Daycare Record Child care inspection records
Pennsylvania · Philadelphia · 19140

Brightside Academy · 543 W Courtland St, Philadelphia

543 W Courtland St, Philadelphia, PA 19140 · Philadelphia County
Provisional Certificate of Compliance for Downgrade, June 2026 (COMPASS status: Pending Appeal) Provisional certificate 3 core-safety citations in last 12 months 2 complaint investigations found violations Keystone STAR 4

Brightside Academy is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 183 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 6 times and confirmed violations in 2 complaint investigations. The state cited 49 violations, 5 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (28 of 49). 12 citations came in the last 12 months, including 3 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #1,075 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 86% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 86% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. Among the most cited
Tied for #1,075 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia
5 Core-safety citations
44 Other citations
6 Inspections
2 Complaint investigations that found violations
49 citations from 8 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 12 in the last 12 months · last inspected Mar 11, 2026

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Mar 11, 2026 · Inspection · citation found Dec 16, 2025 · Report/investigation · citation found Dec 16, 2025 · Report/investigation · citation found Dec 16, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Feb 10, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Feb 16, 2024 · Inspection · citation found Feb 1, 2023 · Inspection · citation found Jan 24, 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

Building & playground safety 28
Records & paperwork 8
Supervision 3
Health & medication 3
Food & feeding 2
Emergency preparedness 2
Caregiver conduct 1
Training & qualifications 1
Background checks 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Supervision
Supervised at all times /Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(1)
During Renewal Inspection on 03/11/2026, Certification Staff observed that Child #1 was left unattended in Pre-School Room #8 by Staff Person #1 for over a minute while transitioning to another classroom. Staff Person #1 was not aware that the child had been left unattended, as the child was utilizing a toileting area. The child was retrieved by the Facility Director. Certification Staff also observed that Staff Person #2 was not aware of which children she was responsible for supervising when asked. Continued non-compliance with regulatory requirements regarding the supervision of children was observed by Certification Staff during Renewal Inspection completed on 03/11/2026 and during a complaint investigation completed on 12/16/2025.
Center’s plan of correction (accepted, Apr 23, 2026): “TIERED LIS: 1. 03/11/2026 Children must be supervised at all times. 2. 06/12/2026 The legal entity must arrange for all facility staff to receive a minimum of two hours of training regarding supervision of children. The legal entity must receive DHS approval of the training content prior to…”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Needs Verification
Citation Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
General Health and Safety/Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.21/3270.102(a)
During Renewal Inspection on 03/11/2026, Certification Staff observed that the play equipment in the lower-level indoor play space was inappropriately modified with caution tape to prevent use of one side.
Center’s plan of correction (accepted, Mar 11, 2026): “Operator will ensure that the play equipment in the lower-level play space of the facility is repaired and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Needs Verification
Citation Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Space safe for large muscle activity/Lighting 55 Pa. Code §3270.62(c)/3270.78
During Renewal Inspection on 03/11/2026, Certification Staff observed that a portion of the lower-level indoor play space was not properly illuminated due to non-functional lighting.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 23, 2026): “Operator will ensure that the lighting in the lower-level indoor play space is repaired in a way that allows the area to be properly illuminated.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Needs Verification
Citation Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
During Renewal Inspection on 03/11/2026, Certification Staff observed Staff observed toxic cleaning materials in an unlocked cabinet in Pre-School Room #8 that was not locked or made inaccessible to children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 11, 2026): “Operator will ensure that all toxic cleaning materials remain locked or inaccessible.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Needs Verification
Citation Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Over 82º F - mechanical air circulation/Provided 55 Pa. Code §3270.70(b)/3270.72(a)
During Renewal Inspection on 03/11/2026, Certification Staff observed Staff observed that the temperature inside of the facility exceeded 85 degrees Fahrenheit with little to no air flow.
Center’s plan of correction (accepted, Mar 11, 2026): “Operator will ensure that the air conditioning system is repaired, operational, and capable of maintaining an appropriate temperature.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Needs Verification
Citation Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces/Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.76/3270.102(a)
During Renewal Inspection on 03/11/2026, Certification Staff observed unsanitary conditions in multiple child care spaces in the facility, including unclean surfaces and equipment used by children attending the facility. Certification Staff was informed that the facility is without a cleaning person.
Center’s plan of correction (accepted, Mar 11, 2026): “Operator will ensure that all surfaces and equipment in each child care space of the facility is cleaned on the daily basis, ensuring that tasks such as sweeping, mopping, trash removal, and the sanitization of surfaces in all areas of the facility is performed daily by a Facility Person…”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Needs Verification
Citation Mar 11, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster/Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)/3270.82(g)
During Renewal Inspection on 03/11/2026, Certification Staff observed that the restroom in the lower-level indoor play space was out of order due to a large hole in the ceiling plaster.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 23, 2026): “Operator will ensure that the ceiling plaster in the lower-level play space rest room is repaired in a way that allows for use of the toileting areas by children enrolled at the facility.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Needs Verification
