Daycare Record Child care inspection records
Pennsylvania · Elizabethtown

Gears Kids Center of Community CTR

70 S Poplar St, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 · Lancaster County
1 core-safety citation in last 12 months Keystone STAR 4

Gears Kids Center of Community CTR is a certified child care center in Elizabethtown, PA, with capacity for 309 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 6 times. The state cited 27 violations, 3 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (14 of 27). 7 citations came in the last 12 months, including 1 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #4 of 7 centers in Elizabethtown and has more citations per inspection than 58% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 58% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. About typical
#4 of 7 centers in Elizabethtown
3 Core-safety citations
24 Other citations
6 Inspections
0 Complaint investigations that found violations
27 citations from 9 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 7 in the last 12 months · last inspected Mar 11, 2026

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Aug 10, 2026 · Report/investigation · no citation Mar 11, 2026 · Inspection · citation found Jul 21, 2025 · Report/investigation · citation found Mar 3, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Aug 15, 2024 · Inspection · citation found Mar 12, 2024 · Inspection · citation found Mar 9, 2023 · Inspection · citation found Feb 2, 2023 · Report/investigation · citation found Mar 24, 2022 · 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 14
Health & medication 6
Background checks 2
Records & paperwork 2
Supervision 1
Emergency preparedness 1
Training & qualifications 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
The record for staff person #2 (DOH see LIS code sheet) contains a PSP clearance with a request date of 6/27/22 but does not contain a dissemination date at the bottom of the page and is therefore not a complete clearance.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 24, 2026): “During the inspection a new PSP clearance for staff person #2 was requested and the results were received on 3/11/2026. A complete PSP clearance is now on file for staff person #2.”
Citation Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
It was observed on 3/11/2026 protective receptacle covers were not placed in electrical outlets in the gym and boy's bathroom and are accessible to children 5 years of age or younger. During the inspection, the preschool class was observed playing in the gym. (CORRECTED ON SITE)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 24, 2026): “During the inspection protective receptacle covers were placed in the electrical outlets in the gym and boy's bathroom.”
Citation Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
It was observed on 3/11/2026 in the gym, there are several areas with damaged paint and plaster.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 10, 2026): “The walls of the gym, where opened patches of missing paint will be fixed by sanding and paint over wall area. Patched peeling vinyl on the gym walls as well. Due to our construction, our gym is closed for the next 2 weeks from 3/23/2026 to 4/03/2026.”
Citation Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Health & medication
Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(b)(2)
The operator did not require the parent of child #1 (DOB see LIS code sheet) to provide an updated health report at least every 12 months for a preschool child. This is evidenced by the most recent health report in child #1's record being dated 7/31/2024.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 2, 2026): “Communicate with the parent to submit an updated Health Assessment for the child in question. The parent was alerted to submit a new health assessment. An updated health report was received for child #1.”
Citation Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Health & medication
Exam communicable disease 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(3)
The adult health assessment form for staff person #1 (DOH see LIS code sheet) indicates that staff person #1 has a communicable diseases but does not include information describing the condition(s) and the risk it might pose to others exposed to this individual. The adult health assessment for staff person #3 (DOH see LIS code sheet) does not include an examination for communicable diseases and the results of that examination.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 2, 2026): “The staff person #1 received additional information about their communicable disease that their health care provider has marked in error and has corrected the form accordingly. Staff person #1 does not have a communicable disease. Staff Person #3 has received a new health assessment that includes…”
Citation Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)
During the inspection when the provider demonstrated the fire detection system was operable, it was observed that the alarms could be heard in part of the building but not in the kindergarten and preschool classrooms; therefore, the fire detection devices or system are not in compliance with standards established under section 1016(c) of the act (62 P.S. § 1016(c)). (Temporarily corrected on site by installing an operable, battery operated smoke detector in the kindergarten and preschool classrooms.)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 10, 2026): “Battery smoke detectors were purchased and hung in each classroom (Kindergarten and Preschool rooms). Executive Director and GEARS Kids Center Director tested the detectors to assure the device was functional, they were.”
Citation Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Health & medication
Health information 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)
The operator did not require the parent of child # 2 (date of admission see LIS code sheet) to provide an initial health report no later than 60 days following the first day of attendance at the facility. This is evidenced by the initial health report in child #2's record being dated 9/10/2024. The operator did not require the parent of child # 3 (date of admission see LIS code sheet) to provide an initial health report no later than 60 days following the first day of attendance at the facility. This is evidenced by the initial health report in child #3's record being dated 1/30/2024.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 24, 2026): “Moving forward Admin. must assure that a child's health assessment must be submitted within 60 days of enrollment. We will update our rosters, there is a column for Health Assessments next to their placement.”
Core safety Jul 21, 2025 Other state visit Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
Documentation on file for facility person #1 did not include an NSOR certificate. Facility person #1 did not have an FBI DHS clearance on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 4, 2025): “All employees and lifeguards must have an FBI and NSOR clearances in their employments file. Sent NSOR on 7.25.25. FBI clearance results are attached.”
Citation Jul 21, 2025 Other state visit Health & medication
Mantoux TB/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(2)/3270.192(3)
Facility person #1 did not have documentation of tuberculosis screening on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 6, 2025): “Lifeguard had TB test by blood drawn, results from his family doctor's office. Results are attached.”
Citation Jul 21, 2025 Other state visit Health & medication
Exam communicable disease 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(3)
More information is needed from a health care professional regarding the examination for communicable diseases for facility person #1.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 6, 2025): “DHS Heath Form has been sent to the Family practice, facility person #1 had a sports assessment from his doctor, needed more information from DHS rules and their form. Waiting for doctors' office for the paper.”
Show 17 older citations
Citation Jul 21, 2025 Other state visit Health & medication
Information re: medical problems 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(4)
