YMCA of Erie/Wattsburg Elementary

10780 Wattsburg Rd, Erie, PA 16509 · Erie County

1 core-safety citation in last 12 months 1 complaint investigation found violations Keystone STAR 4

Part of YMCA · 195 Pennsylvania locations

YMCA of Erie/Wattsburg Elementary is a certified child care center in Erie, PA, with capacity for 140 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 5 times and confirmed violations in 1 complaint investigation. The state cited 37 violations, 5 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for health & medication (10 of 37). 9 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 #30 of 58 centers in Erie and has more citations per inspection than 82% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 82% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most

Tied for #30 of 58 centers in Erie

5 Core-safety citations

32 Other citations

5 Inspections

1 Complaint investigations that found violations

37 citations from 7 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 9 in the last 12 months · last inspected Apr 13, 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 10

Building & playground safety 9

Training & qualifications 5

Background checks 4

Emergency preparedness 3

Food & feeding 3

Records & paperwork 2

Caregiver conduct 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Apr 13, 2026 Inspection Background checks

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

The file for staff person #5, hire date (see IS code sheet) contains an FBI clearance obtained through the Dept. of Justice which is not valid for employment in child care under CPSL and is lacking the required DHS FBI clearance.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 1, 2026): “The plan of correction was having staff person #5 completing her FBI clearance through the department of Human Services. This was completed and filed in staff file on 4/20/26.”

Citation Apr 13, 2026 Inspection Emergency preparedness

Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)

The file for staff person #1 contains current emergency plan training that was conducted greater than 12 months after the previous emergency plan training as evidenced by trainings conducted 8/27/2024 and 9/9/2025.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 1, 2026): “The plan of correction will include ensuring that all emergency plan training is completed within one year”

Citation Apr 13, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety

Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)

Observed a bottle of hand sanitizer labeled Keep Out of Reach of Children on a shelf accessible to children.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 1, 2026): “The plan of correction was implemented on 4/17/26 by ensuring the hand sanitizer bottle was stored in a locked cupboard.”

Citation Apr 13, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety

Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)

Observed in the Preschool child care space, Pre-K Counts classroom and School Age child care space several plastic magna-tiles with cracked edges and exposed magnets.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 1, 2026): “The plan of correction was completed by inspecting all Magna-Tiles in the facility and discarding any that were damaged, cracked, or unsafe for use.”

Citation Apr 13, 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, preschool aged, contains a current health report that was obtained greater than 12 months after the previous health report as evidenced by reports dated 10/17/2024 and 3/18/2026.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 1, 2026): “The plan of correction will ensure that all preschool children have a current physical on file that was completed within one year”

Citation Apr 13, 2026 Inspection Health & medication

12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)/3270.192(3)

The file for staff person #4 contains a current health assessment conducted greater than 24 months after the previous health assessment as evidenced by health assessments dated 9/6/2023 and 4/8/2026.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 1, 2026): “The plan of correction will ensure that all staff have a current health assessment on file that was completed within one year”

Citation Apr 13, 2026 Inspection Training & qualifications

Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)

The file for staff person #2 contains current mandated reporter training that was conducted greater than 60 months after the previous mandated reporter training as evidenced by training certificates dated 9/3/2020 and 9/9/2025.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 1, 2026): “The plan of correction will ensure that all staff complete mandated reporter training within the required timeframes.”

Citation Apr 13, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork

Locked cabinet 55 Pa. Code §3270.183(a)

On the day of inspection observed the file cabinet containing child records was not locked.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 1, 2026): “The plan of correction was implemented by locating the file cabinet key and ensuring the cabinet is secured and locked”

Citation Apr 13, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork

Confidential; stored in locked cabinet 55 Pa. Code §3270.193(a)

On the day of inspection observed the file cabinet containing staff records was not locked.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 1, 2026): “The plan of correction was implemented by locating the file cabinet key and ensuring the cabinet is secured and locked”

Core safety Apr 16, 2025 Inspection Background checks

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

The file for staff person #1, hire date (see IS code sheet), contains a child abuse clearance dated 6/28/2023 for the purpose of volunteer which is not accepted for child care employment under CPSL and contains a valid clearance dated 4/4/2025 which is after the hire date. The clearance is now current.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 29, 2025): “Staff person #1 has a corrected and valid child abuse clearance in their file.”

Show 27 older citations

Citation Apr 16, 2025 Inspection Food & feeding

Refrigerator 55 Pa. Code §3270.107

Observed in the Room A-6 / Room A-7 child care space two refrigerators that were not operational.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 2, 2025): “YMCA maintenance staff have removed the refrigerator in Room A-6 from the premises on 4/24/25. The refrigerator in Room A-7 was serviced on 4/28/25 and parts were ordered to repair the refrigerator.”

