Daycare Record Child care inspection records

A Childs Place at Hillside Elementary

507 Howellville Rd, Berwyn, PA 19312 · Chester County
1 core-safety citation in last 12 months 1 complaint investigation found violations Keystone STAR 2

A Childs Place at Hillside Elementary is a certified child care center in Berwyn, PA. It holds a Keystone STAR 2 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 7 times and confirmed violations in 1 complaint investigation. The state cited 16 violations, 4 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (6 of 16). 3 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 #82 of 214 centers in Chester County and has fewer citations per inspection than 72% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

Fewer citations than 72% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. About typical
Tied for #82 of 214 centers in Chester County
4 Core-safety citations
12 Other citations
7 Inspections
1 Complaint investigations that found violations
16 citations from 8 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 3 in the last 12 months · last inspected Jan 14, 2026

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Jan 14, 2026 · Inspection · citation found Feb 20, 2025 · Inspection · no citation Jun 10, 2024 · Report/investigation · citation found Jun 10, 2024 · Inspection · citation found Jan 23, 2024 · Inspection · citation found Jun 13, 2023 · Inspection · citation found Nov 7, 2022 · Inspection · citation found Oct 3, 2022 · Inspection · citation found
Violation found No violation Top row: inspections · bottom row: complaint investigations, self-reported incidents and other visits

What inspectors cited most

Records & paperwork 6
Emergency preparedness 3
Caregiver conduct 2
Background checks 1
Building & playground safety 1
Health & medication 1
Transportation 1
Supervision 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Jan 14, 2026 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 1/14/2026, Staff member # 1 and 2 files contained out of state clearances that were obtained after the staff persons began working with children. Out of state clearances are required to be presented with the PA clearances at the outset of service at the facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 4, 2026): “Out of state clearances were obtained for staff person's #1 and #2.”
Citation Jan 14, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Contaminated trash in closed plastic-lined receptacle 55 Pa. Code §3270.67(d)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 1/14/2026, Certification Representative observed 2 trashcans in the childcare space without lids. The trash cans contained food wrappers and used hand towels.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 4, 2026): “Contaminated trash will be placed in a contained in a closed, plastic-lined receptacle.”
Citation Jan 14, 2026 Inspection Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 1/14/2026, staff person # 3's file was reviewed. Staff person # 3 file contained a health assessment that was valid for 11/19/23 to 11/19/25. The current health assessment is dated 12/21/25. The health assessment should have been updated prior to December 2025. Staff person #4 file was reviewed. Staff person # 4 file contained a health assessment that was valid for 12/17/23 to 12/17/23. The current health assessment is dated 1/6/2026. The health assessment should have been updated prior to January 2026.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 4, 2026): “Staff persons #3 and #4 obtained staff health assessments.”
Core safety Jun 10, 2024 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct
No physical punishment 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(b)
During a complaint investigation conducted on 6/18/2024, Certification Representative (CR) viewed the videotape from the school cafeteria. The video tape showed staff member # 1 grabbing the child by the arm and dragging him across the floor and making him sit down.
Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Jun 24, 2024): “We immediately removed staff member one from the site and was terminated. Provider will complete training course lead by ELRC representative.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Core safety Jun 10, 2024 Inspection Caregiver conduct
No physical punishment 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(b)
During a complaint investigation conducted on 6/18/2024, Certification Representative (CR) viewed the videotape from the school cafeteria. The video tape showed staff member # 1 grabbing the child by the arm and dragging him across the floor and making him sit down.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 19, 2024): “We immediately removed staff member one from the site and was terminated. Provider will complete training course lead by ELRC representative. ELRC training was completed on 8/19/2024.”
Citation Jun 10, 2024 Complaint investigation Records & paperwork
Reports of accidents, injuries and illnesses. Original report - parent same day Copy - facility accident file. Copy - child's file 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(7)
During a complaint investigation conducted on 6/18/2024, 1 child file was reviewed. Child # 1 file did not contain a report for the incident when the child required 1st aid from the school nurse.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 24, 2024): “All incidents will be documented. Once it is completed we will print it for the parent and child's file.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Jan 23, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 1/23/2024, 6 staff files were reviewed. Staff member # 1 and 2 files did not contain verification of annual training on the facility's emergency plan.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 13, 2024): “Staff members 1 and 2 review and sign the annual training paperwork on the facilities emergency plan.”
Citation Jan 23, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Signed parental consent for transportation, walking excursions, swimming and wading 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(6)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 1/23/2024, 5 child files were reviewed. Child # 1,2,3,4 and 5 files included an emergency contact form that did not address parental consent for swimming and wading.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 13, 2024): “Parents will update their emergency contact form to include NA for swimming and wading.”
Citation Jun 13, 2023 Inspection Transportation
Safe routes posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.171(c)
The facility did not have notification of safe routes posted at a conspicuous location in the child care facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 21, 2023): “Safe routes will be copied and posted on our parent board in a conspicuous location on site.”
Citation Jun 13, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Each child care space 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(c)
Child #1 did not have emergency contact information in the child care space where they were receiving care.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 21, 2023): “The emergency contact information for child #1 will be copied and placed in the emergency contact binder on site.”
Citation Nov 7, 2022 Inspection Records & paperwork
Immediate access/Individual Records 55 Pa. Code §3270.24(a)/3270.191
While conducted a follow-up inspection, continued noncompliance observing staff persons #1 and 2 were caring for children without having a complete file on site. Department Representative did not have immediate access to these records at time of inspection.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 30, 2022): “Staff persons #1 and #2 staff files have been sent electronically to department representative. Staff files have also been uploaded into our electronic system for onsite viewing.”
Core safety Oct 3, 2022 Inspection Supervision
Supervised at all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)
During the inspection conducted on 10/03/22 child care space had a total of 22 children present. Staff person #1 was asked for the names of the children responsible for. Staff person #1 could not identify children specifically assigned to child care group.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 7, 2022): “All staff were presented with primary care groups and reviewed after inspection on 10/13/2022. Staff person #1's first day of employment was 10/13/22 and was still learning names of students. All staff will participate in 2 hours of approved supervision training by 11/11/22. Staff will create…”
Citation Oct 3, 2022 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(5)
It was observed on 10/03/22 the program's emergency plan did not include emergency plan that provides for accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 2, 2022): “The emergency plan reviewed onsite provided for accommodations for children with disabilities and children with chronic medical conditions on page 7.”
Citation Oct 3, 2022 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(6)
It was observed on 10/03/22 the program did not have verification of annual emergency drill being conducted.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 2, 2022): “All emergency drill documentation is available onsite in binder in emergency backpack.”
Citation Oct 3, 2022 Inspection Records & paperwork
Individual Records 55 Pa. Code §3270.191
It was observed on 10/03/22 the program could not provide staff persons records at the time of the inspection, and did not have these files on site physically or electronically.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 14, 2022): “All staff files were accessible to DHS inspector at the corporate office. Staff files for this site were uploaded into our electronic system on 10/13/2022 for viewing when onsite.”
Citation Oct 3, 2022 Inspection Records & paperwork
Availability of certificate of compliance and applicable regulations 55 Pa. Code §3270.25(a)
It was observed on 10/03/22 the facilities current certificate of compliance was not posted in a conspicuous location used for parents to access.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 2, 2022): “The certificate of compliance is located in the DHS Binder available for parents to view during pick-up/drop-off. The certificate of compliance was additionally posted in the classroom for all to view.”

