Daycare Record Child care inspection records

Children Advancing Towards Success

5838 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19139 · Philadelphia County
2 core-safety citations in last 12 months Keystone STAR 2

Children Advancing Towards Success is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 49 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 2 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 5 times. The state cited 51 violations, 2 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (24 of 51). 10 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 #1,053 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 84% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 84% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most
Tied for #1,053 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia
2 Core-safety citations
49 Other citations
5 Inspections
0 Complaint investigations that found violations
51 citations from 5 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 10 in the last 12 months · last inspected Dec 15, 2025

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Dec 15, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Dec 2, 2024 · Inspection · citation found Dec 22, 2023 · Inspection · citation found Jan 5, 2023 · Inspection · citation found Feb 14, 2022 · Inspection · no citation
Violation found No violation Top row: inspections · bottom row: complaint investigations, self-reported incidents and other visits

What inspectors cited most

Records & paperwork 24
Building & playground safety 12
Training & qualifications 5
Emergency preparedness 4
Health & medication 3
Staff ratios 1
Background checks 1
Transportation 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Dec 15, 2025 Inspection Staff ratios
Two facility persons present in facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.54(a)
During the inspection, I observed that staff 1 left the building leaving staff 2 alone with 3 children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 5, 2026): “I will be conducting a training with staff to refresh their knowledge of maintaining child/staff ratio.”
Core safety Dec 15, 2025 Inspection Background checks
CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(4)
While reviewing the staff's files I observed that staff 2, who was hired on June 2018, did not include their Child Abuse, and their FBI clearance.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 5, 2026): “I will provide a copy of the staff current child abuse and FBI clearance and place in the staff present file.”
Citation Dec 15, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Age appropriate 55 Pa. Code §3270.101(a)
During the inspection, it was observed that the main room on the first floor did not have the equipment and materials appropriate to the developmental needs, individual interests and ages of the children shall be provided in sufficient amount and variety to preclude long waits for use.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 5, 2026): “We will move play equipment and materials for appropriate development needs into the main room on the first floor to preclude long waits for use.”
Citation Dec 15, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Clean, good repair, proper size 55 Pa. Code §3270.104(a)
During the inspection, it was observed that the main room did not have furniture that is appropriate for the child's size.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 5, 2026): “We were able to put smaller size table and chairs in the main room.”
Citation Dec 15, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(b)(2)
While reviewing the child/children's files I observed that child 3, did not have a current physical.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 5, 2026): “Mom provides us with an updated physical for the child.”
Citation Dec 15, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Designated release persons 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(5)
While reviewing the child/children's files I observed that child 1, 3, did not include the persons designated by a parent to whom the child may be released.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 5, 2026): “I had the parents add persons designated to whom the child may be released.”
Citation Dec 15, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Written consent/Consent for administration of minor first-aid required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(4)/3270.182(5)
While reviewing the child/children's files I observed that child 3, did not include the required signatures.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 5, 2026): “I had a parent sign the neglected required signature on the emergency contact form.”
Citation Dec 15, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
While reviewing the child/children's files I observed that child 1, did not include the health insurance coverage.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 5, 2026): “I had a parent provide and add the health insurance coverage policy number to the emergency contact form.”
Citation Dec 15, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)
While reviewing the child/children's files I observed that child 1-3, did not include the address and telephone number of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 5, 2026): “I had a parent provide and add the required information on the emergency contact form.”
Citation Dec 15, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)
While reviewing the staff's files I observed that staff 1-3, did not include their 12 hours of childcare training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 5, 2026): “I will have staff complete the remining required annual clock hours of child care training.”
Show 41 older citations
Citation Dec 2, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Plan reviewed/updated annually 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(b)
While conducting my inspection I observed that the facility had not reviewed their emergency plan in the last 12 months.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 7, 2025): “I will post the annual review and update of the emergency plan.”
Citation Dec 2, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
While conducting my inspection I observed a broken unlocked cabinet with cleaning supplies.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 7, 2025): “The cabinet will be replaced as it is outdated.”
Citation Dec 2, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Age appropriate 55 Pa. Code §3270.101(a)
While conducting my inspection I observed that the main room did not have a sufficient amount of play equipment.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 17, 2025): “I will add more play equipment to the main room.”
Citation Dec 2, 2024 Inspection Health & medication
Physical examination 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(1)
While reviewing the staff's files I observed that staff 3, did not have a current physical.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 17, 2025): “Staff 3 will get a health assessment.”
Citation Dec 2, 2024 Inspection Transportation
Pick-up and drop-off points 55 Pa. Code §3270.171(a)
While conducting my inspection I observed that the facility did not have their annual written letter to the local authorities about their pedestrian and vehicular routes around the childcare facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 17, 2025): “I will send the annual written letter to the local authorities about pedestrian and vehicle routes around the facility.”
Citation Dec 2, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Pertinent Laws & Regulations 55 Pa. Code §3270.14
During my inspection I observed that the facility did not have the update and required policy changes for shaken baby syndrome. 1. Shaken baby syndrome sign/symptoms 2. Prevention/identification of maltreatment
