Daycare Record Child care inspection records
Pennsylvania · Ephrata

Pace Afterschool Program

510 Stevens Rd, Ephrata, PA 17522 · Lancaster County
4 core-safety citations in last 12 months Keystone STAR 4

Pace Afterschool Program is a certified child care center in Ephrata, PA, with capacity for 100 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 9 times. The state cited 36 violations, 5 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (19 of 36). 18 citations came in the last 12 months, including 4 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #5 of 9 centers in Ephrata and has more citations per inspection than 52% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 52% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. About typical
#5 of 9 centers in Ephrata
5 Core-safety citations
31 Other citations
9 Inspections
0 Complaint investigations that found violations
36 citations from 10 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 18 in the last 12 months · last inspected Aug 6, 2026

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Aug 6, 2026 · Inspection · citation found Jul 8, 2026 · Report/investigation · citation found Apr 30, 2026 · Inspection · citation found Aug 8, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Jun 20, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Aug 1, 2024 · Inspection · citation found Aug 9, 2023 · Inspection · citation found Jan 26, 2023 · Inspection · no citation Aug 15, 2022 · Inspection · citation found Jul 6, 2022 · Inspection · no citation
Violation found No violation Top row: inspections · bottom row: complaint investigations, self-reported incidents and other visits

What inspectors cited most

Building & playground safety 19
Health & medication 5
Records & paperwork 4
Supervision 2
Background checks 2
Transportation 1
Training & qualifications 1
Staff ratios 1
Emergency preparedness 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Aug 6, 2026 Inspection Supervision
Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)(1)
Staff persons #3 and #4 were outside with a group of 20 school-age children. When the staff were asked to identify their care groups, only 18 of the 20 children were accounted for. The remaining two children had not been written onto their list of children when they had arrived.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 18, 2026): “Director had discussion with all staff about supervision, knowing your primary care groups and being aware of children as they come in and recording their names to the lists as soon as they come so the count is updated. Staff will complete the two requested trainings - Supervision:Counting Children…”
Citation Aug 6, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
An outlet in the preschool boy's bathroom was uncovered. (CORRECTED ON SITE)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 20, 2026): “Covered at the time of inspection. Discussion was had that outlets should be checked regularly for outlet covers throughout the building. Especially check them after a weekend or an event at the church since this is shared space.”
Citation Aug 6, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Toxic plants not permitted 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(d)
A daffodil plant is located next to the school age playground. Children play in the unfenced area and have access to the toxic plant. An aloe plant was observed in the preschool room. (CORRECTED ON SITE)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 18, 2026): “Someone from the church will be removing the daffodil bulbs from the flower bed. The aloe plant was already removed.”
Citation Aug 6, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
Creeping thistle and a mushroom were observed on the preschool playground.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 18, 2026): “Preschool playground was treated for thistles and mushroom plants. Staff are to help keep an eye out for any regrowth and let me know ASAP so I can treat the mulch again.”
Citation Aug 6, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
Peeling/damaged paint was observed underneath the soap dispenser in the preschool boy's bathroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 18, 2026): “When the church installed new dispensers in the bathrooms, part of the outer layer of dry wall peeled off around the old dispensers. Someone from the church will be fixing the walls in those areas.”
Citation Aug 6, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)
Gym - A toy bin that contained magna-tiles was cracked and sharp edges of the plastic were exposed. (CORRECTED ON SITE)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 20, 2026): “Removed at the time of inspection Staff were reminded that any bins that are cracked are to be removed from the shelving and replaced with new bins before being put back out on the shelf.”
Citation Aug 6, 2026 Inspection Health & medication
Written consent/Medication log 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(6)/3270.133(7)
An epi-pen and an albuterol inhaler were on site for child #2. The facility did not have medication logs on file for the medications and did not have written parental consent to administer the medications.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 8, 2026): “Conversation took place between director and parent, requesting parent to update the medication log. New medication logs were given to the parent to fill out. Medication Log is on file.”
Citation Aug 6, 2026 Inspection Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)
