Daycare Record Child care inspection records
Pennsylvania · Erie · 16510

The Learning Ladder Early Child Care Center LLC

3515 McClelland Ave, Erie, PA 16510 · Erie County
2 core-safety citations in last 12 months Keystone STAR 3

The Learning Ladder Early Child Care Center LLC is a certified child care center in Erie, PA, with capacity for 83 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 3 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it twice. The state cited 37 violations, 4 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (15 of 37). 28 citations came in the last 12 months, including 2 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #56 of 58 centers in Erie and has more citations per inspection than 99% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 99% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. Among the most cited
Tied for #56 of 58 centers in Erie
4 Core-safety citations
33 Other citations
2 Inspections
0 Complaint investigations that found violations
37 citations from 3 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 28 in the last 12 months · last inspected Jul 24, 2026

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Jul 24, 2026 · Inspection · citation found Mar 30, 2026 · Report/investigation · no citation Oct 3, 2025 · Inspection · citation found
Violation found No violation Top row: inspections · bottom row: complaint investigations, self-reported incidents and other visits

What inspectors cited most

Records & paperwork 15
Building & playground safety 8
Emergency preparedness 4
Health & medication 3
Supervision 2
Training & qualifications 2
Background checks 1
Food & feeding 1
Staff ratios 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Supervision
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
Staff person #5 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff person #5 has not completed the following pre- service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Health and Safety Training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “This violation occurred due to an oversight regarding the updated pre-service training requirements. The facility was unaware that the Health and Safety Pre-Service Training previously on file for Staff Person #5 did not meet the current requirements. Staff Person #5 will complete the correct…”
Core safety Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
The disclosure statements in the files for Staff Person #3 and #4 were outdated and invalid. The files for Staff Person #5 and #8 lacked a disclosure statement. The Out of State (Ohio) Sex Offender Registry and Child Abuse clearances in the file for Staff Person #2 were acquired after the staff person's first day working in a child care position at the facility. The Child Abuse and FBI clearances in the file for Staff Person #5 were acquired after the staff person's first day working in a child care position at the facility. The file for Staff Person #6, who has lived out of state (Florida) in the past five years did not include the Out of State Sex Offender Registry or Child Abuse Clearance from that state.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “The disclosure statements for Staff Persons #3 and #4 were updated, and completed disclosure statements were obtained for Staff Persons #5 and #8. The missing Florida Child Abuse Clearance for Staff Person #6 was located and placed in the staff file; Staff Person #6 is no longer employed by the…”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.21
Observed adult scissors, which were accessible to children, in the OT Room across from the gym and the upstairs PS Room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 11, 2026): “The adult scissors observed in the OT Room across from the gym and in the upstairs Preschool Room were immediately removed from areas accessible to children. They were placed in secured storage that is out of children's reach. Staff were reminded that adult scissors and other potentially hazardous…”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Letter to parents 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(e)
The parent letter regarding the facility's emergency procedures did not include accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “The facility's emergency procedures parent letter was revised to include accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions. The updated letter explains how staff will provide evacuation assistance and ensure that required medications…”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
Observed exposed screws and splintering wood in the holes in the wall on the childcare room side of the gym. The rubber mat in the gym was overlapping and buckling, which creates a potential tripping hazard. Observed two long metal pegs protruding from the base of the fence in the outdoor play space. Observed holes in the ceilings of Room 2 and 3 with exposed wires from where previous smoke alarms had been removed. Observed a hole in the floor where a toilet had been removed, a damaged ceiling tile above the sink and leaking water pipes from the urinal in the downstairs bathroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “All identified building and safety hazards will be corrected immediately. The exposed screws will be removed or covered, and the splintering wood and wall openings on the childcare-room side of the gym will be repaired and sealed. The rubber gym mat will be repositioned, secured, or replaced so it…”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Handwashing signs 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(h)
The sink in the OT Room and the urinal in the upstairs bathroom lacked handwashing signs.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “Handwashing signs stating that facility persons and able children must wash their hands after toileting and before eating were posted at the sink in the OT Room and near the urinal in the upstairs bathroom. Staff were reminded that the required signs must remain posted at every toilet, training…”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Stairs, exits, etc. unobstructed 55 Pa. Code §3270.91(a)
