Elite Childcare & Learning Center
Elite Childcare & Learning Center is a certified child care center in Duquesne, PA, with capacity for 35 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 11 times and confirmed violations in 1 complaint investigation. The state cited 92 violations, 17 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (24 of 92). 15 citations came in the last 12 months, including 1 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #5 of 7 centers in Duquesne and has more citations per inspection than 85% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
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Citations, newest first
Applications for the NSOR certification for Staff #1 were dated after Staff #1's Date of Hire. Therefore, Staff #1 was incorrectly provisionally hired. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET)
A trash receptacle in Room #3 (Pre School) containing human secretions (dirty plates with food, dirty napkins, used cups with juice still in the bottom) was not contained in a closed, plastic-lined receptacle.
The First aid kit(s) in Room #3 (Pre School) lacked scissors.
In Room #5 (Older Toddlers) the plastic, white garbage can, left of the entrance door had two (2) cracks on the top of the garbage can.
In Room #2 (Infants) in the back left hand corner of the room, a changing table pad was ripped with exposed stuffing that posed a choking hazard to the children in the room who are still placing objects in their mouths.
The file(s) for Child(ren) #2, (Older Toddler) lacked an Updated Health Report within the last year. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET)
The two most recent health assessments for Staff #1 were dated more than 24 months apart. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET)
The file(s) for Staff Person(s) #2 and #3 lacked an initial Health Assessment.
The file(s) for Staff Person(s) #2 lacked documentation of a Tuberculosis (TB) screening.
The facility's Updated Emergency Plan lacked proof of the Emergency Plan being sent to the local municipality and Allegheny County Emergency Management Services.
Based on a conversation with the director, the facility did not have an annual traffic letter nor was it sent to the local authorities.
Staff person #1 lacked an annual (2025) written evaluation that was conducted within the past 12 months. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET)
The Emergency Contact form(s) for child(ren) file(s) #1 lacked the "Address of the Listed Release Person." (SEE LIS CODE SHEET)
In Room #3 (Preschool), emergency contact information for two enrolled children was not available in the classroom at the time of inspection.
On October 17, 2025 an unannounced complaint inspection was conducted and at that time the last documented testing of the smoke detection system was 9.5.25, which is more than the required 30 days or less.
Show 81 older citations
On September 18, 2025, the Western Regional Office of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) was notified by the Bureau of Workers' Compensation Compliance Department that the legal entity failed to provide the required documentation of current Workers' Compensation Insurance.
On 9/3/25, 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: health and safety basics, pediatric first aid and cpr, mandated reporter training.
The two most recent PA State Police and Child Abuse clearances for Staff #3 were dated more than 60 months apart. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET). The NSOR for Staff #3 was dated (11.20.2023) after their date of hire. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET)
The two most recent PA State Police clearances for Staff #1 were dated more than 60 months apart. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET)
The two most recent Emergency Plan Trainings for Staff #2 was dated more than 12-months apart.
The file for Staff #2 (See LIS for DOH) contained Emergency Plan Training dated 08.01.2024 and not to hire. The file for Staff #3 (See LIS for DOH) contained Emergency Plan Training dated 02.2024 after initial employment.
A trash receptacle in Room 3 (Pre-School) containing human secretions (partially eaten food, dirty napkin and used paper cups) were not contained in a closed, plastic-lined receptacle.
In Room 3 (Pre-School) a magnetic catch for a door on the play kitchen was cracked and loose posing a cutting hazard. In Room 4 (School Age) a 2 x 4 wooden shelf on the right wall was a blue bin with various toys was cracked posing a cutting or pinch point hazard.
In Room #2 (Infant Room) the crib had a broken crossbar which exposed a corner of the plexiglass and broken shards of wood posing a cutting hazard.
The initial health assessment for Staff #3 was dated 12.2023 which is after their date of hire.
The initial health assessment for Child File #1 had an initial health assessment dated 08.2024 which is more than 60 days from the first day of attendance at the facility. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET)
Staff person #3 had not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Health and safety training (dated 02.26.2024) and Pediatric First Aid/Pediatric CPR.
The last two Mandated Reporter Trainings for Staff #1 were dated more than 60 months apart. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET)
Room #2 (Infant Room) lacked the required emergency contact information for the children receiving care in the space.
The files for Staff Person's #1, #2 and #3 lacked verification that the staff have received training regarding the emergency plan within 90 days of starting at the facility.
One uncovered electrical outlet was observed in Classroom 1.
