Begin With Us Child Care and Preschool BLD B

729 Grant Ave, Altoona, PA 16602 · Blair County

1 complaint investigation found violations Keystone STAR 4

Begin With Us Child Care and Preschool BLD B is a certified child care center in Altoona, PA, with capacity for 131 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 7 times and confirmed violations in 1 complaint investigation. The state cited 33 violations, 8 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (10 of 33). 7 citations came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #15 of 22 centers in Altoona and has more citations per inspection than 60% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 60% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most

#15 of 22 centers in Altoona

8 Core-safety citations

25 Other citations

7 Inspections

1 Complaint investigations that found violations

33 citations from 9 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 7 in the last 12 months · last inspected Mar 25, 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

Building & playground safety 10

Records & paperwork 7

Health & medication 6

Supervision 5

Caregiver conduct 2

Training & qualifications 1

Staff ratios 1

Emergency preparedness 1

Citations, newest first

Citation Mar 25, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety

Original container 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(b)

The facility was observed to have a clear spray bottle that contained a pale-yellow liquid but lacked a label that specified the contents of the clear bottle.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 11, 2026): “The bottle, which was in a locked cabinet and out of reach of children, was emptied while the certification representative was on site.”

Citation Mar 25, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety

Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)

The facility had applied tape to cover the edge of a wooden paper station in the Treehouse room that was observed to be peeling, lifting and rolling, and tape on the loft that was also observed to be lifting and peeling.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 11, 2026): “The packing tape that was on the piece of furniture was replaced so that it isn't peeling, lifting, and rolling, while the certification representative was still on site.”

Citation Mar 25, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety

Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)

The facility was observed to have a broken Lil Scooter in the Victorian room.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 11, 2026): “The scooter was discarded while the certification representative was still on site.”

Citation Mar 25, 2026 Inspection Training & qualifications

Staff evaluations 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(a)(6)

The file for staff #1 was observed to lack a written evaluation of staff person on a regular basis, a minimum of one evaluation every 12 months. This was evidenced by an evaluation dated 4/18/2024 being the most current evaluation present in the file.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 26, 2026): “An evaluation was completed for the staff person.”

Citation Mar 25, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork

Each child emergency contact person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(a)

The file for child #1 was observed to contain an emergency contact form that lacked to reference who shall be contacted in an emergency.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 26, 2026): “Parent completed the section "Person(s) to Whom the Child May Be Released."”

Citation Mar 25, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork

Parent home/work address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(3)

The file for child #1 was observed to contain an emergency contact form that lacked work addresses and telephone numbers for the enrolling parents.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 26, 2026): “The parent completed the home and work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent.”

Citation Mar 25, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork

Information re: special needs 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(5)

The file for child #1 was observed to contain an emergency contact form that lacked information on the child's special needs if any,

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 26, 2026): “The child does not have any special needs. The parent filled in those areas as N/A.”

Citation Mar 26, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety

Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)

The facility was observed to have 2 wooden Lakeshore brand wooden chairs in the School House room that had loose legs and were unsteady, and a round table on the stage in the Castle room was also observed to have loose legs and be unsteady.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 7, 2025): “The chairs and the table were both tightened while the certification representative was still on site.”

Citation Mar 26, 2025 Inspection Health & medication

Written consent 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(6)

The facility was observed to have a medication prescribed to child #2, but failed to have a parent's written consent for administration.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 7, 2025): “The medication was returned to the parent.”

Citation Mar 26, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork

Arrival/departure times 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(4)

The file for child #1 was observed to contain a Financial Agreement that did not specify the child's arrival and departure times.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 7, 2025): “The parent filled in the child¿s arrival and departure times.”

Show 25 older citations

Citation Mar 28, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork

Consent for administration of minor first-aid required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(5)

The Emergency Contact on file for Child #1 and Child #2 were observed not to contain signed parental consent for administration of minor first aid procedures by facility Staff.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 19, 2024): “Signed parental consent for administration of minor first aid procedures was obtained for both children on 3/28/24. One was obtained while the certification representative was still on site, and the other was emailed to her later that same afternoon.”

Citation Mar 27, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety

Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(g)

On the day of inspection, it was observed in Treehouse and in Cottage bathrooms, exposed bolts at the base of the toilet.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 7, 2023): “The bolts were covered while the certification representative was still on site.”

Citation Mar 27, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

Name on bottle 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(3)

On the day of inspection, it was observed that a bottle of Tylenol was not marked to identify the name of the child for whom the medication is intended.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 7, 2023): “The lead teacher labeled the bottle of Tylenol while the certification representative was still on site.”

Citation Jun 15, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety

Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)

In the outdoor play area, in the red shed building a rubber ball was observed to be torn.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 24, 2022): “The ball was in a locked shed that the children don't have access to. The ball was discarded.”

Citation Jun 15, 2022 Inspection Health & medication

Original label 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(5)

Expired diaper cream was observed in the Cottage Room diaper changing area.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 24, 2022): “We discarded the expired diaper cream and will check all diaper creams on a regularly scheduled basis to make sure that they aren¿t expired.”

Citation Jun 15, 2022 Inspection Records & paperwork

Availability of certificate of compliance and applicable regulations 55 Pa. Code §3270.25(a)

It was observed that the phone number for contacting the appropriate regional child care office was not posted in a conspicuous location used by parents.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 24, 2022): “The phone number was and continues to be posted on a copy of the regulations that is located on cabinet that we use for parent communication.”

