Step By Step Child Care · Drexel Hill
Step By Step Child Care is a certified child care center in Drexel Hill, PA, with capacity for 130 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 6 times and confirmed violations in 3 complaint investigations. The state cited 12 violations, 5 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (5 of 12). 1 citation came in the last 12 months, including 1 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #13 of 20 centers in Drexel Hill and has fewer citations per inspection than 70% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
At the time of inspection, it was revealed that staff person #1 used demeaning language in the presence of children.
The file of staff person #1 doh (see lis code sheet), did not include a copy for NSOR information as required under the CPSL.
At the time of inspection, certification representative observed a damaged ceiling tile in the boys' bathroom.
At the time of inspection, staff person #2 did not have verification of annual firesafety training conducted by a fire protection professional.
Per the admission of staff person #1, harsh language was used in the presence of children.
During the renewal inspection on 05/10/23 the file reviewed for staff #1 did not contain signed disclosure statement.
During the renewal inspection on 05/10/23 childcare space, room 280, was being used for storage.
During the renewal inspection on 05/10/23 there was missing receptacle covers observed in room 170 and hallway on the 1st floor.
During the renewal inspection on 05/10/23 the playhouse located in outdoor play space was broken with exposed rough edges and sharp corners. Violation was corrected on site.
During complaint investigation on 10/05/22, it was revealed that father was allowed on facility's premises. Per court order father is to only have supervised telephonic contact with minor.
At the time of renewal inspection, provider was not able to provide proof of purchase and date of purchase of an interconnected fire detection system.
At the time of renewal inspection, provider was not able to locate file of staff person #1. Staff person #1 was observed caring for children.
“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 |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $68.00 | $68.00 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $64.00 | $64.00 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $61.00 | $61.00 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $57.00 | $57.00 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $57.00 | $46.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $57.00 | $46.00 |
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 Step By Step Child Care 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 Jun 22, 2026 (caregiver conduct): “At the time of inspection, it was revealed that staff person #1 used demeaning language in the presence of children.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Step By Step Child Care?
Pennsylvania lists 3 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 Step By Step Child Care’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Mar 24, 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 Step By Step Child Care compare with other daycares in Drexel Hill?
It is #13 of 20 centers in Drexel Hill by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 70% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Step By Step Child Care last inspected?
Mar 24, 2026 (renewal). No violations were cited during that visit.
How much does Step By Step Child Care cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $68.00 for infant, $64.00 for young toddler, $61.00 for older toddler, $57.00 for preschool in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Step By Step Child Care?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Step By Step Learning Center INC.
Certified centers nearby
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600 Edmonds Ave, Drexel Hill · 0.4 mi away · 79 spots About typical Delco Early Learning Centers
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352 Childs Ave, Drexel Hill · 0.5 mi away · 66 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.