ALWAYS BETTERING CHILDREN DAYCARE LLC

SAINT MARYS, PAChild Care CenterLicensed

3.3based on state inspection data
Capacity99
Est. price$817/mo

Contact information

Address521 E ARCH ST, SAINT MARYS, PA, 15857

CitySAINT MARYS, PA 15857

CountyElk

Phone(814) 834-2115

Operating details

Capacity99

SubsidiesY

License dateMay 21, 2026

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 2/26/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High0
  • Medium-High14
  • 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:

521 E ARCH ST, SAINT MARYS, PA, 15857, SAINT MARYS, PA 15857

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. Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses
  3. They accept child care subsidies - ask what the enrollment process looks like and whether there is a waitlist for subsidized spots
  4. Ask about teacher-to-child ratios and how supervision is maintained through the day

Violation summary

Last 2 years · Last inspection: 2/26/2026

  • High0
  • Medium-High14
  • Medium7
  • Medium-Low4
  • Low0

2026

  1. Medium-Low risk2/26/2026

    Bottles labeled (3270.166(4))

    At the time of the inspection, a bottle was not labeled for child #2, an infant in the infant room. Requirement: Disposable nursers and bottles shall be labeled with the child's name. Correction: The bottle was immediately labeled with the child's name upon noticing the issue. Staff were reminded of the requirement that all bottles must be clearly labeled for each child to ensure proper identification and safety of kids in our care. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/26/2026
  2. Medium-High riskStandard 122/26/2026

    12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter (3270.151(a))

    The files of children #1 and #2 had health assessments more than 24 months apart due to the fact staff #1 were dated: 1-2-26 and 3-27-23; and staff #2 was dated: 2-6-25 and 1-26-23. Requirement: A facility person providing direct care who comes into contact with the children or who works with food preparation shall have a health assessment conducted within 12 months prior to providing initial service in a child care setting and every 24 months thereafter. A health assessment is valid for 24 months following the date of signature, if the person does not contract a communicable disease or develop a medical problem. Correction: Upon inspection, the outdated health physical was already corrected, but steps have been taken to ensure this doesn't happen again in the future. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/26/2026
  3. Medium-High risk2/26/2026

    Original container (3270.133(1))

    Observed prescription medication not in its original container for child #1. Requirement: A prescription or nonprescription medication may be accepted only in an original container. The medication shall remain in the container in which it was received. Correction: The staff members child who was missing the original container, was immediately informed during inspection and asked to provide the medication container daily in the blue carry case that is transported back-and-forth from the facility Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/27/2026
  4. Medium risk2/26/2026

    Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months/Initial and subsequent health reports (3270.131(b)(2)/3270.182(1))

    The file of child #1 lacked an updated health assessment due to the fact the most recent on file was dated 10-30-24. Requirement: The operator shall require the parent to provide an updated health report at least every 12 months for an older toddler or preschool child. A child's record shall contain initial and subsequent health reports. Correction: The child's file was immediately reviewed. The updated health assessment was received from the parent and placed in the child's file on 2/26/2026, the same day as the inspection. All children's files were reviewed to ensure that each child has an initial and subsequent health assessment completed and on file within the required 12-month timeframe. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/26/2026
  5. Medium-High risk2/26/2026

    Name/address/phone release person (3270.124(b)(7))

    The file of child #5 lacked an emergency contact form with the full address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released. Requirement: Emergency contact information must include the name, address and telephone number of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released. Correction: I immediately messaged the child's family via brightwheel and corrected the missing information for the kiddo on their form during inspection. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/26/2026
  6. Medium-High risk2/26/2026

    Services proceeded (3270.123(a)(3))

    The files of children #1 and #6 lacked child service reports every 6 months due to the fact the current ones on file were dated 5/2025. Requirement: The services to be provided to the family and the child, including the Department's approved form to provide information to the family about the child's growth and development in the context of the services being provided. The operator shall complete and update the form and provide a copy to the family in accordance with the updates regarding emergency contact information in § 3270.124(f) (relating to emergency contact information). Correction: The files for the children reviewed immediately upon notification. Updated child service reports were completed to ensure compliance with the required 6-month timeframe. All child files have since been reviewed to verify that current child service reports are on file and up to date. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 3/5/2026
  7. Medium risk2/26/2026

    Supervised at all times (3270.113(a))

