Daycare Record Child care inspection records

Bright Horizons at University City

3600 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104 · Philadelphia County
Keystone STAR 4 (accredited)

Bright Horizons at University City is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 336 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 (accredited) rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 6 times. The state cited 17 violations, 4 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep). None of them came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #445 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has fewer citations per inspection than 64% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

Fewer citations than 64% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. About typical
Tied for #445 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia
4 Core-safety citations
13 Other citations
6 Inspections
0 Complaint investigations that found violations
17 citations from 6 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · none in the last 12 months · last inspected Sep 16, 2025

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Sep 16, 2025 · Inspection · no citation Apr 16, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Sep 26, 2024 · Inspection · citation found Nov 2, 2023 · Inspection · no citation Sep 15, 2022 · Inspection · citation found Jan 4, 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

Background checks 3
Training & qualifications 3
Emergency preparedness 3
Records & paperwork 3
Health & medication 2
Building & playground safety 2
Supervision 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Apr 16, 2025 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
During an allocated unannounced inspection conducted on 04/16/25, the Certification Representative reviewed the content of records of Staff #1, Staff #2, and Staff #5. Staff #1, Staff #2, and Staff #5 content of records did not include a Child Abuse Clearance.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 28, 2025): “The Director will have Staff #1, Staff #2, and Staff #5 complete or find the Child abuse clearance,”
Citation Apr 16, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(i)
During an allocated unannounced inspection conducted on 4/16/25, the Certification Representative reviewed the content of records of Staff #4. Staff #4 content of records included an expired Pediatric First Aid Certificate.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 28, 2025): “The Director already had staff #4 enrolled for Pediatric First Aid.”
Citation Apr 16, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
During an allocated unannounced inspection conducted on 04/16/25, the Certification Representative reviewed the content of records of Staff # 3. Staff #3 content of records included an expired mandating reporting certificate.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 28, 2025): “The Director will sure Staff #3 completes a new mandating reporting.”
Core safety Sep 26, 2024 Inspection Supervision
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
At the time of renewal inspection, staff person #8 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised. File of staff person #8 did not include Pediatric First aid and CPR training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 14, 2024): “Staff person #8 will be supervised at all times until she completes pediatric first aid and CPR.”
Core safety Sep 26, 2024 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
At the time of renewal inspection, file of staff person #1 did not include NSOR certificate and Virginia state police, Verginia child abuse, and Verginia sex offender clearances. Staff person #1 provisional hired period ended on 8/28/24. File of staff person #4, who is a provisional hire, did not include verification that staff person #4 applied for NJ child abuse clearance. File of staff person #5 did not include NSOR certificate and DHS required FBI clearance. Staff person #5 provisional hire period ended on 10/2/24. File of staff person #6, who is provisional hire, did not include verification that staff person #6 applied for California child abuse, California state police and California sex offender clearances. File of staff person #9 did not include complete PA child abuse clearance required at the time of hire. File of staff person #9 did not include application for PA state police clearance, California child abuse, California state police and California sex offender clearances. At the time of renewal inspection, file of staff person #10, who is not a provisional hire, did not include all pages of rap sheet of DHS required FBI clearance. File of staff person #10 did not…
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 4, 2024): “Staff person #1 is no longer at the center. Last day worked was 8/16/2024. Staff person #4 has submitted her out-of state clearances and proof of submission was sent to licensor on 10/24. Staff person #5 has been removed from a child care position in the center until their remaining clearances are…”
Citation Sep 26, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)
At the time of renewal inspection, written verification that staff person #1 received training regarding the emergency plan at the time of initial employment was not observed in file of staff person #1.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 31, 2024): “Staff person #1 is no longer at the center. Last day worked was 8/16/2024.”
Citation Sep 26, 2024 Inspection Health & medication
Child's hands washed/Adult Hygiene 55 Pa. Code §3270.134(a)/3270.152
At the time of renewal inspection observed that staff person in Toddler 2 room did not wash her hands after diapering and did not ensure that a child's hands are washed after diapering.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 16, 2024): “Provider will have conversation with staff regarding this regulations.”
Citation Sep 26, 2024 Inspection Health & medication
Exam communicable disease 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(3)
