Pennsylvania · Reading · 19601

Stepping Stones Academy-Reading LLC

50 N 4th St, Reading, PA 19601 · Berks County

1 core-safety citation in last 12 months Keystone STAR 4

Stepping Stones Academy-Reading LLC is a certified child care center in Reading, PA, with capacity for 58 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 7 times. The state cited 41 violations, 6 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for health & medication (12 of 41). 4 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 #40 of 84 centers in Reading and has more citations per inspection than 68% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 68% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most

Tied for #40 of 84 centers in Reading

6 Core-safety citations

35 Other citations

7 Inspections

0 Complaint investigations that found violations

41 citations from 8 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 4 in the last 12 months · last inspected Mar 11, 2026

Every state visit

Violation found No violation Top row: inspections · bottom row: complaint investigations, self-reported incidents and other visits

What inspectors cited most

Health & medication 12

Training & qualifications 6

Background checks 5

Building & playground safety 5

Emergency preparedness 5

Records & paperwork 5

Transportation 2

Caregiver conduct 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

During a renewal inspection on 3/11/26, staff files were reviewed. Staff # 1did not have a valid NSOR verification on file at the time of hire as required by CPSL. (see code sheet for DOH) The NSOR on file for staff # 1 is dated 9/8/2025.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 27, 2026): “1. The clearance for staff # 1 is valid at the time of inspection. Operator will comply with CPSL for clearances. 3/17/26 2. All new employees will receive an "Employee Checklist" stating their employment is contingent upon obtaining all required clearances and CPR certification within 90 days of…”

Citation Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety

No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)

During a renewal inspection on 3/11/26, certification rep observed chipped paint in the indoor play space.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 6, 2026): “The area in question was extremely small and required the inspector to point it out to the Director. The Director along with the Assistant Director will check all areas more thoroughly to ensure there is no peeled paint and correct any issues discovered in a timely manner. Chipped area will be…”

Citation Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Transportation

Transportation First Aid Kit 55 Pa. Code §3270.178

During a renewal inspection on 3/11/26, certification rep observed the first aid kit in the school transportation van to be missing scissors.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 27, 2026): “Add scissors to the first aid kit.”

Citation Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Training & qualifications

Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)

Staff person # 1 has not completed the following required pre- service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric First Aid and CPR.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 27, 2026): “Staff completed the required Pediatric CPR/First Aid Training.”

Core safety Mar 20, 2025 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

During a renewal inspection on 3/20/25, it was discovered that at the time of hire (see code sheet), staff # 2 provided a Department of Education clearance, which is not valid for DHS. There was no proof of request for a valid FBI clearance at the time of initial hire. There is a valid DHS FBI clearance dated 3/18/25.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 2, 2025): “Provider is compliant at the time of inspection.”

Citation Mar 20, 2025 Inspection Health & medication

12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)

During a renewal inspection on 3/20/25, it was discovered that more than 24 months passed between health assessments for staff # 1 and 3. This is evidenced by the staff health assessments dated 2/28/23 and 3/10/25 for staff # 1 and staff health assessments dated 6/16/22 and 9/11/24 for staff # 2.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 2, 2025): “Provider complaint at time of inspection.”

Citation Mar 20, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety

Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)

During a renewal inspection on 3/20/25, it was discovered that the most recent fire alarm inspection report on file is dated 3/20/24. The facility is unable to set off the alarms for testing due to being in a building with other businesses.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 2, 2025): “Fire alarm was tested on 3/25/25 at 11:00.”

Citation Mar 20, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications

Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(i)

Staff persons # 1 and 3 have not completed Pediatric first aid and CPR training on or before expiration of the most current certification. This is evidenced by the previously documented Pediatric first aid and CPR trainings on file expiring 10/31/24. Documentation of updated Pediatric first aid and CPR training is dated 2/22/25 both staff # 1 and 3.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 2, 2025): “Provider is complaint at the time of the inspection.”

Citation Mar 20, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications

Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)

During a renewal inspection on 3/20/24, it was discovered that staff persons # 1 and 3 did not participate in annual fire safety training. This is evidenced by their certificates dated 2/28/24 and 3/5/25 for staff # 1 and 2/28/24 and 3/8/25 for staff # 3.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 2, 2025): “Provider is complaint at the time of inspection.”

