Daycare Record Child care inspection records

Step Ahead Learning Center

1719 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19145 · Philadelphia County
1 core-safety citation in last 12 months Keystone STAR 1

Step Ahead Learning Center is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 17 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 5 times. The state cited 39 violations, 2 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (17 of 39). 8 citations came in the last 12 months, including 1 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #922 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 70% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 70% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most
Tied for #922 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia
2 Core-safety citations
37 Other citations
5 Inspections
0 Complaint investigations that found violations
39 citations from 5 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 8 in the last 12 months · last inspected Apr 9, 2026

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Apr 9, 2026 · Inspection · citation found Apr 3, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Apr 3, 2024 · Inspection · citation found May 18, 2023 · Inspection · citation found Oct 25, 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

Records & paperwork 17
Emergency preparedness 6
Health & medication 6
Training & qualifications 6
Transportation 2
Background checks 1
Staff ratios 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Apr 9, 2026 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
During the renewal inspection on 04/09/26 the file reviewed for staff person #1 hired (see code sheet) did not contain a NSOR certificate.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 15, 2026): “The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). A facility person's record shall include a copy of requests for the criminal history record and child abuse registry clearance information, a copy of the disclosure statement and a copy of the completed…”
Citation Apr 9, 2026 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)
During the renewal inspection on 04/09/26 the file reviewed for staff person #1 and staff person #2 did not include annual emergency plan training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 13, 2026): “The operator shall assure that each facility person receives training regarding the emergency plan at the time of initial employment, on an annual basis and at the time of each plan update. The operator shall document the date of each training and the names of all facility persons who received the…”
Citation Apr 9, 2026 Inspection Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)/3270.192(3)
During the renewal inspection on 04/09/26 the file reviewed for staff person #1 did not include a health assessment.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 13, 2026): “A facility person providing direct care who comes into contact with the children or who works with food preparation shall have a health assessment conducted within 12 months prior to providing initial service in a child care setting and every 24 months thereafter. A health assessment is valid for…”
Citation Apr 9, 2026 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Every 60 days 55 Pa. Code §3270.94(a)(1)
During the renewal inspection on 04/09/26 the documentation reviewed did not reflect fire drills being conducted every 60 days.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 13, 2026): “The Director or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter ensure fire drills are conducted at least once every 60 days.”
Citation Apr 9, 2026 Inspection Training & qualifications
Staff evaluations 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(a)(6)
During the renewal inspection on 04/09/26 the file reviewed for staff person #2 did not include an annual written evaluation.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 13, 2026): “A director is responsible for written evaluation of staff persons on a regular basis, a minimum of one evaluation every 12 months.”
Citation Apr 9, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Services proceeded 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(3)
During the renewal inspection on 04/06/26 the file reviewed for child #1, child #2, and child #3 did not include a CSR providing information about the child's growth and development.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 13, 2026): “The services to be provided to the family and the child, including the Department's approved form to provide information to the family about the child's growth and development in the context of the services being provided. The operator shall complete and update the form and provide a copy to the…”
Citation Apr 9, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
During the renewal inspection on 04/09/26 the emergency contact form reviewed for child #3 and child #4 did not include child's health insurance coverage and policy number.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 15, 2026): “Emergency contact information must include health insurance coverage and policy number for a child under a family policy or Medical Assistance benefits, if applicable.”
Citation Apr 9, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(f)/3270.181(c)
During the renewal inspection on 04/09/26 the emergency contact form reviewed for child #1, child #2, child #3 and child #4 was not reviewed/updated within a 6-month period.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 13, 2026): “The parent shall update in writing emergency contact information once in a 6-month period or as soon as there is a change in the information. A parent is required to review and update the emergency contact information and the financial agreement at least once in a 6-month period or as soon as there…”
Citation Apr 3, 2025 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/25 the file reviewed for staff person #1 did not reflect annual emergency plan training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 28, 2025): “The operator shall assure that each facility person receives training regarding the emergency plan at the time of initial employment, on an annual basis and at the time of each plan update.”
Citation Apr 3, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
Physical examination/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(1)/3270.192(3)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/25 the file reviewed for staff person #1 did not include an updated health assessment with physical examination.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 28, 2025): “An adult health assessment must include a physical examination. A facility person's record shall include a written report of initial and subsequent health assessments, including the results of initial and subsequent tuberculin skin tests, x-rays or other medical documentation necessary to confirm…”
Show 29 older citations
Citation Apr 3, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
Health information/Initial and subsequent health reports 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)/3270.182(1)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/25 the file reviewed for child #3 and child #4 did not include initial health assessment.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 28, 2025): “The operator shall require the parent of an enrolled child, including a child, a foster child and a relative of an operator or a facility person, to provide an initial health report no later than 60 days following the first day of attendance at the facility. A child's record shall contain initial…”
Citation Apr 3, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(i)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/25 the file reviewed for staff person #1 did not contain pediatric first aid/CPR training conducted by a PQAS certified instructor.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 28, 2025): “Competence is the completion of training by a professional in the field of first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). All staff persons shall renew their certification in pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on or before the expiration of the most current…”
Citation Apr 3, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/25 the file reviewed for staff person #1 did not include annual fire safety training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 28, 2025): “Staff persons shall participate, at least annually, in firesafety training conducted by a fire protection professional. Staff persons and volunteers shall receive training in maintenance of smoke detectors, the duties of facility persons during a fire drill and during a fire and the use of the…”
Citation Apr 3, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Staff evaluations 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(a)(6)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/25 the file reviewed for staff person #1 did not include a written annual evaluation.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 28, 2025): “A director is responsible for written evaluation of staff persons on a regular basis, a minimum of one evaluation every 12 months.”
Citation Apr 3, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Arrival/departure times 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(4)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/25 the fee agreement reviewed for child #1 did not include child's arrival and departure times.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 28, 2025): “An agreement shall specify the child's arrival and departure times.”
Citation Apr 3, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Admission date/Application, admission, withdrawal dates 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(6)/3270.182(2)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/25 the file reviewed for child #1 and child #2 did not include the child's date of admission.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 28, 2025): “An agreement shall specify the date of the child's admission. A child's record shall contain the dates of application, admission and withdrawal of the child.”
Citation Apr 3, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Written consent/Consent for emergency medical care required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(4)/3270.182(3)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/25 the emergency contact form reviewed for child #1 and child #2 did not contain signed parental consent for emergency medical care.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 28, 2025): “Emergency contact information must include the written consent signed by a parent for emergency medical care. A child's record shall contain signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child. Written consent is required prior to admission.”