Citation Apr 16, 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)

The fire alarm test log identifies that alarm tests exceeded 30 days between tests from 11/1/24 to 12/17/24 and from 12/17/24 to 2/27/25 and an annual fire system inspection report within the previous 12 months was not available. The operator was unable to demonstrate the alarm to be operational during the inspection due to being located in a school building and school classes were in session.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 29, 2025): “The operation of the fire alarm system was demonstrated through FaceTime on 4/22/25.”

Citation Aug 29, 2024 Inspection Health & medication

12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)/3270.192(3)

The files for staff persons #1 and #2 contain current health assessments that were conducted greater than 24 months after the previous health assessment. The files are now current.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 10, 2024): “Staff person #1 and staff person #2 now have current health assessments in their files.”

Citation Aug 29, 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)

On the day of inspection the provider was unable to demonstrate operation of the fire alarm due to being located in a school with a different legal entity and was unable to provide a fire system inspection report.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 10, 2024): “Director called Inspector during first fire drill to demonstrate operation of the fire alarm (9/5/2024).”

Citation Aug 29, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications

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

The file for staff person #2 is lacking documentation of fire safety training obtained during the previous 12-month period.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 10, 2024): “The file for staff person #2 now has current documentation of fire safety training.”

Core safety Oct 23, 2023 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct

Restraints prohibited 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(e)

Based on staff statements, child #1 was restrained in a highchair while on an outdoor field trip. Staff placed the child in the highchair to prevent him from running away from the staff.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 8, 2024): “Staff will not use any form of restraint to prevent a child from running from staff.”

Core safety Aug 14, 2023 Inspection Background checks

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

The file for staff person #1 is lacking a valid criminal history clearance prior to the start date in the childcare facility. The criminal history clearance on file at initial employment was for the purpose of volunteer which is not valid for employment in a childcare facility. The file does contain a current valid clearance.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 19, 2023): “Once the director realized it was a volunteer clearance, she applied for a new one.”

Citation Aug 14, 2023 Inspection Emergency preparedness

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

The letter given to the parents regarding the facility emergency plan has not been updated to include lockdown procedures and accommodations for children with disabilities and chronic medical conditions.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 27, 2023): “The emergency plan letter has been updated to include lockdown procedure and accommodations for children with disabilities and chronic medical conditions.”

Citation Aug 14, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety

Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(g)

The toilets in both classroom bathrooms have exposed and protruding bolts at the base of the toilets.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 26, 2023): “The bolts were cut down and caps were placed over the screws”

Citation Aug 14, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety

Outdoor equip.- protective surfacing 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(c)

Observed that the playground which has embedded equipment is lacking the required. 9 inches of wood chips under and around the equipment.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 19, 2023): “The mulch was raked to 9 inches of depth at the fall zones.”

Citation Aug 14, 2023 Inspection Food & feeding

Wholesome 55 Pa. Code §3270.161(a)

Observed in a box of oranges sitting on the shelf 2 oranges to be covered with mold.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 19, 2023): “The oranges were thrown out.”

Citation Aug 14, 2023 Inspection Food & feeding

Fresh fruit/vegetables refrigerated 55 Pa. Code §3270.161(e)

Observed a box of oranges and a box of apples stored on a shelf. According to staff, the apples and oranges had been delivered 3 days prior.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 19, 2023): “The apples and oranges were placed in the fridge.”

Citation Aug 14, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety

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

Observed the fire alarm 30 day test log to identify that on 3 occasions during the past year the alarm tests were conducted in greater than 30 day intervals.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 19, 2023): “The fire alarm was activated for the inspector so she could hear it was in working order.”

Citation Aug 14, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

Health information/Initial and subsequent health reports 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)/3270.182(1)

The file for child #1, preschool age, is lacking a health assessment and has exceeded 60 days since the first day of attendance at the facility. The file does contain an immunization report.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 19, 2023): “The child was done in our program that Friday.”

Citation Aug 14, 2023 Inspection Training & qualifications

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

The file for staff person #1 contains the PA Health & Safety Update 2022 completed after the required date of 12/30/2022. The training is now compliant.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 19, 2023): “Staff completed the PA Health and Safety Update Training once the director realized she completed the wrong training.”

Core safety Aug 16, 2022 Inspection Background checks

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

The file for staff person #3, hire date (see IS code sheet) contains a disclosure statement that was electronically signed and is not valid.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 21, 2022): “The director had the staff complete a new disclosure statement.”

Citation Aug 16, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety

Handwashing signs 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(h)

Observed in the hallway restrooms 2 sinks and 7 toilets lacking handwashing signs.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 7, 2022): “Hung signs next to the toilets and sinks missing them.”