At the time of renewal inspection, health assessment of staff person #3 did not include an examination for communicable diseases and the results of that examination.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 15, 2024): “Staff person #3 will ensure her health assessment includes an examination for communicable diseases or a new health assessment including this information will be obtained.”
Citation Sep 26, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(5)
At the time of renewal inspection, emergency plan did not include accommodations during evacuation for infants and toddlers.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 21, 2024): “Provider will add evacuation for infants and toddlers to the emergency plan.”
Citation Sep 26, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Hypothetical locations 55 Pa. Code §3270.94(a)(4)
At the time of renewal inspection observed that hypothetical locations of the fire are not rotated around the facility for each drill.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 14, 2024): “Provider will make sure hypothetical locations of the fire are rotated around the facility for each drill.”
Citation Sep 26, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Emergency master file updated 55 Pa. Code §3270.181(e)
At the time of renewal inspection observed that emergency information was not updated in Toddler 1, Toddler 3, Twos 1, Twos 3, Kindergarten, and Preschool 1 rooms. These classrooms had emergency contact forms that were updated by parents more than 6 months ago.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 16, 2024): “Provider will update emergency contact froms in each room.”
Citation Sep 26, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Age 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(2)(i)
At the time of the inspection, file of staff person #1, #2, #7 did not include verification of age.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 31, 2024): “Staff person #1 no longer works at the center, last day worked, 8/16/2024 Verification of age for staff persons #2 and #7 was received and placed in the employees files on 10/21/2024.”
Citation Sep 26, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
At the time of renewal inspection record of staff person #6 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 31, 2024): “Staff member #6 no longer works at the center, last day worked 10/15/2024”
Citation Sep 26, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training - Pediatric First Aid and CPR 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)(10)
At the time of renewal inspection, file of staff person #8 did not include verification that staff person #8 completed pediatric first aid and CPR training within 90 days of hire. Pediatric first aid and CPR of staff person #10 was not from and PA approved curriculum and PQAS certified trainers.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 15, 2024): “Staff person #8 will be supervised all times until they complete PA pediatric First Aid and CPR Staff person #10 no longer working at center; last day worked 10/31/24”
Citation Sep 15, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
During the renewal inspection on 09/15/22, there were missing outlet covers observed in preschool #1 room and in k prep #2 room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 15, 2022): “Outlets were covered”
Citation Sep 15, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
During the renewal inspection on 09/15/22, there was bleach/water solution observed on the sink in toddler #2 room and twos #1 room accessible to children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 15, 2022): “Disinfectant bottle was removed”
Core safety Jan 4, 2022 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
At the time of renewal inspection, file of staff person #1 hired on 3/18/19 did not include child abuse clearance from the state of Connecticut, where staff person #1 lived within the last 5 years. At the time of the inspection staff person #1 was working alone with children in Twos 1 room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 25, 2022): “Staff person #1 applied for child abuse clearance from the state of Connecticut and is waiting for the results. Staff person #1 will be on administrative leave effective 1/25/22 until out of state child abuse clearance will be provided.”

“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.

About this center

Capacity 336 children
Certificate status Regular (COMPASS: awaiting renewal)
Certificate valid through Nov 2, 2026
Keystone STARS STAR 4 (accredited)
since Aug 7, 2026 · what STARS means
Operator Bright Horizons Childrens Centers LLC
Phone —
State certificate # CER-00246817
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has Bright Horizons at University City 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 Apr 16, 2025 (background checks): “During an allocated unannounced inspection conducted on 04/16/25, the Certification Representative reviewed the content of records of Staff #1, Staff #2, and Staff #5. Staff #1, Staff #2, and Staff #5 content of records…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about Bright Horizons at University City?

Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Bright Horizons at University City since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.

What is Bright Horizons at University City’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 4 (accredited), effective Aug 7, 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 Bright Horizons at University City compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?

It is tied for #445 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 64% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was Bright Horizons at University City last inspected?

Sep 16, 2025 (renewal). No violations were cited during that visit.

Who runs Bright Horizons at University City?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Bright Horizons Childrens Centers LLC.

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.