Ephrata Recreation Center is a certified child care center in Ephrata, PA, with capacity for 50 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 2 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 4 times. The state cited 10 violations, 1 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (8 of 10). None of them came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #1 of 9 centers in Ephrata and has fewer citations per inspection than 79% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
On 10/8/25, it was observed that there were a total of 29 children in care (13 in the gym and 16 in the classroom) which exceeds the facility capacity of 18 children.
On 4/3/25, it was observed that CPSL (Child Protective Services Law) was not followed. Staff person 2 had a state police clearance on file that had results still pending as the determination. Staff person 2 must have a state police clearance with finalized results. Staff person 3 had state police and child abuse clearances on file for a volunteer. Staff person 3 must have clearances for employment.
On 4/3/25, it was observed that a financial agreement was not on file for children 1, 2, and 3.
On 4/3/25, it was observed that children 1, 2, and 3 did not have the name, address, and telephone number for their physician on file.
On 4/3/25, it was observed that children 1, 2, and 3 did not have the work address and telephone number on file for the enrolling parent.
On 4/3/25, it was observed that children 1, 2, and 3 did not have health insurance coverage and policy numbers on file.
On 4/3/25, it was observed that children 1, 2, and 3 did not include addresses for their release persons.
On 4/3/25, it was observed that an emergency transportation plan was not posted in the child care space.
On 4/3/25, it was observed that children 1, 2, and 3 did not include signed parental consent for emergency medical care and minor first aid.
On 4/3/25, it was observed that staff files did not include 2 written, nonfamily references. Staff persons 1, 3, 5, and 5 will need to provide 2 written, nonfamily references. Staff person 2 will need to provide 1 written, nonfamily reference.
“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.) | $55.01 | $46.55 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $49.20 | $41.91 |
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 Ephrata Recreation Center 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 Apr 4, 2025 (background checks): “On 4/3/25, it was observed that CPSL (Child Protective Services Law) was not followed. Staff person 2 had a state police clearance on file that had results still pending as the determination. Staff person 2 must have a…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Ephrata Recreation Center?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Ephrata Recreation Center since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is Ephrata Recreation Center’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 2, effective Mar 4, 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 Ephrata Recreation Center compare with other daycares in Ephrata?
It is #1 of 9 centers in Ephrata by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 79% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Ephrata Recreation Center last inspected?
Jan 22, 2026 (renewal). No violations were cited during that visit.
How much does Ephrata Recreation Center cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $55.01 for older toddler, $49.20 for preschool in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Ephrata Recreation Center?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Ephrata Recreation Center.
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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.
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.