Pennsylvania · Philadelphia · 19149

Apple Child Care Center

6901 Hawthorne St, Philadelphia, PA 19149 · Philadelphia County

2 complaint investigations found violations Keystone STAR 4

Apple Child Care Center is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 177 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 8 times and confirmed violations in 2 complaint investigations. The state cited 66 violations, 8 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (26 of 66). None of them came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #994 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 77% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 77% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most

Tied for #994 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia

8 Core-safety citations

58 Other citations

8 Inspections

2 Complaint investigations that found violations

66 citations from 11 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · none in the last 12 months · last inspected Aug 25, 2025

Every state visit

Violation found No violation Top row: inspections · bottom row: complaint investigations, self-reported incidents and other visits

What inspectors cited most

Records & paperwork 26

Building & playground safety 11

Training & qualifications 10

Health & medication 8

Background checks 4

Supervision 2

Emergency preparedness 2

Caregiver conduct 1

Staff ratios 1

Food & feeding 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Aug 28, 2025 Complaint investigation Supervision

Supervised at all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)

At the time of investigation on 8/28/2025, Certification Representative observed a video recording showing a child scratching another child's face. At the time of the incident, staff were not properly supervising all of the children in the gym area.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 25, 2025): “The three staff who were in the gym area at the time of the incident will participate in 2 hours of supervision training. The director will review supervision requirements with all staff at the next staff meeting.”

Core safety Aug 25, 2025 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)

Facility staff #2 live out-of-state within the past 60 months and there was not out-of-state clearances on file. The NSOR for facility staff #2 was obtained late. Facility staff #2 had a date of hire of 4/8/2025 and the NSOR clearance was dated 8/1/2025. The Child Abuse and NSOR clearances for facility staff #3 were obtained late. Facility staff #3 had a date of hire of 1/13/2025 and the clearances were dated 8/1/2025. The NSOR clearance for facility staff #4 was completed late. Facility staff #4 had a date of hire of 10/8/2024 and the NSOR clearance was dated 8/4/2025. The NSOR clearance for facility staff #5 was completed late. Facility staff #5 did not complete the Mandated Reporter training within 90 days of hire. Facility staff #5 had a hire date of 10/28/2024 and the NSOR clearance was dated 9/3/2025. The Mandated Reporter training for facility staff #5 was completed 8/4/2025

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2025): “Facility staff #2 will be removed from child care duties until the required out-of-state clearances are obtained. By 10/17/2025 the Director will develop a checklist that will be used at the time of hire to ensure that staff have all required clearances prior to starting employment. The operator…”

Citation Aug 25, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety

Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)

At the time of inspection on 9/25/2025, Certification Representativie observed cleaning materials and other toxic materials that were not kept locked or made inaccessible to children including glade air refreshener spray, hand sanitizer, and various cleaning supplies in the bathrooms and kitchen area.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2025): “The operator immediately removed all toxic materials and placed in areas that were locked and/or inaccessible to children. The operator will install a locking device on the kitchen door.”

Citation Aug 25, 2025 Inspection Health & medication

12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)

Facility staff #1 did not have a current health assessment on file as required. Facility staff #5 did not have a health assessment on file at the time of initial hire.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2025): “Facility staff #1 will obtain a health assessment. The health assessment will be maintained on file.”

Citation Aug 25, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications

Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)

Facility staff #3 and #4 did not complete the required health and safety training within 90 days of hire. Facility staff #3 had a hire date of 1/13/2025 and the health and safety training was completed on 7/20/2025. Facility staff #4 had a hire date of 10/8/2024 and the health and safety training was completed on 8/4/2025.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 8, 2025): “The operator will develop a checklist that will track all new hire requirements including pre-service trainings. The operator will ensure that all staff have the required health and safety trainings within 90 days of hire.”

Citation Aug 25, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork

Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)

The emergency contact forms for facility children #1 and #2 did not include the addresses of all of the individuals designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2025): “The operator will obtain all of the addresses of the individuals designated by the parent to whom the child may be released on the emergency contact forms of facility children #1 and #2.”

Core safety Sep 3, 2024 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)

Facility staff #2 had a hire date of 10/26/2022 and there was not an NSOR on file at the time of inspection. Facility staff #2 had a hire of 7/22/2024 and there was not an NSOR on file at the time of inspection. Facility staff #4 did not complete the required mandated reporter training within 90 days of hire.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 30, 2024): “Facility staff #2 obtained her NSOR clearance on 9/3/2024. Facility staff #3 obtained the NSOR clearance on 9/4/2024. Facility staff #4 completed the mandated reporter training on 8/9/2024.”