Core safety Feb 17, 2022 Complaint investigation Staff ratios

Similar Age Level 55 Pa. Code §3270.51

Based on interviews and video footage, Staff #1 and Staff #2 left Child #1 alone in the classroom for approximately 4 to 5 minutes while they took the rest of the children outside to play. Child #1 is found by Staff #3 approximately 1 to 2 minutes after he is last seen on video in the classroom.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 27, 2022): “Staff member #1 and #2 did not follow the Supervision of Children and Play Yard Rules procedures. Staff #1 and Staff #2 were fired immediately and the incident was self-reported to our Certification Representative by the Executive Director. The Supervision of Children and Play Yard Rules procedures…”

Core safety Feb 17, 2022 Complaint investigation Supervision

Supervised at all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)

**Based on interviews and video footage, Staff #1 and Staff #2 left Child #1 alone in the classroom for approximately 4 to 5 minutes while they took the rest of the children outside to play. Child #1 is found by Staff #3 approximately 1 to 2 minutes after he is last seen on video in the classroom.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 7, 2022): “The training will be completed on April 5, 2022. All staff members are required to attend. Directors will complete an additional Director's portion of the supervision and ratio training.”

Core safety Feb 17, 2022 Complaint investigation Supervision

Supervised at all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)

***Based on interviews and video footage, Staff #1 and Staff #2 left Child #1 alone in the classroom for approximately 4 to 5 minutes while they took the rest of the children outside to play. Child #1 is found by Staff #3 approximately 1 to 2 minutes after he is last seen on video in the classroom.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 27, 2022): “The operator contacted the ELRC to arrange for start up TA. ELRC have been conducting observations. Staff and administration will work with them to make improvements based on their observations.”

Core safety Feb 17, 2022 Complaint investigation Supervision

Supervised at all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)

*Based on interviews and video footage, Staff #1 and Staff #2 left Child #1 alone in the classroom for approximately 4 to 5 minutes while they took the rest of the children outside to play. Child #1 is found by Staff #3 approximately 1 to 2 minutes after he is last seen on video in the classroom.

Core safety Feb 17, 2022 Complaint investigation Supervision

Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)(1)

**Based on interviews and video footage, Staff #1 and Staff #2 left Child #1 alone in the classroom for approximately 4 to 5 minutes while they took the rest of the children outside to play. Child #1 is found by Staff #3 approximately 1 to 2 minutes after he is last seen on video in the classroom.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 27, 2022): “A physical means of assigning children to staff for the purpose of maintaining compliance with the staff to child ratio and the supervision of children was and continues to be implemented. Child Identification Cards (photo name tags), boards with children's names and total children in attendance…”

Core safety Feb 17, 2022 Complaint investigation Supervision

Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)(1)

*Based on interviews and video footage, Staff #1 and Staff #2 left Child #1 alone in the classroom for approximately 4 to 5 minutes while they took the rest of the children outside to play. Child #1 is found by Staff #3 approximately 1 to 2 minutes after he is last seen on video in the classroom.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 27, 2022): “All staff members were and continue to be assigned the responsibility for supervision of specific children. They were and continue to be required to know the names and whereabouts of the children in his/her assigned group, and to be physically present with the children in his/her group on the…”

Follow-up Dec 13, 2021 Inspection Building & playground safety

No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)

2nd citation. Previously cited on 10/18/21. Observed peeling black paint on the seat of the train's caboose in the outdoor play space.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 5, 2022): “The paint has been repaired.”

Re-cited at a follow-up visit; counted once, with the original citation.

Citation Dec 13, 2021 Inspection Health & medication

No bed linens alone 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(b)

At approximately 11:45 AM Certification Staff observed only a blanket to be used as rest equipment in the School House Room. Staff indicated the child's parent had forgotten his/her rest equipment so staff provided an extra facility blanket.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 5, 2022): “Bed linens will not be used alone as age-appropriate rest equipment. A sleeping bag was provided while the certification representative was still on site.”

Citation Dec 13, 2021 Inspection Health & medication

2 feet apart 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(f)

At approximately 11:45 AM Certification Staff observed two rows each of 5 rest equipment with approximately 12 inches between them in the School House Room.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 5, 2022): “Classroom furniture has been rearranged to ensure that rest equipment is spaced at least 2 feet apart on three sides.”

Follow-up Dec 13, 2021 Inspection Health & medication

Exemption documentation from parent/guardian 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(e)(1)

2nd citation. Previously cited on 10/18/21. The file of Child #1, a 2 year old, lacked an influenza immunization in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 5, 2022): “On October 19, 2021, the child's pediatrician reported on the Child Health Report that the parent declined the flu vaccine for her child. The parent also signed the Child Health Report. On December 13, 2021, the parent signed an additional form, the "Child Health Report and Immunization Record"…”

Re-cited at a follow-up visit; counted once, with the original citation.

Core safety Nov 8, 2021 Self-reported violation Caregiver conduct

No ridicule or threaten harm 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(c)

Based on interviews, Staff #1 singled out a child for ridicule, threatened harm to the child or the child's family, and specifically aimed to degrade the child or the child's family. Based on interviews, Staff #1 called a particular child "devil child". Based on interviews, Staff #1 grabbed a child by the wrist to pull the child into line before grabbing the child in the face area and telling the child to stay in line or Staff #1 was going to beat the child's buttocks.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 17, 2022): “We self-reported the events as soon as they were reported by the staff members. The employee was initially suspended and then was terminated after the investigation was completed. We will not tolerate that type of behavior in the facility.”

Core safety Nov 8, 2021 Self-reported violation Caregiver conduct

No harsh language 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(d)

Based on interviews, Staff #1 used profane language in front of the children or directed it towards the children.

Citation Oct 14, 2021 Inspection Building & playground safety

General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.21

On 10/18/21 observed adult scissors in a container on the cabinet beside the changing table which were accessible to children in the Castle Room.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 13, 2021): “The scissors were moved to a location that was inaccessible to children.”