Brightside Academy · 2010 N Van Pelt St, Philadelphia
2010 N Van Pelt St, Philadelphia, PA 19121 · Philadelphia County
3 complaint investigations found violations
Keystone STAR 4
Brightside Academy is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 147 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 5 times and confirmed violations in 3 complaint investigations. The state cited 28 violations, 1 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (11 of 28). 4 citations came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #747 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 57% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
More citations than 57% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. About typical
Tied for #747 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia
1
Core-safety citations
27
Other citations
5
Inspections
3
Complaint investigations that found violations
28 citations from 8 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 4 in the last 12 months · last inspected Jul 8, 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
11
Building & playground safety
8
Health & medication
3
Food & feeding
2
Training & qualifications
2
Emergency preparedness
1
Background checks
1
Citations, newest first
Citation
Jul 8, 2026
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Plan reviewed/updated annually 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(b)
During the renewal inspection on 7/8/26 the file reviewed for staff person #1, staff person #2, staff person #3 and staff person #4 did not reflect emergency plan training review at time of hire.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 8, 2026): “Emergency plan reviewed at time of inspection”
Citation
Jul 8, 2026
Inspection
Building & playground safety
No business simultaneous use 55 Pa. Code §3270.61(f)
During the renewal inspection completed on 7/8/26 classroom #1 and classroom #17 were observed being used as storage for items such as buggies, extra cribs, clothes, pampers and supplies.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 5, 2026): “The provider will reorganize Classroom #1 and Classroom #17 to remove stored items that are not necessary for daily classroom operations. All excess equipment, including buggies, extra cribs, clothing, diapers, and additional supplies, will be relocated to designated storage areas outside of…”
Citation
Jul 8, 2026
Inspection
Food & feeding
Refrigerator 55 Pa. Code §3270.107
During the renewal inspection completed on 7/8/26 the refrigerator in classroom #2 did not have an operating thermometer.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 5, 2026): “The provider corrected this violation during the inspection by placing an operating thermometer in the refrigerator located in Classroom #2. The refrigerator is maintained in clean, operable condition and is capable of maintaining food at 45°F or below.”
Citation
Jul 8, 2026
Inspection
Food & feeding
Bottles labeled 55 Pa. Code §3270.166(4)
During the renewal inspection completed on 7/8/26 there were unlabeled bottles observed in the refrigerator located in classroom #2.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 5, 2026): “The provider will ensure that all disposable nursers and bottles are labeled with the child's name upon entering the classroom. If a bottle is received without a label, staff will immediately label it before placing it in the classroom refrigerator or using it for feeding”
CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(4)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff files staff #1 was missing a current NSOR clearance in the file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 12, 2025): “The provider will notify the staff and request for the staff to obtain a current NSOR clearance and include a copy in the file.”
Citation
Jul 16, 2025
Inspection
Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through and observed peeling paint on the yellow wall in room 14 and peeling paint in room 17 on the green wall.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 12, 2025): “The provider contacted maintenance and put a work order to correct areas of peeling paint in the rooms that have areas of peeling paint.”
Citation
Jul 16, 2025
Inspection
Health & medication
Free from contagious/communicable disease 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(d)(7)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the children files child # 2 was missing the statement free from communicable disease on their physical.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 12, 2025): “The provider will notify the parent and request for the parent to provide a health assessment that includes a statement free from communicable”
Citation
Jul 16, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Signed 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the children files child #2 was missing a child service report in the file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 12, 2025): “The provider will have the staff that's assigned to the child to complete a child service report review with the parents and include a copy in the file.”
Citation
Jul 16, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the children files, child #5 was missing the policy number on the emergency contact form.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 12, 2025): “The provider will notify the parent and request for the missing information to be completed leaving no areas blank.”
Citation
Jul 16, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff files staff #1 was missing 2 references in the file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 12, 2025): “The provider will notify the staff and request for the staff to provide two complete nonfamily references to be included in the file.”
Show 18 older citations
Citation
Jul 3, 2024
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a walkthrough of the outdoor play space and observed trash that needed to be removed off the ground and overgrown weeds that are growing from the other side of the fence into the play space.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 2, 2024): “The provider will contact maintenance and request for the trash to be removed and to remove the overgrown weeds that are growing on the play space and around it.”
Citation
Jul 3, 2024
Inspection
Health & medication
Clean, age appropriate 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(a)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through and observed resting equipment without labels.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 29, 2024): “The provider will replace the missing labels on each cot that was missing a name or number according to the cot assignment.”
Citation
Jul 3, 2024
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff files staff #1 was missing the fire safety in the file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 29, 2024): “The provider will request for staff #1 to obtain the fire safety training and include it in the file.”
Citation
Jul 3, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Designated release persons 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(5)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the children's files, child #1 was missing the release person on the financial agreement.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 2, 2024): “The provider will notify the parent and request for the parent to complete the financial agreement to its entirety leaving no areas blank.”
Citation
Jul 3, 2024
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff files, staff #1 was missing 2 hours of professional development training in the file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 12, 2024): “The provider will request staff #1 to obtain 2 additional hours of professional development training.”