Core safety Sep 4, 2024 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

During allocated unannounced monitoring conducted on 9/4/2024, the following clearances/trainings were not updated within 60 months: Staff person #1: PSP clearances on file dated 12/13/2018 and 2/26/2023, child abuse clearances on file dated 2/1/2018 and 2/27/2023, and FBI clearances on file dated 12/14/2018 and 2/1/2024. Mandated Reporter trainings on file dated 12/19/2018 and 1/31/2024.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 20, 2024): “All the clearances mentioned above are current.”

Show 31 older citations

Citation Sep 4, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety

Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76

During allocated unannounced monitoring conducted on 9/4/2024, ceiling tiles in school-age room were stained.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 31, 2024): “The service provider has reached out to the building management personnel on several occasions, requesting that the ceiling leaks be addressed and the tiles replaced. They have indicated that the necessary repairs will be completed by October 3, 2024.”

Citation Sep 4, 2024 Inspection Health & medication

12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)

During allocated unannounced monitoring conducted 9/4/2024, health assessments for the following staff persons were not updated within 24 months: Staff person #1: Health assessments dated 11/19/2020 and 8/20/2023. Staff person #2: Health assessment dated 6/16/2022.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 20, 2024): “Staff person #2 completed her health assessment on September 11, 2024. Health assessment for staff person #1 is current.”

Citation Sep 4, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness

Every 60 days 55 Pa. Code §3270.94(a)(1)

During allocated unannounced monitoring conducted 9/4/2024, facility's fire drill log reflected that last fire drill was conducted on 5/20/2024, which is past 60 days.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 20, 2024): “A fire drill was conducted on 9/5/2024.”

Citation Sep 4, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety

Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)

During allocated unannounced monitoring conducted 9/4/2024, last annual fire inspection report on file is dated 3/20/2023, which is past one year. Facility is unable to conduct fire detection testing every 30 days due to being in a building with several other businesses.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 20, 2024): “The provider has obtained a copy of the most recent fire inspection report dated 3/20/2024.”

Citation Sep 4, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications

Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)

During allocated unannounced monitoring conducted 9/4/2024, fire safety trainings on file for staff person #2 are dated 2/27/2023 and 3/4/2024, which is past one year.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 31, 2024): “The fire safety training dated 3/4/2024 for staff person #2 is current and will be renewed prior to 3/4/2025.”

Citation Mar 12, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness

Letter to parents 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(e)

As of the renewal inspection on 3/12/24, the letter to parents regarding the emergency plan did not include information on lockdown or accommodations for children with special needs or chronic medical conditions.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 14, 2024): “Letter will be updated to include information on lockdown and accommodations for children with special needs and chronic medical conditions.”

Core safety Mar 28, 2023 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

As of the renewal inspection on 3/28/23, Staff #3 had a Dept of Ed FBI clearance (see code sheet for hire date). The DHS FBI is required.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 2, 2023): “The employee is no longer employed with the academy.”

Citation Mar 28, 2023 Inspection Emergency preparedness

Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21

As of the renewal inspection on 3/28/23, there was no contingency plan in the emergency plan as required by 45 CFR § 98.41(a)(1)(vii).

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 28, 2023): “Provider will develop a contingency plan that will be included in the emergency plan. The updated emergency plan will be sent to the fire marshal and county.”

Citation Mar 28, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

Initial health report for older toddler/preschool no more than 1 year 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)(3)

As of the renewal inspection on 3/28/23, the health assessment on file for child #4 was dated 11/22/21, which was more than 1 year prior to enrollment (see code sheet).

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 28, 2023): “The parent must have their child receive a physical by 4/29/2023, or he will not be able to attend the academy.”

Citation Mar 28, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(b)(2)

As of the renewal inspection on 3/28/23, the most recent health assessment on file for child #3 was dated 11/22/21.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 28, 2023): “The parent must have their child receive a physical by 4/29/2023, or he will not be able to attend the academy.”

Citation Mar 28, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

Free from contagious/communicable disease 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(d)(7)

As of the renewal inspection on 3/28/23, the health assessment for child #1 did not include a statement that the child is able to participate in child care and appears to be free from contagious or communicable disease.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 28, 2023): “The parent must have their child receive a physical by 4/29/2023, or their child will not be able to attend the academy until they have a physical and a completed Child Health Report Assessment Form.”

