BEN FRANKLIN EARLY LEARNING CENTER

NEW CASTLE, PAChild Care CenterLicensed

4.1based on state inspection data
Capacity169
Est. price$968/mo

Contact information

Address815 CUNNINGHAM AVE, NEW CASTLE, PA, 16101

CityNEW CASTLE, PA 16101

CountyLawrence

Phone(724) 658-7671

Operating details

Capacity169

SubsidiesY

License dateDecember 22, 2025

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 12/15/2025 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High3
  • Medium-High11
  • Medium7
  • Medium-Low4
  • Low0

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Location

Using Address for Location

Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:

815 CUNNINGHAM AVE, NEW CASTLE, PA, 16101, NEW CASTLE, PA 16101

Questions to ask on a tour

Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.

  1. This facility has health or sanitation findings on its state record - ask about their current cleaning, diapering, and handwashing procedures
  2. This facility has safety-related findings on its state record - ask how the cited hazards were corrected and when emergency drills were last run
  3. This facility has staffing or training findings on its state record - ask about background checks, required training completion, and staff turnover
  4. Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses

Violation summary

Last 2 years · Last inspection: 12/15/2025

  • High3
  • Medium-High4
  • Medium5
  • Medium-Low3
  • Low0

2025

  1. Medium-Low risk12/15/2025

    Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less (3270.65)

    In the gym along the bottom of the wall on the opposite side of the bleachers a protective outlet cover was missing. Requirement: Protective receptacle covers shall be placed in electrical outlets accessible to children 5 years of age or younger. Correction: The same day of the inspection, we had a custodian place an outlet cover in the outlet that was exposed. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 12/15/2025
  2. Medium-Low risk11/20/2025

    Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less (3270.65)

    In room 140 a protective outlet cover was missing near the window on the left side of the room. Requirement: Protective receptacle covers shall be placed in electrical outlets accessible to children 5 years of age or younger. Correction: On the same day of the inspection, we found the outlet cover and placed in the outlet. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 11/20/2025
  3. Medium risk11/20/2025

    Contaminated trash in closed plastic-lined receptacle (3270.67(d))

    In room 117 there was a trash can without a lid that contained used tissues. Requirement: Trash that has been contaminated by human secretions or excrement shall be contained in closed, plastic-lined receptacles. Correction: The trash can was removed the same day of the inspection, and a new hands-free trash can was placed in the classroom. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 11/20/2025
  4. Medium risk11/20/2025

    Handwashing signs (3270.82(h))

    In the hall bathroom by the preschool rooms all the toilet stalls were missing hand washing signs. Requirement: A facility person and an able child shall wash his hands after toileting and before eating. A sign on which this requirement is written shall be posted at each toilet, training chair, diapering area and sink in the facility. Correction: The same day of the inspection we replaced all bathroom signs. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 11/20/2025
  5. Medium risk11/20/2025

    Water play table (3270.115(c))

    In room 117 there was a water table that had not been completely emptied and had an odor. Requirement: A water play table or a container used for water play that contains unfiltered water shall be emptied daily. Correction: On the same day of the inspection, the water table was removed to be emptied and cleaned. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 11/20/2025
  6. Medium-Low risk8/4/2025

    Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance (3270.95(a)/3270.95(b))

    According to the log, the operator did not manually test the interconnected fire detection system in the facility at least once every 30 days between 6-25-25 to 7-29-25. Requirement: Fire detection devices or systems must be in compliance with standards established under section 1016(c) of the act (62 P.S. § 1016(c)). The Director or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall ensure the requirements under subsection (a) are met. Correction: The testing log is now up to date. It has brought it to our attention that we will need to ensure all those involved in planning the testing of the interconnected fire detection system know to test at least every 30 days. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 9/29/2025
  7. Medium-High risk4/10/2025

    Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety (3270.14/3270.21)

    Staff person #3 file did not contain proof of emergency plan training within 90 days of hire(See LIS Code Sheet) Requirement: A facility shall be operated in conformity with applicable Federal and State laws and regulations.State agencies whose regulations may relate to the operation of a facility include the Department of Environmental Resources, the Department of Labor and Industry, the Department of Health, the Department of Education and the Department of Transportation. Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. Correction: Emergency plan was reviewed, and document has since been signed and completed as of 5.20.25 Inspection: Allocated Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 6/24/2025
  8. Medium risk4/10/2025

    Comply with CPSL (3270.32(a))