More information is needed for facility person #1 from a health care professional regarding medical problems that might threaten the health of the children or prohibit a staff person from providing adequate care to children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 6, 2025): “Childcare staff Health Assessment form was given to facility person #1 on Friday, July 25, 2025. The form was given to the family doctor on July 25, 2025.”
Citation Jul 21, 2025 Other state visit Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
Facility Person #1 file did not include two written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 4, 2025): “Every lifeguard in the future must obtain two employment references (non-family) to complete their employment folder and before working with children.”
Citation Mar 3, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
On 3/13/25, it was observed that a ceiling tile in the Kindergarten classroom had a water stain on it.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 25, 2025): “Tile was replaced. (see attached pictures of before and after). GEARS staff will alert administration if any stains appear on the kindergarten ceiling. Administration will alert our maintenance staff to repair, or replacements are needed.”
Citation Mar 3, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
On 3/13/25, it was observed that there was peeling paint on the baseboard, by the entry door in the Preschool classroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 25, 2025): “The chipped paint on the baseboard of the reading corner in the preschool was repaired and repainted.”
Citation Aug 15, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
On excursions/Excursions 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(d)/3270.124(d)
It was observed at the time of inspection the school age classroom was outside of the building and did not have emergency contact information and a first-aid kit, including a bottle of water. (corrected at inspection)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 22, 2024): “Reminded staff that emergency bag/backpack first aid kit with emergency contact information must accompany any group of children when they are outside or on a field trip.”
Citation Mar 12, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
An electrical outlet in the kindergarten classroom did not have a protective receptacle cover. Corrected at inspection.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 19, 2024): “A protective outlet cover was placed on the electrical outlet.”
Citation Mar 12, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)
It was observed at the time of inspection a plastic toy sink in the kindergarten classroom had dust and hair and the door below the sink had a layer of dust and debris. Corrected at inspection.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 19, 2024): “The plastic sink and the door were cleaned at the time of inspection.”
Citation Mar 12, 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)
It was observed at the time of inspection the facility fire safety system was not being tested every 30 days.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 21, 2024): “Gears Kids Center will test the fire alarm every 30 days per the new requirement from the Department of Human Services.”
Citation Mar 9, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
It was observed at the time of inspection two electrical outlets did not have protective receptacle covers in the pre-school classroom. An electrical outlet on an extension cord did not have a protective receptacle cover in the Kindergarten classroom. Corrected at inspection.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 9, 2023): “Protective receptacle covers were placed on the outlet covers.”
Citation Mar 9, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
It was observed at the time of inspection the hot water in the pre-school classroom bathroom sink was 120 degrees and the hot water temperature at the sink in the classroom was 118 degrees.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 13, 2023): “Leo Kob Plumbing came on Friday March 10th to turn the temperature down on the Preschool water heater for the bathroom sink. Leo Kob returned to the Community Center and checked the temperature. The temperature read 107 degrees.”
Citation Mar 9, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(f)/3270.181(c)
It was observed at the time of inspection that child #!1 and child #2's emergency contact form and financial agreement were reviewed and signed on 3-8-22 and 12-5-22.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 13, 2023): “Adminstration will now have parent's sign updated Contracts and Emergency Contacts in August/September of 2023. Since our Fall contracts are signed in March of each year. We will now sign 6 months from our Early Bird Registration Period.”
Core safety Feb 2, 2023 Self-reported violation Supervision
Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1)
On 1/25/23, Child #1 left the classroom to go to his cubby, without asking Staff Persons #1 and #2 or itinerant teacher who was there to work with him. The IT teacher noticed that he was not present in the classroom and went out to retrieve him from his cubby area in the hallway. Camera footage of the classroom revealed that the child was out of the classroom, unsupervised for one minute.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 9, 2023): “Each staff person is assigned the responsibility for supervision of specific children. Each staff person shall know the names and whereabouts of the children in his/her assigned group. The staff person shall be physically present with the children in his/her group on the facility premises and on…”
Citation Mar 24, 2022 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan/Exp, educ., training at facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)/3270.192(2)(iii)
It was observed at the time of inspection that staff #1 did not have verification of annual emergency plan training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 28, 2022): “Reviewed Emergency Prep plan with staff # 1. We reviewed Hazards, Emergency,Evacuation Site Plan and where the binder is kept at the Community Center. Staff # 1 is ending her employment with us in May 2022. In the future employees will receive the Hazard, Evacuation Plan, Emergency Plan during new…”
Citation Mar 24, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
It was observed at the time of inspection that an electrical outlet in the Kindergarten classroom did not have a protective receptacle cover. CORRECTED AT INSPECTION
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 24, 2022): “A protective outlet cover was placed on the electrical outlet in the Kindergarten room.”
Citation Mar 24, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster/Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)/3270.102(a)
It was observed at the time of inspection a the steps on the metal climber playground equipment had peeling white paint and was rusty.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 28, 2022): “Maintenance was completed on the chipping paint on play ground equipment piece. Please see attached pictures”
Citation Mar 24, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Outdoor equip.- protective surfacing 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(c)
It was observed at the time of inspection the embedded outdoor play equipment was not mounted over a loose-fill or unitary playground protective surface covering that meets the recommendations of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 28, 2022): “Mulch was blown on to the playground on Friday, March 25, 2022 see attached pictures”
Citation Mar 24, 2022 Inspection Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr./Exp, educ., training at facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)/3270.192(2)(iii)
It was observed at the time of inspection that staff #1 did not have verification of completion of annual fire safety training in their record
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 4, 2022): “Fire Safety training will be taken by April 1st through the PA Keys Website. Staff #1 will take the training. Evidence of her training will be listed on her PD Summary after April 1st. Training was completed as required.”