“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

Violation found Jun 10, 2024 Complaint investigation
2 violations cited, listed under Citations.

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
Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) $69.80 $25.82
Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) $69.80 $25.82

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

Capacity —
Certificate status Regular
Certificate valid through May 28, 2027
Keystone STARS STAR 2
since Feb 26, 2026 · what STARS means
Operator A Childs Place Extended Care INC
Hours Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone (610) 272-8085
State certificate # CER-00251458
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has A Childs Place at Hillside Elementary had any serious violations?

Pennsylvania cited 4 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 Jan 14, 2026 (background checks): “During a renewal inspection conducted on 1/14/2026, Staff member # 1 and 2 files contained out of state clearances that were obtained after the staff persons began working with children. Out of state clearances are…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about A Childs Place at Hillside Elementary?

Pennsylvania lists 1 complaint investigation 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 A Childs Place at Hillside Elementary’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 2, effective Feb 26, 2026. 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 A Childs Place at Hillside Elementary compare with other daycares in Chester County?

It is tied for #82 of 214 centers in Chester County by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 72% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was A Childs Place at Hillside Elementary last inspected?

Jan 14, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.

How much does A Childs Place at Hillside Elementary cost?

It reported full-time daily rates of $69.80 for young school-age, $69.80 for older school-age in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.

Who runs A Childs Place at Hillside Elementary?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is A Childs Place Extended Care INC.

Certified centers nearby

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.