Cayuga Ost
4344 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19140 · Philadelphia County
2 core-safety citations in last 12 months
Keystone STAR 1
Cayuga Ost is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 4 times. The state cited 31 violations, 2 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (12 of 31). 9 citations came in the last 12 months, including 2 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #898 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 68% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
More citations than 68% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most
Tied for #898 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia
2
Core-safety citations
29
Other citations
4
Inspections
0
Complaint investigations that found violations
31 citations from 4 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 9 in the last 12 months · last inspected Oct 29, 2025
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
12
Training & qualifications
8
Emergency preparedness
5
Building & playground safety
2
Background checks
1
Supervision
1
Food & feeding
1
Transportation
1
Citations, newest first
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
On 10-29-2025 during a Renewal inspection, the files of all staff persons did not include the updated Disclosure forms.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 14, 2025): “Director will provide staff with an updated Disclose Statement, and the staff will sign it.”
Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)(1)
On 10-29-2025 during a Renewal inspection, several children were in the bathroom unsupervised.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 16, 2025): “The Director will conduct a staff meeting to communicate the importance of supervision of students. went over state regulation with staff about knowing each child in your their list and whereabouts.”
Citation
Oct 29, 2025
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Contaminated trash in closed plastic-lined receptacle 55 Pa. Code §3270.67(d)
On 10-29-2025 during a Renewal inspection, the trash cans in the cafeteria had trash and napkins that appeared to be contaminated by human secretions.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 16, 2025): “The Facility Director will make sure the staff closed and covers the trash can to avoid any contaminants.”
Citation
Oct 29, 2025
Inspection
Food & feeding
Refrigerator 55 Pa. Code §3270.107
On 10-29-2025 during a Renewal inspection, the refrigerator where the program stores food read 49° F.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 16, 2025): “The Director will buy a working Thermometer which will be placed inside each of the refrigerators.”
Citation
Oct 29, 2025
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Evacuation routes posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.94(a)(5)
On 10-29-2025 during a Renewal inspection, an evacuation route was not posted on the entrance level of the school.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 16, 2025): “The Director will request evacuation route to school principal and building facility to be posted in facility floors and classrooms.”
Citation
Oct 29, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
On 10-29-2025 during a Renewal inspection, the prevention and identification of child maltreatment was not addressed in the facility's Shaken Baby Syndrome policy. There was no written agreement between the school and childcare program's legal entity documenting the school's process for the disposal of hazardous materials and biological contaminants.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 16, 2025): “The director will update the shaken baby syndrome policy and add the child maltreatment policy. The director requested a letter to the principal about the disposal of hazardous material on 11/6/2025.”
Citation
Oct 29, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Admission date/Application, admission, withdrawal dates 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(6)/3270.182(2)
On 10-29-2025 during a Renewal inspection, the agreement forms of child #1 and child #4 did not include the date of admission.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 14, 2025): “The Director will check Child #1 and #4 file to write down admission dates and application date.”
Citation
Oct 29, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Physician name, address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(2)
On 10-29-2025 during a Renewal inspection, the emergency contact form of child #3 did not include the phone number of the child's physician/source of medical care.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 14, 2025): “The child's physician's phone number has been added to the emergency contact.”
Citation
Oct 29, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
On 10-29-2025 during a Renewal inspection, the emergency contact form of child #2 did not include health insurance/MA coverage and policy number. The emergency contact form of child #3 did not include health insurance/MA policy number.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 14, 2025): “The director will collect insurance name and policy number from the parents of child #2 and 3. The director will update child emergency contact.”
Citation
Oct 7, 2024
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed emergency plan. The emergency plan was missing continuity of operations.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 31, 2024): “Site director will review the emergency plan yearly”
Show 21 older citations
Citation
Oct 7, 2024
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 2 was missing 5.5 annual training hours.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 31, 2024): “Site Director updated staff 2 training hours. staff 2 turned in the extra hours required.”
Citation
Oct 7, 2024
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Staff evaluations 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(a)(6)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 1 2 and 3 was missing annual evaluation.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 31, 2024): “Director will do an annual evaluation on all staff”
Citation
Oct 7, 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 1,2,3 and 4 did not specify the date of the child's admission.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 31, 2024): “Site Director will write start date on students fee agreement at admission”
Citation
Oct 7, 2024
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 2 was missing name, address and telephone number of the child's physician or source of medical care.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 31, 2024): “Site Director will ask parents to write down child medical information or medical care.”
Citation
Oct 7, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Parent home/work address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(3)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Emergency contact for child 2,4 and 5 work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 31, 2024): “Director will ask parents to fill out the application of admission emergency contact with work information. child 2, 4 and 5 emergency contact has been updated.”
Citation
Nov 15, 2023
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 6 was missing emergency plan training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 4, 2023): “Director asked staff 6 to come in and sign the emergency plan”
Citation
Nov 15, 2023
Inspection
Building & playground safety
In child care spaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(a)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed first aid bags. One of the first aid bags was missing tweezers.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 13, 2023): “Staff will report any missing items to the assistant director or director who will replenish the first aid kit.”
