Early Learning Center
Early Learning Center is a certified child care center in Erie, PA, with capacity for 113 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 11 times and confirmed violations in 5 complaint investigations. The state cited 98 violations, 15 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (30 of 98). 33 citations came in the last 12 months, including 2 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #35 of 58 centers in Erie and has more citations per inspection than 88% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
The cupboard doors under the sink in Room #6 are falling off creating a visible hazard. Two ceiling tiles in Room #7 above the bulletin board by the sprinklers are stained creating a visible hazard.
2nd citation: In Room #3 outside of the closet two ceiling tiles were observed to be stained causing a visible hazard. Outside of Room #3 by the restroom four ceiling tiles were observed to be stained causing a visible hazard. In the restroom next to Room #3 three ceiling tiles were observed to be stained causing a visible hazard.
2nd Citation: Staff person #8 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (See LIS code sheet): Pediatric First-Aid & CPR Training, Mandated Reporter Training, and Health & Safety Training.
The file for staff person #1 who was hired on (See LIS Code Sheet) lacked a state police clearance that was completed 60 months from the previous state police clearance. The state police clearances in the file are dated 1/10/20 and 7/16/25. The file for staff person #5 who was hired on (See LIS Code Sheet) lacked an NSOR verification certificate. The file for staff person #7 who was hired on (See LIS Code Sheet) lacked an NSOR verification certificate that was completed 60 months from the previous NSOR verification certificate. The NSOR verification certificates in the file are dated 1/9/20 and 1/15/25.
The files for staff persons #1, #2, #3, #4, #6, and #7 lacked emergency plan training that was completed one year from the previous emergency plan training. The emergency plan training in the files was dated 1/15/24 and 12/9/25.
The file for staff person #8 lacked initial emergency plan training.
In Room #5 a Swiffer Wet Jet was observed with a Great Value Lavendar Solution Refill attached that was labeled "Keep Out of Reach of Children."
The water in Room #3 was observed to be 121.6 degrees F.
In Room #3 outside of the closet two ceiling tiles were observed to be stained causing a visible hazard. Outside of Room #3 by the restroom four ceiling tiles were observed to be stained causing a visible hazard. In the restroom next to Room #3 three ceiling tiles were observed to be stained causing a visible hazard.
In the gym a Cozy Coupe was observed to be broken on the yellow front part creating rough edges, sharp corners, and pinch and crush points.
A Bumbo seat without the straps was observed in Room #2 in the child care. This seat was described as hazardous by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and may not be used by children at the facility.
During nap time a child was observed sleeping in a play house wooden cube and a child was observed sleeping in a toy rubber tire, which is not age appropriate rest equipment. The equipment was observed not to be labeled for the use of a specific child.
In Room #2 an infant was observed sleeping in a pack n play that did not have at least 2 feet of space on three sides. In Room #2 an infant was observed sleeping in a crib that did not have at least 2 feet of space on three sides.
The file for child #2 lacked a child health report that was completed in the past 12 months. The child health report in the file is dated 9/26/24. The file for child #3 lacked a child health report that was completed in the past 12 months. The child health report in the file is dated 8/6/24.
The child health reports for children #1, #3, and #5 lacked updated written verification from a physician, physician's assistant, CRNP, the Department of Health or a local health department of ongoing vaccines administered to a preschool child in accordance with the schedule recommended by the ACIP.
In the infant room an infant was observed to have their diaper changed and the infant was placed in a crib without having their hands washed.
The file for staff person #4 lacked a health assessment that was completed 24 months from the previous health assessment. The health assessments in the file are dated 3/23/22 and 7/5/24.
The Fire Drill and Fire Detection Log was observed fire drills were not conducted between 12/2024 and 9/24/25.
The Fire Drill and Fire Detection Log was observed for the 30-day smoke detector checks. Smoke detector checks were not documented as being conducted from 12/2024 to 9/24/25. There were 32 days between 10/24/25 and 11/25/25.