A chair was blocking the doorway in Room #4.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “The chair blocking the doorway in Room #4 was immediately repositioned to ensure the doorway and means of egress were completely unobstructed. Staff were reminded that doorways, hallways, stairways, and all facility exits must remain clear at all times.”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Health & medication
2 feet apart 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(f)
Observed less than two feet of space on three sides of three cots in the PS Room (Cafe) and three cots in the upstairs PS Room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “Furniture in the PreK Room and the upstairs Preschool Room will be rearranged during naptime to provide at least two feet of space on three sides of every cot while in use. Staff were instructed on the required cot spacing and will follow the corrected room arrangement during each rest period.”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Food & feeding
Refrigerator 55 Pa. Code §3270.107
The refrigerator in the PS Room (Cafe) lacked a thermometer.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “A refrigerator thermometer was immediately placed inside the refrigerator in the Preschool Room. Staff verified that the refrigerator was maintaining food at a temperature of 45°F or below.”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Health & medication
Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months/Initial and subsequent health reports 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(b)(2)/3270.182(1)
The file for Child #1, an older toddler, did not include an updated health report conducted within the past 12 months.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “The parent or guardian of Child #1 was notified that an updated health report completed within the past 12 months is required. The updated report will be obtained from the child's healthcare provider and placed in the child's file. Follow-up reminders will be provided until the documentation is…”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Health & medication
Immunization record/Dismissal policy 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(d)(5)/3270.131(e)(3)
The most recent immunization records in the files for Child #1 and #2 do not contain the immunizations recommended by the ACIP for the children's' ages or letters of exemption from the parents or physicians. Child #1: OT: missing 4th DTAP, 4th Pneumococcal and 2nd Hep A. Child #2: 9 months. Missing 3rd Hep B and 2nd Rotavirus, DTAP, HIB, Pneumococcal and Polio.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “The parents or guardians of Child #1 and Child #2 were notified that the most recent immunization records on file did not document all immunizations recommended. Each family was instructed to provide an updated immunization record from the child's healthcare provider or a valid written exemption…”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(5)
The facility's emergency plan did not include accommodations for children with disabilities and children with chronic medical conditions.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “The facility's emergency plan was revised to include specific accommodations for children with disabilities and children with chronic medical conditions. The updated plan explains how staff will provide individualized assistance during evacuation, sheltering, relocation, and reunification. It also…”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Every 60 days 55 Pa. Code §3270.94(a)(1)
The fire drill/fire system test log documents one occasion when fire drills exceeded 60 days: 10/6/25-12/23/25.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “The facility acknowledges that more than 60 days elapsed between the fire drills conducted on October 6, 2025, and December 23, 2025. The Director reviewed the fire-drill requirements with responsible staff and established a recurring schedule to ensure drills are completed within the required…”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)
The fire drill/fire system test log documents two occasions when fire system tests exceeded 30 days: 10/6/25-12/23/25 and 2/20/26-3/23/26.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “The facility acknowledges that more than 30 days elapsed between the documented fire system tests conducted on October 6, 2025, and December 23, 2025, and between February 20, 2026, and March 23, 2026. The Director reviewed the fire system testing requirements with the responsible staff and…”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)
Staff person #1 and #5 have not completed the following required pre- service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Health and Safety Training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “This violation occurred due to an oversight regarding the updated pre-service training requirements. The facility was unaware that the Health and Safety Pre-Service Training previously on file for Staff Person #5 did not meet the current requirements. Staff Person #1 & #5 will complete the correct…”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Training & qualifications
HS/GED + 2 yrs/Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.36(b)(5)/3270.192(2)(ii)
The file for Staff Person #4, an AGS with a high school diploma, did not include verification of two years childcare experience.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “Verification of the required two years of childcare experience for Staff Person #4 was obtained and placed in the staff member's file. The documentation confirms that Staff Person #4 meets the experience requirement for the Assistant Group Supervisor position.”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Amount of fee 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(1)
The fee agreement in the file for Child #1 lacked the fee amount.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “The fee agreement for Child #1 was updated to include the exact fee charged per week.”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Services proceeded 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(3)