    The file for staff person #4 includes mandated reporter trainings dated 12/20/2019 and 4/2/2025, which are more than 60 months apart. Requirement: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). Correction: The employee is no longer with the company. No corrections will be made at this time. Inspection: Allocated Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 6/24/2025
  9. Medium risk4/10/2025

    Convicted or awaiting trial (3270.32(c))

    Staff person #1 was indicated for child abuse as a result of an incident that occurred on 4/1/25. Staff person #1 dropped child #1(DOB See Staff Child Code Sheet) causing the child to hit their head on the floor and did not report the incident until 1.5 hours after the incident occurred. Requirement: The operator may not allow an individual to enter the facility if the operator knows that the individual has been convicted or is awaiting trial on charges involving a crime of child abuse, child neglect, physical violence or moral corruptness. Correction: The suspension and resignation letter for staff member #1 has been sent to the licensing representative. Inspection: Allocated Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 6/24/2025
  10. High risk4/10/2025

    Contact parent/keep record (3270.132(a))

    Per facility persons statements, on 4/1/25 at approximately 10 am staff person #1 was holding child #1(DOB See Staff Child Code Sheet) while kneeling down next to a crib and reaching through the bars to get the child's pacifier. Staff person #1 stated that Child #1 then fell backwards and hit the back of their head on the floor. Staff person #1 admitted that they did not immediately report that the child hit their head because Staff person #1 was afraid of getting in trouble. At 11:30am when staff person #2 was diapering the child they noticed a scratch on the child's stomach and asked staff person #1 what had happened. At that point staff person #1 said that their ID card must have scratched the child when they dropped the child. The parent of the child was then notified of the incident at approximately 1130am which was about 1 hour and 30 minutes after the incident. Multiple facility persons in the room at the time the child was dropped gave written statements that they heard the impact of the child's head hitting the floor. None of those facility persons reported the incident at the time it happened. Requirement: TIERED LIS: 1. If emergency medical care is needed for a child, the parent shall be contacted as soon as practical in the best interest of the child. If the parent cannot be reached, the operator shall record in writing the reason emergency care was required and the attempts made to inform the parent. 2. The legal entity will ensure that all facility persons complete the PA Required Health and Safety for Centers-Group Child Care Part 1 and PA Required Health and Safety for Centers-Group Child Care Part 2 trainings found on Penn State Better Kid Care website within 21 calendar days of the acceptance of this plan of correction. All facility persons who have already completed PA Required Health and Safety for Centers-Group Child Care Part 1 and PA Required Health and Safety for Centers-Group Child Care Part 2 trainings will be required to take the trainings again and provide documentation of completion after the date of the acceptance of this plan of correction. Once all facility persons have completed these required trainings, the legal entity will submit the training certificates for all facility persons to the Western Regional Office within 5 business days of the last date of completion. 3. Once the requirement in Tier #2 is met, the legal entity will ensure that all facility persons complete the 1 hour training entitled 911-Responding to Medical Emergencies found on Penn State Better Kid Care website within 21 calendar days. Once all facility persons have completed the required training, the legal entity will submit the training certificates for all facility persons to the Western Regional Office within 5 business days of the last date of completion. 4. Once the requirement in Tier #3 is met, the legal entity will ensure that the facility director and other legal entity representatives in a leadership role participate in technical assistance for a minimum of 3 hours with the PA Key and ECELS (The Early Childhood Linkage System at the PA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics) to develop a plan that includes but is not limited to training staff to recognize when a child may need emergency medical care, how staff should recognize and respond to child injuries, how staff should respond when a child receives an impact to their head, and how the administration can support staff in implementing the plan. The legal entity will submit the plan to the Regional Office within 5 business days of completion. 5. Once the requirement in Tier #4 is met, the legal entity will ensure that all facility persons participate in a minimum of 2 hours of training conducted by the PA Key and ECELS (The Early Childhood Linkage System at the PA Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics). The training will include but will not be limited to the plan that was developed in Tier #4. All facility persons will be required to complete an

    Corrected 11/26/2025
  11. High risk4/10/2025

    General Health and Safety (3270.21)