The health assessments on file for staff person #1 were dated in July of 2024 and subsequently more than 24 months later in August of 2026. The most recent health assessment on file for staff person #2 was more than 24 months old (dated in July of 2024).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 8, 2026): “Staff person was notified plenty in advance to schedule a physical, but did not carry it out. Staff person #2 now has a physical scheduled for 8/18/2026 and has been reminded to take the physical form along and to return it the following day.”
Citation Aug 6, 2026 Inspection Transportation
Age appropriate restraints 55 Pa. Code §3270.175(a)
The following expired booster seats were observed in the back of the van used to transport children. -Dorel Juvenile Group Cosco Rise booster, manufactured in 8/5/2020 -- (expires 6 years from date of manufacture) -Dorel Juvenile Group Cosco Rise booster, manufactured in 8/7/2020 -- (expires 6 years from date of manufacture) -Dorel Juvenile Group Cosco Top Side booster, manufactured 12/30/2013 -- (expires 6 years from date of manufacture) -Harmony Juvenile Products Youth Booster Seat, manufactured 6/15/2014 (expires 6 years from the exact date of manufacture) -Harmony Juvenile Products Youth Booster Seat, manufactured 1/2016 (expires 6 years from the exact date of manufacture) -Pronto Belt-Positioning Booster seat, manufactured 4/30/2014 (expired 10 years from the date of manufacture)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 18, 2026): “After becoming aware of the manufacturer's experation dates on the booster seats, all expired booster seats were thrown away. We are left with 3 booster seats within good expiration dates. Two are good until 11/2026 and one is good until 3/2027. We will be looking to purchase some new booster seats…”
Citation Aug 6, 2026 Inspection Training & qualifications
Staff evaluations 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(a)(6)
The August 2025 staff evaluations on file for staff persons #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8 were copies of the previous staff evaluations. The dates on the copies were changed to reflect 8/2025. New/annual staff evaluations were not completed in August of 2025.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 18, 2026): “Current evaluations are being completed on all staff. Meetings between director and staff will be held next week to discuss the evaluations and be kept on file.”
Citation Aug 6, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information/Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)/3270.124(b)(7)
The emergency contact form on file for child #1 did not include the health insurance coverage and policy number for the child. The form also did not include addresses for 2 listed release persons.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 9, 2026): “Conversation took place between director and parent, insurance information was updated and added to file.”
Citation Aug 6, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Confidential; stored in locked cabinet 55 Pa. Code §3270.193(a)
The cabinet that stored the staff files was not locked.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 18, 2026): “Staff cabinet was unlocked due to pulling staff files out for inspection and left unlocked until the inspection was over. When finished the file cabinet was locked again. The files were left unlocked when no one was in the office area.”
Core safety Jul 8, 2026 Other state visit Background checks
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
The record for facility person #1 did not contain completed a completed NSOR certificate as required under the CPSL. The facility person was observed working with children at the time of inspection.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 13, 2026): “The director carefully looked over the NSOR certificate and found something on the form was filled out incorrectly, which is why the form did not go through processing. The form was corrected, processed, and there is now a copy in his file.”
Core safety Apr 30, 2026 Inspection Staff ratios
Mixed Age Level/Counted in staff:child ratio 55 Pa. Code §3270.52/3270.53(a)
Staff persons #5 and #6 were caring for a group of 24 children. 23 of the children were school age, and 1 child was a preschooler that is related to a staff person.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 22, 2026): “The director had a discussion with all the staff that if the staff's child is in the room, the ratio falls within the preschool ratio (1:10) and not the school age ratio (1:12). All staff were instructed to make sure the child count is readjusted as soon as the Clay and Intermediate students leave…”
Core safety Apr 30, 2026 Inspection Supervision
Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)(1)
Staff persons #1, #2, #3, and #4 were present with a group of 24 children in the gym. Staff were unable to identify which staff were assigned responsibility for supervision of specific children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 22, 2026): “Director had discussion with the early morning staff that with the preschool, kindergarten, and first grade children, they would need to assign those children to specific staff until their class teachers were in the room to take them to their own classes. Once those teachers arrive, they are given…”
Citation Apr 30, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
Uncovered outlets were observed in areas accessible to the preschoolers (the gym, a hallway, and in the entry way).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 26, 2026): “Discussion was had that outlets should be checked regularly for outlet covers throughout the building. Especially check them after a weekend or an event at the church since this is shared space.”
Citation Apr 30, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Heat Source 55 Pa. Code §3270.71
