The Childrens Place Early Learning Center INC
The Childrens Place Early Learning Center INC is a certified child care center in Altoona, PA, with capacity for 61 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 2 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 4 times. The state cited 14 violations, 1 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (6 of 14). None of them came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #14 of 22 centers in Altoona and has fewer citations per inspection than 59% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
The facility was observed to have a canvas and wood sling style book rack that was broken and unstable in the front room.
The file for staff person #1 was observed to contain a CPR certificate from National CPR Foundation which is not a PQAS approved training or instructor.
The file for staff person #2 was observed to lack documentation of obtaining a minimum of 12 clock hours of child care training in 2024.
The facility's outdoor play area was observed to have a hole in the ground at the gate that is approximately 2" deep and 10"X10" wide, causing a trip hazard.
The trim pieces on the half wall, and bookshelf in the Pre-K room were observed to have tape that was used to repair the item that is lifting and peeling off.
The facility's outdoor play area was observed to have a Police Cozy Coup that was observed to have a broken bolt cap on the wheel causing a sharp edge.
A rocking chair in the infant room was observed to have a tear in the corner of the cushion.
The file for staff person #3 was observed to lack evidence of renewing their certification in pediatric first-aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on or before the expiration of the most current certification. This was evidenced by certificates of competence in the file dated 07/21/22 and 07/29/24 demonstrating a lapse of 8 days.
The files for Staff persons #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6 were observed to lack documentation of fire safety training conducted by a fire protection professional at least annually as evidenced by only documentation of completing an on-line fire safety training course was present in their files.
The FBI clearance on file for staff person #2 was observed to be greater than 60 months. This is evidenced by 5/10/18 to 6/13/23.
It was observed that a cordless drill located in one of the cubbies between the preschool and toddler room was visible and accessible to children.
It was observed that rest equipment was not labeled for the use of a specific child.
It was observed that the Auvi-g medication for Child #1 was not in the original container, nor did it identify the name of the child for whom the medication is intended.
The file for Staff Person #1, was observed not to have completed Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update 2022 by December 30, 2022.
“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) | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $40.00 | $40.00 |
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 The Childrens Place Early Learning Center INC 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 Oct 19, 2023 (background checks): “The FBI clearance on file for staff person #2 was observed to be greater than 60 months. This is evidenced by 5/10/18 to 6/13/23.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about The Childrens Place Early Learning Center INC?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at The Childrens Place Early Learning Center INC since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is The Childrens Place Early Learning Center INC’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 2, effective Feb 23, 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 The Childrens Place Early Learning Center INC compare with other daycares in Altoona?
It is #14 of 22 centers in Altoona by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 59% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was The Childrens Place Early Learning Center INC last inspected?
Oct 1, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does The Childrens Place Early Learning Center INC cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $40.00 for newborn, $40.00 for infant, $40.00 for young toddler, $40.00 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs The Childrens Place Early Learning Center INC?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is The Childrens Place Early Learning Center INC.
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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.