YMCA of Greater Erie/Elk Valley
2556 Maple Ave, Lake City, PA 16423 · Erie County
Keystone STAR 4
Part of YMCA · 195 Pennsylvania locations
YMCA of Greater Erie/Elk Valley is a certified child care center in Lake City, PA, with capacity for 158 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 5 times. The state cited 24 violations, 4 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for training & qualifications (6 of 24). None of them came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #18 of 81 centers in Erie County and has more citations per inspection than 56% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
More citations than 56% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. About typical
Tied for #18 of 81 centers in Erie County
4
Core-safety citations
20
Other citations
5
Inspections
0
Complaint investigations that found violations
24 citations from 7 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · none in the last 12 months · last inspected Sep 23, 2025
Every state visit
Violation found
No violation
Top row: inspections · bottom row: complaint investigations, self-reported incidents and other visits
What inspectors cited most
Training & qualifications
6
Building & playground safety
4
Background checks
3
Health & medication
3
Records & paperwork
3
Emergency preparedness
2
Food & feeding
1
Transportation
1
Staff ratios
1
Citations, newest first
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) is lacking an NSOR clearance at the time of hire and is lacking an FBI clearance within 45 days of hire as required for provisional hire. Clearances are dated: NSOR, 2/26/25 and FBI, 4/10/25 and are now current.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 1, 2025): “Due to transferring a staff from site to site, employee was missing an NSOR and FBI clearance at time of transfer. Upon realization, staff was directed to submit both the NSOR and FBI clearance but it resulted in completion after she started working. In the future, staff will be required to have…”
Citation
Sep 4, 2024
Inspection
Health & medication
Mantoux TB/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(2)/3270.192(3)
The file for staff person #1 contains results of a TB test that was conducted greater than 12 months prior to the start date in a child care position and is therefore not valid.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 20, 2024): “I will reach out to her now to schedule one. In the future, I will make sure an adult health assessment will include a tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method at the initial employment unless directed by a physician, physician's assistant, CRNP, the Department of Health or a local health…”
Follow-up
Nov 13, 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)
*SECOND VIOLATION The facility lacked documentation of annual testing of the fire detection system from a fire safety professional within the last 12 months. The most recent documentation on file is dated 8/15/22. Previously cited on SIN-00229861on 9/25/23.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 5, 2023): “Provider reached out to landlord (Girard school district) and requested annual fire detection inspection report.”
Re-cited at a follow-up visit; counted once, with the original citation.
Follow-up
Nov 13, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
The staff files for 1, 2 and the policies regarding recognition of potential signs and symptoms of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma, strategies for coping with crying, fussing, or distraught children, and prevention and identification of child maltreatment and emergency were implemented on 11/21/23. *SECOND VIOLATION The file for staff person #3 has not completed the following pre-service training that was to be completed by 12/30/22: Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update 2022. Previously cited on SIN-00229861on 9/25/23.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 16, 2023): “Staff #1 will complete preservice training documentation and place in staff 's file.”
Re-cited at a follow-up visit; counted once, with the original citation.
Follow-up
Nov 13, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Services proceeded 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(3)
*SECOND VIOLATION The agreement forms in the files for children #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5 lacked the services to be provided to the family and the child. Previously cited on SIN-00229861on 9/25/23.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 16, 2023): “Electronic fee agreement and application will be corrected to include services provided to parents and any additional fees for services if applicable.”
Re-cited at a follow-up visit; counted once, with the original citation.
Follow-up
Nov 13, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Services considered extra 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(7)
*SECOND VIOLATION The agreement forms in the files for children #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5 did not specify the services which are to be considered as extra. Previously cited on SIN-00229861on 9/25/23.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 16, 2023): “Electronic fee agreement and application will be corrected to include services provided to parents and any additional fees for services if applicable.”
Re-cited at a follow-up visit; counted once, with the original citation.