Citation
Sep 13, 2023
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
During the renewal inspection conducted on 9/13/23, there were mouse droppings on the floor against the wall to the left of the sink in Room 1.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 4, 2023): “Director will contact pest control to come and treat the property.”
Citation
Sep 13, 2023
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Small Toys and Objects 55 Pa. Code §3270.103
During the renewal inspection conducted on 9/13/23, the toddler room had toys that had a diameter of less than 1 inch accessible to children who are still placing objects in their mouths.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 13, 2023): “Director will remove any small toys that are less than 1 inch in diameter from the space.”
Citation
Sep 13, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Each child care space 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(c)
During the renewal inspection conducted on 9/13/23, there was no emergency contact information for child #1 in the space where he was receiving care.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 13, 2023): “Director will place child's ECF form in the folder in the childcare space.”
Citation
Aug 9, 2023
Complaint investigation
Records & paperwork
Record Retention for One Year 55 Pa. Code §3270.185
During the complaint investigation it was verified that the facility shredded the records of children who were withdrawn from the facility within the past year.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 13, 2023): “Director will ensure all records are kept on site for at least a year after termination of service.”
Citation
Feb 1, 2023
Complaint investigation
Health & medication
Inpatient hospitalization or ER treatment of child/Mail or deliver written report to regional office within 72 hours 55 Pa. Code §3270.20(a)(1)/3270.20(b)
Facility did not notify regional office after being informed by parent that child would be taken to the hospital for marks and bruises found on child's body. Facility also did not mail or deliver written report regarding the incident to the regional office.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 15, 2023): “Regional office will be contacted if any child receives hospital care as a result of something that is believed to have happened at the facility.”
Citation
Feb 1, 2023
Complaint investigation
Records & paperwork
Reports of accidents, injuries and illnesses. Original report - parent same day Copy - facility accident file. Copy - child's file 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(7)
The facility did not complete an incident report upon noticing that the child had a mark or bruise above their eye.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 15, 2023): “Incident reports will be written as soon as possible after any marks or bruises are noticed on the child.”
Citation
Oct 5, 2022
Complaint investigation
Records & paperwork
Permit specialized services 55 Pa. Code §3270.17(b)
During the complaint investigation conducted on 10/5/22, it was confirmed by the Director of the facility that BSC staff were not permitted to provide services to a child with special needs.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 21, 2022): “Director will communicate with parents and providers of children with special needs the facility's daily schedule and most appropriate times to service children.”
Citation
Oct 5, 2022
Complaint investigation
Records & paperwork
Reports of accidents, injuries and illnesses. Original report - parent same day Copy - facility accident file. Copy - child's file 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(7)
During the complaint investigation conducted on 10/5/22, it was confirmed that the parent of child #1 was not given an incident report on the day the incident occurred.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 21, 2022): “Director will make sure that incident reports are given to the parent or designated release person on the day of the incident. Director will keep a copy of the incident report in the child's file and in the facility accident file.”
Citation
Sep 27, 2022
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
During the renewal inspection conducted on 10/5/22, Certification Representative observed an outlet on the wall to the right of the entrance door missing an outlet cover in room 18.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 5, 2022): “Director placed a protective outlet cover on the outlet.”
Citation
Sep 27, 2022
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
During the renewal inspection conducted on 10/5/22, Certification Representative observed trash including empty bags of chips and and face masks gathered in the far right corner of the outdoor play space.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 14, 2022): “Staff will pick up the trash in the outdoor play space.”
Citation
Sep 27, 2022
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Clean, good repair, proper size 55 Pa. Code §3270.104(a)
During the renewal inspection conducted on 10/5/22, Certification Representative observed high chairs that had dust, crumbs, and mouse droppings on the tray and seats.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 14, 2022): “Director cleaned the tray surface and seat of high chairs with disinfectant. Director will contact pest control to service the facility.”
Citation
Sep 27, 2022
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Physician name, address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(2)
During the renewal inspection conducted on 10/5/22, child #2's emergency contact from did not have the physicians name, address, and telephone number.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 5, 2022): “Director obtained physicians name, address, and telephone number from child's parent.”
Citation
Sep 27, 2022
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(f)/3270.181(c)
During the renewal inspection conducted on 10/5/22, child #1's emergency contact form did not have parents signature on the form.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 5, 2022): “Director went to obtain child #1's emergency contact form with the signature page and parents signature included.”
“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
Aug 9, 2023
Complaint investigation
1 violation cited, listed under Citations.
Violation found
Feb 1, 2023
Complaint investigation
2 violations cited, listed under Citations.
Violation found
Oct 5, 2022
Complaint investigation
2 violations 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.
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
147 children
Certificate status
Regular
Certificate valid through
Sep 17, 2027
Programs
Head Start
Operator
Brightside Academy Philadelphia LLC
Hours
Monday–Friday 6:00 AM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone
(215) 232-5010
State certificate #
CER-00259417
Common questions
Has Brightside Academy had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 1 violation 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 16, 2025 (background checks): “During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff files staff #1 was missing a current NSOR clearance in the file.” 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 3 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 Jan 11, 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 #747 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 57% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Brightside Academy last inspected?
Jul 8, 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.
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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.