In Classroom 2, one diaper bag was observed on the floor and another bag was observed on a chair accessible to a young toddler receiving care in the space. Vaseline, Aquaphor ointment and Dove Wash were observed in the bags. The items were all labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children. In the upstairs hallway a bottle of disinfecting spray was observed on a cart outside the restroom and a Lysol Neutra Air spray was observed on the sink in the restroom. The toxics were accessible to preschool children receiving care upstairs.
The hot water in Classroom 2 was observed to measure 119.7° F.
One window in Classroom 5 and two windows in Classroom 4 were observed to have the window restriction disengaged, allowing the window to open more than 6 inches.
A hand washing sign was missing from the changing table in Classroom 1.
A source of water for handwashing was not present at the diapering area in Classroom 1.
The mats in use in Classroom 3 have not been labeled for use of a specific child.
The files for Children #1, #3 and #4 lacked an immunization record for the child. The children have exceeded 60 days since their first day of attendance at the facility.
Signed parental consent was missing for an Albuterol Inhaler present in Classroom 3 intended for Child #3.
The garbage can in place at the changing table in Classroom 1 did not have a lid in place on the can. The garbage can in place at the changing table in Classroom 2 did not open when the hands free mechanism was pressed and the lid was observed to pop off. The garbage can in place in the upstairs restroom was missing a plastic liner. Soiled diapers were observed in all of the garbage cans.
The facility has exceeded 30 days since their last fire alarm testing on 2.28.24.
The files for Children #1, #3 and #4 lacked an initial health assessment and the children have exceeded 60 days since their first day of attendance at the facility.
A written plan of daily activities was missing from Classroom 1.
The agreement form for Child #4 lacked the date the fee is to be paid.
The file for #5 lacked an approved developmental assessment and the child has exceeded 6 months since their enrollment at the facility.
The emergency contact forms for Children #1 and #4 lacked a policy number for the child's health insurance.
The emergency contact from for Children #1 and #3 lacked the addresses for the release persons listed. The emergency contact form for Child #2 lacked the complete names for the release persons listed.
Emergency contact forms were missing for the children receiving care in Classroom 2 and Classroom 3
The written emergency transportation plan was not posted in Classroom 6.
The emergency contact form for Child #2 has exceeded 6 months since review. The most recent review date was 8.18.23. The agreement form on file for Child #2 lacked a date to verify review and update within the last 6 months.
The emergency contact form for Child #5 lacked signed parental consent for obtaining emergency medical care and administration of minor first aid procedures by facility staff.
Staff person #1, #3 and #4 were observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff person #1, #3 and #4 have not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: 10-hour health and safety training.
SECOND CITATION Facility Person #2 lacked an FBI clearance required to be on file prior to returning to the facility. FACILITY PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 11.9.2023.
The files for Facility Person's #1, #2, and #3 lacked one of their two written, nonfamily references attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person.
Facility Person #2 was observed to be alone and providing care to a mixed age group that was reported to include 1 preschooler, 3 older toddlers and 1 young toddler in Classroom 1. Facility Person #2 did not have a completed PA State Police, PA Child Abuse, FBI or NSOR Certificate. Facility Person #2 also lacked completion of Mandated Reporter Training.
* At approximately 1:03 pm Certification Rep observed a young school age child alone in the hallway through the front door window. The child announced someone was at the door at which time Staff Person #1 was observed to emerge from the restroom in the hallway and opened the door. Staff Person #1 apologized and indicated they were to be in the Infant Classroom. Four infants were observed to be alone in Classroom 2. The young school ager, who was observed upon entrance, was observed alone in Classroom 4 upstairs. A staff person was not present with the child(ren) to meet the required staff:child ratio.
** At approximately 1:03 pm Certification Rep observed a young school age child alone in the hallway through the front door window. The child announced someone was at the door at which time Staff Person #1 was observed to emerge from the restroom in the hallway and opened the door. Staff Person #1 apologized and indicated they were to be in the Infant Classroom. Four infants were observed to be alone in Classroom 2. The young school ager, who was observed upon entrance, was observed alone in Classroom 4 upstairs. A staff person was not present with the child(ren) to meet the required staff:child ratio.
* In Classroom 1, a group of children that were later reported to include 1 preschooler, 3 older toddlers and 1 young toddler, were observed alone. In the Classroom 3 upstairs, a group of children that were later reported to include 3 preschoolers and 1 older toddler, were observed to be alone. A Staff Person was not present with the children to meet the staff:child ratio requirements.