Core safety Dec 16, 2025 Complaint investigation Supervision
Supervised at all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)
On 12/10/2025, a child eloped from an unsecured emergency exit door in the lower-level indoor play space of the facility.
Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Mar 11, 2026): “Operator will ensure that each Staff Person in a child care position at the facility undergoes training regarding staff: child ratio and active supervision requirements. Operator will have door alarms installed on all entrances and exits in each child care space of the facility so that a Staff…”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Core safety Dec 16, 2025 Complaint investigation Supervision
Supervised at all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)
On 12/10/2025, a child eloped from an unsecured emergency exit door in the lower-level play space of the facility.
Center’s plan of correction (accepted, Feb 6, 2026): “Operator will ensure that each Staff Person in a child care position at the facility undergoes training regarding staff: child ratio and active supervision requirements. Operator will have door alarms installed on all entrances and exits in each child care space of the facility so that a Staff…”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Dec 16, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
Original container/Original label 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(1)/3270.133(5)
During Unannounced Monitoring Inspection on 12/16/2025, Certification Staff observed prescription medication for Child #2 in a First Aid Kit in Pre-School Room #8 that had expired and was not stored in its original container.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 19, 2025): “Operator will ensure that all prescription and non-prescription medications for children enrolled at the facility are provided in the original container and stored in with the manufacturer's or prescriber's instructions on the original label.”
Citation Dec 16, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
Health information/Initial and subsequent health reports 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)/3270.182(1)
During Unannounced Monitoring Inspection on 12/16/2025, Certification Staff observed that the Child Record for Child #1 did not include an initial health report.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 16, 2025): “Operator will ensure that an initial health report which includes the child's health and immunization history is provided by the parent of each enrolled child at the facility no later than 60 days following the first day of attendance.”
Citation Dec 16, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(f)/3270.181(c)
During Unannounced Monitoring Inspection on 12/16/2025, Certification Staff observed that the Emergency Contact Form and Fee Agreement Form for Child #1 was not reviewed or signed once within a 6-month period.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 16, 2025): “Operator will ensure that the Emergency Contact and Fee Agreement Forms for all children enrolled at the facility include all of the required information specified in 3270 and that each form is reviewed and signed at least once in a 6-month period or as soon as there is a change in the information.”
Show 37 older citations
Core safety Feb 10, 2025 Inspection Caregiver conduct
Restraints prohibited 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(e)
During renewal inspection certification rep observed a toddler strapped in a high school while they were watching a video on a laptop in room 4. Certification rep also observed a child sleeping toddler strapped to a chair. The child was sleeping on the chair for at least 5 minutes before they picked up.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 5, 2025): “Academy Director has addressed the teachers in the classroom 4 and have advised them to not strap the children to the highchairs to watch videos on the laptop and any child who falls asleep in a chair must be immediately removed and placed in an adequate sleeping equipment.”
Citation Feb 10, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
During renewal inspection certification rep observed cleaning materials (Lysol, cleaning spray and disinfectant spray) accessible in the following rooms: Room 4, Room 9, Room 5, Room 10, and the bathroom near the fire exit had a degreaser accessible.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 5, 2025): “Academy Director conducted a walk through and ensure that all observed cleaning materials accessible in the rooms 4,5, 9 and including in the bathroom were removed and locked away.”
Citation Feb 10, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible/Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)/3270.76
During renewal inspection certification rep observed missing outlet covers in room 8 and gymDuring renewal inspection certification rep observed small gap between wall and outlet in room 10
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 5, 2025): “Academy director has placed the missing outlet covers in room 8, in the gym and gap in room 10”
Citation Feb 10, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
The water temperature in the following rooms were above 110° F. Water on both sinks in Room 2 were 123° F, Room 9, water temperature was 114° F. The temperature in the bathroom between 6 and 7 was 138° F. The temperature in the bathroom next to room 10 (near fire exit) was 132° F. The water temperature in both bathrooms near the office and kitchen were 111° F. The water temperature in the bathroom in the gym was 114° F.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 14, 2025): “Academy Director has communicated water concerns with facility team who has adjusted the temperature for rooms 2,6,7 9 and bathroom near room 10 had been adjusted to meet 100 but not exceed 110 degrees.”
Citation Feb 10, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Has all items 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(c)
During renewal inspection certification rep checked the first aid kit in room 6. The first aid kit was missing tweezers.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 5, 2025): “Academy director has placed the missing tweezer in the first aid bag in room 6”
Citation Feb 10, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
During renewal inspection certification rep observed chipped paint in the following rooms: Room 1, wall near door needs repair/ has chipped paint. Room 3, yellow wall needs repair. Room 9, chipped paint near door and small holes.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 14, 2025): “Academy director has connected with facilities team to conduct the repairs and correct the chipped paint in the areas indicated room 1, room 3 and r4oom 9.”
Citation Feb 10, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
