Chesterbrook Academy · West Chester
Chesterbrook Academy is a certified child care center in West Chester, PA, with capacity for 193 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 7 times and confirmed violations in 8 complaint investigations. The state cited 88 violations, 16 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (20 of 88). 3 citations came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #37 of 37 centers in West Chester and has more citations per inspection than 97% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
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Water in the sinks in Toddler A classroom were 120 degrees and 115 degrees, in the Beginner A classroom water temperature was 117 degrees, and in the Toddler B classroom water temperature was 119 degrees.
Child #2 did not have an updated health assessment on file. The health assessment on file was dated 2/21/23.
Child #1 did not have an agreement on file.
The file of staff person #1 did not include their NSOR verification.
During the renewal inspection the Beginner B bathroom had baseboard paneling peeling from wall. The Beginner B bathroom had damaged paint along the lower area of the wall. The Pre K classroom had damaged paint on the rear wall under the window. The Intermediate A classroom had two areas of damaged paint on the rear wall. The toddler A classroom had two areas of chipped paint on the rear wall
During the renewal inspection, cribs that were in use in the Infant classroom were not separated at least 2 feet apart on three sides.
The epi pen of child #1 was expired with an expiration date of 4/30/25.
A bottle in the Toddler B classroom was not labeled with child's name.
The emergency contact information of child #2 did not have their physician's telephone number.
The emergency contact information of child #2 did not include their designated release person's address.
Show 78 older citations
There was a ceiling tile in beginners A classroom to the right of the entrance. that had a brown water spot. There were also 2 ceiling tiles in the back corner of the Pre k b classroom that had brown water stains.
Child in Toddler B classroom did not have their hands washed after diapering.
In the Pre-K A classroom, child #3 had an expired epinephrine pen dated 7/24.
Child #1 and #2 did not have their names labeled on their bottles.
During the complaint investigation, it was verified that the Beginners A classroom, Beginner's B classroom, and the Intermediate A classroom had been out of ratio. During interviews, it was reported that these classrooms were out of ratio several times a week from September 2023 to early June 2024.
Cert Rep found that the Young Intermediate classroom was out of ratio. There were 12 3-year-old children and 1 staff in the classroom. The Beginners B classroom was also out of ratio, there were 16 children between the ages of 2 and 3 and there were 2 staff persons.
During the renewal inspection on 7/18/23, a first aid kit was not present in the Pre-K room. (CORRECTED ON SITE)
During the renewal inspection on 7/18/23, a ceiling tile in the Pre-K B room was hanging. Multiple ceiling tiles in the room were water damaged as if there is a leak in the ceiling.
During the renewal inspection on 7/18/23, peeling paint was observed on the wall above an electrical outlet in the Pre-K room. Peeling paint was observed along several walls in the Beginners B classroom.
During the renewal inspection on 7/18/23, rest equipment located in Toddler A room was not labeled for each childs specific use.
During the renewal inspection on 7/18/23, yogurt was observed in a bag, in the cubby, of two children in care in room Pre-K B.
During the hybrid renewal inspection on 7/18/23, the fire drill log submitted did not contain the names of the facility persons participating in the drill.
During the hybrid renewal inspection on 7/18/23, no staff files were submitted/presented for renewal inspection.
During the unannounced complaint visit on 3/15/23, the child:staff ratios in the PreK room and the Beginners B room were not in compliance. Sixteen preschoolers and 2 staff members were observed in the PreK room. A staff member left the classroom with 2 children leaving the other staff member with 14 preschoolers alone. Twelve Older toddlers and 1 preschooler were observed in the classroom with 2 staff members.
During the unannounced complaint visit on 3/15/23, it was confirmed that a staff member gripped a child up and pulled a child close to their person out of anger.
During the unannounced complaint visit on 3/15/23, the child:staff ratios in the PreK room and the Beginners B room were not in compliance. Sixteen preschoolers and 2 staff members were observed in the PreK room. A staff member left the classroom with 2 children leaving the other staff member with 14 preschoolers alone. Twelve Older toddlers and 1 preschooler were observed in the classroom with 2 staff members.
During the unannounced complaint visit on 3/15/23, it was confirmed that a staff member purposely extended their foot outwards so that a specific older toddler would trip and fall.
During the unannounced complaint visit on 3/15/23, the director mistakenly emailed a parent of an enrolled child in care, the written write-up of a staff member.