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
The file for staff person #1 had documentation of PA State Police Clearance that was not renewed before the expiration date of the most current certification: 6/12/17 and 6/13/22.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 27, 2023): “Staff #1 had completed the required clearance by inspection date.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Sep 12, 2023
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)
The facility did not have documentation of an emergency plan on file at the time of inspection.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 9, 2023): “Emergency Plan will be present on site for staff and parents to review at their request.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Sep 12, 2023
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)
The two most recent documentations of emergency plan training in the file for staff person #2 are dated more than 12 months apart: 1/7/22 and 4/28/23.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 27, 2023): “Staff #2 will be trained annually on Emergency Plan at a staff meeting.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Sep 12, 2023
Inspection
Food & feeding
Refrigerator 55 Pa. Code §3270.107
The refrigerator in the PreK room did not have an operable thermometer.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 9, 2023): “A thermometer was purchased and placed in refrigerator. An extra thermometer will be keep onsite in case the thermometer in refrigerator or freezer is missed placed and can quickly be replaced to remain in compliance.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Show 18 older citations
Citation
Sep 12, 2023
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 two most recent health assessments on file for staff person #1 are dated more than 24 months apart: 8/17/21 and 9/12/23.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 27, 2023): “Staff #1 had a valid physical at time of inspection.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Sep 12, 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)
The facility lacked documentation of annual testing of the fire detection system from a fire safety professional within the last 12 months. The most recent documentation on file is dated 8/15/22.
Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Nov 13, 2023): “Provider reached out to landlord (Girard school district) and requested annual fire detection inspection report.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Sep 12, 2023
Inspection
Transportation
Pick-up and drop-off points 55 Pa. Code §3270.171(a)
The operator did not have documentation on file of notifying local traffic safety authorities 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, Nov 9, 2023): “Letters to the local state police barracks and fire company were mailed on 10/6/2023 notifying authorities of the facilities operation and use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the school and child care center.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Sep 12, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
The files for staff persons #1 and #3 have not completed the following pre-service training that was to be completed by 12/30/22: Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update 2022. The file for staff person #2 did not complete the pre-service training by 12/30/22: Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update 2022. The file for staff person #2 completed the training on 4/26/23. The facility lacked policies regarding recognition of potential signs and symptoms of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma, strategies for coping with crying, fussing, or distraught children, and prevention and identification of child maltreatment. The facility's emergency plan was not present or available on the day of the inspection to determine the facility's plan for continuity of operations in an emergency.
Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Nov 13, 2023): “Staff #1 and #3 will complete preservice training documentation and place place in staff 's file. Policy for shaken baby syndrome will be printed and placed with sites Emergency Procedures plan.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Sep 12, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(i)
The file for staff person #1 had documentation of pediatric first aid/CPR training was not renewed before the expiration date of the most current certification: 2/16/21 and 3/3/23.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 27, 2023): “Staff #1 had required first aid/CPR training at time of inspection.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Sep 12, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
The file for staff person #1 had documentation of fire safety training was not renewed before the expiration date of the most current certification: 9/23/21 and 6/3/23.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 27, 2023): “Staff #1 had required fire safety training at time of inspection.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Sep 12, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Staff evaluations 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(a)(6)
The file for staff person #1 did not have documentation of a written evaluation by the director within the last 12 months.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 9, 2023): “Evaluation completed at "home" child care location was forwarded and shared with Elk Valley YMCA. It was placed in staff file.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Sep 12, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Services proceeded 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(3)
The agreement forms in the files for children #1, #3, #4, and #5 lacked the services to be provided to the family and the child.
Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Nov 13, 2023): “Electronic fee agreement and application will be corrected to include services provided to parents and any additional fees for services if applicable.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Sep 12, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Services considered extra 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(7)
The agreement forms in the files for children #1, #3, #4, and #5 did not specify the services which are to be considered as extra.
Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Nov 13, 2023): “Electronic fee agreement and application will be corrected to include services provided to parents and any additional fees for services if applicable.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Sep 12, 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)
The file for child #2 lacked a copy of a written agreement form between the parent and the operator.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 9, 2023): “A copy of fee agreement provided by Finance director was placed in child's file.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
The FBI Clearance in the file for Staff Person #2 was dated 10/14/21, which was after the staff person's first day working in child care (see LIS Code Sheet). The file for Staff Person #2 did not contain documentation of a receipt for fingerprinting to verify clearance was applied for before start date.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 21, 2022): “Staff person #2 has her required FBI clearance however, in the future I will make sure the required training will be obtained before their first day of work, OR will have their receipt on file to state that the clearance was obtained before their start date.”