Citation Aug 16, 2022 Inspection Health & medication

Initial health report for school age; accordance with school attendance/Initial and subsequent health reports 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)(4)/3270.182(1)

The file for child #3, school aged, is lacking a school aged health assessment.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 7, 2022): “Obtaining health assessment from parent and will maintain in child's file.”

Citation Aug 16, 2022 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 #2, preschool aged, contains a current health report that was obtained greater than 12 months after the previous health report. The file is current.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 21, 2022): “The director will ensure that preschool children submit yearly health assessments.”

Citation Aug 16, 2022 Inspection Health & medication

Exemption documentation from parent/guardian 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(e)(1)

The file for child #2, preschool aged, is lacking verification of a flu shot in the year 2021.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 7, 2022): “The director asked mom for a letter stating why her child did not receive the flu vaccine or documentation stating she received it.”

Citation Aug 16, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety

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

Operator is unable to provide the proof of purchase for the interconnected fire detection system. Observed the fire system test log to show that tests of the system are exceeding 30 days between tests.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 6, 2022): “Trying to obtain the proof of purchase for the fire detection system from the school administration. Will conduct system tests every 30 days.”

Citation Aug 16, 2022 Inspection Health & medication

Health information/Initial and subsequent health reports 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)/3270.182(1)

The file for child #1, school aged, is lacking a health report within 60 days of enrollment. The file does contain a current health report.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 21, 2022): “Director will ensure that all new children have a submitted health report within 60 days of enrollment.”

Citation Aug 16, 2022 Inspection Training & qualifications

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

Staff persons #1and #2 completed Health and Safety Basics prior to 9/30/2016 which is not valid and completed valid Health and Safety training topics #1-#9 after the requirement of 4/29/2022. The training is now current.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 21, 2022): “The director will ensure that teachers who need to complete the new health and safety in accordance to the dates listed, should have done so.”

Citation Jul 21, 2022 Other state visit Emergency preparedness

Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)

The operator does not have documentation of facility person #1 receiving any emergency plan training.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 27, 2022): “To correct this violation the children are no longer swimming and the facility person is no longer working with children.”

Citation Jul 21, 2022 Other state visit Health & medication

12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)/3270.192(3)

The files for facility persons #1 and #3, serving as facility lifeguards, are lacking health assessments at the time of hire.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 27, 2022): “To correct this violation the children are no longer swimming and the facility person is no longer working with children.”

Citation Jul 21, 2022 Other state visit Health & medication

Mantoux TB/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(2)/3270.192(3)

The files for facility persons #1 and #3 are lacking TB tests at the time of initial hire.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 27, 2022): “To complete this violation, the children are no longer swimming and the facility person is no longer working here.”

Citation Jul 21, 2022 Other state visit Training & qualifications

Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)

Facility persons #1,2 and 3 have not completed the mandated reporter training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet)

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 27, 2022): “To correct this violation the children are no longer swimming and the facility person is no longer working with children.”

“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.

Complaint investigations and reported incidents

Violation found Oct 23, 2023 Complaint investigation

1 violation cited, listed under Citations.

Pennsylvania’s search lists complaint investigations in which the state found at least one violation (“verified complaints”). It does not say what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it. Incident investigations look into something that happened at the center; self-reported violations are ones the center reported to the state itself.

Daily rates

Age group	Full time, per day	Part time, per day
Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K)	$56.25	$56.25
Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.)	$60.75	$41.25
Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.)	$60.75	$41.25

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

Capacity 140 children

Certificate status Regular

Certificate valid through Jul 19, 2027

Keystone STARS STAR 4
since Sep 24, 2025 · what STARS means

Programs PA Pre-K Counts

Operator YMCA Of Greater Erie

Hours Monday–Friday 6:30 AM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare

Phone (814) 825-2706

State certificate # CER-00258223

Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has YMCA of Erie/Wattsburg Elementary had any serious violations?

Pennsylvania cited 5 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 Apr 13, 2026 (background checks): “The file for staff person #5, hire date (see IS code sheet) contains an FBI clearance obtained through the Dept. of Justice which is not valid for employment in child care under CPSL and is lacking the required DHS FBI…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about YMCA of Erie/Wattsburg Elementary?

Pennsylvania lists 1 complaint investigation since 2021 in which it found at least one violation; the violations are listed above. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.

What is YMCA of Erie/Wattsburg Elementary’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 4, effective Sep 24, 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 YMCA of Erie/Wattsburg Elementary compare with other daycares in Erie?

It is tied for #30 of 58 centers in Erie by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 82% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was YMCA of Erie/Wattsburg Elementary last inspected?

Apr 13, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.

How much does YMCA of Erie/Wattsburg Elementary cost?

It reported full-time daily rates of $56.25 for preschool, $60.75 for young school-age, $60.75 for older school-age in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.

Who runs YMCA of Erie/Wattsburg Elementary?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is YMCA Of Greater Erie.

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.