The files for staff persons #1, #2, #3, #4, #6, and #7 lacked pediatric first-aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation prior to the expiration date in 12/2025. The current pediatric first-aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the files is dated 1/3/26.
Staff person #8 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (See LIS code sheet): Pediatric First-Aid & CPR Training, Mandated Reporter Training, and Health & Safety Training.
The file for staff person #9 lacked valid mandated reporter training. The mandated reporter training was completed through a program that was not approved and was only 2 hours long instead of 3 hours.
The file for staff person #6 lacked a staff evaluation that was completed 12 months from the previous staff evaluation. The staff evaluations in the file were dated.1/25/24 and 5/22/25.
The file for child #6 lacked a child service report that was completed in the last 6 months. The child service report in the file is dated 1/17/25.
The file for child #3 lacked emergency contact information that included the name, address, and telephone number of the child's physician.
The files for children #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 lacked emergency contact information that included written consent signed by a parent for emergency medical care. The emergency medical care was marked yes not with a written signature.
The file for child #3 lacked emergency contact information that included the health insurance coverage and policy number for a child under a family policy or Medical Assistance benefits, if applicable.
It was observed that the emergency contact information was not present in the gym where the children were receiving care.
The file for child #2 lacked a 6-month update to the emergency contact form and the financial agreement. The last update in the file was dated 10/8/24. The file for child #3 lacked a 6-month update to the emergency contact form and the financial agreement. The last update in the file was dated 1/14/25. The file for child #6 lacked a 6-month update to the emergency contact form and the financial agreement. The last update in the file was dated 10/3/24. The file for child #7 lacked a 6-month update to the emergency contact form and the financial agreement. The last update in the file was dated 1/6/25.
The files for children #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7 lacked emergency contact information that included written consent signed by a parent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff. The administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff was marked yes not with a written signature.
The file for staff person #1 who was hired on (See LIS Code Sheet) lacked an NSOR verification certificate. The NSOR application was dated 6/30/25 and was in the file.
The preschool classroom was observed to have an indoor temperature of 60 degrees F.
The file for staff person #2 lacked pediatric first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training that was completed prior to the expiration of the most current certification. The pediatric first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training in the file is dated 9/28/23.
Show 65 older citations
Staff person #1 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff person #1 has not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Pediatric First-Aid & CPR Training, Mandated Reporter Training, and Health & Safety Training.
In Room #5 a container of bleach was observed in an unlocked cabinet under the sick accessible to the children. The container of bleach was labeled "Keep Out of Reach of Children".
In the gym the first-aid kit was observed to be missing an assortment of adhesive bandages.
In the child restroom outside of Room #3 a handwashing sign was observed not to be posted in the 3rd stall.
The file for child #2 lacked an initial child health report that was provided no later than 60 days following the first day of attendance at the facility (See LIS Code Sheet). The child health report was completed on 8/29/23.
The file for staff person #1 lacked firesafety training that was completed in the past 12 months. The firesafety training in the file was dated 10/30/23. The file for staff person #2 lacked firesafety training that was completed in the past 12 months. The firesafety training in the file was dated 11/17/23.
In the gym it was observed that the written plan identifying the means of transporting a child to emergency care and staffing provisions in the event of an emergency was not displayed conspicuously.
The files for children #1 and #3 lacked emergency contact information and financial agreements that were updated within the past 6-month period. The last updates were completed in 5/2024.
The file for staff person #3 lacked 12 clock hours of childcare training from 12/19/22 - 12/19/23. There are 6 hours of training in the file.
During the complaint investigation, on 10/23/24 the director self-reported and video footage was viewed that verified staff person #1 slapped child #1 on the arm for picking at a sticker on the floor.
Staff #1's file did not contain a signed and dated disclosure statement.
The operator did not inform parents of enrolled children when lice was discovered and present in the young toddler room.
Staff #1 has not received emergency plan training within 90 days of hire(See LIS Code Sheet).
