KinderCare Learning Centers · State College
KinderCare Learning Centers is a certified child care center in State College, PA, with capacity for 89 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 16 times and confirmed violations in 11 complaint investigations. The state cited 56 violations, 21 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for caregiver conduct (11 of 56). 47 citations came in the last 12 months, including 19 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #26 of 27 centers in State College and has fewer citations per inspection than 51% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
During the investigation, it was verified through interviews that on 9/8/26, Staff #1 and Staff #2 were providing care for 14 children ages 1-4 for approximately an hour and forty-five minutes due to staff calling out of work.
During the investigation, it was verified through staff interviews and record review that Staff #1 inappropriately disciplined Child #1, #2 and #3 by aggressively picking them up and roughly grabbing them.
During the investigation, it was verified through staff interviews and record review that the classroom play kitchen was not properly bolted to the wall thereby causing part of it to fall onto the leg and foot of Child #1.
During the inspection, Staff #1, who has not completed the required pre-service training in pediatric first aid and CPR, was observed working alone with six children (ages 3 to 5) and has been doing so since date of hire. Staff #1 was not being supervised by a group supervisor, assistant group supervisor or director.
During the inspection, the file for Staff #2 did not contain the Florida sex offender registry. The FBI clearance for Staff #3 included a rap sheet that has not been reviewed by OCDEL. The NSOR certificate for Staff #4 was not updated until 8/27/25 which was not within 60 months of the previous NSOR certificate dated 1/14/20. The State Police Clearnce for Staff #5 was in "request still pending" status.
During the inspection, the fire alarm testing was conducted on 4/14/26 which was more than 30 days after the testing conducted on 10/20/25. No additional testing was performed after 4/14/26.
During the inspection, the file for Staff #6 did not contain documentation of emergency plan training at the time of initial employment.
During the inspection, the refrigerator in the Muti-Age Room did not contain a thermometer.
During the inspection, the file for Child #4 contained a health assessment dated 3/31/25 with no updated health report on file.
During the inspection the health assessment for Staff #5 was dated 1/16/26 which was more than 24 months from the previous health assessment dated 5/29/23.
During the inspection, the most recent fire drill was conducted 5/5/26 which was not within 60 days of the previous fire drill 10/20/25.
During the inspection, the operator had not notified local traffic safety authorities annually in writing of the location of the facility and the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the childcare facility.
During the inspection, Staff #6 had not participated at least annually, in fire safety training conducted by a fire protection professional.
During the inspection, Staff #1 and Staff #7 did not have acceptable pediatric first aid/CPR training on file and the trainer had not provided documentation that they are PQAS-certified in the training topic. The file for Staff #2 contained a previous pediatric first aid/CPR that was online only and the in-person training had never been taken. The file for Staff #3 contained Health and Safety training dated 3/19/22 but did not contain the required PA Health and Safety Update.
During the inspection, a copy of the Department's approved form to provide information about the child's growth and development was last provided in September 2025 to the family of Child #1, #2, #3 and #4.
During the inspection, the file for Child #2 did not contain signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child.
During the inspection, the emergency contact and/or the financial agreement was not updated at least once in a 6-month period for Child #1, #2, #3 and #4.
During the inspection, the file for Child #2 did not contain signed parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff.
During the inspection, the file for Staff #6 did not contain verification of education to determine qualifications for an aide or AGS position.
During the inspection, the file for Staff #1, who was functioning as an assistant group supervisor, did not have proof of experience on file to qualify for the position of assistant group supervisor. Staff #1 was observed working alone with six children (ages 3 to 5) and has been doing so since time of hire. Staff #1 was not being supervised by a group supervisor, assistant group supervisor or director.
During the inspection, the prior health assessment for Staff #1 expired 8/31/24 and the updated health assessment was not conducted within 12 months prior to providing initial service after the re-hire date. In addition, the updated health assessment does not include the individual's name on the form.
During the inspection, the file for Staff #1 contained pediatric first aid/CPR that expired on 9/30/2025, prior to the re-hire date. The updated first aid/CPR, dated 5/1/26, was not conducted within 90 days of re-hire and is not in an approved curriculum by a PQAS certified instructor.