** In Classroom 1, a group of children that were later reported to include 1 preschooler, 3 older toddlers and 1 young toddler, were observed alone. In the Classroom 3 upstairs, a group of children that were later reported to include 3 preschoolers and 1 older toddler, were observed to be alone. A Staff Person was not present with the children to meet the staff:child ratio requirements.
** Staff Person #1 was the only qualified facility person present at the facility. At the time of the unannounced visit 4 infants, 1 young toddler, 4 older toddlers, 4 preschool children and 1 young school ager were present at the facility. Staff Person's #3 reported that they had left with Staff Person #4 to go to Sam's Club while the children were napping.
* Staff Person #1 was the only qualified facility person present at the facility. At the time of the unannounced visit 4 infants, 1 young toddler, 4 older toddlers, 4 preschool children and 1 young school ager were present at the facility. Staff Person's #3 reported that they had left with Staff Person #4 to go to Sam's Club while the children were napping.
***SECOND CITATION. An infant was observed to be sleeping on a boppy pillow in Classroom 2. FACILITY PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 11.6.23.
*SECOND CITATION. An infant was observed to be sleeping on a boppy pillow in Classroom 2. FACILITY PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 11.6.23.
** SECOND CITATION. An infant was observed to be sleeping on a boppy pillow in Classroom 2. FACILITY PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 11.6.23.
* At approximately 1:03 pm Certification Rep observed a young school age child alone in the hallway through the front door window. The child announced someone was at the door at which time Staff Person #1 was observed to emerge from the restroom in the hallway and opened the door. Staff Person #1 apologized and indicated they were to be in the Infant Classroom. Four infants were observed to be alone in Classroom 2. In Classroom 1, a group of children that were later reported to include 1 preschooler, 3 older toddlers and 1 young toddler were observed alone. The young school ager, who was observed upon entrance to the facility, was observed alone in Classroom 4 upstairs. In Classroom 3 upstairs, a group of children that were later reported to include 3 preschoolers and 1 older toddler were observed to be alone. Staff Person #1 indicated they were being assisted by Facility Person #2 however, Facility Person #2 is not qualified to fulfill the duties of a staff person and therefore cannot be responsible for supervision of children or serve in the regulatory ratio. Staff Person #1 was the only Staff Person present in the building.
** At approximately 1:03 pm Certification Rep observed a young school age child alone in the hallway through the front door window. The child announced someone was at the door at which time Staff Person #1 was observed to emerge from the restroom in the hallway and opened the door. Staff Person #1 apologized and indicated they were to be in the Infant Classroom. Four infants were observed to be alone in Classroom 2. In Classroom 1, a group of children that were later reported to include 1 preschooler, 3 older toddlers and 1 young toddler were observed alone. The young school ager, who was observed upon entrance to the facility, was observed alone in Classroom 4 upstairs. In Classroom 3 upstairs, a group of children that were later reported to include 3 preschoolers and 1 older toddler were observed to be alone. Staff Person #1 indicated they were being assisted by Facility Person #2 however, Facility Person #2 is not qualified to fulfill the duties of a staff person and therefore cannot be responsible for supervision of children or serve in the regulatory ratio. Staff Person #1 was the only Staff Person present in the building.
*** At approximately 1:03 pm Certification Rep observed a young school age child alone in the hallway through the front door window. The child announced someone was at the door at which time Staff Person #1 was observed to emerge from the restroom in the hallway and opened the door. Staff Person #1 apologized and indicated they were to be in the Infant Classroom. Four infants were observed to be alone in Classroom 2. In Classroom 1, a group of children that were later reported to include 1 preschooler, 3 older toddlers and 1 young toddler were observed alone. The young school ager, who was observed upon entrance to the facility, was observed alone in Classroom 4 upstairs. In Classroom 3 upstairs, a group of children that were later reported to include 3 preschoolers and 1 older toddler were observed to be alone. Staff Person #1 indicated they were being assisted by Facility Person #2 however, Facility Person #2 is not qualified to fulfill the duties of a staff person and therefore cannot be responsible for supervision of children or serve in the regulatory ratio. Staff Person #1 was the only Staff Person present in the building.