The unlocked kitchen contained a working stove, which was accessible to the children receiving care in the gym. (CORRECTED ON SITE)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 18, 2026): “Staff had been getting out food items for breakfast and then had come around to the outer counter to serve breakfast and the door was not relocked. The director had conversation with all staff to keep the kitchen door locked so children do not have access to the stove.”
Citation Apr 30, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)
More than 30 days lapsed between the following manual tests of the fire detection system: 12/3/25 to 1/5/26 1/5/26 to 2/5/26 3/5/26 to 4/7/26
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 22, 2026): “Director made note on log that fire detection system must be tested every 30 days, even over school breaks. School break days are counted in the 30 day count.”
Show 18 older citations
Core safety Aug 8, 2025 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
On 8/8/25, it was observed that CPSL (Child Protective Services Law) was not followed. Staff person 2 had a state police clearance on file that expired on 6/12/25, that was not updated until 6/16/25. All clearances must be updated every 60 months. Staff person 2 had a child abuse clearance on file that expired on 6/22/25, that was not updated until 6/26/25. All clearances must be updated every 60 months.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 19, 2025): “The child abuse clearance for staff #2 was updated on 6/26/25. It should have been updated by 6/12/25 so it would be in the 60 month window according to the CPSL. The State Police clearance for staff #2 was updated 6.26/25. It should have been updated by 6/22/25 so it would be in the 60 month…”
Citation Aug 8, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Outdoor equip.- protective surfacing 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(c)
On 8/8/25, it was observed that there was insufficient surfacing under the climber on the school age playground. There was approximately 5-6 inches of mulch present where 9 inches of mulch would have been required.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 8, 2025): “Mulch is being ordered and will be put down in all fall zones around the playground to meet the required 9 inches.”
Citation Aug 8, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
Date of administration 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(7)(v)
On 8/8/25, it was observed that the medication log for child 7 did not include dates for the medication to be administered. CORRECTED ON SITE.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 19, 2025): “The dates were filled in on the medication log for child 7 by a staff.”
Citation Aug 8, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
On 8/8/25, it was observed that the emergency contact information for child 7 did not include health insurance coverage information or a policy number.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 8, 2025): “Child 7 did not have health insurance and policy number included on the emergency contact form. Parent was contacted and parent shared that insurance was in process of being switched. That is noted on the form and when info is updated, it will be added to the form.”
Citation Jun 20, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Toxic use- no contamination 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(c)
On 7/2/25, it was observed that toxics were accessible to children in an unlocked lower cabinet in the Grade 1 classroom (room 213).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 8, 2025): “The director had a discussion with the lead staff in that room as to why the cupboard with the chemicals in it was not locked. That staff was reminded that cleaning materials and other toxic materials are to be inaccessible to children and are to be locked. A sign was also placed on the cupboard to…”
Citation Aug 1, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
On 8/15/24, it was observed that the facility emergency plan did not address continuity of operations.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 29, 2024): “At our PACE Board meeting, Monday, August 19th, there was discussion about what we would do if there was a disaster to the facility which posed a threat to the health or safety of the children and staff. The PACE Board created a Continuity Of Operations Plan that adressed assessing the damages and…”
Citation Aug 1, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
On 8/15/24, it was observed that there was an uncovered outlet in the hall outside the preschool classroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 12, 2024): “Outlet covers were added to the outlets that were missing covers in the hall, lobby, and gym spaces. A new supply of outlet covers were purchased so we have a good supply on hand.”
Citation Aug 1, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces/No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.76/3270.77(a)
On 8/15/24, it was observed that there was peeling paint on the door trim in the preschool classroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 12, 2024): “Paint on the door trim in the preschool room was repainted and covered”
Citation Aug 1, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Outdoor equip.- protective surfacing 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(c)
On 8/15/24, it was observed that the mulch under the school age playground climbing equipment measured at approximately 5 inches deep. 9 inches of mulch should have been present.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 12, 2024): “More playground mulch has been ordered and will be put down in the fall zones around the older kids playground area”
Citation Aug 1, 2024 Inspection Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)
