K-Prep Learning Center is a certified child care center in Columbia, PA, with capacity for 72 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 3 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 5 times. The state cited 18 violations, none of them core-safety. 4 citations came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #44 of 144 centers in Lancaster County and has fewer citations per inspection than 63% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
Documentation showed that staff persons #1, #2, #3 and #4 did not have emergency plan training annually. They had it on 1/27/25 and 2/10/26.
It was observed that the ground covering under the mulch on the preschool playground was sticking up through the mulch in various causing a tripping hazard.
Documentation showed that staff persons #1, #2, #3 and #4 did not have fire safety training annually. They had it on 1/27/25 and 2/10/26.
Documentation showed the staff person #3 had a 21-day lapse in their mandated reporter training. 5/22/20- 6/12/25
At the time of inspection, a continuity of operations plan within the program's emergency plan was not available.
At the time of the inspection, documentation of lockdown procedures in the emergency plan parent letter was not available.
1.) During the inspection, ceiling tiles in the facility kitchen above the sink area were observed to be missing or in disrepair. 2.) The edge of the surfacing of the outdoor toddler play space was observed to be at a height that constituted a tripping hazard.
At the time of the inspection, documentation showing that the emergency plan had been sent to the local municipality was not available.
Staff #1 had not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric CPR and First Aid, which was completed on 1/9/25. Staff #2 had not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric CPR and First Aid, which was completed on 5/19/24. Staff #3 had not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric CPR and First Aid, which was completed on 6/3/24.
At the time of the inspection, written consent for emergency medical care was not available for child #1-6. The custom form did not allow space for parents to indicate their written consent.
At the time of inspection, documentation of a release person's phone number and address was not available for child #6.
At the time of the inspection, written consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures, transportation, walking excursions, swimming, and wading was not available for child #1-6. The custom form did not allow space for parents to indicate their written consent for these items.
Medication log for child #5 was missing the dates for administration.
Emergency contact form for child #2 was missing the mother and father's work address. All information for the father's work was left blank.
Information on any disability or special needs was left blank on the emergency contact form for child #4
In the older toddler room, an unmarked bottle of blue cleaner was observed.
In the older toddler room, a water spot was observed on the ceiling tile near the entrance to the bathroom.
Fire detection testing was not completed within 30 days on multiple occasions. Testing was observed to be completed greater than 30 days on the following occasions: 5/12/22 to 6/14/22, 6/14/22 to 7/22/22, 7/22/22 to 8/25/22, 8/25/22 to 9/30/22, 9/30/22 to 10/31/22, and 12/20/22 to 1/31/23.
“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 |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (Under 6 Weeks) | $59.80 | $59.80 |
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $59.80 | $59.80 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $57.80 | $57.80 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $57.80 | $57.80 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $49.20 | $49.20 |
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 K-Prep Learning Center had any serious violations?
No citations on supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep since 2021. It has 18 other citations, listed above.
Have there been complaints about K-Prep Learning Center?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at K-Prep Learning Center since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is K-Prep Learning Center’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 3, effective Jan 20, 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 K-Prep Learning Center compare with other daycares in Lancaster County?
It is #44 of 144 centers in Lancaster County by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 63% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was K-Prep Learning Center last inspected?
Mar 11, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does K-Prep Learning Center cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $59.80 for newborn, $59.80 for infant, $57.80 for young toddler, $57.80 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs K-Prep Learning Center?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is K-Prep Learning Center LLC.
Certified centers nearby
2 College Ave, Mountville · 1.1 mi away · 55 spots About typical Mountville Elementary School
200 College Ave, Mountville · 1.4 mi away Fewer citations than most The Wonder Years Early Learning Center
345 Highland Dr, Mountville · 1.6 mi away · 50 spots Among the most cited The Goddard School
715 Indian Springs Dr, Lancaster · 2.4 mi away · 189 spots About typical Healthy Kids at Park Elementary School
50 S 6th St, Columbia · 2.5 mi away More citations than most U-Gro Learning Centres
760 Indian Springs Dr, Lancaster · 2.7 mi away · 152 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.