Bright Leaders Academy is a certified child care center in Upper Darby, PA, with capacity for 24 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 2 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 4 times. The state cited 26 violations, 2 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (9 of 26). 12 citations came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #24 of 31 centers in Upper Darby and has more citations per inspection than 66% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
More citations than 66% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most
#24 of 31 centers in Upper Darby
2
Core-safety citations
24
Other citations
4
Inspections
0
Complaint investigations that found violations
26 citations from 4 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 12 in the last 12 months · last inspected Jul 21, 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
Records & paperwork
9
Building & playground safety
8
Emergency preparedness
3
Training & qualifications
3
Health & medication
1
Background checks
1
Staff ratios
1
Citations, newest first
Citation
Jul 21, 2026
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
At the time of inspection, there was a container of hand sanitizer within reach of children on the changing table in the Infant Room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 21, 2026): “Provider removed the hand sanitizer from the changing table and placed it out of reach of children.”
Citation
Jul 21, 2026
Inspection
Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
At the time of inspection, water in the children's bathroom sink was measured at 120 degrees F.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 21, 2026): “The provider called the property landlord for access to the hot water tank and then lowered the water temperature under 110 deg. Fahrenheit. CR re-tested the water temperatiure during inspection and the water temperature lowered to 105degrees F.”
Citation
Jul 21, 2026
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Has all items 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(c)
At the time of inspection, the First Aid kit used for taking to the children to the playground did not include tweezers and scissors.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 21, 2026): “At the time of the inspection, the provider placed tweezers and scissors in the backpack.”
Citation
Jul 21, 2026
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Outdoor equip.- protective surfacing 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(c)
At the time of inspection, the loose fill (rubber chips) used as a protective surface measured a depth below the recommendations of the USCPSC (6 in of loose fill). The loose fill depth was measured at .75 inches to 2.75 inches.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 30, 2026): “rubbers were removed and pictures were sent for proof”
Citation
Jul 21, 2026
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Infant/toddler - no material less than 1 inch 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(e)
At the time of inspection, the outdoor playground area where infants and toddlers play included rubber chips that were less than an inch in diameter.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 30, 2026): “rubber chips were removed”
Citation
Jul 21, 2026
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(2)
At the time of inspection, emergency plan did not include accommodations for evacuation of children to a location away from the facility premises.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 30, 2026): “Provider will speak with neighbor business for permission to evacuate to their premises with children in case of an emergency until parents arrive to pick them up.”
Citation
Jul 21, 2026
Inspection
Health & medication
Health information 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)
At the time of inspection, the files for Child #2 did not include a child health assessment.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 30, 2026): “To get the signed form from parents and send to certification representative.”
Citation
Jul 21, 2026
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
At the time of inspection, Staff members #1, #2, and #3 did not have verification of participation in annual fire safety training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 30, 2026): “All staff took the training after work and submitted to director”
Citation
Jul 21, 2026
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)
At the time of inspection, Child #1 and #2 did not include the address of the individuals designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 30, 2026): “The provider requested and received from the parents the addresses of the individuals designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.”
Citation
Jul 21, 2026
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Each child care space 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(c)
At the time of inspection, emergency contact information was not present in any child care space for any children receiving care in the space.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 30, 2026): “I made a binder with all contact information for the classrooms”
Citation
Jul 21, 2026
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Excursions 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(d)
At the time of inspection, the provider did not have all emergency contact information specific to each child available and accompanying staff and children on each excursion in the "To Go Bag".
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 30, 2026): “all emergency contact is now in the book bags”
Citation
Jul 21, 2026
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training - Pediatric First Aid and CPR 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)(10)
At the time of inspection, Staff member #4 did not have a Pediatric First Aid /CPR training from approved provider.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 3, 2026): “diamond is scheduled to have this done august 2nd with Red Cross”
Show 14 older citations
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
The facility was not in compliance with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services): Two facility person's record did not contain the required CPSL hiring documents. (#2hired 4/18/25 FBI completed 7/25/25-more than 45 days) (#3 hired 4/16/25 CHILD ABUSE completed 6/2/25- not prior to working with children also STATE POLICE and FBI completed 6/2/25- not prior to working with children)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 16, 2025): “We will revise and submit written policies and procedures regarding the CPSL hiring requirements to ensure that all staff/facility persons (new and existing) have the required CPSL clearance documents within the required timeframes in accordance with the CPSL.”
Similar Age Level/Supervised at all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.51/3270.113(a)
On 7/24/25, at approximately 12:30pm, a child was observed being supervised by a volunteer (facility person #1) and not a staff person in the infant room. The child was also observed alone and unattended with no staff supervision when the volunteer left the classroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 16, 2025): “A staff was assigned to the classroom. We will ensure that children are insured at all times by a staff person and that staff/child ratios are maintained at all times. We will develop and submit a written staffing and supervision plan including provisions for staff shortages including but not…”
Citation
Jul 24, 2025
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Outdoor equip.- protective surfacing 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(c)
Outdoor play equipment required to be embedded was not anchored firmly and mounted over a loose-fill or unitary playground protective surface covering that meets the recommendations of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 1, 2025): “The play equipment will be removed and replaced with equipment that does not require embedding.”