    Observed children #2 and #4 not adequately supervised during naptime due to the fact their rest equipment was located at the far end of the room and both staff were sitting in rocking chairs across the room. Requirement: Children on the facility premises and on facility excursions off the premises shall be supervised by a staff person at all times. Outdoor play space used by the facility is considered part of the facility premises. Children must be supervised at all times. Correction: Staff immediately adjusted their positioning within the classroom to ensure all children were within direct sight and sound supervision during naptime. The cot was repositioned as needed to allow for clear visibility of all children. Staff were reminded of the requirement to actively supervise children at all times, including naptimes. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/26/2026
  8. Medium-Low risk2/26/2026

    Small Toys and Objects (3270.103)

    Observed children #2 and #3, both infants sleeping with pacifiers that had beads attached to each of them. Requirement: Toys and objects with a diameter of less than 1 inch, objects with removable parts that have a diameter of less than 1 inch, plastic bags and styrofoam objects may not be accessible to children who are still placing objects in their mouths. Correction: The pacifiers were immediately removed from the attached beaded straps during the inspection and placed in the children's cubbies. Infants were provided with safe, unattached pacifiers for sleep. Families have been notified, and new pacifiers without attachments have been provided for sleeping purposes Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/26/2026
  9. Medium risk2/26/2026

    Heat Source (3270.71)

    Observed in the preschool room a coffeepot not secured to the counter accessible to children observed in care. Requirement: Hot water pipes and other sources of heat exceeding 110° F that are accessible to children shall be equipped with protective guards or shall be insulated to prevent direct contact. Correction: The coffee pot was secured with command strips. In addition since the coffee pot was a single serve coffee pot staff have been instructed to unplug it between use to ensure additional safety. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 3/3/2026
  10. Medium-High risk2/26/2026

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

    The file of staff #2 and #3 had NSOR clearances more than 60 months apart due to the fact they were dated: staff #2 1-7-26 and 11-4-20 and #3 dated: 1-7-26 and 6-26-20. Requirement: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services). SAFETY PLAN: The operator is required to submit to the Children and Youth Agency a plan of supervision or alternate arrangement as required by the Child Protective Services Law. Correction: The files for staff #2 and #3 were reviewed immediately upon notification. Updated NSOR clearances were already located in file but outdated. All staff files have since been reviewed to verify that clearances are current and within the 60-month requirement. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/26/2026
  11. Medium-High risk2/26/2026

    General Health and Safety (3270.21)

    Observed in the preschool room scissors on a shelf accessible to the children observed in care. Requirement: Conditions at the facility may not pose a threat to the health or safety of the children. Correction: The scissors were immediately removed from the accessible shelf and placed in a locked cabinet out of reach of children. Staff were reminded that all potentially hazardous items and cleaning supplies must be stored in a place that prevents child access. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/26/2026

2025

  1. Medium-High risk2/10/2025

    Designated release persons (3270.123(a)(5))

    The file of child #1 lacked an agreement with persons designated by a parent to whom the child may be released. Requirement: An agreement shall specify the persons designated by a parent to whom the child may be released. Correction: Durning inspection I wrote in the child's designated person to be released based off of the child's emergency contact form, and verified with the parents at pick up. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/28/2025
  2. Medium-Low risk2/10/2025

    Bottles labeled (3270.166(4))

    Observed in the infant room a bottle not labeled for child #1. Requirement: Disposable nursers and bottles shall be labeled with the child's name. Correction: I corrected this by placing tape with the child's name on the bottle in the fridge during inspection Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 3/3/2025
  3. Medium-Low risk2/10/2025

    Written plan (3270.111(a))

    At the time of the inspection, there was not a daily schedule posted in the preschool 3 room. Requirement: A written plan of daily activities and routines, including a time for free play shall be established for each group. The plan shall be flexible to accommodate the needs of individual children and the dynamics of the group. Correction: During time of inspection, I grabbed a copy of the class schedule for the preschool three and replaced it on the outside of the classroom door. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/28/2025
  4. Medium risk2/10/2025

    Small Toys and Objects (3270.103)

    Observed in the preschool room, assorted soft blocks with teeth marks and foam puzzle pieces with teeth marks. Requirement: Toys and objects with a diameter of less than 1 inch, objects with removable parts that have a diameter of less than 1 inch, plastic bags and styrofoam objects may not be accessible to children who are still placing objects in their mouths. Correction: Soft blocks were removed from the preschool room during inspection and replaced with a new purchase. The puzzle pieces with bite marks were disposed of or marked during inspection. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 3/3/2025
  5. Medium risk2/10/2025

    Clean and good repair (3270.102(a))