Citation Sep 3, 2024 Inspection Health & medication

12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)

There was not documentation on file that facility staff #5, #6, #9 and #11 had a health assessments prior to initial service to children. Facility staff #10 did not have documentation of a health assessment at least every 24 months as required. All staff obtained health assessments prior to inspection but were not completed timely per regulations.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 30, 2024): “Facility staff #5, #6, #9 and #11 obtained health assessments. The operator will ensure that all staff receive health assessments as required by regulations. The operator will ensure new staff have a health assessment within 12 months prior to working with children.”

Citation Sep 3, 2024 Inspection Health & medication

Conducted by physician, PA or CRNP 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(b)

The health assessment on file for facility staff #4 was not signed and dated by the health provider.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 30, 2024): “The operator received the signed and dated health assessment for facility staff #4.”

Citation Sep 3, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork

Pertinent Laws & Regulations 55 Pa. Code §3270.14

There was not documentation that facility staff #10 completed the updated Health and Safety as required by Federal law.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 15, 2024): “Facility staff #10 will obtain the required updated Health and Safety training. The operator will keep documentation of this training for all staff on file.”

Show 56 older citations

Citation Sep 3, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications

Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)

There was not documentation that facility staff #7, #8 and #10 completed the required Fire Safety training at least annually. The operator did not have verification of training for 2023 in the staff files.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 30, 2024): “Facility staff #7, #8 and #10 completed Fire Safety Training. The operator will ensure that all staff receive Fire Safety training at least annually. The operator will keep documentation of the training on file.”

Citation Sep 3, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications

Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)

Facility staff #4 did not complete the required health and safety trainings within 90 days of hire.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 30, 2024): “Facility staff #4 completed the health and safety training.”

Citation Sep 3, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork

Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)

The emergency contact forms for facility children #1 and #2 did not include the addresses of all release individuals.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 15, 2024): “The operator will obtain the addresses for all release individuals for facility child #1 and #2.”

Citation Sep 3, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork

Emergency master file updated 55 Pa. Code §3270.181(e)

At the time of inspection on 9/30/2024, Certification Representative observed that not all of the children's emergency contact forms were updated in the classrooms.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 29, 2024): “The operator will ensure that all emergency contact forms in the classrooms, as well as the master file are updated at least every 6 months as required.”

Citation Sep 3, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications

Health and Safety Training - Pediatric First Aid and CPR 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)(10)

Facility staff #1 and #4 did not complete pediatric first aid and pediatric cpr within 90 days of hire.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 30, 2024): “Facility staff #1 and #4 completed pediatric first aid and cpr.”

Citation Sep 3, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications

Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)

At the time of inspection, facility staff #2 had not completed all of the required 12 hours of child care training at least annually.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 30, 2024): “Facility staff #2 completed 12 clock hours of child care training.”

Core safety Aug 24, 2023 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)

At the time of inspection, facility staff #3, #5, #6, #9, #11, #12 and #13 did not have the National Sex Offenders Registry clearance on file within 45 days of initial hire. Facility staff #8 did not have the required FBI clearance within 45 days of initial hire. Facility staff #11 did not have the required Department of Human Services FBI clearance. Facility staff #12 did not have an FBI clearance on file. Facility staff #14 did not have a current FBI on file. The FBI clearance on file for facility staff #14 was over 60 months old. Facility staff #10 did not have current clearances on file. Facility staff #10 had a State Police, Child Abuse and an FBI clearance that was over 60 months old at the time of inspection. Facility staff #10 did not have current Mandated Reporter training. The Mandated Reporter training in the file was over 60 months. Facility staff #11 and #12 not have Mandated Reporter training within 90 days of hire.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 6, 2023): “Facility staff #5, #6, #9, #10, #11 and #12 will be removed from child care duties until all clearances are obtained and are on file at the facility. The operator will create a checklist for ensuring all clearances are obtained within the required timeframes per CPSL, Chapter 3490 and 3270…”

Citation Aug 24, 2023 Inspection Emergency preparedness

Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)

At the time of inspection, the record of facility staff #6, #11 and #12 did not contain verification of emergency plan training at the time of initial employment.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 6, 2023): “The operator will train all staff in the facility emergency plan within 90 days of hire and annually thereafter.”

Citation Aug 24, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety

Above ground window opening restricted to 6" 55 Pa. Code §3270.72(d)

At the time of inspection, Certification Rep observed several windows on the 2nd floor that were not modified to limit the opening to 6 inches or less.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 16, 2023): “All windows that could be opened 6 inches or more were corrected. The operator will remind all staff that windows need to be kept modified to prevent windows that are above ground floor from opening 6 inches or more.”

