First Inspection Requirements for New Child Care Centers

On Demand Resource

DHS Orientation: Opening a Child Care Center or Group Child Care HomeDHS Orientation: Opening a Child Care Center or Group Child Care Home

Child care centers in Pennsylvania must have a Certificate of Compliance to operate. This process involves

submitting a complete application (with all the necessary attachments) and meeting all inspection requirements.

Following is a list of regulation requirements that are checked during the first inspection. A description of each

requirement can be found in the Department of Human Services Regulations for Child Care Centers (55 PA Code, Chapter 3270).

First Inspection Requirements

for New Child Care Centers

Regulation Title

3270.18 Liability insurance

3270.27 Emergency plan

3270.31 Age and training – sections (a), (b), and (c)

3270.32 Suitability of persons in the facility – section (a)

3270. 33(d) First-aid trained staff

3270.34 Director qualifications and responsibilities

3270.61 Measurement and use of indoor child care space

3270.62 Measurement and use of play space

3270.63 Unsafe areas in outdoor play space*

3270.65 Protective electrical covers

3270.66 Toxics

3270.69 Water

3270.70 Indoor temperature

3270.71 Hot water pipes and other sources of heat*

3270.72 Ventilation*

3270.73 Telephone

3270.75 First aid kit

3270.77 Paint

3270.79 Firearms

3270.81 Glass

3270.82 Toilet areas

3270.91 Exits

3270.92 Space heaters

3270.93 Fireplaces and woodburning and coalburning stoves

3270.101 Type of play equipment

3270.102 Condition of play equipment*

3270.105 High chairs

3270.107 Refrigerator

3270.115 Water Activity

3270.192 Content of records

If requirements are not met and approved

during the first inspection, the child care

center operator will be able to submit a

plan to correct problem areas. All the

requirements listed must be met and

fully approved before a Certificate of

Compliance is given.

* Requirements noted by an asterisk (*) may be

affected by weather conditions, which could prevent

their approval during the inspection.

extension.psu.edu/youth/betterkidcare

Supported by funds from the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, jointly overseen by the Departments of Human Services and Education.

This publication is available in alternative media on request.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing

employment opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and

other protected groups. Nondiscrimination: http://guru.psu.edu/policies/AD85.html

Claudia C. Mincemoyer, Ph.D.,

Better Kid Care Program Director

341 North Science Park Road Suite 208

State College, PA 16803

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