South Mountain Elementary
South Mountain Elementary is a certified child care center in Dillsburg, PA. It holds a Keystone STAR 3 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 5 times and confirmed violations in 1 complaint investigation. The state cited 14 violations, 3 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for health & medication (6 of 14). 1 citation came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #5 of 8 centers in Dillsburg and has fewer citations per inspection than 63% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
During the time of inspection, it was observed that there were Clorox wipes and disinfectant spray within reach of children. This was corrected during the inspection.
Staff member 1 mocks children with speech impediments to other staff members.
Documentation of the FBI clearance on file for staff member 2 was updated more than 60 months of the original date. The FBI clearance on file expired on 8/12/24 and was updated on 8/14/24.
During the time of inspection, it was observed that staff member 1 did not wash their hands prior to serving the children snack.
During the time of inspection, it was observed that staff members did not wash their hands prior to serving snack to the children.
The pediatric CPR/First Aid on file for staff member 1 expired on 8/26/23.
Medication for child number 1 was observed without the original box. Staff confirmed that the facility did not have the original box for child number 1's medication
There was not medication log observed for child number 1's medication
Staff number 1 had a health assessment dated 2/27/20 and updated on 3/3/22, which is greater than 24 months.
Emergency drill was not completed within the past year. Previous date of emergency drill dated 1/28/21.
There was no transportation plan observed in the child care space
One staff was observed to be providing supervision to 13 younger and older school age children while the second staff left the room to let another child into the building.
Evacuation routes for the facility were not posted.
There was no schedule of daily activities posted in the child care space.
“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 |
|---|---|---|
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $49.00 | $24.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $49.00 | $24.00 |
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 South Mountain Elementary 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 Jun 24, 2025 (caregiver conduct): “Staff member 1 mocks children with speech impediments to other staff members.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about South Mountain Elementary?
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 South Mountain Elementary’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 3, effective Sep 10, 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 South Mountain Elementary compare with other daycares in Dillsburg?
It is #5 of 8 centers in Dillsburg 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 South Mountain Elementary last inspected?
Nov 3, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does South Mountain Elementary cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $49.00 for young school-age, $49.00 for older school-age in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs South Mountain Elementary?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Mechanicsburg Learning Center.
Certified centers nearby
657 S Baltimore St, Dillsburg · 1.6 mi away Fewer citations than most Kindercademy Early Learning Center
101 N Baltimore St, Dillsburg · 1.7 mi away · 113 spots About typical Dillsburg Elementary
202 S Chestnut St, Dillsburg · 1.7 mi away Fewer citations than most Little Dreams Dillsburg
119 Ore Bank Rd, Dillsburg · 3.1 mi away · 71 spots More citations than most Heavenly Hands Early Learning Center
450 Chestnut Grove Rd, Dillsburg · 3.8 mi away · 80 spots More citations than most Little Dreams Dillsburg
1185 Gettysburg Pike, Dillsburg · 3.9 mi away · 60 spots 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.