    Observed in the preschool room: 4 broken Magni Tiles, a brown wooden chair with loose legs, a red cushion chair torn with exposed foam, and a broken plastic container housing crayons, Requirement: Toys, play equipment and other indoor and outdoor equipment used by the children shall be clean, in good repair and free from rough edges, sharp corners, pinch and crush points, splinters and exposed bolts. Correction: On site I removed the broken magnet tiles, fixed the red cushion by using tape, and replaced cracked bin with the crayons. I wood glued the wooden chair over that same weekend. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 3/3/2025
  6. Medium risk2/10/2025

    Stairs, exits, etc. unobstructed (3270.91(a))

    Observed in the toddler room a set of exterior doors blocked on the right side making inaccessible to exit in the event of an emergency. Requirement: Stairways, hallways, exits from rooms, exits from the facility and other means of egress serving as an exit shall be unobstructed. Correction: Correction was made on site by taking the table down and putting the table away Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/28/2025
  7. Medium-High risk2/10/2025

    Has all items (3270.75(c))

    The first-aid kit in the toddler room lacked gloves. Requirement: A first-aid kit must contain the following: soap, an assortment of adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, tweezers, tape, scissors and disposable, nonporous gloves. Correction: Correction was made on site during inspection by placing gloves in the first aid kits. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/28/2025
  8. Medium-High risk2/10/2025

    Locked or inaccessible (3270.66(a))

    Observed in the preschool room disinfectant wipes and carpet cleaner on the bottom shelf of a closet that was not locked. Requirement: Cleaning materials and other toxic materials shall be kept in an area or container that is locked or made inaccessible to children. Correction: Correction was made on site during inspection by placing both items in a bin on the top shelf. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 3/28/2025
  9. Medium risk2/10/2025

    Comply with CPSL/Exp, educ., training at facility (3270.32(a)/3270.192(2)(iii))

    The file of staff #1 had documentation of completing mandated reporter training more than 60 months apart due to the fact they were dated: 2-18-21 and 6-5-15. Requirement: The operator shall comply with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services) A provisional employee may not be permitted to work alone with children and must work within the vicinity of a permanent employee. A facility person's record shall include verification of child care experience, education and training following the outset of service at the facility. Correction: Staffs mandated reporter was completed. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 3/3/2025
  10. Medium-High risk2/10/2025

    Physician name, address, phone (3270.124(b)(2))

    The file of child #1 lacked an emergency contact form with the full address of the child's physician or source of medical care. The file of child #3 lacked an emergency contact form with the name, address and telephone number of the child's physician or source of medical care. Requirement: Emergency contact information must include the name, address and telephone number of the child's physician or source of medical care. Correction: My director used the child's most recent physical to fill in the missing information on the form during our inspection and we verified it with the parent at pick up. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/28/2025
  11. Medium-High risk2/10/2025

    Parent home/work address, phone (3270.124(b)(3))

    The file of child #1 lacked an emergency contact form with the full work address and work phone number of the enrolling parent. Requirement: Emergency contact information must include the home and work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent. Correction: I messaged the parent of child #1 on bright wheel for the missing information and corrected this issue during our inspection by adding it to the child's form. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/28/2025
  12. Medium-High risk2/10/2025

    Information re: special needs (3270.124(b)(5))

    The file of child #1 lacked an emergency contact form with the information about the child's special needs or NA if not applicable. Requirement: Emergency contact information must include information on the child's special needs, as specified by the child's parent, physician, physician's assistant or CRNP, which is needed in an emergency situation. Correction: Durning my inspection I marked this as NA on child #1s file and verified this with the parents at pick up Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/28/2025
  13. Medium-High risk2/10/2025

    Name/address/phone release person (3270.124(b)(7))

    The files of children #1 and #2 lacked an emergency contact form with the complete address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released. Requirement: Emergency contact information must include the name, address and telephone number of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released. Correction: Durning inspection of child #1 I used a siblings file with all the information to complete the forms missing lines. For child #2 my director messaged to family for the missing information, and we filled in all missing information during our inspection. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/28/2025
  14. Medium-High risk2/10/2025

    Each child care space (3270.124(c))

    At the time of the inspection, there was not a copy of the emergency contact form for child #1 in the child care space where the child was receiving care. Requirement: When children are in the facility, emergency contact information shall be present in a child care space for children receiving care in the space. Correction: I corrected this issue on site by making a copy of the emergency contact sheet we had on file in the office and placing it in the classroom. Inspection: Renewal. Source: PA DHS COMPASS provider search (compass.dhs.pa.gov).

    Corrected 2/28/2025

Showing the 25 most recent of 62 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

$817/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: SAINT MARYS, Elk County
  • Capacity: 99
  • Type: Child Care Center
  • Years in operation: 0

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