Citation Mar 28, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

ACIP recommended immunization record 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(e)

As of the renewal inspection on 3/28/23, the most recent influenza vaccine for child #1 was dated 11/16/21; for child #4 it was dated 11/22/21. There was no documentation of influenza vaccine for child #3.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 28, 2023): “Child #1 and child 4# will have to receive their flu vaccine by 4/29/2023 or the parent must write an exempt letter. For child 3#, the parent will provide documentation that indicates their child has received their vaccine or the parent must write an exemption letter.”

Citation Mar 28, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

Written consent 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(6)

As of the renewal inspection on 3/28/23, there was no written consent from the parent of child #5 for administration of Albuterol that was onsite.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 2, 2023): “The medication was given back to the parent becasue the child no longer needed the medication. The medicine had never been administered at the academy.”

Citation Mar 28, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

Exam communicable disease 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(3)

As of the renewal inspection on 3/28/23, the health assessments of staff #3 and #4 indicated there was a communicable disease with no further comment.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 28, 2023): “Employee #3 resigned, and employee #4 will be getting her form updated to reflect that she does not have a communicable disease.”

Citation Mar 28, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

Health information 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)

During the renewal inspection on 3/28/23, the health assessment on file for child #4 was dated 6 months (7/29/21) after initial enrollment (see code sheet).

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 20, 2023): “When children are enrolling and need a physical/immunization, the parents will be given the state health form and a letter indicating a date (within 60 days), that they must have their child's physical/immunization. Parents will receive the original and a copy will be added to the child's file. The…”

Citation Mar 28, 2023 Inspection Transportation

Pick-up and drop-off points 55 Pa. Code §3270.171(a)

As of the renewal inspection on 3/28/23, the operator had not notified local traffic safety authorities annually in writing of the location of the facility and the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the child care facility.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 1, 2023): “Will notify local traffic safety authorities annually in writing of the location of the facility and the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the child care facility.”

Citation Mar 28, 2023 Inspection Training & qualifications

Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)

As of the renewal inspection on 3/28/23 Staff person #1 and #2 have not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update 2022

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 20, 2023): “Staff person #1 and #2 will complete the required pre-service training.”

Citation Mar 28, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Services proceeded 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(3)

As of the renewal inspection on 3/28/23, there was no child service report on file for child #2 and child #3, both enrolled for more than 6 months.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 28, 2023): “The service reports will be done and shared with parents.”

Citation Mar 28, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Parent receives original/Copy of initial and subsequent agreements. Parent receives original. 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(b)/3270.182(8)

As of the renewal inspection on 3/28/23, there was no fee agreement in the file for child #4.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 28, 2023): “The fee agreement had mistakenly been placed in child #4's sisters file.”

Citation Mar 28, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(f)/3270.181(c)

As of the renewal inspection on 3/28/23, the most recent update of the emergency contact information for child #2 was 6/20/22.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 28, 2023): “The parent will update child #2 records, as this was an oversite because child #2 sibling's file had recently been updated.”

Citation Mar 28, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)

As of the renewal inspection on 3/28/23, there were no written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the suitability of staff #5 to serve as a facility person.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 20, 2023): “The employee #5 did have the references, they unfortunately had not made it into her file. They have since been added to the employee's file.”

Citation May 2, 2022 Inspection Health & medication

Free from contagious/communicable disease 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(d)(7)

On 3/22/22 during the renewal inspection, the health report for child #1 did not include a statement that the child is able to participate in child care and appears to be free from communicable disease. An acceptable plan of correction was received stating that by 4/30/2022 the parent of child #1 will have their child's medical provider complete the DHS health service form. On 5/2/22 during an unannounced visit to verify corrections, children #1 did not have a health assessment that included a statement that the child is able to participate in child care and appears to be free of contagious or communicable disease.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 17, 2022): “The parents pf child #1 attempted to get the information from the previous physician in NY but the physician would not sign the form. The parent is finding a pediatrician in PA and will have the state form completed for child #1.”

Core safety Mar 22, 2022 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

On 3/22/22 during the renewal inspection, staff #3, hire date 9/17/21, did not have the appropriate FBI clearance and NSOR and must be removed from care.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 2, 2022): “Facility person #3 has been removed from care and is not permitted to return until both clearances are on file. She has already submitted her NSOR clearance paperwork and is scheduled to do the FBI clearance on 4/2/22.”