A Step Ahead Day Care
A Step Ahead Day Care is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 87 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 6 times. The state cited 7 violations, none of them core-safety, most often for training & qualifications (3 of 7). 2 citations came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #129 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has fewer citations per inspection than 88% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
At the time of the inspection, peeled paint was observed on the window sill and wall in the preschool room. Peeled paint was observed on the walls in the toddler room.
At the time of the inspection, the thermometer in the preschool class refrigerator was missing the rotating needle.
At the time of the inspection, peel paint was observed on the right wall in the toddler room
At the time of the inspection, the file of child #1 did not include the telephone number of the child's physician. Non-compliance was corrected on site.
During the renewal inspection on 7/26/22, it was observed that -staff person #2 received pediatric first aid/CPR after 4/29/22 in an approved curriculum but the title of the training does not indicate Pediatric in the title -staff person #3 received pediatric first aid/CPR before 4/29/22 in an approved curriculum but the title of the training does not indicate Pediatric in the title
During the renewal inspection on 7/26/22, it was observed that the records of staff person #1 did not contain the correct training for a center. Training submitted entitled Home-based care: Building blocks for Quality
During the renewal inspection on 7/26/22, it was observed that the records of Staff person # 1 had not completed mandated reporter training within the last 60 months. This is evidenced by the previously documented mandated reporter training on file being dated 7/4/2017.
“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.
Daily rates
| Age group | Full time, per day | Part time, per day |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $44.00 | — |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $38.00 | — |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $36.00 | — |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $34.00 | $26.00 |
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
Common questions
Has A Step Ahead Day Care had any serious violations?
No citations on supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep since 2021. It has 7 other citations, listed above.
Have there been complaints about A Step Ahead Day Care?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at A Step Ahead Day Care since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is A Step Ahead Day Care’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Dec 8, 2025. 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 Step Ahead Day Care compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?
It is tied for #129 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 88% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was A Step Ahead Day Care last inspected?
Jun 23, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does A Step Ahead Day Care cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $44.00 for infant, $38.00 for young toddler, $36.00 for older toddler, $34.00 for preschool in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs A Step Ahead Day Care?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is A Step Ahead Day Care.
Certified centers nearby
7806 Castor Ave, Philadelphia · under 0.1 mi away · 27 spots No citations Leaps and Bounds Childcare and Learning Center LLC
7712 Castor Ave, Philadelphia · under 0.1 mi away · 36 spots More citations than most Morgans Early Childhood Academy
7701 Castor Ave, Philadelphia · 0.1 mi away · 172 spots More citations than most Gan Chabad INC
7620 Castor Ave, Philadelphia · 0.1 mi away · 29 spots More citations than most Little Scholars Academy
2010 Rhawn St, Philadelphia · 0.3 mi away · 65 spots About typical Kinder Academy INC
7922 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia · 0.4 mi away · 76 spots Fewer citations than most
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.