The fire drill log had the following dates 1/19/24-5/9/24 and 6/28/24- inspection date 8/28/24, which are more than 60 days apart.
The fire alarm testing log contained the following dates 3/8/24-4/9/24, which are more than 30 days apart.
The file for staff #1 did not contain 2 written nonfamily references.
On 1/31/24 at approximately 7:55 AM, four staff persons and 24 children were observed in the gym. When asked to identify their groups, staff person #7 named 7 preschoolers, staff person #2 named 6 older toddlers, and staff person #8 named 1 younger toddler and 4 older toddlers. Staff person #9 named 6 young toddlers, which the maximum group size for young toddlers is 1:5.
Staff person #4 has not had emergency plan training in the last 12 months. The most recent emergency plan training on file was dated 1/15/23.
The first aid bag in the Gym did not include bandages. The first aid bag in Room 1 did not include sterile gauze pads.
In Room 2, the cabinet doors above the sink were observed to be loose. There is concern the cabinet doors may disconnect as they are not secured.
Handwashing signs were not posted in the toddler bathroom at each toilet.
In Room 1, several of the foam building blocks were observed to have bite marks and were not in good repair.
In Room 5, two blue cushions on the children's storage benches were observed to be ripping, exposing the foam interior to children who are still placing objects in their mouths.
In Room 1, the thermometer inside of the refrigerator measured temperature at 56° F In Room 6, the thermometer inside of the refrigerator on the top shelf measured temperature at 32° F, and the thermometer on the bottom shelf measured temperature at 22° F. Based on the staff person present in the room, the refrigerator freezes the children's foods and is not operable. Children's fruit was observed to be frozen inside of the refrigerator making the refrigerator not operable or maintaining food at 45° F.
The two most recent health assessments on file for child #2, who is a young toddler, are dated more than 6 months apart: 5/19/23 and 1/31/24.
The two most recent health assessments on file for staff persons #1 and #2 were dated more than 24-months apart. Staff person #1: 9/3/21 and 11/1/23. Staff person #2: 5/21/21 and 7/10/23.
The health assessment on file for staff person #3 lacked the physician's assessment of the staff person's suitability to provide child care.
At approximately 7:55 AM, 24 children were observed receiving care in the Gym that has a designated maximum capacity of 14.
The facility's documentation of testing the fire detection system exceeded 30 days from 7/26/23 to 8/29/23 and from 8/29/23 to 9/29/23.
The initial health assessment on file for child #4 was dated 9/28/23, which is more than 60 days from starting at the facility.
The file for child #3 lacked an initial health report and has been enrolled at the facility for more than 60 days.
The file for staff person #6, had documentation of pediatric first aid /CPR training that was not renewed before the expiration date of the most current certification. The two most current trainings on file are dated 8/31/21 and 11/18/23.
Staff person #5 has not had fire safety training within the last 12 months. The most recent training was on 3/28/22.
The two most recent evaluations in the files for staff persons #1 and #4 are dated more than 12 months apart. Staff person #1: 10/3/22 and 1/2/24. Staff person #4: 8/26/22 and 12/18/23.
The financial agreement and emergency contact form in the file for child #1 did not have documentation of being reviewed and/or updated by the parent in the past 6 months. The most recent update for both forms was on 7/7/23.
According to staff statements and video recording, the following event occurred on 6/6/23. At 11:01 a.m., Facility Persons #1, #2, and #3 were supervising a group of 14 preschool-aged children in Room 8-Little Tots 1. Child #1 and Child #2, while not being supervised, were engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior for 12 minutes during the time frame 11:01 a.m. to 11:13 a.m. Inadequate child supervision by Facility Persons #1, #2, and #3 led to an increased risk amongst children in the preschool classroom.
