Daycare Record Child care inspection records

Brightside Academy Early Care and Education

3230 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19140 · Philadelphia County
Keystone STAR 4

Brightside Academy Early Care and Education is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 302 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 6 times. The state cited 38 violations, 3 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (16 of 38). 2 citations came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #922 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 71% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 71% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most
Tied for #922 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia
3 Core-safety citations
35 Other citations
6 Inspections
0 Complaint investigations that found violations
38 citations from 7 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 2 in the last 12 months · last inspected Nov 12, 2025

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Nov 12, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Sep 5, 2025 · Report/investigation · citation found Apr 4, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Nov 13, 2024 · Inspection · citation found Nov 28, 2023 · Inspection · citation found Nov 8, 2022 · Inspection · citation found Nov 5, 2021 · 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 16
Records & paperwork 7
Health & medication 6
Training & qualifications 3
Emergency preparedness 2
Food & feeding 1
Staff ratios 1
Supervision 1
Background checks 1

Citations, newest first

Citation Nov 12, 2025 Inspection Food & feeding
Refrigerator 55 Pa. Code §3270.107
During Renewal Inspection on 11/12/2025, Certification Staff observed that the thermometer in a refrigerator in Infant Room #1 read 52° Fahrenheit.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 9, 2025): “Operator will request that the refrigerator in Infant Room #1 be repaired by maintenance staff. If irreparable, operator will purchase a new refrigerator to be used in Infant Room #1 or have the non-working refrigerator removed.”
Citation Nov 12, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
Infant: updated health report every 6 months 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(b)(1)
During Renewal Inspection on 11/12/2025, Certification Staff observed that the updated Health Reports for Child #1 was not provided at least every 6 months.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 12, 2025): “Operator will ensure that an updated Health Report is obtained at least every 6 months for each enrolled infant or young toddler.”
Core safety Sep 5, 2025 Self-reported violation Staff ratios
Mixed Age Level 55 Pa. Code §3270.52
Facility staff disclosed that staff are sometimes out-of-ratio while transitioning children from the school grounds to the aftercare program.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 4, 2025): “Operator will be sure that there are always two or more facility persons escorting the children to and from school grounds. One teacher will be in the front of the line while the other will stand in the back of the line.”
Core safety Sep 5, 2025 Self-reported violation Supervision
Supervised at all times /Supervision on and facility premises 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)/3270.113(a)(2)
Staff Person #1 left a child unattended while off the facility premises.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 4, 2025): “Facility staff persons will ensure that all children are accounted for while transitioning from the elementary school grounds to the child care facility by scanning and counting the children in care. One teacher will be in the front of the line while the other will stand in the back of the line.…”
Citation Apr 4, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
During unannounced visit certification rep checked the water temperature. The water temperature was 118° F in the bathroom in room 19, 125° F in the sink in room 19. The bathroom across room 10 was 114° F (first sink) and 116° F (3rd sink).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 1, 2025): “The facility maintenance technician adjusted water heater thermostats in a specified areas.”
Citation Apr 4, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
During unannounced visit certification rep observed chipped paint in room 2, room 5/6 and room 9
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 22, 2025): “The facility maintenance technician repainted all areas of chipped/ peeling paint.”
Citation Nov 13, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
During renewal inspection certification rep observed resolve, cleaning spray bottle and detergent accessible to children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 2, 2024): “Cabinet will be locked at all times. Spray bottles will be locked away”
Citation Nov 13, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
During renewal inspection certification rep check the water temp in the children's bathroom. The water temperature was 111° F.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 2, 2024): “Facilities was called and adjusted temp on the hot water.”
Citation Nov 13, 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 the following rooms: room 2 and room 10. Corrected on site.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 2, 2024): “Spots painted at the time of inspection”
Citation Nov 13, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Fire safety training for staff 1 is dated 11-8-23.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 2, 2024): “Staff person will complete fire safety”
Show 28 older citations
Citation Nov 13, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications
Staff evaluations 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(a)(6)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 3 was missing annual evaluation.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 2, 2024): “Leadership will complete staff evaluation.”
Citation Nov 13, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications
Employed and present 30 hrs/wk 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(c)
Facility doesn't have a director on site for a minimum of 30 hours per week.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 6, 2025): “Field director will work with HR to assure a director is in place for a minimum of 30 hours per week.”
