YWCA Child Development Center
YWCA Child Development Center is a certified child care center in Harrisburg, PA, with capacity for 162 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 3 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 6 times and confirmed violations in 2 complaint investigations. The state cited 44 violations, 5 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (10 of 44). 7 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 #47 of 75 centers in Harrisburg and has more citations per inspection than 78% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
It was observed that the child abuse clearance for staff person #1 was updated every 60 months. 10/14/20- 10/1720 (3-day lapse)
It was observed that in the Seahorses' bathroom there was Swiffer mopping solution in reach of the children. (Corrected on site.)
It was observed that the base of the toilets in the Seahorse and Starfish classrooms had an excessive buildup of dirt around the. In the Whales' classroom it was observed that the sink on the right was clogged and not draining. In the Jellyfish classroom it was observed that there was chipping plaster on the corner of the wall. In the Jellyfish classroom it was observed the trash can in the classroom had an excessive buildup of dirt on the inside of the lid. (Corrected on site.) On the playground it was observed that there was a crack in the plastic doorway of the house causing a pinch point and the oven door in the house with the slide was broken causing sharp edges. (Both were corrected on site.)
The health report of child #2 did not include their health history.
The facilities emergency plan did not include accommodations for children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.
It was observed that the staff evaluations for staff persons #1, #2, and #3 did not occur every 12 months. 5/31/25 and 11/19/25 (18 months)
It was observed that the emergency contact form for child #1 did not include the health insurance coverage nor policy number.
Upon inspection of the facility emergency plan, it was found that the plan did not address the continuity of operations for the facility in event of an emergency.
It was observed that the operating temperature of the refrigerator in the Whales room was 50 degrees. (CORRECTED ON SITE)
Upon inspection of the children's files, it was found that for Child #5, the health assessment dates exceeded the allowable 60-day time frame receipt of administered immunizations from the first day of attendance.
Show 34 older citations
Upon inspection of the facility fire safety records, it was found that the hypothetical locations were incorrectly marked as administration.
Upon inspection of the facility fire safety records, it was found that names of the facility persons were missing who participated in the fire drill.
Staff person #8 did not complete the following required pre- service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): " 1.24.25 [151d] and 1.25.25.[152d].
Upon inspection of the children's files, it was found that for child # 8 and child #9, the agreement forms dated 1.8.25 (child #8) and 1.24.25 (child #9) did not include the child's date of admission.-
The file for Facility person #1 and facility person #3 contained a NSOR clearance dated 1/20/2020 and there is no current NSOR on file on or before 60-months.
Facility person #2 has not completed Pediatric first aid and CPR training on or before expiration of the most current certification This is evidenced by the previously documented pediatric first aid and CPR training on file expiring 1/10/25. Documentation of updated Pediatric first aid and CPR training is not on file.
The file for facility person #7 did not contain required Out of State Clearances who resided outside of PA w/in the past 60 months. The file for facility person # 8 did not contain a proper child abuse clearance prior working with children. The child abuse clearance on file was dated 03-28-24. The file for facility person # 9 did not contain a proper child abuse clearance prior working with children. The volunteer child abuse clearance on file was dated 8.05.19 with an update on 4.17.24.
The file for facility person #9 contained a health assessment which was completed more than 1 year prior to the facility person's start date. The health assessment was dated 2.27.2023.
The file for facility person # 7 included an adult health assessment dated 3.2.2023 that did not include a Tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method at the initial date of hire. The file for facility person # 8 included an adult health assessment date 3.6.24 that did not include a date for the Tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method at the initial date of hire
The file for facility person # 7 contained an Adult health assessment dated 3.2.23 did not include a statement that the staff person is suitable to provide childcare.
The file for facility person #7 contained a Health and Safety training dated 12.14.23 which was beyond the 90 day pre-service training time-frame.
The agreement form on file for child #3 did not include an admission / start date of enrollment.
The emergency forms on file for both child # 2 and child # 4 did not include the health insurance policy number.
The emergency contact form on file for child #1 did not contain the release person's complete address.
