Stepping Stones Preschool · 1 Dorsett Dr, Mansfield
Stepping Stones Preschool is a certified child care center in Mansfield, PA, with capacity for 24 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 7 times. The state cited 11 violations, 1 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (3 of 11). None of them came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #4 of 15 centers in Tioga County and has fewer citations per inspection than 82% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
During the renewal inspection, record review confirmed that the emergency plan was last updated on 8/30/23 and had not been updated annually in 2024 or 2025.
During the renewal inspection, the health report on file for Child #2 was dated 3/11/24. An updated health report was not on file.
During the renewal inspection, 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 childcare facility.
During the renewal inspection, the financial agreement had not been reviewed and updated at least once in a 6-month period for Child #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5.
During the renewal inspection, it was verified that the operator had not sent a copy of the emergency plan to the local municipality.
During the renewal inspection, a letter had been drafted explaining the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the childcare facility. However, there was no documentation to support if or to whom the letter was sent.
During the renewal inspection, while escorting certification representative from the lobby, Staff #1 left Staff #2 alone in the classroom with 13 preschool children ages 3 to 4.
During the renewal inspection, the emergency contact for Child #1 did not include addresses of the release persons.
During the inspection, Staff #1 had not completed the following pre-service trainings within 90 days of hire date: Pediatric First Aid/CPR and PA Health and Safety Update.
During the inspection, the current certificate of compliance of compliance was not posted at the facility.
During the renewal inspection, small areas of peeling paint were observed above the baseboard in both the story time and block areas of the classroom.
“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 |
|---|---|---|
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $35.60 | $20.00 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $35.60 | $20.00 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $35.60 | $16.60 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $35.60 | $16.60 |
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 Stepping Stones Preschool had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 1 violation 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 Sep 13, 2023 (staff ratios): “During the renewal inspection, while escorting certification representative from the lobby, Staff #1 left Staff #2 alone in the classroom with 13 preschool children ages 3 to 4.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Stepping Stones Preschool?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Stepping Stones Preschool since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is Stepping Stones Preschool’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Sep 25, 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 Stepping Stones Preschool compare with other daycares in Tioga County?
It is #4 of 15 centers in Tioga County by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 82% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Stepping Stones Preschool last inspected?
Aug 26, 2026 (renewal). No violations were cited during that visit.
How much does Stepping Stones Preschool cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $35.60 for older toddler, $35.60 for preschool, $35.60 for young school-age, $35.60 for older school-age in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Stepping Stones Preschool?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Stepping Stones Preschool INC.
Certified centers nearby
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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.