Similar Age Level 55 Pa. Code §3270.51
At approximately 12:00 PM on 10/3/22, Staff Person #1 was observed supervising 14 Preschool children who were getting their coats in the locker area of the hallway. Staff Person #2, who was sharing supervision of this group, was in the classroom for approximately 30 seconds before coming out into the hall.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 2, 2022): “Staff person #2 will take the children she is responsible for in the classroom with her. In the future, any and all staff responsible for supervising children in groups will make sure that they are maintaining the 1:10 child staff ratio. If an adult needs to go into the room, even for 30 seconds…”
Citation
Sep 27, 2022
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
Observed a nail on the ground in the Primary (Preschool) Playground.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 21, 2022): “Nail was immediately removed from the play space. Floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces, including the facility's outdoor play space surfaces shall be kept clean, in good repair and free from visible hazards.”
Citation
Sep 27, 2022
Inspection
Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
Observed peeling, flaking paint in the Primary (Preschool) Playground: on white white ceiling tile and along the top of the blue metal framework.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 2, 2022): “Currently being worked on. Goal to complete is before winter.”
Citation
Sep 27, 2022
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Handwashing signs 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(h)
The toilet stall in the boy's bathroom lacked a handwashing sign.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 21, 2022): “A hand washing sign was placed in the large stall of the boy's bathroom. In the future, any time we are in the bathroom, staff will check to ensure the proper postings are up.”
Citation
Sep 27, 2022
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 most recent health assessments in the files for Staff Person #3 and #5 exceeded 24 months between assessments.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 21, 2022): “Staff person #3 and #5 have had updated physicals.”
Citation
Sep 27, 2022
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Age and Training/Exp, educ., training at facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(i)/3270.192(2)(iii)
The most recent pediatric first aid/CPR certification in the file for Staff Person #5 was conducted on 10/4/21. This was after the previous pediatric first aid/CPR certification expired on 4/19/21.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 21, 2022): “Employee has since been CPR trained. In the future, staff will be given enough notice to renew their certification without their being an overlap in time.”
Citation
Sep 27, 2022
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr./Exp, educ., training at facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)/3270.192(2)(iii)
The most recent fire safety trainings in the files for Staff Person #1, #3, #4 and #5 exceeded 12 months between trainings. Online trainings were taken in August, September and October of 2020. Live training conducted at facility on 2/8/22.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 21, 2022): “Due to COVID, in person trainings were put to a stop causing an overlap of fire safety trainings. We were told the online training would only work one time, causing there to be an overlap in trainings. In the future, I will better clarify the expectation of required training and all staff persons…”
“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.) | $68.75 | $68.75 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $61.25 | $61.25 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $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
158 children
Certificate status
Regular
Certificate valid through
Dec 7, 2026
Operator
YMCA Of Greater Erie
Hours
Monday–Friday 6:30 AM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone
(814) 572-1088
State certificate #
CER-00259981
Common questions
Has YMCA of Greater Erie/Elk Valley 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 Sep 23, 2025 (background checks): “The file for staff person #1, hire date (see IS code sheet) is lacking an NSOR clearance at the time of hire and is lacking an FBI clearance within 45 days of hire as required for provisional hire. Clearances are dated…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about YMCA of Greater Erie/Elk Valley?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at YMCA of Greater Erie/Elk Valley since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is YMCA of Greater Erie/Elk Valley’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Jan 16, 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 YMCA of Greater Erie/Elk Valley compare with other daycares in Erie County?
It is tied for #18 of 81 centers in Erie County by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 56% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was YMCA of Greater Erie/Elk Valley last inspected?
Sep 23, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does YMCA of Greater Erie/Elk Valley cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $68.75 for older toddler, $61.25 for preschool, $60.75 for young school-age in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs YMCA of Greater Erie/Elk Valley?
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.