Citation Nov 13, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.181(c)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's file. Fee agreement for child 1 was dated 7-11-23.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 2, 2024): “Parent will complete new emergency contact with updated information”
Citation Nov 13, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Childcare experience for staff 2 needs to be verified.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 2, 2024): “Staff person is no longer employed with Brightside Academy”
Citation Nov 28, 2023 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Plan reviewed/updated annually 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(b)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed emergency plan. The emergency plan was last updated on 9-27-22.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2023): “Emergency plan was reviewed and updated as of 11/28/2023 by the Academy Director.”
Citation Nov 28, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
During renewal inspection certification rep observed the faceplate for the outlet in room 10 missing
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 5, 2024): “Maintenance was made aware of the missing faceplate for the outlet in room 10 11/28/2023. The outlet cover was replaced on 11/30/2023”
Citation Nov 28, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
During renewal inspection certification rep observed Lysol toilet bowl cleaner accessible to children in the bathroom in room 20
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2023): “The teacher in room 20 has been counseled and reminded that all cleaning materials and toxic materials will be kept in an area where a lock is provided and not accessible to children.”
Citation Nov 28, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
During renewal inspection certification rep checked the water temp in the infant room. The water temperature was 116° F.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2023): “A ticket was open on the internal maintenance system letting our team know of the water temperature issue in room 1. The water heater is being replaced as of 12/06/2023.”
Citation Nov 28, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
Durig renewal inspection certification rep observed chipped paint in the following rooms: Room 2, Room 7/8, Room 9 and Room 19
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 5, 2024): “A ticket was open on the internal maintenance system letting our team know of the chipped paint issue in rooms 2, 7/8, 9 & 19.”
Citation Nov 28, 2023 Inspection Health & medication
Infant: updated health report every 6 months 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(b)(1)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's file. Last health assessment for child 1 was dated 2-28-23.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2023): “As of 12/5/2023, the parent was notified that child 1 needs a current health assessment. Mom is taking child for their health assessment 12/07/2023.”
Citation Nov 28, 2023 Inspection Health & medication
Immunization record/Dismissal policy 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(d)(5)/3270.131(e)(3)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's file. The file of child 2 and 3, enrolled more than 60 days at the facility, did not contain documentation of an influenza vaccination within the past year, as required per the ACIP recommended schedule.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2023): “Children 2 and 3 parents were contacted. Child 2 and 3 parents have sent in a written letter of exemption for the flu shot.”
Citation Nov 28, 2023 Inspection Health & medication
Health information/Initial and subsequent health reports 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)/3270.182(1)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's file. Child 2 was missing updated health assessment. Child's date of enrollment was 8-21-23. Health assessment on file expired on 8-19-23.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2023): “Parent of child 2 was contacted the day of inspection and Mom sent over the child's health assessment via email to put on file.”
Citation Nov 28, 2023 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 4 did not specify the date of the child's admission.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2023): “Child 4's start date was added to the fee agreement.”
Citation Nov 28, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Physician name, address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(2)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Emergency contact for child 1 was missing address of the child's physician or source of medical care.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2023): “Child 1's physician address was added to the emergency contact form.”
Citation Nov 28, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Emergency contact for child 1 was missing address and telephone number of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2023): “Child 1's emergency contact pickup person address was added to the child's emergency contact form.”
Core safety Nov 8, 2022 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, THE FILE FOR STAFF PERSON #1 CONTAINED A VOLUNTEER PA CRIMINAL CLEARANCE, NOT A PA CRIMINAL CLEARNACE FOR EMPLOYMENT.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 8, 2022): “STAFF PERSON #1 WILL NOT WORK IN A CHILD CARE POSITION AT THE FACILITY UNTIL A COMPLETE PA CRIMINAL CLEARANCE FOR EMPLOYMENT IS ON FILE. STAFF PERSON #1 APPLIED FOR THE CLEARANCE ON THE DAY OF THE INSPECTION AND COMPLETE CRIMINAL CLEARANCE WAS SENT TO CERT REP FOR VERIFICATION.”
Citation Nov 8, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, CHARGING PORTS OBSERVED IN THE INFANT, AND PRE-K COUNTS CLASSROOMS WERE NOT IN USE AND DID NOT HAVE A PROTECTIVE COVERING ON THEM.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 22, 2022): “THE MAINTENANCE PERSON WAS CONTACTED TO REMOVE THE PORTS FROM THE WALL.”
Citation Nov 8, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, AREAS OF THE GREEN AND PURPLE WALL IN THE YOUNG TODDLER ROOM WERE OBSERVED TO BE VISIBLY DIRTY
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 22, 2022): “THE MAINTENANCE PERSON WILL BE CONTACTED TO CEAN THE WALLS IN THE TODDLER ROOM SO THEY ARE NOT VISIBLY DIRTY.”