According to staff statements and video recording, the following event occurred on 6/6/23. At 11:01 a.m., Facility Persons #1, #2, and #3 were supervising a group of 14 preschool-aged children in Room 8-Little Tots 1. Child #1 and Child #2, while not being supervised, were engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior for 12 minutes during the time frame 11:01 a.m. to 11:13 a.m. Inadequate child supervision by Facility Persons #1, #2, and #3 led to an increased risk amongst children in the preschool classroom.
According to staff statements and video recording, the following event occurred on 6/6/23. At 11:01 a.m., Facility Persons #1, #2, and #3 were supervising a group of 14 preschool-aged children in Room 8-Little Tots 1. Child #1 and Child #2, while not being supervised, were engaging in inappropriate sexual behavior for 11 minutes during the time frame 11:01 a.m. to 11:13 a.m. Inadequate child supervision by Facility Persons #1, #2, and #3 led to an increased risk amongst children in the preschool classroom.
Based on staff statements and video recording, Facility Person #1 asked Child #1 if they wanted to go outside or go inside the closet in the Little Tots 1 Room. Child #1 followed Facility Person #1 to the closet door. Facility Person #1 opened the closet door, and Child #1 walked into the closet. Facility Person #1 then closed the closet door shut for approximately four seconds with the child inside of the closet. Child #1 began to scream, "I'll go outside!" Facility Person #1 opened the closet door and Child #1 walked out of the closet.
Based on staff statements and video recording, Facility Person #1 asked Child #1 if they wanted to go outside or go inside the closet in the Little Tots 1 Room. Child #1 followed Facility Person #1 to the closet door. Facility Person #1 opened the closet door, and Child #1 walked into the closet. Facility Person #1 then closed the closet door shut for approximately four seconds with the child inside of the closet. Child #1 began to scream, "I'll go outside!" Facility Person #1 opened the closet door and Child #1 walked out of the closet.
Based on staff statements and video recording, Facility Person #1 asked Child #1 if they wanted to go outside or go inside the closet in the Little Tots 1 Room. Child #1 followed Facility Person #1 to the closet door. Facility Person #1 opened the closet door, and Child #1 walked into the closet. Facility Person #1 then closed the closet door shut for approximately four seconds with the child inside of the closet. Child #1 began to scream, "I'll go outside!" Facility Person #1 opened the closet door and Child #1 walked out of the closet.
Based on staff statements and video recording, Facility Person #1 asked Child #1 if they wanted to go outside or go inside the closet in the Little Tots 1 Room. Child #1 followed Facility Person #1 to the closet door. Facility Person #1 opened the closet door, and Child #1 walked into the closet. Facility Person #1 then closed the closet door shut for approximately four seconds with the child inside of the closet. Child #1 began to scream, "I'll go outside!" Facility Person #1 opened the closet door and Child #1 walked out of the closet.
In Room 7, a loose crib sheet was observed in a crib in which an infant was sleeping.
Glue that states "keep out of reach of children" was observed in a cabinet next to children's food in Room 5.
A wooden children's chair was observed to be splintering in the Room 1. In Room 2, a children's plastic step stool was observed to have a piece broken off, which exposed the children to rough edges and sharp corners. In Room 5 and in Room 8, a clear bin containing children's toys were observed to be cracked with sharp edges.
The diapering can in Room 3 was not plastic-lined or hands-free as the foot pedal was observed to be broken. The diapering can in Bathroom #2 was observed to be plastic-lined but was not hands-free.
The files for staff persons #2 and #3 were observed to have documentation of a health assessment that was not renewed before the expiration date of the most current certification on file. The health assessments on file for staff person #2 are dated 10/5/20 and 10/18/22. The health assessments on file for staff person #3 are dated 10/8/20 and 10/18/22.
The health assessment on file for staff person #1 lacked the physician's assessment of the staff person's suitability to provide child care.
The facility did not complete or have documentation of conducting an emergency drill within the past year.
The facility's documentation of testing the fire detection system exceeded 30 days from 7.1.22 to 8.22.22 and 11.1.22 to 12.27.22.