    Per facility persons statements, on 4/1/25 at approximately 10 am staff person #1 was holding child #1(DOB See Staff Child Code Sheet) while kneeling down next to a crib and reaching through the bars to get the child's pacifier. Staff person #1 stated that Child #1 then fell backwards and hit the back of their head on the floor. Staff person #1 admitted that they did not immediately report that the child hit their head because Staff person #1 was afraid of getting in trouble. At 11:30am when staff person #2 was diapering the child they noticed a scratch on the child's stomach and asked staff person #1 what had happened. At that point staff person #1 said that their ID card must have scratched the child when they dropped the child. The parent of the child was then notified of the incident at approximately 1130am which was about 1 hour and 30 minutes after the incident. Multiple facility persons in the room at the time the child was dropped gave written statements that they heard the impact of the child's head hitting the floor. None of those facility persons reported the incident at the time it happened. Requirement: Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. Correction: The Accident and Injury report has been revised with input from our Health Advisory Council and management team to emphasize the significance of Critical Accidents and Injuries. It is essential to notify a supervisor and legal guardian immediately. Critical Accidents and Injuries include head, neck, back injuries, suspected fractures, and other similar conditions. (documentation sent to representative) Inspection: Complaints- Legal Location. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 6/23/2025

2024

  1. Medium-High risk12/20/2024

    Comply with CPSL/CPSL information (3270.32(a)/3270.192(4))

    The file for staff person #1 who was hired as a group supervisor on (See LIS Code Sheet) lacked a dated disclosure statement. Requirement: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). A facility person's record shall include a copy of requests for the criminal history record and child abuse registry clearance information, a copy of the disclosure statement and a copy of the completed clearance information required under the CPSL. Facility Person #--- may not work in a child care position at the facility. Correction: We had that staff member sign and date a new form on 12/30/24. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 12/30/2024
  2. Medium-High risk12/20/2024

    Health and Safety Training (3270.31(f))

    Staff persons #1 and #2 have not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Pediatric First-Aid & CPR in an approved curriculum. Requirement: Staff persons shall complete professional development in the topics of 3270.31(f)(1 -- 10) within 90 days of hire. Staff persons #1 and #2 will have until 1/22/25 to complete the required training. Until such time as the required training has been completed, staff persons #1 and #2 must be supervised, when interacting with children, by an AGS who has completed the required training related to this citation. If there are no staff available to supervise staff persons #1 and #2, staff persons #1 and #2 may not work in a child-care position at the facility. Correction: Staff were supervised by an AGS who had completed the required training. Staff did complete the training before 1/22/25. And the certificate was provided. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 1/2/2025
  3. High risk12/20/2024

    Inpatient hospitalization or ER treatment of child (3270.20(a)(1))

    Child #1 received emergency room treatment on 12/13/24 and notice was not given to the appropriate regional office until 12/20/24. Requirement: The operator shall immediately notify a child's parent and shall telephone notice to the appropriate regional office within 24 hours if a child in care at the facility is hospitalized or receives emergency room treatment. Correction: Parents were notified the day of the injury. I competed the claim on Pelican that day. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/10/2025
  4. Medium-High risk12/20/2024

    Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance (3270.95(a)/3270.95(b))

    The 30-day smoke detector check paperwork was observed. There were 41 days between 7/12/24 and 8/22/24. Requirement: Fire detection devices or systems must be in compliance with standards established under section 1016(c) of the act (62 P.S. § 1016(c)). The Director or designated staff person who is responsible for compliance with this chapter shall ensure the requirements under subsection (a) are met. Correction: We are unable to correct this due to it being past the day. Inspection: Unannounced Monitoring. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 1/3/2025

Showing the 25 most recent of 42 records on file; the full history loads with the interactive view.

Safety & Compliance Analysis

This daycare has multiple recorded violations. Review the details to make an informed decision.

25Total Violations
0Recent Violations
(Past 6 Months)

Parent Recommendations

Based on the violation data, here are some recommendations:

  • Review the detailed violations listed above.
  • Ask the daycare about their response to these violations.
  • Look at the correction status to see how quickly issues were addressed.
  • Schedule a visit during regular hours to observe daily operations.

Note: This analysis is based on publicly available violation data and is intended as a tool to help parents make informed decisions. Always visit a daycare in person and ask specific questions about areas of concern.

Estimated monthly cost

$968/month

This is a modeled estimate — based on location, ages served, and program data — not the provider's actual tuition. Real prices vary by age group and services. Contact the daycare for current rates, fees, and availability.

Typical prices in Pennsylvania run about $1,099/month for infant care at a center (federal median)see daycare costs in Pennsylvania by age group.

About this daycare

  • Location: NEW CASTLE, Lawrence County
  • Capacity: 169
  • Type: Child Care Center
  • Years in operation: 1

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