On 10/25/2022, around 10 am, four rooms were observed to be out of ratio. Beginners A had 8 older toddlers with 1 staff person. Intermediate B had 14 preschoolers with 1 staff person. Beginners B had 13 older toddlers with 2 staff persons. Toddler B had 1 older toddler and 13 young toddlers with 2 staff persons.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, staff members #3, #4, #5,#7, #8, #9, and #13 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff members #5, #7 and #9 has not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Health and safety topics including pediatric 1st aid/CPR. Staff member #8 has not completed the Health and safety pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised. Staff member #13 has not completed the Health and safety topics including pediatric 1st aid/CPR and the mandated reporter pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised. Staff member #3 was observed to be caring for children with staff member #20. Staff member #3 has not completed the health and safety topics including the pediatric 1st aid/CPR. A file for staff member #20 was not submitted for review. Staff member #4 was observed to be caring for children with staff members #16 and #17. Staff member #4 has not completed the health and safety topics including the pediatric 1st aid/CPR. A file for staff members #16 and #17 was not submitted for review.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the disclosure or signature page was not submitted for staff members #2, #8, #9, #11, #13, #14 and #15. A completed FBI, NSOR and mandated reporter training was not summitted for staff member #6. A completed FBI clearance was not submitted for staff member #7. A completed NSOR and mandated reporter training was not submitted for staff member #13. A volunteer PA State police clearance was submitted for staff member #5. A completed FBI clearance was not submitted for staff member 5. Non-compliance continues from renewal inspection on 2/16/22.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, at approximately around 1:55pm, non-compliance with staff:child ratios were observed in the Beginners A room. Staff member #8 was observed caring for 11 older toddlers. 9 children were observed resting on their cots while 2 older toddlers were mobile. Non-compliance continues from renewal inspection on 2/16/22 (CORRECTED ON SITE).
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the emergency plan presented had not been updated since May 2018.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, verification of annual emergency plan training was not submitted for staff member #2. Non-compliance continues from renewal inspection on 2/16/22.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, a can of "OFF" insect repellent was observed in an accessible cubby of a preschool age child in the Intermediate A class room. (CORRECTED ON SITE)
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the first aid kit located in the Pre K A classroom was on a hook at a height accessible to children. (CORRECTED ON SITE)
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22,the first-aid kit located in the Beginners A room did not include tape and scissors. Gauze was missing in the first aid kit located in the Intermediate A classroom. Non-compliance continues from renewal inspection on 2/16/22. (CORRECTED ON SITE)
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, damaged ceiling tiles from a possible leak was observed in the Pre K B and Infants A classroom. Non-compliance continues from renewal inspection on 2/16/22.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, peeling paint was observed on the wall in Intermediate B and Toddlers B classroom. Non-compliance continues from renewal inspection on 2/16/22.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the steps for the outdoor play equipment in the preschool area appeared to be broken and loose.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, a current physical was not submitted for staff members #4 and #6. No physical submitted for staff member #3 # 8. Non-compliance continues from renewal inspection on 2/16/22.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the health assessment submitted for staff member #10 did not include the results from tuberculosis screening.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the health assessment submitted for staff member #5 did not include an examination for communicable diseases and the results of the examination.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the health assessment submitted for staff member #5 did not include information on medical problems that might threaten the health of the children or prohibit a staff person from providing adequate care to children.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the health assessment submitted for staff member #5 did not include the physician's or CRNP's assessment of the person's suitability to provide child care.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the emergency plan presented did not include accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities and children with chronic medical conditions.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, facility did not have documentation on file of annual emergency drills conducted at the facility.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the facility did not conduct fire drills at least once every 60 days. The fire drill log submitted included 2 dates for fire drills (2/2022 and 7/1/2022).
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the fire drill log submitted did not include the names of each facility person who participated in the fire drill.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the liability insurance submitted was not for the location. Non-compliance continues from renewal inspection on 2/16/22.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the current inspection summary issued from the renewal inspection on 2/16/22 was not posed at the facility.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, verification of annual fire safety training was not submitted for staff members #4, #6, #7, #10 and #12. Non-compliance continues from renewal inspection no 2/16/22.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, staff members #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #12, #13, #14 and #15 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire (see LIS code sheet): Health and safety topics including pediatric first aid/CPR. Non-compliance continues from renewal inspection on 2/16/22.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the children files submitted did not include information to the family about the child's growth and development in the context of the services being provided.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the financial agreement form submitted for child #1 had not been updated once within a 6-month period. Agreement submitted last updated 12/14/21.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, files were not received for staff members #1, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20 and #21. staff members #16, #17, #18 and #19 were observed caring for children at the facility during the time of the inspection. Non-compliance continues from renewal inspection on 2/16/22.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, identification was not submitted for staff members #2, #3, #5 and #8. Verification of address was not submitted for staff member #7.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, education and experience was not submitted for staff members #3, #6, #11, #13 and #14. The record for staff member #15 did not contain verification of education that had been evaluated by the Department of Education standards. The education submitted for staff member #2 and staff member #8 does not verify education that qualifies the staff member for the position performing at the facility. The accreditation for the education submitted for staff member #8 was not provided.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, two written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person was not submitted for staff member #3. Only one reference letter was submitted for staff members #6, #8 and #11.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the current certificate of compliance and information on how to access the regulations electronically with instructions for contacting the appropriate regional child care office was not posted at the facility.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 7/19/22, the required annual minimum 12 clock hours of child care training was not submitted for staff members #4, #6, #7, #9, #10 and #12 (DOH See LIS Code Sheet). Non-compliance continues from renewal inspection 2/16/22.