Citation Aug 24, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

2 feet apart 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(f)

At the time of inspection, Certification Representative observed several children's whose rest equipment did not have at least 2 feet of space on three sides.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 16, 2023): “The operator will review the requirement of 2 feet of space on three sides of rest equipment with all staff. The operator will do regular spot checks during nap time to ensure staff understand this requirement.”

Citation Aug 24, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)

At the time of inspection, facility staff #2, #3, #6 and #11 did not have the required health assessment at the time of initial hire. Facility staff #10 did not have a current health assessment within 24 months. The health assessment on file was dated 7/31/2018.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 6, 2023): “Facility staff #2, #3, #6, #10 and #11 will obtain the required health assessment.”

Citation Aug 24, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

Conducted by physician, PA or CRNP 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(b)

The health assessment of facility staff #4 did not include a signature with title of the health provider.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 6, 2023): “The operator will obtain a health assessment that includes the health providers signature from facility staff #4,”

Citation Aug 24, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Amount of fee 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(1)

At the time of inspection, the agreements for facility children #1, #2, #3 and #6 did not specify the amount of the fee.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 6, 2023): “The operator will add the fee amount to facility children #1, #2, #3 and #6's agreement forms.”

Citation Aug 24, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Admission date 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(6)

At the time of inspection, the agreements for facility children #5 and #6 did not specify the date of child's admisstion.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 6, 2023): “The operator will have the date of admission on the agreement forms of facility children #5 and #6.”

Citation Aug 24, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Parent home/work address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(3)

At the time of inspection, the emergency contact forms for facility children #1, #2, #3, #4, and #6 did not include the enrolling parent's work/business information.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 6, 2023): “The operator will obtain the enrolling parent's business/work information on the emergency contact forms of facility children #1, #2, #3, #4 and #6.”

Citation Aug 24, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Emergency master file updated 55 Pa. Code §3270.181(e)

At the time of inspection, Certification Representative observed several emergency contact forms in classrooms that were not updated at least once every 6 months.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 16, 2023): “The operator will ensure that all emergency contact forms in the classrooms are updated within the past six months or when there is a change of information.”

Citation Aug 24, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(2)(ii)

At the time of inspection the records of facility staff #2, #3, #4, #8, #9 did not contain acceptable verification of experience on file. The record of facility staff #5, #6 and #11 did not contain acceptable verification of education or experience on file.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 6, 2023): “The operator will obtain acceptable verification of experience for facility staff #2, #3, #4, #8 and #9. The operator will obtain acceptable verification of education and verification of experience for facility staff #5, #6 and #11.”

Citation Aug 24, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)

At the time of inspection, the record of facility staff #6 and #8 did not include two written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 6, 2023): “The operator will ensure that facility staff #6 and #8 have two written, nonfamily references on file at the facility.”

Citation Aug 24, 2023 Inspection Training & qualifications

Health and Safety Training - Pediatric First Aid and CPR 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)(10)

Facility staff #2, #6 and #12 did not have pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR certification within 90 days of hire.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 6, 2023): “Facility staff #2, #6 and #12 not be permitted to work alone with children until Pediatric first-aid and CPR are obtained. The operator will ensure that all staff have the required Pediatric first-aid and CPR.”

Citation Aug 24, 2023 Inspection Training & qualifications

Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(h)

At the time of inspection, facility staff #1, #4, #7 did not complete the required Health and Safety 1 hour update training. Facility staff #2 and #6 did not complete the required Health and Safety training within 90 days of hire.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 6, 2023): “Facility staff #1, #4 and #7 will take the required Health and Safety update training. The operator will ensure all staff have the required Health and Safety training completed.”

Citation Aug 24, 2023 Inspection Training & qualifications

Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)

At the time of inspection, the records of facility staff #1, #7, #12 did not have verification of a minimum of 12 clock hours of child care training.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 6, 2023): “Facility staff #1, #7, #12 and all other staff required to have 12 hours of annual retraining will obtain the required amount needed.”

Core safety Jul 14, 2023 Inspection Supervision

Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)(1)

During the unannounced monitoring inspection conducted on 7/14/2023 observed the staff in the Infant room #11 both named the same child when asked who they were responsible for supervision.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 2, 2023): “Going over with staff which children they are responsible for along with making a board with all children and supervisors on it.”

Citation Jul 14, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety

No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)

During the unannounced monitoring inspection conducted on 7/14/2023 observed peeled paint in the Camp room #19.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 2, 2023): “Chip paint was spackled, sanded and then repainted on 7/29/2023.”

Citation May 25, 2023 Other state visit Building & playground safety

Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76

During the capacity increase inspection conducted on 5/25/2023 observed the metal runner on the tile was broken in room #20 Pre K 2 room.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 29, 2023): “Entire metal runner was replaced with a brand new one.”