The files for Child #1 and #4, who have been enrolled for more than six months, did not contain a child service report conducted within the past six months.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “Child service reports will be completed for Child #1 and Child #4 using the Department-approved form. Moving forward each child's growth and development based on assessments will be completed through the facility's state-aligned curriculum and assessment system. Copies of the completed reports will…”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Arrival/departure times 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(4)
The fee agreements in the file for Child #3 lacked arrival and departure times.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “The fee agreement for Child #3 was updated to include the child's scheduled arrival and departure times.”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Designated release persons 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(5)
The fee agreements in the files for Child #2 and #3 did not specify the release persons.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “The fee agreements for Child #2 and Child #3 were updated to identify the individuals authorized to pick up and receive each child from the facility.”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Each child emergency contact person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(a)
The emergency contact form in the file for Child #5 did not include the names or phone numbers of the emergency contact persons.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “Child #5 is no longer enrolled at the facility; therefore, the emergency contact form could not be updated.”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Parent home/work address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(3)
The emergency contact forms in the files for Child #2, #3 and #5 did not include the work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 24, 2026): “The emergency contact forms for Child #2 and Child #3 were updated to include the enrolling parents' work addresses and telephone numbers. Child #5 is no longer enrolled; therefore, the form could not be updated.”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Information re: special needs 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(5)
The emergency contact forms in the files for Child #2 and #5 did not include information on the child's special needs, as specified by the child's parent, physician, physician's assistant or CRNP, which is needed in an emergency situation.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “The parents or guardians of Child #2 and Child #5 will be contacted to complete the special-needs section of each child's emergency contact form. When applicable, information provided by the child's physician, physician assistant, or CRNP will also be obtained.”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
The emergency contact form in the file for Child #3 did not include the health insurance coverage and policy number.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “The emergency contact form in the file for Child #3 did not include the health insurance coverage and policy number.”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)
The emergency contact form in the file for Child #3 did not include the release person's address. The emergency contact form in the file for Child #5 did not include the release person's phone number.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “The parent or guardian of Child #3 was contacted to provide the designated release person's address. The emergency contact form was updated, reviewed for completeness, and placed in the child's file. Child #5 is no longer enrolled; therefore, the emergency contact form could not be updated.”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Each child care space 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(c)
The emergency contact binder in the upstairs PS Room did not include an emergency contact form for Child #6, who was receiving care in this room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “Child #6 is no longer enrolled at the facility; therefore, an emergency contact form was not added to the upstairs Preschool Room binder. The child's file was updated to document the date care ended. Staff were reminded that a current emergency contact form must be available in each room for every…”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Written emergency plan posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(e)
The emergency transportation plan was not posted in the PS Room (Cafe).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “A copy of the facility's emergency transportation plan was immediately posted in a visible and accessible location in the Preschool Room (Cafe).”
Citation Jul 24, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
The file for Staff Person #4 did not contain two reference letters. The file for Staff Person #7 contained only one reference letter.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 23, 2026): “Staff Person #4 and Staff Person #7 were notified of the missing reference letters and required to provide the outstanding documentation. Two reference letters will be obtained for Staff Person #4, and one additional reference letter will be obtained for Staff Person #7.”
Show 9 older citations
Core safety Oct 3, 2025 Inspection Staff ratios
Mixed Age Level 55 Pa. Code §3270.52
On 10/3/25 at 3:45 PM, Staff Person #2 was observed supervising 11 children (8 school age and 3 preschool) in the School Age #2 Room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 22, 2025): “The Director reviewed ratio requirements with Staff #2 and all classroom staff to ensure understanding that the youngest child in a mixed-age group determines the staff-to-child ratio. The school age child (1) was sent in another room to correct the staff to child ratio.Staff were reminded that…”
Core safety Oct 3, 2025 Inspection Supervision
Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)(1)
