Alphabet Alley
9356 Old Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19115 · Philadelphia County
1 core-safety citation in last 12 months
Keystone STAR 4
Alphabet Alley is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 195 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 5 times. The state cited 28 violations, 3 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (11 of 28). 8 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 #833 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 63% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
More citations than 63% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most
Tied for #833 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia
3
Core-safety citations
25
Other citations
5
Inspections
0
Complaint investigations that found violations
28 citations from 5 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 8 in the last 12 months · last inspected May 13, 2026
Every state visit
Violation found
No violation
Top row: inspections · bottom row: complaint investigations, self-reported incidents and other visits
What inspectors cited most
Building & playground safety
11
Training & qualifications
5
Records & paperwork
4
Health & medication
3
Background checks
2
Food & feeding
2
Staff ratios
1
Citations, newest first
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
Staff Person # 2, who was recently hired did not have required out of state clearance for state (CA) she previously resided.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 12, 2026): “Staff person # 2 shall obtain required clearances for state (CA) in which she previously resided, and they shall be documented in her record as required.”
Citation
May 13, 2026
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Unsafe Areas in Outdoor Space 55 Pa. Code §3270.63
During inspection, the white gate in the second play area was missing and could pose a danger if a child was to elope and go into unsafe areas outside of facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 12, 2026): “The gate in the 2nd play space area shall be repaired to ensure that no child is able to elope and be exposed to unsafe areas outside of the facility.”
Citation
May 13, 2026
Inspection
Building & playground safety
In child care spaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(a)
At time of inspection, there wasn't a first aid kit in the childcare space used for school age children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 12, 2026): “A first aid kit with all required items shall be place in the ASA-2 room and it shall remain in room when being used by for childcare.”
Citation
May 13, 2026
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces/Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.76/3270.102(a)
At time of inspection, the storage shed being used to store play equipment in the 2nd play yard had exposed nails and could pose a danger to children if they should lean on or fall into the shed.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 12, 2026): “The nails on the shed shall be removed to prevent injury of a child and keep the facility free from visible hazards as required per regulations.”
Citation
May 13, 2026
Inspection
Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)/3270.192(3)
Staff person #3, who was recently hired did not have an initial health assessment with negative TB screening documented in their record.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 15, 2026): “Staff person # 3 shall provide an initial health assessment with negative TB screening documented in their record as required.”
Citation
May 13, 2026
Inspection
Health & medication
Mantoux TB/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(2)/3270.192(3)
At time of inspection, staff person #3 did not have negative TB screening documented in their record.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 12, 2026): “Staff person shall have required TB screening documented in their record as required per regulations.”
Citation
May 13, 2026
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Age and Training/Exp, educ., training at facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(1)(iv)/3270.192(2)(iii)
Staff person # 4 did not have 12 hours of annual childcare training documented in their record at time of inspection.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 2, 2026): “Staff person # 4 shall complete required childcare training and it shall be documented in their record as required.”
Citation
May 13, 2026
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Posted in group space 55 Pa. Code §3270.111(b)
A schedule of daily activities was not posted in room 2-a as required
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 12, 2026): “All rooms in facility including room # 2-a shall have a daily schedule of activities posted as required per regulations”
Citation
Jun 17, 2025
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
At the time of inspection, the poured surface on the outdoor play area was damaged and the edges were uneven. This could pose a hazard to the children in care. At the entrance to the facility there were damaged ceiling tiles.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 2, 2025): “The surface will be repaired. The ceiling tiles will be replaced.”
Citation
Jun 17, 2025
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
There was a broken gate, and trash on the school-age area of the outdoor play area. With the gate missing, there was no barrier to the adjacent business parking lot.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 2, 2025): “The play space will be cleaned and the gate will be repaired.”
Show 18 older citations
Citation
Jun 17, 2025
Inspection
Health & medication
Clean, age appropriate/2 feet apart 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(a)/3270.106(f)
During nap at the time of inspection, the cots in the toddler classroom were not space according to the regulations.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 8, 2025): “All staff will space the cot as required to the regulations.”
Citation
Jun 17, 2025
Inspection
Food & feeding
Written statement 55 Pa. Code §3270.166(1)
At the time of inspection, there was no written feeding schedule for the infant children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 20, 2025): “A written statement from parents will be posted at all times.”
Citation
May 14, 2024
Inspection
Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
When tested with a thermometer at the time of inspection, the water temperature exceeded 110 degrees at sinks used by the facility children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 22, 2024): “The water temp will be adjusted and kept below 110 degrees at all times.”
Citation
May 14, 2024
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces/No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.76/3270.77(a)
Throughout the outdoor play area; at the time of inspection. There were various toys (some broken) and items that could pose a hazard to the children in care. There were broken pieces of fence along the bottom and craters in the surface which may care a hazard to the children in care.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 6, 2024): “The area will be cleaned, the broken toys trashed. the fence and surface will be repaired. The space will be safe and free from hazards at all times.”
Citation
May 14, 2024
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
There was a broken drain cover that was loose during the inspection. The loose cover could pose a tripping hazard. The grate will be repaired.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 6, 2024): “The grate will be repaired.”