HS/GED + 2 yrs/Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.36(b)(5)/3270.192(2)(ii)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Certification rep verified that staff 1 was not an employee at the childcare facility stated on the childcare verification form. Childcare experience for staff 1 needs to be verified.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 5, 2025): “Academy Director will review new hire staff files to ensure that they have verification of employment in the file that meet regulations and experience of at least 2 years. Staff 1 verification was obtained verified and placed in her file.”
Citation Feb 10, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
Certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 2 was missing one reference letter.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 5, 2025): “Academy director connected with human resources who provided second letter of reference for staff 2. Letter is now in the file.”
Core safety Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. State police clearance for staff 1 was in pending status. Staff 1 date of hie was 5-2-22.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 1, 2024): “Academy director has obtained a copy of the state police clearance for staff 1 dated 1-10-24 where it indicated "has no criminal records in Pennsylvania based on the above identifiers. Document has been placed in the file.”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.21
During renewal inspection certification rep observed a hole above the outlet in room 9
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 15, 2024): “Academy director reached out to facilities team to correct the hole over the outlet in room 9.”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
During renewal inspection certification rep observed cleaning spray bottle accessible in room 5.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 15, 2024): “Academy director followed up with the staff about the spray bottle and ensure that it was placed in locked cabinet.”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
During renewal inspection certification rep checked the water temp. The water temp in room 1 was 112° F, The water temp in room 8 was 112° F, the water temp in room 10 was 121.8 ° F, the water temp in the gym was 113° F.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 15, 2024): “Academy director has communicated with the facility team to make adjustments to the water temperature to temp at 100 degrees but no more than 110 degrees per regulation.”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
During renewal inspection certification rep observed loose baseboard in room 9
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 15, 2024): “Academy director has communicated with facilities to correct the baseboard in room 9, this has been corrected.”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
During renewal inspection certification rep observed chipped paint in room 6 by the cots and room 7 by the art easel.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 15, 2024): “Academy director has communicated with facility team on the concerns on chipped paint and it has been corrected.”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Stairs, exits, etc. unobstructed 55 Pa. Code §3270.91(a)
During renewal inspection certification rep observed clutter in one of the emergency exits
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 15, 2024): “Academy director has communicated with the facility team to remove the items that was cluttering the emergency exits”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(a)
During renewal inspection, certification rep saw a ripped soft mat in room 9 by the library area.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 15, 2024): “Academy director removed the ripped soft mat from room 9 by the library area.”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Food & feeding
Wholesome 55 Pa. Code §3270.161(a)
During renewal inspection certification rep checked the refrigerator in the kitchen. The milk refrigerator needs to be cleaned.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 15, 2024): “Academy director cleaned refrigerator in the kitchen.”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Food & feeding
Potentially hazardous food refrigerated 55 Pa. Code §3270.161(d)
During renewal inspection certification rep checked the refrigerator in room 3. Certification observed milk in the refrigerator. The refrigerator was not on.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 15, 2024): “Academy director has cleaned refrigerator in room 3”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan/Plan reviewed/updated annually 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(2)/3270.27(b)
During renewal inspection reviewed letter to families. The letter to families was missing location of evacuation.During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed emergency plan. Emergency plan was last reviewed on 1-9-23.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 1, 2024): “Academy director has placed the family letter along with the updated emergency plan. Director has reviewed the information with the families and staff. Family letter and reviewed emergency plan has been placed together in our licensing board in the lobby.”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Health & medication
Health information 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Child 2 only had immunization on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 15, 2024): “Academy director found health assessment”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Amount of fee 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(1)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Fee agreement for child 2 did not specify the amount of the fee to be charged per day or per week.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 15, 2024): “Academy director has followed up with the parent and added child 2 specific amount of the fee to be charged per week on the fee agreement.”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Services proceeded 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(3)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's file. Fee agreement for child 1,2 and 3 were missing extra services.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 15, 2024): “Academy director reviewed and updated child 1, child 2 and child 3 fee agreement along with the parent.”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Arrival/departure times 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(4)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's file. Fee agreement for child 3 was missing departure time.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 15, 2024): “Director has corrected children's fee agreement for child 3's missing departure time.”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Admission date/Application, admission, withdrawal dates 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(6)/3270.182(2)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Fee agreement for child 2 did not specify the date of the child's admission.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 15, 2024): “Academy director has corrected children's admission date on emergency contact form”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(f)/3270.181(c)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's file. Emergency contact for child 2 was expired. Fee agreement for child 2 was expired.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 15, 2024): “Academy director has corrected emergency contact information and will update forms every 6 months or as soon as there is change.”