The file for staff person #4 was observed to lack documentation of completion of the following pre-service training by December 30, 2022: Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update 2022. The training certificate on file is dated 1/8/23.
Based on staff statements and video footage, the front doors in the foyer entrance of the facility do not work properly due to a malfunction in the lock system on the doors.
The NSOR Certificates in the files for Staff Persons #1, 11, 13 and 15, who were all hired prior to September 30, 2019, were dated after the July 1, 2020, the date mandated by the CPSL. Staff Person #1: 4/6/21 Staff Person #11: 9/1/20 Staff Person #13: 9/9/20 Staff Person #15: 7/9/20.
Observed frayed fencing and a broken gate in the small outdoor play space. Observed rust and frayed edges on the exit door to the playground.
The glass door and lower window in the Firefly Room and the glass windows in the Infant Room did not have visual strips or other visual identification placed on the glass.
Observed dirt and debris under the mats of the diaper changing tables in the Tot 1, Tot 2, Grasshopper and Infant Rooms.
The most recent updated health assessments in the files for Staff Persons #7, 13 and 16 exceeded 24 months between assessments.
The Fire Drill/System Test Log documented two times when fire system checks exceeded thirty days between checks: 11/18/21-12/31/21 and 1/5/22-2/28/22.
The most recent Pediatric First Aid/CPR Training in the files for Staff Persons #2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 were conducted after previous Pediatric First Aid/CPR had expired.
The Health and Safety training in the file for Staff Person #1 was the 6-hour module conducted on 8/27/16, which is not valid.
The most recent Mandated Reporter Trainings in the file for Staff Person #14 exceeded 60 months between trainings: 4/27/16-5/12/21.
The Pediatric First Aid/CPR Certification in the file for Staff Person #9 was conducted more than 90 days after the staff person's start date. The file for Staff Person #3, who has been working for more than 90 days, did not include Pediatric First Aid/CPR Certification.
Observed brown stains from water damage on one of the ceiling tiles closest to the window side of the Infant Room.
A baby gate was stretched across the exit door in the Infant Room.
The Pediatric CPR/FA Certification in the file for Staff Person #1 was completed more than 90 days after the staff person's first day working at the facility. The file for Staff Person #2, who has been working at the facility for more than 90 days, did not include Pediatric CPR/FA Certification.
“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
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.
Daily rates
| Age group | Full time, per day | Part time, per day |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (Under 6 Weeks) | $76.25 | $76.25 |
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $76.25 | $76.25 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $68.75 | $68.75 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $63.75 | $63.75 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $56.25 | $56.25 |
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 Early Learning Center had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 15 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 Dec 15, 2025 (background checks): “The file for staff person #1 who was hired on (See LIS Code Sheet) lacked a state police clearance that was completed 60 months from the previous state police clearance. The state police clearances in the file are dated…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Early Learning Center?
Pennsylvania lists 5 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 Early Learning Center’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Jun 2, 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 Early Learning Center compare with other daycares in Erie?
It is tied for #35 of 58 centers in Erie by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 88% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Early Learning Center last inspected?
Jun 10, 2026 (allocated unannounced monitoring). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does Early Learning Center cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $76.25 for newborn, $76.25 for infant, $68.75 for young toddler, $63.75 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Early Learning Center?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is YMCA Of Greater Erie.
Certified centers nearby
1120 W 26th St, Erie · 0.7 mi away · 38 spots More citations than most I Love It Daycare Learning Center LLC
4603 Peach St, Erie · 0.9 mi away · 50 spots More citations than most Roosevelt Child Development Center
2300 Cranberry St, Erie · 0.9 mi away · 225 spots More citations than most Jumpstart Early Learning CTR School Based PRG LLC
1540 W 38th St, Erie · 1.0 mi away Too few inspections to compare ST Vincent Child Care Center
123 W 25th St, Erie · 1.0 mi away · 80 spots Among the most cited The Learning Ladder Early Child Care CTR LLC
2502 Peach St, Erie · 1.0 mi away · 48 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.