Daycare Record Child care inspection records

Dynamite Daycare

321 E 6th Ave, Tarentum, PA 15084 · Allegheny County
Keystone STAR 4

Dynamite Daycare is a certified child care center in Tarentum, PA, with capacity for 69 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 7 times. The state cited 33 violations, 2 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (10 of 33). 12 citations came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #1 of 5 centers in Tarentum and has more citations per inspection than 55% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 55% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. About typical
#1 of 5 centers in Tarentum
2 Core-safety citations
31 Other citations
7 Inspections
0 Complaint investigations that found violations
33 citations from 7 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 12 in the last 12 months · last inspected Apr 22, 2026

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Apr 22, 2026 · Inspection · citation found Nov 7, 2025 · Inspection · citation found May 28, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Nov 6, 2024 · Inspection · citation found Nov 3, 2023 · Inspection · citation found Nov 17, 2022 · Inspection · citation found Nov 22, 2021 · Inspection · citation found
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
Health & medication 8
Records & paperwork 7
Emergency preparedness 3
Training & qualifications 2
Background checks 2
Food & feeding 1

Citations, newest first

Citation Apr 22, 2026 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Every 60 days 55 Pa. Code §3270.94(a)(1)
The facility has exceeded 60 days since their last fire drill on 1.21.26.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 22, 2026): “A fire drill was conducted on 4/29/26 assuring the center is now in compliance.”
Citation Apr 22, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)
The facility has exceeded 30 days since their last fire alarm testing on 1.21.26.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 22, 2026): “The center conducted a fire alarm test on 4/29/26 assuring that the facility is now in compliance with the regulation.”
Citation Nov 7, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Emergency Numbers Posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.74
The telephone numbers of the nearest hospital, police department, fire department, ambulance and poison control center were not posted at the two telephones in the RF1 Classroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 18, 2025): “Emergency phone numbers required were immediately placed above the telephone that was missing the required emergency numbers.”
Citation Nov 7, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
An area of peeling paint was observed under the paper towel holder in the restroom in the RF1 Classroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 18, 2025): “The peeling paint was repaired. The center will be painted within the next few months.”
Citation Nov 7, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Handwashing signs 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(h)
Hand washing signs were missing from two toilets in the boy's restroom in the Upstairs Classroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 18, 2025): “two hand washing signs were immediately placed above both toilets missing hand washing signs.”
Citation Nov 7, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
Clean, age appropriate 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(a)
One unlabeled pack and play, intended for a child in care, was observed in the LF1 Classroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 18, 2025): “the unlabeled pack and play was immediately labeled assuring all children were assigned to a crib/pack and play”
Citation Nov 7, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)
The last two health assessments on file for Staff Person #1 were dated 1.3.23 and 11.3.25 and the last two health assessments on file for Staff Person #2 were dated 8.24.23 and 11.4.25. This exceeded 24 months between examinations.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 18, 2025): “Staff person #1 and staff person #2 both have updated health assessments.”
Citation Nov 7, 2025 Inspection Food & feeding
Written statement 55 Pa. Code §3270.166(1)
A written statement giving the formula and feeding schedule for Child #1 was not available for review at the time of the inspection.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 18, 2025): “Parent was provided a form to fill out for [the] infants formula / feeding schedule. Parent filled out the form and it is kept in the infant room.”
Citation Nov 7, 2025 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(6)
The facility lacked verification that they had completed an annual emergency drill within the last 12 months. The most recent emergency drill documentation occurred on 4.2.24.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 18, 2025): “The facility completed an emergency drill on Nov. 10th allowing all staff and children to practice in case of an emergency.”
Citation Nov 7, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
The updates to the fire safety trainings on file for Staff Person's #2, #3, #4 and #5 exceeded 12 months between trainings completed in August 2024 and September 2025.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 18, 2025): “All staff have completed the updated fire safety training.”
Citation Nov 7, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Written emergency plan posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(e)
The emergency transportation plan was not posted in the LB1 Classroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 18, 2025): “The emergency transportation plan was immediately placed in the young toddler classroom assuring all required postings are now posted.”
Citation Nov 7, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Signed parental consent for transportation, walking excursions, swimming and wading 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(6)
The files for some of the children in care lacked an area on the emergency contact form for the parents to sign giving permission for walking excursions away from the facility. The facility does participate in walking excursions around the community.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 18, 2025): “a permission slip was sent out to all parents to sign giving the center consent to go outside on walks off the premises. Parents signed and returned for all children”
Show 21 older citations
Core safety May 28, 2025 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
The NSOR certificates on file for Staff Person #1 exceeded 60 months between update. This is evidenced by NSOR certificates dated 2.7.20 and 5.14.25.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 28, 2025): “Staff Person #1 has a current NSOR certificate on file at this time.”
Citation May 28, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
Original label 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(5)
In the RF1 classroom, one expired Epi-Pen and one expired Infants Tylenol was observed in the locked medication box.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 28, 2025): “The parents have been notified and the medications will be returned home to the parents.”
Core safety Nov 6, 2024 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
The file for Facility Person #2 lacked verification that they had requested their State Police Clearance prior to starting at the facility. A completed State Police Clearance was not on file prior. A completed State Police Clearance was not on file until 133 days after starting at the facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 20, 2024): “At the time of inspection, the employees state police clearance was run and printed out and placed in the employees' file.”