The file for facility person #1 included 11 hours of childcare training.
The School Age Room had 2 pieces of wall-cove covers that needed repair. In the preschool room, there was mold on the refrigerator shelf. (Corrected during inspection)
In Young Toddler room, the play cushions were observed to be in disrepair. (Corrected during Inspection).
In the older toddler classroom, it was observed that small pieces of foam were accessible to children which were less than 1 inch in diameter causing a potential choking hazard. (Corrected during Inspection)
The file for child #6, a 4 year old, included a record of the child's immunization status which lacked a current influenza immunization.
The file for facility person # 3 included health assessments dated 8/24/20 and 10/10/22. The updated health assessment was not obtained within 24 months of the prior assessment.
The cert rep obtained a copy of the Staff Mandated Child Abuse Reporting policy from the current Day Care Staff Handbook 2022. The written policy states that staff are to report 'suspicions' immediately to the Director and you'staff' or the director (the employee) will then call Child Line. The Cert rep obtained verbal statements from the director which was consistent that staff report suspicions or incidents to the director first before calling ChildLine.
Staff #1 could not see, hear, direct, and assess all of the young toddlers in her care. Staff #1 stated she closed her eyes longer than a normal blink and may have kept her eyes closed for up to 30 seconds. During that time, Staff #1 was laying on the floor while the children in her care were napping.
It was observed in the School Age room that the first aid kit did contain band-aids.
It was observed that the facility's toddler outdoor play area had three pieces of metal protruding out of the exterior wall presenting a hazard to children in care.
It was observed in the older toddler room that 3 ceiling tiles had visible water stains.
It was observed in the K-3 room that the brown classroom rug was frayed along the edges and in need of repair.
It was observed that the health report for child #7 and child #8 did not include information about receiving the influenza vaccine. The last documented Influenza vaccine for child #8 was 11/18/2019.
It was observed that the emergency plan on file did not include accommodations for infants, children with disabilities and children with chronic conditions.
It was observed that the operator did not have documentation to support that an emergency drill was conducted annually.
It was observed that the director did not have documentation of annual testing on the fire professional's letterhead.
It was observed that the Agreement form on file for child #5, child #6, and child #7 did not include a specified fee amount.
It was observed the Agreement form on file for Child #6 and Child #8 did not include a date of admission into care.
It was observed that the Emergency contact form on file for child #6 did not include the child's birthdate.
It was observed that the Emergency contact form on file for child #2, child #5, and child #7 did not include a release person's complete address.
“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
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) | $45.00 | $25.00 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $45.00 | $25.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $45.00 | $25.00 |
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 YWCA Child Development Center 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 8, 2026 (background checks): “It was observed that the child abuse clearance for staff person #1 was updated every 60 months. 10/14/20- 10/1720 (3-day lapse)” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about YWCA Child Development Center?
Pennsylvania lists 2 complaint investigations 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 YWCA Child Development Center’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 3, effective Nov 21, 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 YWCA Child Development Center compare with other daycares in Harrisburg?
It is tied for #47 of 75 centers in Harrisburg by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 78% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was YWCA Child Development Center last inspected?
Apr 8, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does YWCA Child Development Center cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $45.00 for preschool, $45.00 for young school-age, $45.00 for older school-age in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs YWCA Child Development Center?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is YWCA Of Greater Harrisburg.
Certified centers nearby
1459 Market St, Harrisburg · 0.4 mi away · 28 spots More citations than most Best Friends Day Care Strawberry Square
303 Walnut St, Harrisburg · 0.4 mi away · 126 spots More citations than most Keystone Early Learning Center
400 North St, Harrisburg · 0.5 mi away · 142 spots About typical New Legends Childcare INC
424 Forster St, Harrisburg · 0.5 mi away · 54 spots Among the most cited Premier Learning Center-CEB
500 N 17th St, Harrisburg · 0.6 mi away · 182 spots About typical Studio Kids Early Learning Center LLC
1223 N Cameron St, Harrisburg · 0.7 mi away · 192 spots More citations than most
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.