Citation
Jul 24, 2025
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(5)
The facility's emergency plan did not provide for accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions, and lockdown procedures.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 29, 2025): “We will amend the facility emergency plan to include accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions, and lockdown procedures. We will submit a written copy of the amended emergency plan.”
Citation
Jul 24, 2025
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(1)
The facility's emergency plan did not provide for shelter of children during an emergency including lock down procedures.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 29, 2025): “We will amend the facility emergency plan to include lock down procedures. We will submit a written copy of the amended emergency plan.”
Citation
Jul 24, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Review policies and procedures/Given parents in writing 55 Pa. Code §3270.121(a)/3270.121(b)
Written parental information to be given to parents at the time of enrollment did not include the facility's policies on supervision.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 15, 2025): “We will amend the parent information to include the specified policies. We will submit a copy of the amended parent handbook/information for verification of compliance.”
Citation
Jul 24, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Signed 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)
Two children's records lacked an agreement signed by the parent. (#1 and #5)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 16, 2025): “We will obtain and submit a signed agreement for the indicated children that includes both the operator and parent's signature as specified. We will ensure that all agreements are signed by the parent as required.”
Citation
Jul 24, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
Two children's emergency contact information did not include health insurance coverage and policy number information. (#2, #4 and #5)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 16, 2025): “We will obtain and submit a written copy of the missing health insurance information for the identified child. We will ensure that all children's records contain emergency contact information as specified in these regulations.”
Citation
Jul 24, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Written emergency plan posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(e)
The facility lacked a written, posted plan identifying the means of transporting a child to emergency care and staffing provisions in the event of an emergency in accordance with this regulation.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 22, 2025): “We will develop and submit written plan identifying the means of transporting a child to emergency care and staffing provisions in the event of an emergency. We will post the plan in each child care space and ensure that it accompanies staff persons who leave on excursions with children.”
Citation
Jul 24, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Consent for emergency medical care required prior to admission/Consent for administration of minor first-aid required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(3)/3270.182(5)
Several children's records did not contain written verification of signed parental consent for emergency medical care and for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff prior to admission. (#1, #2, #3, #4 and #5)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 16, 2025): “We will obtain and submit written verification of signed parental consent for emergency medical care and for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff prior to admission for the indicated children. We will ensure that this information is in all children's records.”
Citation
Jul 24, 2025
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(a)
One facility person identified as a volunteer was not at least 16 years of age or older. (#1)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 15, 2025): “The identified person was removed from our facility and will no longer serve as a volunteer at our facility until they are 16 years of age.”
Citation
Mar 12, 2025
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Unsafe Areas in Outdoor Space 55 Pa. Code §3270.63
During the Initial Inspection, the outdoor play area which is in close proximity to a busy street was missing complete fencing.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 17, 2025): “I will have contractors add to the existing fencing in order to restrict children from unsafe conditions.”
Citation
Mar 12, 2025
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Trash removed grounds once/week 55 Pa. Code §3270.67(b)
During the Initial Inspection, it was observed that the outdoor play space is being used to store unwanted materials, posing a hazard to children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 17, 2025): “I will arrange to have the junk in the outdoor play space removed.”
Citation
Mar 12, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(3)
Staff member number one did not have a completed Health Assessment form on file during the Initial Inspection.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 17, 2025): “I will visit my doctor to get this form completed.”
“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 |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (Under 6 Weeks) | $70.00 | $61.00 |
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $70.00 | $61.00 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $60.00 | $58.00 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $59.00 | $58.00 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $59.00 | $58.00 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $40.00 | $36.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $40.00 | $36.00 |
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
24 children
Certificate status
Regular
Certificate valid through
Sep 17, 2027
Operator
Bright Leaders Academy
Hours
Monday–Friday 6:00 AM–6:30 PM; Saturday and Sunday 7:00 AM–3:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone
(610) 938-4745
State certificate #
CER-00259094
Common questions
Has Bright Leaders Academy had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 2 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 Jul 24, 2025 (background checks): “The facility was not in compliance with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services): Two facility person's record did not contain the required CPSL hiring documents. (#2hired 4/18/25 FBI completed…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Bright Leaders Academy?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Bright Leaders Academy since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is Bright Leaders Academy’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 2, effective Aug 27, 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 Leaders Academy compare with other daycares in Upper Darby?
It is #24 of 31 centers in Upper Darby by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 66% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Bright Leaders Academy last inspected?
Jul 21, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does Bright Leaders Academy cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $70.00 for newborn, $70.00 for infant, $60.00 for young toddler, $59.00 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Bright Leaders Academy?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Bright Leaders Academy.
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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.