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 17, 2025): “I will update and provide the policy changes for: 1. Shaken baby syndrome 2. Prevention/identification of child maltreatment”
Citation Dec 2, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications
Staff evaluations 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(a)(6)
While reviewing the staff's files I observed that staff 1, did not contain a current written evaluation.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 17, 2025): “I will complete an evaluation for all staff at least once a year.”
Citation Dec 2, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Signed 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)
While reviewing the child/children's files I observed that child 1, 3, 5, was not signed by the operator.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 17, 2025): “I will see that all required signatures get signed.”
Citation Dec 2, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Amount of fee 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(1)
While reviewing the child/children's files I observed that child 1, 3-5, did not contain the amount of the fee to be charged per day or per week.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 17, 2025): “I will fill in the specific fee amounts.”
Citation Dec 2, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Arrival/departure times 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(4)
While reviewing the child/children's files I observed that child 1, 4, did not contain the arrival and departure times.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 17, 2025): “I will fill in the arrival and departure times.”
Citation Dec 2, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Admission date 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(6)
While reviewing the child/children's files I observed that child 1, did not contain their admission date on the agreement form.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 17, 2025): “I will fill in the child's date of admission on the agreement form.”
Citation Dec 2, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Each child care space 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(c)
While conducting my inspection I observed the main room did not have all their emergency contact sheets.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 17, 2025): “I will add the emergency contact information needed to complete emergency contact on main floor.”
Citation Dec 2, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.181(c)
While reviewing the child/children's files I observed that child 2, 5, did not contain an updated emergency contact sheet and financial agreement.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 7, 2025): “I will have the parent sign the updated agreement and emergency contact form.”
Citation Dec 2, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Consent for emergency medical care required prior to admission/Consent for administration of minor first-aid required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(3)/3270.182(5)
While reviewing the child/children's files I observed that child 3, did not contain signed parental consent for emergency medical care, and signed parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 7, 2025): “I will have the parent sign the missed lines on the emergency contact form.”
Citation Dec 2, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training - Pediatric First Aid and CPR 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)(10)
While reviewing the staff's files I observed that staff 2, 3, did not contain a current pediatric first aid and CPR certification.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 17, 2025): “I will make copies of the first aid and CPR certifications and place in the staff files.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
During my inspection I observed that room A, A1, has outlets with no covers.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that all electrical outlets have covers on them at all times.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
During my inspection I observed that the water at the facility is temping at 119 degrees.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that the hot water in the facility does not exceed 110 degrees.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
In child care spaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(a)
During my inspection I observed that room A1, did not have a first aid kit.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that all child care center spaces have a first aid kit.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Facilitate child development 55 Pa. Code §3270.101(b)
During my inspection I observed that room B did not have play equipment that shall facilitate the child's emotional, cognitive, communicative, perceptual-motor, physical and social development.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that all measured spaces have play equipment that shall facilitate the child's emotional, cognitive, communicative, perceptual-motor, physical and social development.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
High Chairs 55 Pa. Code §3270.105
During my inspection I observed that a highchair did not have a T-shaped safety strap.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that all highchairs have the T-shape safety strap.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(6)
During my inspection I observed that the conducted or documented an emergency drill.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will create an emergency drill log and practice different emergencies drills at least once a year.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan/Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(1)/3270.27(a)(5)
During my inspection I observed that the facility's emergency plan did not include a lock-down, shelter in place at the facility, and accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure their emergency plan includes accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions. As well as include their shelter in place location.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(f)
During my inspection I observed that the facility has not sent a copy of the emergency plan and subsequent plan updates to the local municipality and to the county emergency management agency.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that send their emergency plan and subsequent plan updates to the local municipality and to the county emergency management agency.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Training & qualifications
Staff evaluations 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(a)(6)
While reviewing the staff's files I observed that staff 2, 5, did not have their annual written evaluation.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that all staff receive a written evaluation in their file every 12 months.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Written plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.111(a)
During my inspection I observed that the play space, & room A, A1, did not have a daily schedule posted.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that all required postings are always posted.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Arrival/departure times 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(4)
While reviewing the children's files I observed that child 2, did not have their arrival and departure times on their agreement form.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that all areas on the agreement form are filled in completely.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Designated release persons 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(5)
