First Care Daycare and Learning Center · Pittsburgh
First Care Daycare and Learning Center is a certified child care center in Pittsburgh, PA, with capacity for 65 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 2 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 8 times and confirmed violations in 1 complaint investigation. The state cited 74 violations, 12 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (21 of 74). 32 citations came in the last 12 months, including 9 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #168 of 251 centers in Pittsburgh and has more citations per inspection than 90% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
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Citations, newest first
On 5/28/26 at approximately 1:15PM during naptime, it was observed that Staff Person #1 was caring for 3 Older Toddlers and 13 Preschoolers who were napping and 3 other Preschooler who were up and sitting at a table in the preschool room. At approximately 1:20PM during naptime, it was observed that Staff Person #2 was caring for 1 Infant, 7 Young Toddlers, and 1 Older Toddler in the Infant/Toddler Room.
On 5/28/26 at naptime from approximately 1:30PM to 2:05PM it was observed that there were 2 staff members at the facility caring for 1 infant, 7 Young Toddlers, 4 Older Toddlers, and 16 Preschoolers, which are not enough staff at the facility to maintain ratios if naptime ended or an emergency occurred.
2ND CITATION. The facility's most recent annual review of the emergency plan is dated 1/6/25, more than 12 months prior. PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 4/13/26.
In the Preschool Room the nap mats were observed with less than two feet of space on three sides while in use.
2ND CITATION. The facility's most recent annual emergency drill is dated 3/28/25, more than 12 months prior. PREVIOUSLY CITED ON 4/13/26.
The two most recent State Police Clearances on file for Staff Person #1 are dated 7/9/20 and 7/10/25, which are more than 60 months apart.
It was observed in the preschool/school age room that there was an extension cord that was going across the floor from the outlet to the timecard that could cause a tripping hazard.
The facility's most recent annual review of the emergency plan is dated 1/6/25, more than 12 months prior.
It was observed that there was a bottle of foaming Clorox cleaner that was under the sink in the unlocked staff bathroom.
It was observed that a bottle of hand sanitizer was beside food items on the table in the kitchen area.
The water temperature in the bathroom located in the preschool/school age room was measured at 113° F.
A first aid was observed on the table in the preschool room making it accessible to the children in care.
The first aid kit in the preschool room and in the school age room was lacking scissors.
It was observed that there was a crib that was blocking the entrance to the toddler room, a pack n play blocking the entrance to the play space, an easel, Christmas tree and other items that were being stored in the hallway of the preschool/school age room that leads to an exit. The front exit door by the preschool/school age room was locked by 3 key locks and the keys were unavailable to open the door quickly in case of an emergency, and the red door in the school age room was locked from the outside making it unable to exit from the childcare space to the nearest exit.
The most recent health on file for Child #1 (Young Toddler at the time) is dated 8/1/25, more than six months ago.
It was observed in the infant/toddler room that staff were using the same sick to wash bottles and dishes as well as using the sick for handwashing after diapering.
The facility's most recent annual emergency drill is dated 3/28/25, more than 12 months prior.
At the time of inspection, the facility did not have documentation that the current emergency plan was sent to local municipality and to the county emergency management agency.
At the time of inspection, the facility's annual written notification to local traffic safety authorities was dated 1/6/25, more than 12 months prior.
During the renewal inspection, 5 preschool age children were observed in the preschool room, and 4 toddler age children were observed in the toddler room without their emergency contact information in the space where they were receiving care.
Per the facility's self-report and staff statements, on 2/6/26 a toddler aged child (Child #1) had eloped from the classroom while Staff Person #1 was assisting another child for dismissal. Staff #2 alerted Staff #1 that Child #1, who was assigned to Staff #1's group, was in the entryway hallway unattended, which the parent of Child #1 witnessed upon arrival.
Per the facility's self-report and staff statements, on 2/6/26 a toddler aged child (Child #1) had eloped from the classroom while Staff Person #1 was assisting another child for dismissal. Staff #2 alerted Staff #1 that Child #1, who was assigned to Staff #1's group, was in the entryway hallway unattended, which the parent of Child #1 witnessed upon arrival.
Staff Person #4 (see LIS code sheet for DOH) was lacking a file that included a Disclosure Statement, a Child Abuse Clearance, a State Police Clearance, a FBI Clearance and a NSOR certificate.