Citation Apr 3, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/25 the emergency contact form reviewed for child #1 and child #2 did not include child's health insurance policy coverage and policy number.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 28, 2025): “Emergency contact information must include health insurance coverage and policy number for a child under a family policy or Medical Assistance benefits, if applicable.”
Citation Apr 3, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.181(c)
During the renewal inspection the emergency contact form and fee agreement for child #1 and child #2 was not updated/reviewed within 6-month period. The file for child #4 did not contain an emergency contact form or fee agreement.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 28, 2025): “A parent is required to review and update the emergency contact information and the financial agreement at least once in a 6-month period or as soon as there is a change in the information.”
Citation Apr 3, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/25 the file reviewed for staff person #1 did not reflect 12 hours of annual childcare training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 28, 2025): “A staff person shall obtain an annual minimum of 12 clock hours of child care training.”
Citation Apr 3, 2024 Inspection Health & medication
Mantoux TB/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(2)/3270.192(3)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/24 the file reviewed for staff person #1 did not include initial health assessment at time of hire.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 8, 2024): “Provider will have staff complete health assessment at the time of hire.”
Citation Apr 3, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(6)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/24 provider did not provide documentation confirming annual emergency drill.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 8, 2024): “Provider will conducted and record emergency drill annually.”
Citation Apr 3, 2024 Inspection Health & medication
Health information 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/24 the file reviewed for child #2 and child #3 did not contain a health report.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 8, 2024): “Provider will obtain a child health report when child is enrolled.”
Citation Apr 3, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Signed 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/24 the file reviewed for child #1, child #2 and child #3 did not contain a fee agreement.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 8, 2024): “Provider will have parent sign the fee agreement for Child 1,2 and 3”
Citation Apr 3, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Admission date/Application, admission, withdrawal dates 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(6)/3270.182(2)
During the renewal inspection the file reviewed for child #1, child #2 and child #3 did not include date of admission.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 8, 2024): “Provider will record date of admission when enrolled.”
Citation Apr 3, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/24 the emergency contact form reviewed for child #2 and child #3 did not include child's health insurance coverage and policy number.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 8, 2024): “Provider will include insurance coverage and policy number for each child enrolled.”
Citation Apr 3, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(f)/3270.181(c)
During the renewal inspection on 04/03/24 the emergency contact form reviewed for child #2 and child #3 were not reviewed/updated within 6-month time period. The file reviewed for child #1 did not contain an emergency contact form.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 8, 2024): “Provider will have parent complete emergency contact for each child and keep updated,”
Core safety May 18, 2023 Inspection Staff ratios
Two facility persons present in facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.54(a)
On 6/1/6/23, one staff person was observed caring for two children and there were no other facilty persons present in the facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 28, 2023): “The legal entity will hire an additional staff person. We will submit a completed staff file for the new hire and ensure that staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. We will ensure that staff/child ratios are maintained at all times.”
Citation May 18, 2023 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Plan posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(d)
The emergency plan was not posted at a conspicuous location in the facility. Post the emergency plan at a conspicuous location in the facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 28, 2023): “The emergency plan will be posted at the parent information board near the entrance of our facility.”
Citation May 18, 2023 Inspection Transportation
Safe routes posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.171(c)
Safe routes, including safe pedestrian crossways, pick-up and drop-off points and bike routes were not appropriately determined in the vicinity of the facility, communicated to the children and parents in writing and posted.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 15, 2023): “Written notification of safe routes will be developed, given to the parents and posted at a conspicuous location in the childcare facility. We will submit a written copy.”
Citation May 18, 2023 Inspection Transportation
Pick-up and drop-off points 55 Pa. Code §3270.171(a)
The operator lacked verification of the annual written notification to local traffic safety authorities of the location of the facility and the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the day care facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 15, 2023): “We will provide and submit verification of written notification of the location of the facility and the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the day care facility to the local safety authorities as specified. We will ensure that this notification is sent annually.”
Citation May 18, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Given parents in writing 55 Pa. Code §3270.121(b)
Written parental information to be given to parents at the time of enrollment did not include all of the policies as specified in this regulation.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 15, 2023): “We will amend the parent handbook to include all of the required policies in accordance with 55 PA Code 3270. SWe will submit a copy of the amended parent handbook for verification of compliance.”
Citation May 18, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Written emergency plan posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(e)
The facility lacked a written, posted plan identifying the means of transporting a child to emergency care and staffing provisions in the event of an emergency in accordance with this regulation.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 28, 2023): “We will develop and submit written plan identifying the means of transporting a child to emergency care and staffing provisions in the event of an emergency. We will post the plan in each child care space and ensure that it accompanies staff persons who leave on excursions with children.”
Citation May 18, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Individual Records 55 Pa. Code §3270.191
The operator indicated that there was a second facilty person hired to work at the facility and the facility person did not have an individual record that was presented at the time of the inspection.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 28, 2023): “We will obtain and submit a copy of the completed file for the identified facility person. We will ensure that each facility person has a completed individual record.”
Citation May 18, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Availability of certificate of compliance and applicable regulations 55 Pa. Code §3270.25(a)
The operator did not provide the parent of each child enrolled with information on how to access the regulations in this chapter electronically and with instructions for contacting the appropriate regional child care office.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 28, 2023): “We will provide the parent of each child enrolled with information on how to access the regulations in this chapter electronically and with instructions for contacting the appropriate regional child care office. This information will be posted at the parent information board.”
Citation Oct 25, 2022 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)
One staff person's record did not contain written verification of initial emergency plan training. (staff #2)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 29, 2022): “We will provide and submit written verification of initial emergency plan training for the identified staff person. We will ensure that all facility staff/new hires receive emergency plan training at the time of initial employment and annually.”
Citation Oct 25, 2022 Inspection Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)/3270.192(3)
Two staff person's records did not contain a health assessment completed within 12 months prior to the date of hire.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 23, 2022): “We will obtain and submit a current up-to-date health assessment for the identified staff persons. We will ensure that staff health assessments are completed within the required timeframes as specified in this regulation.”
Citation Oct 25, 2022 Inspection Training & qualifications
HS/GED + 2 yrs/Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.36(b)(5)/3270.192(2)(ii)
One staff person's record did not contain written verification of education and for their assistant group supervisor position. (staff #2)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 18, 2022): “We will obtain and submit acceptable, legible written verification of education for the identified staff person. We will ensure that all staff records have written verification of education and experience for their positions.”
Citation Oct 25, 2022 Inspection Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
Two facility person's records did not include two written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person. Each only contained one. (Staff #1 and #2)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 30, 2022): “We will obtain and submit the required written references as specified for the identified staff person. We will ensure that all facility staff records contain written references as specified.”