Citation Feb 16, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Transcript, diploma and letters 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(2)(iv)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Experience for staff 2 and 3 needs to be verified.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 1, 2024): “Teachers verification of employment was corrected. Letters was provided and HR was notified.”
Citation Feb 1, 2023 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan/Exp, educ., training at facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)/3270.192(2)(iii)
At time of renewal inspection, the file for staff person #1 did not include initial training regarding the facility's emergency plan.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 3, 2023): “Staff person #1 will be trained in the facility's emergency plan. Documentation will be placed int he staff file.”
Citation Feb 1, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less /Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.65/3270.66(a)
At time of renewal inspection, unused outlets were observed in room #1 and #8 and did not have protective covers in them. Hand sanitizer and Lysol wipes were observed in room #8 and were accessible to children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 1, 2023): “Durning the inspection the director immediately covered the unused outlets with outlet covers, and the hand sanitizer and Lysol wipes were moved to an area that is not accessible to children.”
Citation Feb 1, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
At time of renewal inspection, the wall by the sink in room #1 was visibly dirty and needed to be cleaned. Also, in room #1, the gate separating the classrooms was detaching from the wall. Screws were observed coming out of the wall, making the gate wobbly and not safe for children to be around. The one area of green molding on the wall in the gym is separating from the wall and needs to be repaired.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 20, 2023): “The staff will be reminded to wipe down and clean the wall, so it is not visibly dirty. The maintenance person will be contacted to repair the fence and wall area, and also repair the green molding in the gym.”
Citation Feb 1, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
At time of renewal inspection, chipped orange paint was observed around the bathroom door frame in room #8, and around the classroom door frame in room #1. Chipped yellow paint was observed behind the gate in room #1. Chipped gray paint was observed on the gym floor in the indoor play area.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 20, 2023): “The maintenance person will be contacted to paint over all of the chipping paint in the facility so there is no chipping or peeling paint.”
Citation Feb 1, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(g)
At time of renewal inspection, toilet fixtures leading from the toilet to the wall were observed to be covered in rust in the bathroom in room #6 and the bathroom in the indoor play space. Rust was also observed on the gray door panel on the wall in the bathroom in the indoor play space.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 17, 2023): “The rusty caps on the toilet water line will be replaced. The rusty on the wall cover will be sanded and re-painted so there are no areas of rust accessible to the children.”
Citation Feb 1, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Indoor climbing- protective surface 55 Pa. Code §3270.102(f)
At time of renewal inspection, a mini trampoline was observed in the school age room, and it did not have protective surfacing under it.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 17, 2023): “Interlocking foam pads will be placed under the mini trampoline for safety.”
Citation Feb 1, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Clean, good repair, proper size 55 Pa. Code §3270.104(a)
At time of renewal inspection, the wooden cubby in room #1 was lightweight and wobbly posing a tipping hazard.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 17, 2023): “Maintenance will be contacted to secure the cubby to the wall, so it does not pose a tipping hazard.”
Citation Jan 24, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
No simultaneous use 55 Pa. Code §3270.62(d)
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT ROOM #5 (MEASURED CHILD CARE SPACE) WAS NOT IN USE AND WAS BEING USED AS STORAGE SPACE.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 2, 2022): “THE TOYS, FURNITURE, AND SUPPLIES THAT ARE BEING STORED IN ROOM #5 WILL BE REMOVED OUT OF THE CHILD CARE SPACE AND STORED IN A DIFFERNT PART OF THE BUILDING THAT IS NOT CHILD CARE SPACE.”
Citation Jan 24, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, AN OUTLET STRIP IN ROOM #8 WAS OBSERVED TO HAVE UNUSED OUTLETS THAT DID NOT HAVE PROTECTIVE COVERS IN THEM.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 10, 2022): “THE UNUSED OUTLETS IN THE STRIP WERE COVERED DURING THE INSPECTION WITH PROTECTIVE RECEPTACLE COVERS.”
Citation Jan 24, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible/Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)/3270.76
AT TME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, THE DOOR OF THE CABINET UNDER THE SINK IN THE SCHOOL AGE ROOM (ROOM 10) WAS BROKEN OFF OF THE CABINET AND LEANING AGAINST THE CABINET. DUE TO THE BROKEN DOOR, CLEANING PRODUCTS UNDER THE SINK WERE ACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN IN THE ROOM.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 2, 2022): “THE CLEANING PRODUCTS WILL BE MOVED OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN UNTIL THE CABINET DOOR IS FIXED. THE MAINTENANCE PERSON WILL BE CONTACTED TO REPAIR THE BROKEN CABINET DOOR.”
Citation Jan 24, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, AN AREA OF CHIPPED PAINT WAS OBSERVED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WALL BY THE TOILET IN THE BATHROOM OF ROOM #8
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 2, 2022): “THE MAINTENANCE PERSON WILL BE CONTACTED TO REPAINT THIS AREA OF THE BATHROOM WALL.”