On 10/3/25 at 3:40 PM, Staff Person #1 was responsible for supervising 9 school age children. Five of these children were present in School Age Room #1 with Staff Person #1. Four of these children were alone in the next room, School Age Room #2.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 22, 2025): “The Director addressed this incident with Staff Person #1 and reviewed supervision requirements. Children were regrouped so that all school-age children were under direct staff supervision in the same room. Staff were reminded that they must remain physically present with their assigned group at…”
Citation Oct 3, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
In child care spaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(a)
The Young Toddler #2 and Infant #2 Rooms lacked first aid kits.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 16, 2025): “First aid kits were placed in both the Young Toddler #2 and Infant #2 classrooms. Each kit contains all items required by Pennsylvania DHS regulations. The kits are clearly labeled and stored in easily accessible but child-safe locations within each classroom.”
Citation Oct 3, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
Observed wall panels with rough edges in the Preschool and Indoor Gross Motor Rooms.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 16, 2025): “The rough wall panels in the Preschool and Indoor Gross Motor rooms are being repaired by the facility's maintenance technician. Damaged sections are being sanded, sealed, and repainted to eliminate sharp or rough edges.”
Citation Oct 3, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Small Toys and Objects 55 Pa. Code §3270.103
Observed teeth marks in foam blocks in the Young Toddler #1 Room. The designated indoor gross motor play space was observed to have a rubber turf material. The rubber turf includes a "crumb rubber" resulting in pieces measuring less than 1 inch in diameter throughout the gross motor space. The outdoor gross motor play space contained wood chips less than 1 inch in diameter throughout the gross motor space. This creates a potential choking hazard for children who may still be placing objects in their mouths.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 16, 2025): “The foam blocks were immediately removed from the Young Toddler #1 room. The indoor gross motor play area's rubber turf flooring was replaced with a solid, safe surface that does not contain crumb rubber. Replacement materials used indoors now meet DHS safety requirements and are free from small…”
Citation Oct 3, 2025 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(f)
The facility did not have documentation that the emergency plan had been sent to the local municipality and county emergency management agency.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 16, 2025): “The emergency plan will be submitted to both the local municipality and the county emergency management agency. An email receipt will be kept on file at the facility in the administrative office.”
Citation Oct 3, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
On file at facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.18(a)
A current copy of liability insurance was not on file at the facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 16, 2025): “Liability insurance will be updated to include the new location for our facility.”
Citation Oct 3, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Posted in group space 55 Pa. Code §3270.111(b)
Daily Activity Schedules were not posted in the Young Toddler #2, Infant #2, Older Toddler, and School Age #2 Rooms.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 16, 2025): “Daily activity schedules were printed and posted in the Young Toddler #2, Infant #2, Older Toddler, and School Age #2 rooms. Each schedule reflects the current classroom routines and meets developmental guidelines for that age group.”
Citation Oct 3, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Written emergency plan posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(e)
Emergency Transportation Plans were not posted in the Young Toddler #2 and Infant #2 Rooms.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 16, 2025): “Emergency transportation plans were immediately printed and posted in the Young Toddler #2 and Infant #2 classrooms. Each plan includes the name and address of the emergency care facility.”

“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.

About this center

Capacity 83 children
Certificate status Regular (COMPASS: awaiting renewal)
Certificate valid through Oct 22, 2026
Keystone STARS STAR 3
since Dec 22, 2025 · what STARS means
Operator The Learning Ladder Early Child Care Center LLC
Phone —
State certificate # CER-00253776
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has The Learning Ladder Early Child Care Center LLC had any serious violations?

Pennsylvania cited 4 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 Jul 24, 2026 (supervision): “Staff person #5 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff person #5 has not completed the following pre- service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Health and Safety Training.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about The Learning Ladder Early Child Care Center LLC?

Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at The Learning Ladder Early Child Care Center LLC since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.

What is The Learning Ladder Early Child Care Center LLC’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 3, effective Dec 22, 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 The Learning Ladder Early Child Care Center LLC compare with other daycares in Erie?

It is tied for #56 of 58 centers in Erie by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 99% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was The Learning Ladder Early Child Care Center LLC last inspected?

Jul 24, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.

Who runs The Learning Ladder Early Child Care Center LLC?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is The Learning Ladder Early Child Care Center LLC.

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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.