Citation Nov 6, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Contaminated trash in closed plastic-lined receptacle 55 Pa. Code §3270.67(d)
The garbage can in place for used facial tissues in the RF1 Classroom was missing a lid. Used facial tissues were observed in the garbage can.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 20, 2024): “Garbage can was immediately removed from childcare space and placed in the office not accessible to children.”
Citation Nov 6, 2024 Inspection Health & medication
Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(b)(2)
The updates to the health reports on file for Child #2, a preschool age child, exceeded 12 months between examinations on 2.17.23 and 4.3.24.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 20, 2024): “The child did have a current health assessment on file.”
Citation Nov 6, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)
The facility exceeded 30 days between fire detection system testing on 9.25.24 and 10.28.24
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 20, 2024): “A fire drill/fire detection system testing was completed and was within the 30 days' time frame at time of inspection.”
Citation Nov 6, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Posted in group space 55 Pa. Code §3270.111(b)
Written plans of daily activities were not posted in the LB1 or LF1 Classrooms.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 20, 2024): “daily schedules were placed in both the one-year-old and infant classrooms.”
Citation Nov 6, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Parent receives original/Copy of initial and subsequent agreements. Parent receives original. 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(b)/3270.182(8)
The file for Child #1 was observed to contain the original agreement.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 20, 2024): “The original agreement was taken out of the child's file and a copy was made. The copy was placed back in the child's file and the parent was given the original copy.”
Citation Nov 6, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Each child emergency contact person/Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(a)/3270.124(b)(7)
The emergency contact form for Child #1 was missing the persons who should be contacted in an emergency. The emergency contact form also lacked the name, address and telephone number of the designated release persons.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 20, 2024): “The parent was given back the emergency contact to add who shall be contacted in an emergency. Parent listed, parents only in the space. The emergency contact was then placed back in the child's file.”
Citation Nov 6, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)
The file for Staff Person #1 lacked 7.5 of their 12 clock hours of child care training in their respective training year.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 20, 2024): “staff person recently completed 7 of the 7.5 hours needed within her respective training year. The last 1 hour of training that was required was completed as well.”
Citation Nov 3, 2023 Inspection Health & medication
Original label 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(5)
An expired bottle of Tylenol for a child was observed in the right front classroom. The Tylenol expired 7/2023.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 9, 2023): “Tylenol was removed from medicine box and returned to parent.”
Citation Nov 3, 2023 Inspection Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)
The file for staff person #1 lacked a health assessment that was completed 24 months from the previous health assessment. The health assessments in the file were date 7/13/21 and 8/24/23.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 9, 2023): “Once checked and seen staff did not return form in timely manner she was sent to get it completed that day.”
Citation Nov 3, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Services proceeded 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(3)
The file for child #3 lacked a child service report that was completed within the past six months. The child service report in the file was dated 4/2023.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 9, 2023): “Child service report was completed with parent signature.”
Citation Nov 17, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)
A child size blue chair was observed in the 2nd floor classroom. The chair had a tear in the right arm.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 18, 2022): “Place duct tape over small tear”
Citation Nov 17, 2022 Inspection Health & medication
Acute or chronic health problem 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(d)(4)
The file for child #1 lacked a health report that included an assessment of acute or chronic health problem or special need and recommendations for treatment or services, including information regarding abnormal results of screening tests for vision, hearing or lead poisoning.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 21, 2022): “Sent to the pediatrician's office to mark the missing box the day of the inspection.”
Citation Nov 17, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)
The 30-day smoke detector testing log was observed and there were 43 days between 6/1/22 and 7/14/22 and 41 days between 9/2/22 and 10/13/22.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 18, 2022): “Using date of today for the fire drill will mark 30 days due date rather than 1 time per month.”
Citation Nov 22, 2021 Inspection Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
The water temperature in the "Left Front Room 1" and the "Right Front Room's" sinks, which were accessible to children, were both measured at 118 degrees.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 21, 2021): “A mixer valve was installed to control sink temperature.”
Citation Nov 22, 2021 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
In the "kitchen," where children eat, a wall vent needed properly secured which poses a pinch point or cutting hazard.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 21, 2021): “The vent was repaired to securely fasten to the wall.”
Citation Nov 22, 2021 Inspection Health & medication
Exemption documentation from parent/guardian 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(e)(1)
The immunization record of Child #1 lacked the following immunizations: one (1) dose of Hib, Hepatitis A and two (2) does of PCV-13 with no Letter of Exemption in file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 3, 2022): “Parents made an appointment with the doctor to receive immunizations on 12/22/2021.”
Citation Nov 22, 2021 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(5)
The Emergency Plan has not been updated to include: Accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities and children with chronic medical conditions.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 21, 2021): “Updated the emergency plan with the above statement. It is stated I have no children with these conditions at this time.”
Citation Nov 22, 2021 Inspection Records & paperwork
Availability of certificate of compliance and applicable regulations 55 Pa. Code §3270.25(a)
A copy of how to access the DHS regulations electronically was not posted in a conspicuous place.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 21, 2021): “Received a copy of the electronic posting sign and posted.”