On 8/15/24, it was observed that staff person 1 had a health assessment on file that expired on 8/10/24. An updated health assessment was not available.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 29, 2024): “Staff person had the physical scheduled and was waiting for a cancelation to get an earlier appointment, but couldn't get in any earlier. Staff health assessment is now on file.”
Citation Aug 1, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
On 8/15/24, it was observed that child 5 did not have their health insurance policy number on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 29, 2024): “Parent was contacted for the current insurance number and emergency contact form was filled in.”
Citation Aug 9, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
General Health and Safety/Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.21/3270.76
On 8/9/23, it was observed that blind cords were dangling from the windows in the gym to a length that would be accessible to the children. Blind cords pose a potential strangulation hazard for children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 7, 2023): “All cords were pulled through the hole and placed in between the plexiglass and the window.”
Citation Aug 9, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
On 8/9/23, it was observed that toxics were accessible to children in the lower cabinet in the back corner of the first grade classroom. CORRECTED ON SITE.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 28, 2023): “Cupboard doors were locked with a lock.”
Citation Aug 9, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces/No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.76/3270.77(a)
On 8/9/23, it was observed that there was peeling paint in the first grade classroom on the wall beside the kitchen set and on the wall between the 2 entry/exit doors.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 7, 2023): “The spots that had peeled were painted over with new paint.”
Citation Aug 9, 2023 Inspection Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)
On 8/9/23, it was observed that staff health assessments were not updated in a timely manner. Staff person 1 had health assessment on file that expired on 10/15/22, that was not updated until 8/8/23. Staff person 2 had a health assessment on file that expired on 6/2/23, that was not updated until 7/10/23.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 28, 2023): “Staff were notified well in advance as to when their physicals were due - several months. Discussion took place with the director and PACE Board and a plan is set in place to encourage staff to complete their physicals in a timely manner by the due date.”
Citation Aug 15, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
On 8/15/22, it was observed that rubbing alcohol was stored on the table in the meeting area upstairs where it was accessible to the children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 11, 2022): “Rubbing alcohol was immediately removed from the area and stored in a locked space away from the children.”
Citation Aug 15, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
On 8/15/22, it was observed that the carpet in the Kindergarten classroom was torn with separating seams running the width of the classroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 11, 2022): “The carpet seams were trimmed and glue was applied to keep the seams in tact again. New laminate flooring was installed and now we have no more carpet strings.”
Citation Aug 15, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)
On 8/15/22, it was observed that the white doll bed in the preschool classroom had peeling paint.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 11, 2022): “The doll crib was immediately removed from the preschool classroom. The crib has been sanded and repainted.”

“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
Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) $37.00 $23.40
Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) $32.00 $19.00
Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) $32.00 $19.00

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 100 children
Certificate status Regular
Certificate valid through Nov 4, 2027
Keystone STARS STAR 4
since Aug 18, 2026 · what STARS means
Operator Pace Afterschool Program
Hours Monday–Friday 6:30 AM–5:45 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone (717) 733-7223
State certificate # CER-00261179
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has Pace Afterschool Program had any serious violations?

Pennsylvania cited 5 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 Aug 6, 2026 (supervision): “Staff persons #3 and #4 were outside with a group of 20 school-age children. When the staff were asked to identify their care groups, only 18 of the 20 children were accounted for. The remaining two children had not…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about Pace Afterschool Program?

Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Pace Afterschool Program since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.

What is Pace Afterschool Program’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 4, effective Aug 18, 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 Pace Afterschool Program compare with other daycares in Ephrata?

It is #5 of 9 centers in Ephrata by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 52% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was Pace Afterschool Program last inspected?

Aug 6, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.

How much does Pace Afterschool Program cost?

It reported full-time daily rates of $37.00 for preschool, $32.00 for young school-age, $32.00 for older school-age in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.

Who runs Pace Afterschool Program?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Pace Afterschool Program.

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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.