While reviewing the children's files I observed that child 2, did not have whom the child may be released on their agreement form.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that all areas on the agreement form are filled in completely.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Admission date 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(6)
While reviewing the children's files I observed that child 1, 2, did not have the date of the child's admission on their agreement form.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that all areas on the agreement form are filled in completely.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Parent home/work address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(3)
While reviewing the children's files I observed that child 1-5, did not include the home and work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that all areas on the emergency contact sheet are filled in completely.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
While reviewing the children's files I observed that child 1, did not include health insurance coverage and policy number.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that all areas on the emergency contact sheet are filled in completely.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)
While reviewing the children's files I observed that child 1, 3, did not include the name, address and telephone number of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that all areas on the emergency contact sheet are filled in completely.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Each child care space 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(c)
During my inspection I observed that rooms A, A1, does not have emergency contact sheet.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that all classrooms have a copy of the children's emergency contact sheets.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Written emergency plan posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(e)
During my inspection I observed that room A1, did not have their posted emergency transportation plan.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will do periodic checks of the facility to make sure that all required posting is always posted.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.181(c)
While reviewing the children's files I observed that child 3-6, did not have an updated emergency contact sheet or the financial agreement.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that all children have an updated emergency contact sheet & agreement form.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
Transcript, diploma and letters 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(2)(iv)
While reviewing the staff's files I observed that staff 1-5, did not include acceptable verification of experience.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that each staff person has verification of their experience.”
Citation Dec 22, 2023 Inspection Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)
While reviewing the staff's files I observed that staff 2, 5, did not the minimum of 12 clock hours of child care training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 30, 2024): “Provider will make sure that all staff take their 12 clock hours of childcare training annually.”
Citation Jan 5, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Above ground window opening restricted to 6" 55 Pa. Code §3270.72(d)
During the renewal inspection dated 1/5/2023, certification representative observed that 4 out of 5 windows in classroom A on the 2nd floor, and the bathroom window on the 2nd floor did not have the window stop engaged and the windows could open more than 6 inches and prevented a safety hazard.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 26, 2023): “Will engage the window stops on the windows.”
Citation Jan 5, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
Inaccessible to children 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(b)
During renewal inspection dated 1/5/2023 certification representative observed that in classroom A that a first aid kit was accessible to children sitting in a box near the window.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 26, 2023): “Will remove the first aid kit from classroom A and make sure that it is not accessible to children.”
Citation Jan 5, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
During renewal inspection dated 1//5/2023, certification representative observed that in classroom B there was chipped paint on the blue wall, and also in classroom C, in the back corner and along the wall.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 26, 2023): “Will scrape and paint areas where there is peeling paint.”
Citation Jan 5, 2023 Inspection Health & medication
Clean, age appropriate 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(a)
During the renewal inspection dated 1/5/2023, certification representative observed that the cots down in classroom C was not labeled for the use of a specific child.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 26, 2023): “Will label all resting mats and cots with names or numbers for each child.”
Citation Jan 5, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork
On file at facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.18(a)
During renewal inspection dated 1/5/2023, certification representative viewed liability insurance documentation and observed that the liability insurance expired 8/8/22.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 11, 2023): “Will email certification representative a copy of the updated liability insurance documentation.”

“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
Newborn (Under 6 Weeks) $59.58 $49.88
Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) $59.58 $49.88
Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) $56.26 $46.28
Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) $52.95 $42.83
Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) $49.43 $40.07
Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) $40.14 $34.88
Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) $40.14 $34.88

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 49 children
Certificate status Regular
Certificate valid through Feb 28, 2027
Keystone STARS STAR 2
since Feb 27, 2026 · what STARS means
Operator Children Advancing Towards Success
Hours Monday–Sunday 6:00 AM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone (215) 307-3291
State certificate # CER-00250323
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has Children Advancing Towards Success 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 Dec 15, 2025 (staff ratios): “During the inspection, I observed that staff 1 left the building leaving staff 2 alone with 3 children.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about Children Advancing Towards Success?

Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Children Advancing Towards Success since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.

What is Children Advancing Towards Success’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 2, effective Feb 27, 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 Children Advancing Towards Success compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?

It is tied for #1,053 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 84% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was Children Advancing Towards Success last inspected?

Dec 15, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.

How much does Children Advancing Towards Success cost?

It reported full-time daily rates of $59.58 for newborn, $59.58 for infant, $56.26 for young toddler, $52.95 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.

Who runs Children Advancing Towards Success?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Children Advancing Towards Success.

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.