“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.

Complaint investigations and reported incidents

Violation found Dec 16, 2025 Complaint investigation
1 violation cited, listed under Citations.
Violation found Dec 16, 2025 Complaint investigation
1 violation cited, listed under Citations.

Pennsylvania’s search lists complaint investigations in which the state found at least one violation (“verified complaints”). It does not say what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it. Incident investigations look into something that happened at the center; self-reported violations are ones the center reported to the state itself.

Enforcement actions

Provisional Certificate of Compliance for Downgrade Jun 1, 2026
COMPASS status: Pending Appeal

Negative sanctions Pennsylvania lists for this center, such as a downgrade to a provisional certificate, refusing to renew or revoking its certificate of compliance, with the status COMPASS shows. “Operation permitted” means the center may keep operating while it appeals; “operation not permitted” means it may not.

Daily rates

Age group Full time, per day Part time, per day
Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) $68.00 $68.00
Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) $63.60 $63.60
Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) $59.60 $59.60
Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) $56.40 $47.00
Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) $45.60 $39.40
Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) $45.60 $39.40

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 183 children
Certificate status Provisional
Certificate dated through Sep 16, 2026
Keystone STARS STAR 4
since Jun 9, 2026 · what STARS means
Operator Brightside Academy Philadelphia LLC
Hours Monday–Friday 6:00 AM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone (215) 329-0614
State certificate # CER-00256537
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has Brightside Academy had any serious violations?

Pennsylvania cited 5 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 Mar 11, 2026 (supervision): “During Renewal Inspection on 03/11/2026, Certification Staff observed that Child #1 was left unattended in Pre-School Room #8 by Staff Person #1 for over a minute while transitioning to another classroom. Staff Person…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about Brightside Academy?

Pennsylvania lists 2 complaint investigations since 2021 in which it found at least one violation; the violations are listed above. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.

What is Brightside Academy’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 4, effective Jun 9, 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 Brightside Academy compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?

It is tied for #1,075 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 86% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was Brightside Academy last inspected?

Mar 11, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.

How much does Brightside Academy cost?

It reported full-time daily rates of $68.00 for infant, $63.60 for young toddler, $59.60 for older toddler, $56.40 for preschool in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.

Who runs Brightside Academy?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Brightside Academy Philadelphia LLC.

Certified centers nearby

Titis Learning Academy INC
4632 N 5th St, Philadelphia · under 0.1 mi away · 31 spots Fewer citations than most Kiddie Klubhouse LLC
4721 N 5th St, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 34 spots Fewer citations than most Casa del Carmen Family Center
4400 N 5th St, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 89 spots About typical Treasure Dees Learning Academy 2
461 W Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 27 spots Fewer citations than most Cayuga Ost
4344 N 5th St, Philadelphia · 0.3 mi away More citations than most Stages Community School
635 W Hunting Park Ave, Philadelphia · 0.4 mi away · 98 spots About typical

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.