Citation May 25, 2023 Other state visit Building & playground safety

No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)

During the capacity increase inspection conducted on 5/25/2023 observed peeled paint in room #20 Pre K 2 room and room #21 PHL 3 room.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 29, 2023): “Chipped paint area was spackled, sanded and then re-painted.”

Core safety Apr 27, 2023 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct

No physical punishment 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(b)

During the complaint investigation conducted on 4/27/2023 observed staff person #1 aggressively grab child #1 by the arms on the video surveillance. Child was observed to be upset as evidenced by him crying.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 8, 2023): “All staff were retrained in positive discipline techniques. No form of physical punishment will ever be accepted at Apple. Staff person #1 was terminated immediately and Childline was notified.”

Core safety Mar 1, 2023 Inspection Staff ratios

Similar Age Level 55 Pa. Code §3270.51

During the unannounced monitoring inspection conducted on 3/1/2023 observed there was 1 staff person to 6 infants in the infant room with the youngest child in the room being 4 months old.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 29, 2023): “Staff member returned to the classroom after the floater confusion. Ratio was and will be maintained in the infant classroom, as well as the rest of the classrooms.”

Core safety Jan 26, 2023 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

During the allocated unannounced monitoring inspection conducted on 1/26/2023 observed staff person #1's criminal history record and child abuse registry clearance are for volunteer purposes.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 21, 2023): “Staff person #1 is no longer employed at Apple Child Center.”

Citation Jan 26, 2023 Inspection Emergency preparedness

Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)

During the allocated unannounced monitoring inspection conducted on 1/26/2023 observed staff person #1's file did not include training regarding the emergency plan at the time of initial employment.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 21, 2023): “Staff person 1 is no longer employed at Apple Child Care Center.”

Citation Jan 26, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety

Stairs, exits, etc. unobstructed 55 Pa. Code §3270.91(a)

During the allocated unannounced monitoring inspection conducted on 1/26/2023 observed the alternate exit in room #11 infant room was obstructed.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 1, 2023): “The obstruction in the exit in room 11/ infant room has been cleared and will remain cleared.”

Citation Jan 26, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

Clean, age appropriate 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(a)

During the allocated unannounced monitoring inspection conducted on 1/26/2023 observed an infant asleep in a bouncy chair and another infant asleep in a baby rocker/swing.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 1, 2023): “Director conducted safety checks to ensure that no child was asleep in a bouncy chair or rocker/swing.”

Citation Aug 24, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety

Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65

During the renewal inspection conducted on 8/24/2022 observed an electrical outlet in the PHL room did not have a protective receptacle cover.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 24, 2022): “Corrected on site: A protective receptacle cover was placed in the electrical outlet.”

Citation Aug 24, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety

Has all items 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(c)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 8/24/2022 observed the first aid-kit in the Infant room did not contain tape, in the PHL room did not contain sterile gauze pads or tape and in the Pre 3 room did not contain sterile gauze pads.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 24, 2022): “Corrected on site: Missing items were added to first-aid kits.”

Citation Aug 24, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety

No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 8/24/2022 observed peeled paint on the blue and orange walls in the Infant room, in the PHL room, on the back wall and windowsill in the Pre3 room, damaged paint in the Older Toddler room and the yellow wall in the PreK room.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 7, 2022): “Chipped paint has been corrected and will continue to be corrected throughout the center and its classrooms by our painter/handyman.”

Citation Aug 24, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety

Handwashing signs 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(h)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 8/24/2022 observed the sinks in the PHL room, Pre3 room and PreK room did not have handwashing signs posted.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 24, 2022): “Corrected on site: Signs were posted above sinks.”

Citation Aug 24, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety

High Chairs 55 Pa. Code §3270.105

During the renewal inspection conducted on 8/24/2022 observed the high chairs in the Infant room were missing the safety straps.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 14, 2022): “Safety straps purchased.”

Citation Aug 24, 2022 Inspection Food & feeding

Refrigerator 55 Pa. Code §3270.107

During the renewal inspection conducted on 8/24/2022 observed the Infant room's refrigerator did not contain an operating thermometer.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 14, 2022): “Thermometer purchased.”

Citation Aug 24, 2022 Inspection Health & medication

12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 8/24/2022 observed staff #1's last health assessment is from 7/25/2020 and staff person #3's last health assessment is from 1/14/2020 which is not within the 24 month time frame.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 14, 2022): “Staff person #1 and #3 will have a completed recent health assessment.”

Citation Aug 24, 2022 Inspection Training & qualifications

Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(i)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 8/24/2022 observed staff person #2's file did not contain certification in pediatric first-aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on or before the expiration of the most current certification.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 6, 2022): “Staff member #2 completed pediatric first-aid & CPR. Cert. attached.”