During the inspection, the facility did not have a director employed. The previous director's last day was 1/23/26. This violation was cited under the unannounced inspection on 1/29/26 and is being cited again because it is past the provider's correction date of 4/30/26. In addition, a documented written plan was not provided for recruitment and retention of a director including timeframes and interim director coverage plans.
During the investigation, it was verified through staff interviews that Staff #1 inappropriately disciplined Child #1 by holding the child's hands together, pulling child by the arms and wrists and forcibly holding child down on a cot by their back.
During the investigation, it was verified through staff interview that Staff #1 inappropriately disciplined Child #1 by pulling the child by their arms and forcibly grabbing them to put back on their cot.
During the inspection, the file for Staff #2 did not contain NY state clearances or a disclosure statement. The file for Staff #7 did not contain a disclosure statement.
During the inspection, Staff #7, who did not have a disclosure statement on file and did not have the required education and experience to qualify at minimum as an aide, was observed working alone with five young toddlers.
During the inspection, there was no documentation of initial emergency plan training for Staff #5. The emergency plan training for Staff #6 was not completed at the time of initial employment.
During the inspection, the file for Staff #2 did not contain and initial or subsequent health assessment or results of initial and subsequent tuberculin skin tests, x-rays or other medical documentation necessary to confirm freedom from communicable tuberculosis.
During the inspection, the file for Staff #7 contained a diploma from University of Calcutta that had not been evaluated and there was no proof of experience on file to qualify as an aide.
During the inspection, there was no individual staff file for Staff #3 who was hired as an assistant group supervisor.
During the inspection, the file for Staff #1 contained only one nonfamily reference. The file for Staff #2 and #4 did not contain any nonfamily references.
During the inspection, Staff #6, who was past 90 days of hire, had not completed pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
During the inspection, the file for Staff # 1, #4, and #6 did not contain the experience required to qualify for the position of Assistant Group Supervisor. The file for Staff #2 did not contain any proof of education or experience.
Staff Person #1 has been named as a perpetrator in an indicated report of child abuse
During the investigation, it was verified through staff interview that Staff #1 inappropriately disciplined Child #1 by grabbing the child by the wrists and pulling them along, then grabbing child from their cot and forcibly pulling them onto the floor.
During the investigation, it was verified through staff interviews that Staff #1 frequently yelled at children and was heard using curse words in the presence of children and parents.
During the investigation, it was verified through staff interviews that Staff #1 inappropriately disciplined Child #1 by dragging the child by the wrists and ankles to their cot on the other side of the classroom.
During the investigation, it was verified through staff interviews that Staff #1 was yelling at Child #1 and inappropriately disciplined the child by picking the child up and throwing them on their cot.
During the investigation, it was verified through staff interviews that Staff #1 was yelling at Child #1 and inappropriately disciplined the child by picking the child up and throwing them on their cot.
During the investigation, it was verified through staff interviews that the classrooms were frequently out-of-ratio in November 2025 and December 2025. Also, In December 2025, Staff #1 was alone in the classroom for a full day with 18 children ages 3 to 5.
During the investigation, it was verified through staff interviews that, in December 2025, while Staff #1 was alone in the classroom with 18 children, Staff #1 changed the diaper of Child #1 at 9:30am and did not check or change the diaper again for the remainder of the day. This caused the diaper to become packed with urine and feces and fall apart after the child was picked up at 3:30pm.
During the inspection, it was verified through staff interviews that multiple staff members, who are mandated reporters, were aware of alleged mistreatment of a child in care and it was not reported to ChildLine. Staff members were told by the Director and the District Leader that reporting to KinderCare Ethics was the same as reporting to ChildLine.
During the investigation, it was verified through staff interviews, that Staff #1 had inappropriately disciplined Child #1, on multiple occasions, by grabbing the child by the wrists or elbows, dragging them across the floor and throwing them on a cot or chair. It was reported through staff interviews that Staff #1 has been seen dragging other children across the room and throwing them on their cots. On 11/14/26, Staff #1 yanked Child #1 down from climbing on a stack of cots causing the child to fall on their knees.