On 12/11/25 at approximately 10:30AM, Staff Person #1 answered the door leaving 11 preschool aged children and 1 older toddler with Staff #2 in Room A. While Staff #1 was at the door, Staff #2 exited Room A leaving 11 preschool aged children and 1 older toddler alone without a staff member present. At 10:33 AM, Staff #1 named and identified their supervision group of 5 preschoolers and 1 older toddler. At 10:34 AM, Staff #2 returned to Room A and identified 6 preschoolers in their supervision group. At approximately 10:45AM in Room B, Staff Person #3 and Staff Person #4 were observed in ratio and caring for children. Staff #3 and Staff #4 both named and identified the 4 young toddlers and 2 Older toddlers in the room. Staff #5 entered Room B at approximately 10:47 AM to work with Staff #3 and the 4 young toddlers and 2 older toddlers. At approximately 10:48 AM, Staff #5 stated the facility did not have a file for Staff #4. Staff #4 was not permitted to be caring for children and left the childcare space.
On 12/11/25 at approximately 10:30AM, Staff Person #1 answered the door leaving 11 preschool aged children and 1 older toddler with Staff #2 in Room A. While Staff #1 was at the door, Staff #2 exited Room A leaving 11 preschool aged children and 1 older toddler alone without a staff member present. At 10:33 AM, Staff #1 named and identified their supervision group of 5 preschoolers and 1 older toddler. At 10:34 AM, Staff #2 returned to Room A and identified 6 preschoolers in their supervision group.
On 12/11/25 at approximately 10:30AM, Staff Person #1 answered the door leaving 11 preschool aged children and 1 older toddler with Staff #2 in Room A. While Staff #1 was at the door, Staff #2 exited Room A leaving 11 preschool aged children and 1 older toddler alone without a staff member present. At 10:33 AM, Staff #1 named and identified their supervision group of 5 preschoolers and 1 older toddler. At 10:34 AM, Staff #2 returned to Room A and identified 6 preschoolers in their supervision group.
It was observed that there were outlets in Room B and Room C that did not have protective receptable covers.
Staff Person #4 was lacking a health assessment with a tuberculin skin test by the first day working with children. (See LIS code sheet).
The 30-Day fire detection log on file at the facility listed dates of testing of 5/23/25 and 6/24/25, which is more than 30 days between tests.
Staff person #4 was lacking an individual record.
Staff Person #4 was lacking a record that included the name, address and telephone number of the facility person.
Staff Person #4 lacked a record that included verification of age.
Staff Person #4 was lacking a record that included verification of child care experience, education and training prior to service at the facility. (See LIS Code sheet)
Staff Person #4 was lacking two written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person.
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The file for Staff Person #2 includes DHS FBI clearances dated 2/21/19 and 3/22/25 and Staff Person #3 includes DHS FBI clearances dated 8/31/18 and 3/12/24, which are both more than 60 months apart.
It was observed that there was an infant sleeping in a baby bouncer seat in the infant room, which isn't the sleeping position recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
There was an electrical outlet in Room C that was missing a protective receptacle cover.
It was observed that Staff Person #1 did not wash the hands of a young toddler after being diapered.
The file for Staff Person #3, Staff Person #4, and Staff Person #5 included verification of Pediatric First Aid/CPR training dated 4/5/25, after the expiration date of 12/31/24.
Staff Person #1 did not complete the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric First Aid and CPR (completed on 12/15/24) and Get Started with Center-Based Care Revised 2022 10hrs. (completed on 8/12/24).
Staff Person #1 did not complete the mandated reporter training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet); the training was completed on 7/5/24. The 2 most recent mandated reporter training certificates on file for Staff Person #3 are dated 6/13/19 and 7/9/24, and for Staff Person #4 are dated 12/16/19 and 3/13/25, which are both more than 60 months apart.
The emergency contact form on file for Child #1 was missing the child's date of birth.
The emergency contact form on file for Child #2 was lacking the addresses of the individuals designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.
There were 2 uncovered electrical outlets accessible to children 5 years of age or younger in room A.
There were 2 A&D Diaper Rash Ointment, 1 Nose Frida Saline Snot Spray,1 Tylenol and 1 Zinc Oxid 40% Diaper Rash Paste labeled, "keep out of reach of children, " in the backpacks hanging on the cubbies in the toddler side of room B accessible to children. There was a Johnson's body lotion, an Aquaphor and an infant Tylenol labeled, "keep out of reach of children, "in the backpacks laying on the window frame and on top of the plastic multi drawer in the infant room accessible to YT children.
There were several loose floorboards that created a tripping hazard, in room C. There were 2 transition floor strips pulling of the floor creating a tripping hazard in Room C.
The play space room lacked working lights.
The Arcade machine clear panel was broken in room C. The seesaw toy feet holder was ripped in the PlaySpace.
The kitchen refrigerator temperature was 51 degrees.
The file for child # 1 a school age lacked immunization record.
Staff # 1 did not wash the child's hands after diapering.