Citation Nov 8, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety
Small Toys and Objects 55 Pa. Code §3270.103
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, SMALL GOOGLY EYES AND OTHER ART/MANIPULATIVE MATERIALS WERE OBSERVED ON THE SHELF IN THE YOUNG TODDLER ROOM AND WERE ACCESSIBLE TO CHILDREN.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 14, 2022): “THE SMALL MATERIALS WILL NOT BE USED IN THE YOUNG TODDLER ROOM AND THEY WILL BE REMOVED. STAFF WILL BE REMINDED NOT TO USE SMALL ITEMS/TOYS IN THE INFANT AND TODDLER ROOMS.”
Citation Nov 8, 2022 Inspection Health & medication
Infant: updated health report every 6 months 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(b)(1)
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, THE HEALTH REPORT FOR CHILD #1 WAS MORE THAN 6 MONTHS OLD.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 22, 2022): “THE PARENT OF CHILD #1 WILL BE CONTACTED TO PROVIDE AN UPDATED HEALTH REPORT FOR THE CHILD.”
Citation Nov 8, 2022 Inspection Health & medication
Free from contagious/communicable disease 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(d)(7)
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, THE HEALTH REPORT FOR CHILD #2 DID NOT INCLUDE A STATMENT ANSWERED BY THE PHYSICIAN REGARDING IF THE CHILD IS ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN CHILD CARE AND APPEARS TO BE FREE FROM CONTAGIOUS OR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 14, 2022): “THE PARENTS OF CHILD #2 WILL BE CONTACTED TO RETURN THE FORM TO THE PHYSICIAN'S OFFICE FOR IT TO BE COMPLETED IN ITS ENTIRETY.”
Citation Nov 8, 2022 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Written record 55 Pa. Code §3270.94(a)(9)
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, INFORMATION RECORDED ON THE FIRE DRILL LOG DID NOT INCLUDE THE NAMES OF THE PARTICIPATING FACILITY PERSONS, ONLY THE NUMBER OF FACILITY PERSONS.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 14, 2022): “THE NEXT FIRE DRILL THAT IS CONDUCTED WILL HAVE THE NAMES OF THE PARTICIPATING FACILITY PERSONS.”
Citation Nov 8, 2022 Inspection Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, THE FILE FOR FACILTIY PERSON #2 DID NOT HAVE TWO WRITTEN, NON-FAMILY REFERENCES.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 14, 2022): “FACILITY PERSON #2 WILL BE NOTIFIED TO PROVIDE TWO WRITTEN REFERENCES FOR THE FILE”
Citation Nov 5, 2021 Inspection Building & playground safety
Has all items 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(c)
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION THE FIRST AID KIT IN THE INFANT ROOM DID NOT CONTAIN SCISSORS OR TWEEZERS.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 7, 2021): “SCISSORS AND TWEEZERS WILL BE ADDED TO THE FIRST AID KIT IN THE INFANT ROOM.”
Citation Nov 5, 2021 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, THE WALL VENT IN THE TODDLER ROOM HAD VISIBLE RUST AND DIRT ON IT
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 7, 2021): “THE WALL VENT IN THE TODDLER ROOM WILL BE CLEANED AND THE RUST WILL BE REMOVED. IF THE RUST CANNOT BE REMOVED, THE VENT WILL BE REPLACED.”
Citation Nov 5, 2021 Inspection Building & playground safety
Clean, good repair, proper size 55 Pa. Code §3270.104(a)
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, A CUBBIE IN THE PRE-SCHOOL ROOM, AND THREE CUBBIES IN THE SCHOOL AGE ROOM WERE LIGHTWEIGHT AND UNSTABLE AND COULD EASILY BE TIPPED FORWARD.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 7, 2021): “THE CUBBIES WILL BE MOUNTED SO THEY ARE SAFE AND CANNOT BE TIPPED OVER”
Citation Nov 5, 2021 Inspection Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, A RECEIPT INDICATING THE DATE OF PURCHASE OR INSTALLATION FOR THE FIRE SYSTEM WAS NOT ON FILE AT THE FACILITY AS REQUIRED UNDER ACT 62.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 2, 2021): “THE PROVIDER WILL SIGN AN ATTESTATION STATEMENT INDICATING THE RECEIPT WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THE APPROXIMATE DATE OF PURCHASE/INTALLATION FOR THE FIRE SYSTEM WILL BE NOTED ON THE FORM.”
Citation Nov 5, 2021 Inspection Records & paperwork
Posted in group space 55 Pa. Code §3270.111(b)
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, THE DAILY SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES WAS NOT POSTED IN THE TODDLER ROOM.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 7, 2021): “THE DAILY SCHEDULE WILL BE PRINTED AND POSTED IN THE TODDLER CLASSROOM.”

“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 Sep 5, 2025 Self-reported violation
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 302 children
Certificate status Regular (COMPASS: awaiting renewal)
Certificate valid through Jan 22, 2027
Keystone STARS STAR 4
since May 9, 2026 · what STARS means
Programs PA Pre-K Counts, Head Start
Operator Brightside Academy Philadelphia LLC
Hours Monday–Friday 6:00 AM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone (215) 634-3018
State certificate # CER-00248711
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has Brightside Academy Early Care and Education had any serious violations?

Pennsylvania cited 3 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 Sep 5, 2025 (staff ratios): “Facility staff disclosed that staff are sometimes out-of-ratio while transitioning children from the school grounds to the aftercare program.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about Brightside Academy Early Care and Education?

Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Brightside Academy Early Care and Education since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.

What is Brightside Academy Early Care and Education’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 4, effective May 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 Early Care and Education compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?

It is tied for #922 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 71% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was Brightside Academy Early Care and Education last inspected?

Nov 12, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.

How much does Brightside Academy Early Care and Education 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 Early Care and Education?

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