 1, effective Jul 10, 2026. 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 Animal Crackers Playhouse LLC compare with other daycares in Pittsburgh?
It is tied for #160 of 251 centers in Pittsburgh by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 89% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Animal Crackers Playhouse LLC last inspected?
Jun 15, 2026 (unannounced monitoring). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does Animal Crackers Playhouse LLC cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $76.00 for older toddler, $76.00 for preschool, $76.00 for young school-age, $76.00 for older school-age in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Animal Crackers Playhouse LLC?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Animal Crackers Playhouse LLC.
Certified centers nearby
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8413 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh · 1.6 mi away · 78 spots More citations than most Doodle Bugs Childrens Centers
8900 Duncan Ave, Pittsburgh · 1.7 mi away · 223 spots Among the most cited
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.