“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

Violation found Feb 2, 2023 Self-reported violation
1 violation cited, listed under Citations.

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
Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) $40.00 $35.00
Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) $40.00 $35.00

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 309 children
Certificate status Regular
Certificate valid through Jun 16, 2027
Keystone STARS STAR 4
since Oct 3, 2025 · what STARS means
Operator Gears
Hours Monday–Friday 6:00 AM–3:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone (717) 367-0119
State certificate # CER-00259509
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has Gears Kids Center of Community CTR had any serious violations?

Pennsylvania cited 3 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 11, 2026 (background checks): “The record for staff person #2 (DOH see LIS code sheet) contains a PSP clearance with a request date of 6/27/22 but does not contain a dissemination date at the bottom of the page and is therefore not a complete…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about Gears Kids Center of Community CTR?

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

What is Gears Kids Center of Community CTR’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 4, effective Oct 3, 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 Gears Kids Center of Community CTR compare with other daycares in Elizabethtown?

It is #4 of 7 centers in Elizabethtown by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 58% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was Gears Kids Center of Community CTR last inspected?

Mar 11, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.

How much does Gears Kids Center of Community CTR cost?

It reported full-time daily rates of $40.00 for preschool, $40.00 for young school-age in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.

Who runs Gears Kids Center of Community CTR?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Gears.

Certified centers nearby

Seeds of Success Academy
40 S Brown St, Elizabethtown · 0.3 mi away · 60 spots More citations than most Elizabethtown Child Care Center
777 S Mount Joy St, Elizabethtown · 0.7 mi away · 187 spots More citations than most U-Gro Learning Centres
1 Shrine Rd, Elizabethtown · 1.0 mi away · 198 spots More citations than most Gears Kids Center at East High
800 E High St, Elizabethtown · 1.1 mi away Fewer citations than most Gears Kids Center at Bear Creek
1459 Sheaffer Rd, Elizabethtown · 1.6 mi away Fewer citations than most KCE Champions LLC at Londonderry Elementary School
260 Schoolhouse Rd, Middletown · 4.7 mi away About typical

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.