During the investigation, it was verified through staff interviews that Staff #1 frequently yelled at children and called Child #2 "gay" and stated "they are going to be gay" in the presence of other children. In addition, Staff #1 was heard using curse words in the presence of children and parents.
During the investigation, it was verified through staff interviews that, on multiple occasions, Staff #1 would drag Child #1 to the office and lock the door while Child #1 screamed to be let out. It was also reported that on 11/14/26, Staff #1 pinned Child #1 on a chair with their leg after yanking the child down from climbing on a stack of cots causing the child to fall on their knees.
During the inspection, the facility did not have a director employed. The previous director's last day was 1/23/26.
Show 9 older citations
During the Renewal Inspection 9-19-25, several vent returns had debris in them. Pictures were taken and shown to the director.
On November 20, 2024 at approximately 11:30am Two teachers were on the playground with the Preschool-age children. Staff #1 held the door open to the classroom and started doing a name-to-face check. The other teacher entered the classroom as the students entered the room to help them wash their hands and prepare for lunch. The teacher calling the names for name to face check thought she called all names and ended up leaving a child on the playground. She quickly noticed the child wasn't in the room and opened the door to the playground, and the child was standing right outside the door. The child was left alone on the playground for reportedly one minute. Child #1 was in the Primary Care Group of Staff #1.
On November 20, 2024 at approximately 11:30am Two teachers were on the playground with the Preschool-age children. Staff #1 held the door open to the classroom and started doing a name-to-face check. The other teacher entered the classroom as the students entered the room to help them wash their hands and prepare for lunch. The teacher calling the names for name to face check thought she called all names and ended up leaving a child on the playground. She quickly noticed the child wasn't in the room and opened the door to the playground, and the child was standing right outside the door. The child was left alone on the playground for reportedly one minute. Child #1 was in the Primary Care Group of Staff #1.
During the Renewal Inspection 10-9-24, the cabinet under the sink in the kitchenette was unable to be locked, allowing access to the cleaning materials.
During the Renewal Inspection 9-27-24, peeling paint was evidenced in both Preschool rooms and the Older Toddler room.
During the Renewal Inspection 9-27-24, the new Director stated that Fire Drills had not been done since April 2024. The new Director had been recently hired.
Director pointed out peeling paint on the ceiling in Toddler 2 Room during Renewal Insp 9-19-22 and have entered a work order.
During Renewal Inspection 9-19-22, a sharp unsecured bracket on a cabinet was accessible to children in Toddler A room. It was brought to the attention of staff and was remove immediately.
On 7-28-22 at approximately 1:15, Child #1 was given the wrong bottle of milk by Staff #1, violating the parent operator agreement.
“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.
Enforcement actions
Negative sanctions Pennsylvania lists for this center, such as a downgrade to a provisional certificate, refusing to renew or revoking its certificate of compliance, with the status COMPASS shows. “Operation permitted” means the center may keep operating while it appeals; “operation not permitted” means it may not.
Daily rates
| Age group | Full time, per day | Part time, per day |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $130.00 | $100.00 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $125.00 | $95.00 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $120.00 | $90.00 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $110.00 | $85.00 |
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 KinderCare Learning Centers had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 21 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 Sep 9, 2026 (staff ratios): “During the investigation, it was verified through interviews that on 9/8/26, Staff #1 and Staff #2 were providing care for 14 children ages 1-4 for approximately an hour and forty-five minutes due to staff calling out…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about KinderCare Learning Centers?
Pennsylvania lists 11 complaint investigations 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 KinderCare Learning Centers’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Apr 28, 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 KinderCare Learning Centers compare with other daycares in State College?
It is #26 of 27 centers in State College by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 51% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was KinderCare Learning Centers last inspected?
Jun 18, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does KinderCare Learning Centers cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $130.00 for infant, $125.00 for young toddler, $120.00 for older toddler, $110.00 for preschool in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs KinderCare Learning Centers?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is KUEHG Corporation.
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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.