Step by Step School for Early Learning
106 VILLAGE DR, STATE COLLEGE, PA 16803Childery Rating: 4/5
Data last updated ·
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.4 / 5
- Process QualityThe quality of daily care — caregiver-child interactions, learning activities, and the emotional climate. Drawn from the state QRIS rating, accreditations, and Head Start CLASS observations.5 / 5
- Structural QualityMeasurable features like staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, license status, and teacher qualifications. Provider-level data when available; otherwise the state regulatory baseline.1 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Keystone STARS rating of STAR 4. Structural quality reflects an 86% violation rate across 7 visits in the last 3 years (most recently inspected October 2025). The structural rating also includes Pennsylvania's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Pennsylvania caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:5, and preschool ratios at 1:10. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 6 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Keystone STARS STAR 4 (Max 4) Learn more →
- Accreditations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Not Accredited
- National Accreditation Commission (NAC)Not Accredited
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)Not Accredited
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)Not Accredited
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 209
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 8 Toddlers 1:5 10 Preschool 1:10 20
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 4 inspections since 2025, the issues cited most often were Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (3), Building & Premises Safety (1), and Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (1). Of 5 total findings, 3 were critical.
See All 4 Inspection Visits
Oct 17, 20251 Finding1 Critical
- Supervised at All Times3270.113(a)
Jul 21, 20251 Finding1 Important
- No Peeling Paint or Plaster3270.77(a)
Jun 11, 20252 Findings2 Critical
- Supervised at All Times; 2025-06-113270.113(a)
3270.175(b) | Used by all occupants
- No Physical Punishment3270.113(b)
Feb 3, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Health and Safety Training; 2025-02-033270.31(f)
3270.151(a) | 12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter
Complaints & Safety Record
- Adverse actions on record
- None
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