“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) $84.00 $71.00
Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) $84.00 $71.00
Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) $79.00 $68.00
Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) $77.00 $64.00
Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) $73.00 $60.00
Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) $49.00 $38.00
Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) $49.00 $38.00

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 17 children
Certificate status Regular
Certificate valid through Jun 30, 2027
Keystone STARS STAR 1
since Sep 25, 2023 · what STARS means
Operator Step Ahead Learning Center LLC
Hours Monday–Sunday 6:00 AM–6:00 AM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone (215) 220-9965
State certificate # CER-00256031
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has Step Ahead Learning Center had any serious violations?

Pennsylvania cited 2 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 Apr 9, 2026 (background checks): “During the renewal inspection on 04/09/26 the file reviewed for staff person #1 hired (see code sheet) did not contain a NSOR certificate.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about Step Ahead Learning Center?

Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Step Ahead 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 Step Ahead Learning Center’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 1, effective Sep 25, 2023. 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 Step Ahead Learning Center compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?

It is tied for #922 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 70% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was Step Ahead Learning Center last inspected?

Apr 9, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.

How much does Step Ahead Learning Center cost?

It reported full-time daily rates of $84.00 for newborn, $84.00 for infant, $79.00 for young toddler, $77.00 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.

Who runs Step Ahead Learning Center?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Step Ahead Learning Center LLC.

Certified centers nearby

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.