At approximately 1:03 pm Certification Rep observed a young school age child alone in the hallway through the front door window. The child announced someone was at the door at which time Staff Person #1 was observed to emerge from the restroom in the hallway and opened the door. Staff Person #1 apologized and indicated they were to be in the Infant Classroom. Four infants were observed to be alone in Classroom 2. In Classroom 1, a group of children that were later reported to include 1 preschooler, 3 older toddlers and 1 young toddler were observed alone. The young school ager, who was observed upon entrance to the facility, was observed alone in Classroom 4 upstairs. In Classroom 3 upstairs, a group of children that were later reported to include 3 preschoolers and 1 older toddler were observed to be alone. A Staff Person was not physically present with the children in Classrooms 1, 2, 3 and 4. Staff Person #1 indicated they were being assisted by Facility Person #2 however, Facility Person #2 is not qualified to fulfill the duties of a staff person and therefore cannot be responsible for supervision of children or serve in the regulatory ratio. Staff Person #1 was the only Staff…
Facility Person #2 was observed to be providing care to a group of children. A completed health assessment and tuberculosis screening were not on file prior to coming into contact with the children.
Facility Person #2 was observed to be alone and providing care to a mixed age group that was reported to include 1 preschooler, 3 older toddlers and 1 young toddler in Classroom 1. Facility Person #2 is not 18 years of age or older and not qualified to be a Staff Person. The individual is 17 years old.
Facility Person #2, who was observed to be providing care to children at the facility, lacked an Individual file.
Facility Person #2 was observed to be alone and providing care to a mixed age group that was reported to include 1 preschooler, 3 older toddlers and 1 young toddler in Classroom 1. Facility Person #2 is required to be directly supervised at all times by a staff person.
At approximately 9:20am in Classroom 2 an infant was observed to be sleeping on a boppy pillow in their crib. This did not allow for the child to be placed in the sleep position recommended by the ACIP.
One electrical outlet was missing a protective receptacle cover in classroom 3.
A cracked laundry basket containing toys was observed in classroom 6. These cracks resulted in sharp edges and pinch points on the laundry basket.
One crib was observed to be labeled for two infants (twins) receiving care at the same time. The infants did not have individual rest equipment.
The written exemption on file for Child #4 lacked a parent signature and a date.
The batteries on the hands-free soap dispenser in the upstairs restroom appeared to be dead which did not allow for soap to be accessible for handwashing following the use of the restroom.
Written feeding statements from the parents were missing for 3 of the infants receiving care at the time of the inspection.
The file for Child #4 lacked an initial health assessment within 60 days of their first day of attendance at the facility. The health assessment on file was dated 68 days after starting at the facility.
The facility has not submitted an annual traffic letter to their local traffic safety authorities.
The file for Staff Person #1 lacked completion of the updated 1-hour health and safety training within 90 days of starting at the facility.
A written plan of daily activities was not posted in classroom 2.
The financial agreement for Child #1 lacked the arrival and departure times and the designated persons to whom the child may be released.
The file for Child #4 was observed to contain an original agreement form.
The emergency contact form for Child #4 lacked the physician's telephone number.
The emergency contact form for Child #2 lacked the health insurance coverage and policy number for the child. The emergency contact form for Children #3 and #4 lacked the policy number for the child's health insurance.
The emergency contact form for Children #2, #3 and #4 lacked the telephone number for one of the release persons listed.
An emergency contact form was missing for an infant receiving care in Classroom 2.
The outdoor play space was not ready for use at the time of the inspection as installers were present to install a fence. An indoor play space is not in place.
The hot water at the sink in Classroom #2 was measured at 117.2° F.
Two windows in Classrooms #3, #6 and one window in Classroom #5 were observed to be missing restrictions allowing the windows to open more than 6 inches. The window in the upstairs restroom was also missing a restriction.
A hand washing sign was missing from the two toilets in the Boys and Girls restrooms, at the changing table in Classroom #2, and at the toilet in the upstairs restroom.
The refrigerator in the kitchen was measured at 50° F. The refrigerator in Classroom #2 was measured at 55° F.
The file for Staff Person #1 lacked verification of experience to qualify them for the position they are to perform.
The file for Staff Person #2 lacked the results of their recent tuberculosis screening.
“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.
About this center
Common questions
Has Elite Childcare & Learning Center had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 17 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 Mar 31, 2026 (background checks): “Applications for the NSOR certification for Staff #1 were dated after Staff #1's Date of Hire. Therefore, Staff #1 was incorrectly provisionally hired. (SEE LIS CODE SHEET)” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Elite Childcare & Learning Center?
Pennsylvania lists 1 complaint investigation 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 Elite Childcare & Learning Center’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 1, effective Apr 26, 2024. 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 Elite Childcare & Learning Center compare with other daycares in Duquesne?
It is #5 of 7 centers in Duquesne by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 85% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Elite Childcare & Learning Center last inspected?
Mar 31, 2026 (unannounced monitoring). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
Who runs Elite Childcare & Learning Center?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Elite Childcare & Learning Center LLC.
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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.
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