Citation
Nov 15, 2023
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(6)
During renewal inspection certification rep asked for emergency drill log. Annual emergency drill was not documented and on file at the facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 4, 2023): “The director will conduct emergency drill and log it in the log sheet”
Citation
Nov 15, 2023
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Every 60 days 55 Pa. Code §3270.94(a)(1)
During renewal inspection certification rep asked for fire drill log. Fire drill was not conducted.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 4, 2023): “Director conducted a fire drill and recorded in the log”
Citation
Nov 15, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Age and Training/Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(i)/3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 3 and 4 did not have a current first aid/cpr in their file.During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 6 was missing fire safety training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 13, 2023): “Director updated staff 3 and 4 CPR certificate in their files and staff 6 emergency plan”
Citation
Nov 15, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)
Staff person #2-- has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire: 10 hour health and safety training. Staff 5 is also missing 1 hour updated health and safety training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 13, 2023): “Staff 2 completed 10 hours of training and the extra hour of revised health and safety. Director updated the staff file and added those trainings”
Citation
Nov 15, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Staff evaluations 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(a)(6)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 5 and 6 were missing written annual evaluation.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 4, 2023): “Director will conduct evaluation annually and put it in the file.”
Citation
Nov 15, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Associate's, 30 credits + 4 yrs 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(b)(4)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 5 was missing her transcripts from her file. Certification rep was unable to determine is staff met the qualifications of a director.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 4, 2023): “Director put transcript in file”
Citation
Nov 15, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
HS/GED + 2 yrs 55 Pa. Code §3270.36(b)(5)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 1 child care experience needs to be verified.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 4, 2023): “Director contacted previous employer to verify staff 1 experience”
Citation
Nov 15, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Parent home/work address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(3)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Emergency contact for child 1, 2,3 and 4 were missing work telephone numbers of the enrolling parent. Emergency contact for 6 was missing work address of the enrolling parent.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 11, 2023): “The information for children 1,2,3 and 4 were obtained and updated on the emergency contact form. Missing working address and telephone was obtain for the working parent and updated in the emergency contact form.”
Citation
Nov 15, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's file. Emergency contact for child 1 and 2 was missing health insurance coverage and policy number for a child under a family policy or Medical Assistance benefits
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 4, 2023): “Health insurance for child 1 and 2 were updated in the emergency contact form.”
Citation
Nov 15, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.181(c)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Emergency contact for child 5 was missing parent's signature. During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Child 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 were missing fee agreements from their file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 11, 2023): “Director added payment agreement to student files.”
Citation
Nov 15, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Consent for administration of medications or special dietary needs 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(4)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's file. Fee agreement for child 1 and 2 was missing signed parental consent for administration of medications or special dietary needs.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 4, 2023): “Director added Consent for medication was also added in their files.”
Citation
Nov 15, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 2 was missing 1 reference letter.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 4, 2023): “Staff 1 provided director with missing reference letter.”
Citation
Nov 15, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 6 was missing 12 annual training hours.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 13, 2023): “Director gathered staff training and put it on staff 6 file”
Citation
Oct 7, 2022
Inspection
Transportation
Availability of certificate of compliance and applicable regulations/Safe routes posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.25(a)/3270.171(c)
AT TIME OF RENEWAL INSPECTION, INFORMATION ON HOW TO ACCESS THE REGULATIONS, THE REGIONAL OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION, AND THE WRITTEN NOTIFICATION OF SAFE DROP OFF AND PICK UP ROUTES WERE NOT POSTED ON THE PARENT BOARD OR IN A CONSPICUOUS LOCATION.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 11, 2022): “THE DIRECTOR WILL PRINT OUT THE SAFE ROUTES POLICY, AND THE INFORMATION FOR PARENTS ON HOW TO ACCESS THE REGULATIONS/ REGIONAL OFFICE PHONE NUMBER. THIS WILL BE POSTED ON THE PARENT BOARD.”
“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 |
|---|---|---|
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $32.00 | $26.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $32.00 | $26.00 |
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
—
Certificate status
Regular (COMPASS: awaiting renewal)
Certificate valid through
Dec 13, 2026
Operator
Catholic Social Services
Hours
Monday–Friday 3:00 PM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone
(215) 854-7091
State certificate #
CER-00249225
Common questions
Has Cayuga Ost 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 Oct 29, 2025 (background checks): “On 10-29-2025 during a Renewal inspection, the files of all staff persons did not include the updated Disclosure forms.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Cayuga Ost?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Cayuga Ost since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is Cayuga Ost’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 1, effective Apr 3, 2019. 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 Cayuga Ost compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?
It is tied for #898 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 68% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Cayuga Ost last inspected?
Oct 29, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does Cayuga Ost cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $32.00 for young school-age, $32.00 for older school-age in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Cayuga Ost?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Catholic Social Services.
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4400 N 5th St, Philadelphia · under 0.1 mi away · 89 spots About typical Stages Community School
635 W Hunting Park Ave, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 98 spots About typical Brightside Academy
543 W Courtland St, Philadelphia · 0.3 mi away · 183 spots Among the most cited Titis Learning Academy INC
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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.
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