Step By Step Montessori LCC
Step By Step Montessori LCC is a certified child care center in Downingtown, PA, with capacity for 41 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 5 times. The state cited 14 violations, none of them core-safety, most often for building & playground safety (6 of 14). 6 citations came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #11 of 23 centers in Downingtown and has fewer citations per inspection than 69% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
During the renewal inspection on 12/19/25, in the Pre Casa 2 Room, there was a can of shaving cream that was accessible to the children.
During the renewal inspection on 12/19/25, there was an unlidded trash can in the Pre Casa 3 Room.
During the renewal inspection on 12/19/25, there was insufficient lighting in the Pre Casa 2 Room during naptime.
During the renewal inspection on 12/19/25, the thermometer in the refrigerator in the Pre Casa Room 2 was checked twice and moved yet maintained a temperature of 50°.
During the renewal inspection on 12/19/25, staff person #1 did not have a current TB testing on file as a recent hire.
During the renewal inspection on 12/19/25, there was no emergency transportation plan posted in the Pre Casa 2 Room.
During the renewal inspection on 12/19/24, the provider did not have Civil Rights Compliance Attestation form submitted to SE OCDEL resource account prior to the renewal inspection. This requirement was given to the provider in the renewal inspection notice sent on 12/11/24.
During the renewal inspection on 12/19/24, child #1 had emergency contact information in the childcare space that did not have a date to verify if it had been updated within the last 6-months.
During the renewal inspection on 2/1/24, there was an unused electrical outlet that did not have a protective receptacle cover in the Casa Preschool room.
During the renewal inspection on 2/1/24, the first-aid kit in the Pre Casa II room did not have soap.
During the renewal inspection on 2/1/24, emergency contact information in the childcare space for child #1 did not have date and signature of the parent.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a walkthrough of the facility in the casa room the thermometer was broken and could not show the current refrigerator temperature.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a review of the facility files, the emergency plan did not contain accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a review of files. The certification representative asked the Staff #1 for the proof of purchase of the fire system. Staff #1 stated there isn't any.
“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 |
|---|---|---|
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $56.81 | $30.95 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $56.81 | $30.95 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $56.81 | $30.95 |
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 Montessori LCC had any serious violations?
No citations on supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep since 2021. It has 14 other citations, listed above.
Have there been complaints about Step By Step Montessori LCC?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Step By Step Montessori LCC since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is Step By Step Montessori LCC’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 1, effective Jul 12, 2019. 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 Montessori LCC compare with other daycares in Downingtown?
It is #11 of 23 centers in Downingtown by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 69% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Step By Step Montessori LCC last inspected?
Dec 19, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does Step By Step Montessori LCC cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $56.81 for young toddler, $56.81 for older toddler, $56.81 for preschool in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Step By Step Montessori LCC?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Step By Step Montessori LCC.
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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.