During the unannounced complaint visit on 2/16/22, at approximately 12:10pm 4 infants and 1 young toddler was observed in Infants B room with 1 staff member. In Intermediate B, 10 napping preschool age children and 1 mobile child was observed with 1 staff member.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, the disclosure or signature page was not submitted for staff members #8, #9, #10, #12, and #13. A completed National Sex Offenders Registry Certificate (NSOR) was not submitted for staff members #4. A PA State Police Criminal Clearance was not submitted for staff member #8. A Pa State Police Criminal Clearance, FBI or Child Abuse clearance was not submitted for staff member #6.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, at approximately around 12:10pm, non-compliance with staff:child ratios were observed in the Infants B classroom. At this time, staff member #11 was observed caring for 4 infants and 1 young toddler. Non-compliance in ratios was also observed in the Intermediate B classroom. Staff member #3 was observed with 11 preschool age children. 10 children were on their cots napping, while 1 student remained mobile.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, the facility did not submit the emergency plan for review.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, verification of annual emergency plan training was not submitted for any staff members employed at the facility.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, the emergency plan posting was not observed in a conspicuous location in the facility.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, a protective receptacle cover was not observed in an electrical outlet located in the Pre-K room.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, the hot water measured at the children's sink in the Intermediate A and Pre K classrooms measured above 110° F (111.9 and 112.4 respectively).
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, the fire-aid kit located in the Pre K room did not include soap, scissors, tweezers, tape and gauze. There was no first-aid kit located in the Multi-purpose room (room by play space door).
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, a hole in the wall was observed in Intermediate B room. Damaged ceiling tiles from a possible leak was observed in the Pre-K room.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, peeling paint was observed in Intermediate B classroom.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, hand-washing signs were not observed above the sinks in the following rooms: Infant B, Infant 3, Toddler B, Beginners and the Pre-K room (by entrance door).
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, the rest equipment (cots) observed in the following classrooms were not labeled for the specific use of a specified child: Beginners, Intermediate A and B.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, a current physical was not submitted for staff members #1, #3, #4, #6, #8 and #14 thru #16. A physical along with tuberculosis screening was not submitted for staff member #12.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, documentation of the facility's fire drill log was not submitted for review.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, verification that the facility has an operable fire protection system was not demonstrated or verified during the inspection.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, the facility did not submit documentation of general liability insurance for review.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, verification of annual fire safety training was not submitted for staff members #1 thru #9, #11 thru #16.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, verification of the required professional development training was not submitted for staff members #1, #4, #5, #7 thru #10 and #12 thru #16.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, the record for staff member #9 did not contain verification of education that had been evaluated by the Department of Education standards. Therefore, verification of education and experience to qualify staff member #9 for the position performing at the facility was not submitted.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, a daily schedule was not observed in the Multipurpose room. The daily schedule for the Pre -K class room was not located in the group space or the room.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, a written plan for transporting a child in the event of an emergency was not conspicuously displayed in the Toddler B or Pre K class room.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, no children files were presented for review during the inspection review period.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, staff members #14 thru #16 were observed caring for children at the facility during the inspection. However, staff files were not submitted for staff members #14 thru #16. Staff member #14 was observed caring for 12 napping preschool age children without a staff member whose file was presented for review.
During the hybrid renewal inspection visit on 2/16/22, the required annual minimum of 12 clock hours of child care training was not submitted for any staff members.
ON 11/10/2021, CERT REP SUPERVISOR CONDUCTED UNANNOUNCED COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION. THE THREE YEAR OLD CLASSROOM HAD ONE TEACHER AND 12 CHILDREN; REGULATIONS REQUIRE 1:10. THE BEGINNERS CLASSROOM WITH TWO YEAR OLDS HAD FOUR TEACHERS AND 25 CHILDREN; REGULATIONS REQUIRE 1:6.
ON 11/10/2021, CERT REP SUPERVISOR CONDUCTED UNANNOUNCED COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION. THE THREE YEAR OLD CLASSROOM HAD ONE TEACHER AND 12 CHILDREN; REGULATIONS REQUIRE 1:10. THE BEGINNERS CLASSROOM WITH TWO YEAR OLDS HAD FOUR TEACHERS AND 25 CHILDREN; REGULATIONS REQUIRE 1:6.
“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
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
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.) | $102.08 | $61.25 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $97.92 | $72.52 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $93.76 | $70.67 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $83.60 | $63.74 |
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
Common questions
Has Chesterbrook Academy had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 16 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 Aug 13, 2025 (background checks): “The file of staff person #1 did not include their NSOR verification.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Chesterbrook Academy?
Pennsylvania lists 8 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 Chesterbrook Academy’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 1, effective Nov 5, 2023. 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 Chesterbrook Academy compare with other daycares in West Chester?
It is #37 of 37 centers in West Chester by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 97% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Chesterbrook Academy last inspected?
Aug 19, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does Chesterbrook Academy cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $102.08 for infant, $97.92 for young toddler, $93.76 for older toddler, $83.60 for preschool in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Chesterbrook Academy?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Spring Education 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.
Comparing centers? See how to choose a daycare: 30 questions to ask and a printable checklist.
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