“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
Newborn (Under 6 Weeks) $53.00 $53.00
Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) $53.00 $53.00
Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) $50.00 $50.00
Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) $50.00 $50.00
Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) $41.00 $41.00
Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) $25.00 $25.00

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

Capacity 69 children
Certificate status Regular
Certificate valid through Feb 25, 2027
Keystone STARS STAR 4
since Nov 27, 2025 · what STARS means
Operator Dynamite Daycare LLC
Hours Monday–Friday 6:30 AM–5:30 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone (724) 226-9953
State certificate # CER-00247714
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has Dynamite Daycare had any serious violations?

Pennsylvania cited 2 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 May 28, 2025 (background checks): “The NSOR certificates on file for Staff Person #1 exceeded 60 months between update. This is evidenced by NSOR certificates dated 2.7.20 and 5.14.25.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about Dynamite Daycare?

Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Dynamite Daycare since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.

What is Dynamite Daycare’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 4, effective Nov 27, 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 Dynamite Daycare compare with other daycares in Tarentum?

It is #1 of 5 centers in Tarentum by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 55% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was Dynamite Daycare last inspected?

Apr 22, 2026 (unannounced monitoring). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.

How much does Dynamite Daycare cost?

It reported full-time daily rates of $53.00 for newborn, $53.00 for infant, $50.00 for young toddler, $50.00 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.

Who runs Dynamite Daycare?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Dynamite Daycare LLC.

Certified centers nearby

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.