Citation
May 14, 2024
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Handwashing signs 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(h)
Staff had to be reminded of the importance of hand washing (for the child) at the time of inspection.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 15, 2024): “All facility persons and children will wash hands after toileting and before eating. A sign will be posted at all times.”
Citation
May 1, 2023
Inspection
Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
During time of inspection, the wall in room 1-B had chipped paint on the wall next to the sink area.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 23, 2023): “The chipped paint in room 1-B shall be repaired and there shall be no chipped paint in facility.”
Citation
May 1, 2023
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Hazardous toys and equipment 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(g)
At time inspection, there were three items (Bumbo infant chair and two bobby pillows) in infant room B there were on the USCPSC recall list and are no longer acceptable for use with children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 23, 2023): “All recalled items shall be removed from the infant classroom and shall be trashed and no longer used in facility.”
Citation
May 1, 2023
Inspection
Food & feeding
Refrigerator 55 Pa. Code §3270.107
During time of inspection, Infant room A thermometer had a reading of 50 degrees and the thermometer in room 3-b was broken.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 23, 2023): “The thermostat for the refrigerator in the infant room A shall be increased to provide for the appropriate temperature of 45 degrees or less. The thermometer in room 3-b shall be replaced with an operable thermometer.”
Citation
May 1, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
At time of inspection, staff person # 3 -4 did not have updated health and safety training documented in their records.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 20, 2023): “Staff person # 3-4 shall complete updated health and safety training and it shall be documented in their records as required per regulations.”
Citation
May 1, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
HS/GED + 2 yrs/Transcript, diploma and letters 55 Pa. Code §3270.36(b)(5)/3270.192(2)(iv)
At time of inspection, staff person #2 did not have 2 years of experience documented in their record to help qualify them for their position of AGS at facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 23, 2023): “Staff person # 2 shall provide the required two references which shall be documented in their record as required per regulations.”
Citation
May 1, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Aide qualifications/Transcript, diploma and letters 55 Pa. Code §3270.37(b)/3270.192(2)(iv)
At time of inspection, Staff person #6 with educational documents from another country did not have evaluations of documents to determine its equality in the United States to qualify them for the position of aide at facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 23, 2023): “Staff person #6 shall have their education evaluated for a qualified educational evaluation company to determine the educational level completed and position qualifications.”
Citation
May 1, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Posted in group space 55 Pa. Code §3270.111(b)
During time of inspection, there was not daily plan of activities posted in the ASA room as required.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 23, 2023): “A written plan of activities shall be posted in the ASA room and followed as assigned.”
Citation
May 1, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
During time of inspection, staff persons # 1 and #5 did not have two nonfamily members references documented in their records.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 23, 2023): “Staff person #1 and #5 shall provide two non-family references to attest to their suitability to serve as staff person at facility.”
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
At time of inspection staff person #3 did not have NSOR Certificate documented in their file and Staff #5 did not have have the required state police and child abuse clearances (volunteer and not employment).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 14, 2022): “Staff person # 3 and #5 shall be removed from care with children until required clearances are obtained and documented in their files.”
Similar Age Level 55 Pa. Code §3270.51
During time of inspection, there were 12 infants in one group with 4 staff. There were no defined groups for this age grouping (i.e, two groups consisting of 8 infants and the other of 4 infants) the children were all together in one group resulting with them not getting the appropriate amount of attention with eating or at floor play.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 14, 2022): “The children in the infant rooms shall be separated into two defined groups with no more that 8 infants assigned to one group and the appropriate amount of staff to supervise children in those groups as required per regulations.”
Citation
Jun 1, 2022
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Transcript, diploma and letters 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(2)(iv)
Staff person #1 with a degree issued from another country was not evaluated to help qualify staff person for position at facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 15, 2022): “Staff person #1 will have her degree evaluated from a professional educational service to help qualify her for her position at facility”
Citation
Jun 1, 2022
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)
At time of inspection, staff person #2, #4, and #6 did not have required 12 hours of annual child care training documented in their records.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 14, 2022): “All staff listed shall complete the 12 hours of annual child care training as required. Proof of completion shall be sent to inspecting cert rep by date listed.”
“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.) | $60.00 | $52.00 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $58.00 | $52.00 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $55.00 | $52.00 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $56.00 | $52.00 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $56.00 | $53.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $56.00 | $53.00 |
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
Capacity
195 children
Certificate status
Regular
Certificate valid through
Jul 1, 2027
Operator
Dap Enterprises
Hours
Monday–Friday 6:00 AM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone
(215) 969-6850
State certificate #
CER-00257166
Common questions
Has Alphabet Alley had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 3 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 May 13, 2026 (background checks): “Staff Person # 2, who was recently hired did not have required out of state clearance for state (CA) she previously resided.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Alphabet Alley?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Alphabet Alley since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is Alphabet Alley’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Feb 20, 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 Alphabet Alley compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?
It is tied for #833 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 63% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Alphabet Alley last inspected?
May 13, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does Alphabet Alley cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $60.00 for infant, $58.00 for young toddler, $55.00 for older toddler, $56.00 for preschool in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Alphabet Alley?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Dap Enterprises.
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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.