Staff # 1 kept a soiled diaper on the changing table until she was done with the diaper change, instead of discarding it immediately into a plastic-lined, hands-free covered can.
The file for child # 2 a school age lacked documentation of an initial health report and the immunization record The child was in care longer that 60 days without initial health report. The file for child # 3 a school age contained a current health report dated 9/29/23 that was provided after 60 days. The child was in care longer that 60 days without initial health report. the child start date was 5/16/23.
Cleaning products, including sanitizing spray, glass cleaner and air freshner spray, were observed on a table in the unlocked staff restroom in Classroom C. The toxics could be accessible to school age and preschool children receiving care in the space.
Four highchair seats at a table in Classroom B were missing the safety straps.
The health assessments on file for Children #2 and #4, Preschool age children, exceeded 12 months between examinations on 10.22.21 and 12.5.22 for Child #2 and 2.15.22 and 4.14.23 for Child #4.
The files for Children #2 and #4 lacked verification of a current influenza vaccination. The file for Child #5 lacked documentation that they had received the recommended doses of DTAP, HIB and Pneumococcal vaccinations. Written exemptions that had been signed and dated were not on file at the time of the inspection.
Staff Person #2 was observed to change a young toddler in Classroom B without washing the child's hands after.
Staff Person #2 was observed to change a young toddler without immediately placing the soiled diaper in the hands-free covered can in place at the changing table. It was reported that soiled BM diapers are bagged and disposed of in a can that is not in the classroom.
The facility has exceeded 30 days since the last testing of the fire detection system on 3.10.23.
The facility lacked verification that the emergency plan had been submitted to the County Emergency Management Agency.
The facility lacked verification that they had submitted an annual traffic letter to the local traffic safety authorities. The last documented notice was dated 1.1.21.
A copy of the current comprehensive general liability insurance policy was not on file at the time of the inspection.
Staff person #1 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): (31(f)(1-9). Staff person #1 had completed the 6-hour health and safety training however it was not completed in the acceptable time frame for that training.
The files for Children #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 were observed to contain the original agreements for the children.
The emergency contact form for Child #5 lacked the telephone number of the physician.
The emergency contact form for Child #1 lacked the address for one of the release persons listed.
The updates to the emergency contact forms for Children #2, #4 and #5 exceeded 6 months between updated in June 2022 and January 2023.
The file for Staff Person #2 lacked completion of Pediatric First Aid and CPR within 90 days of starting at the facility. The training was completed 96 days after starting at the facility.
The file for staff #1 contained a State Police Clearance date of 2-20-2017 and 3-10-2022, a Child Abuse Clearance date of 2-22-2017 and 3-14-2022 and an FBI Clearance date of 2-13-2017 and 3-24-2022 all of which exceeded the mandatory 60 months to renew the clearances.
In Classroom A, a sharp knife was observed on the sink and was accessible to children in care.
In Classroom A, the first aid kit did not contain soap.
The file for child #1 who is a preschooler contained a health assessment and a review of the vaccinations on 3-9-2021 and 3-24-2022 which exceeded the allowable 12 months for a review of the health assessment and vaccinations.The file for child #2 who is a preschooler contained a review of the health assessment and the vaccinations on 2-25-2021 and 8-1-2022 which exceeded the allowable 12 months for a review of the health assessment and vaccinations.
There was no emergency drill completed annually and there was no emergency drill log to view in the facility.
The smoke detection log contained a date of 2-9-2022 and 3-11-2022 which exceeded the mandatory 30 days to test the fire detection system.
The file for staff #2 who was hired prior to 12-19-2020 contained 6 hours of the required 12 clock hours of annual training hours completed by the mandatory training date of 12-19-2021.
“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) | $46.00 | $39.00 |
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $46.00 | $39.00 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $44.00 | $38.00 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $43.00 | $37.00 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $39.16 | $33.79 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $30.00 | $30.00 |
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
Common questions
Has First Care Daycare and Learning Center had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 12 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, 2026 (staff ratios): “On 5/28/26 at approximately 1:15PM during naptime, it was observed that Staff Person #1 was caring for 3 Older Toddlers and 13 Preschoolers who were napping and 3 other Preschooler who were up and sitting at a table in…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about First Care Daycare and 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 First Care Daycare and Learning Center’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 2, effective Oct 16, 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 First Care Daycare and Learning Center compare with other daycares in Pittsburgh?
It is tied for #168 of 251 centers in Pittsburgh by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 90% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was First Care Daycare and Learning Center last inspected?
May 28, 2026 (unannounced monitoring). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does First Care Daycare and Learning Center cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $46.00 for newborn, $46.00 for infant, $44.00 for young toddler, $43.00 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs First Care Daycare and Learning Center?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is First Care Daycare and Learning 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.
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