Daycare Record Child care inspection records

Ducklings Early Learning Center · Media

101 Ponds Edge Dr, Media, PA 19063 · Delaware County
8 core-safety citations in last 12 months 7 complaint investigations found violations Keystone STAR 2

Ducklings Early Learning Center is a certified child care center in Media, PA, with capacity for 152 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 2 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 8 times and confirmed violations in 7 complaint investigations. The state cited 38 violations, 13 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (16 of 38). 23 citations came in the last 12 months, including 8 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #13 of 15 centers in Media and has more citations per inspection than 67% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 67% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most
#13 of 15 centers in Media
13 Core-safety citations
25 Other citations
8 Inspections
7 Complaint investigations that found violations
38 citations from 15 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 23 in the last 12 months · last inspected Jun 9, 2026

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Sep 3, 2026 · Report/investigation · citation found Jun 9, 2026 · Report/investigation · citation found Jun 9, 2026 · Report/investigation · citation found Jun 9, 2026 · Inspection · citation found Jun 9, 2026 · Inspection · citation found Apr 28, 2026 · Report/investigation · citation found Mar 27, 2026 · Report/investigation · citation found Mar 27, 2026 · Inspection · citation found Jan 15, 2026 · Inspection · citation found Dec 16, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Oct 21, 2025 · Report/investigation · citation found Feb 20, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Jan 7, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Dec 13, 2024 · Report/investigation · citation found Sep 26, 2024 · 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
Supervision 4
Sleep safety 3
Staff ratios 3
Health & medication 3
Training & qualifications 3
Background checks 2
Food & feeding 2
Caregiver conduct 1
Records & paperwork 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Sep 3, 2026 Complaint investigation Supervision
Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)(1)
On 09/10/26, staff person #1 was giving a bathroom break in the infant room, classroom #1, and did not know the names of the 4 infants in the classroom.
Center’s plan of correction (accepted, Sep 16, 2026): “As teachers enter a new classroom the current classroom teacher will go over all children's names.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Needs Verification
Core safety Jun 9, 2026 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct
No harsh language 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(d)
On 06/09/26, during the site visit, it was confirmed that staff persons #1 and #2 use harsh, demeaning, and abusive language in the presence of children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2026): “Staff members #1 and #2 were spoken to and state regulations were reviewed and will not use harsh, demeaning, or abusive language. Staff members #1 and #2 will be separated and will no longer work in the same room together.”
Core safety Jun 9, 2026 Inspection Sleep safety
Infant sleep position 55 Pa. Code §3270.119
On 06/11/26, during the allocated unannounced monitoring, an infant in infant room 1 was observed to be sleeping on the floor from 9:45am until at least 10:11am. In addition, a child was observed sleeping in their crib with their bib on and a pacifier attached to it via pacifier strap.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2026): “All infants will be placed in a crib to sleep in the proper sleeping position.”
Core safety Jun 9, 2026 Inspection Staff ratios
Similar Age Level 55 Pa. Code §3270.51
On 06/09/26, during a follow up visit, ongoing non-compliance with ratio requirements was observed in the infant room. One staff member was observed alone in the classroom caring for five infants in infant room 2. On 05/04/26, during the inspection, a staff member confirmed to the certification representative that the facility was out of compliance with ratio requirements in April. The previous inspection summary stated that the facility would come into compliance by 05/18/26.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2026): “Staff will be added to the classroom.”
Citation Jun 9, 2026 Complaint investigation Building & playground safety
Small Toys and Objects 55 Pa. Code §3270.103
On 06/09/26, during the site visit, it was confirmed that a child who is known to place objects in their mouth had access to small metal balls with a diameter of less than 1 inch.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 30, 2026): “Toys and objects with a diameter of less than 1 inch will be removed from classroom.”
Citation Jun 9, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
On 06/09/26, during the allocated unannounced monitoring, an outlet was observed to be uncovered and broken in classroom 10 where children aged 3-4 are being cared for.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2026): “Replace outlet cover.”
Citation Jun 9, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
On 06/09/26, during the allocated unannounced monitoring visit, the child lock placed on the cabinet door under the sink was not engaged leaving Windex and other cleaning materials accessible to children, in addition Clorox wipes and baking soda were observed in a stack of supplies by the door. In the bathroom inside of classroom 11 beads to improve the smell labeled "Keep out of reach of children" was placed on the toilet, accessible to children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2026): “All doors shall have locks. Cleaning materials shall be locked in cabinets and out of reach and inaccessible.”
Citation Jun 9, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Contaminated trash in closed plastic-lined receptacle 55 Pa. Code §3270.67(d)
On 06/09/26, during the unannounced allocated monitoring visit, both the small and large garbage cans located in room 10 were observed to be unlined and contained trash that has been contaminated by human secretions.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2026): “All bins shall have liners.”
Citation Jun 9, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
In child care spaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(a)
On 06/09/26, during the allocated unannounced visit, room 13 was observed to be without a first-aid kit.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2026): “Provide a first aid kit in each classroom.”
Citation Jun 9, 2026 Inspection Health & medication
2 feet apart 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(f)
On 06/09/26, during the allocated unannounced monitoring, the cribs in infant room 1 were observed to have less than 2 feet of space on three sides.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2026): “Make space in the classroom to ensure the cribs have two feet of space.”
Core safety Apr 28, 2026 Complaint investigation Staff ratios
Similar Age Level 55 Pa. Code §3270.51
On 05/04/26, during the inspection, a staff member confirmed to the certification representative that the facility was out of compliance with ratio requirements in April.
Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Jun 9, 2026): “Staff will be added to classrooms.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Core safety Mar 27, 2026 Inspection Sleep safety
Infant sleep position 55 Pa. Code §3270.119
On 03/27/26, during the unannounced monitoring, child #1 was observed to be sleeping with a sound machine in their crib.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 4, 2026): “Nothing will be placed in or on a crib except for the child and sheet fitted to the mattress.”
Citation Mar 27, 2026 Complaint investigation Health & medication
Clean, age appropriate 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(a)
On 03/27/26, during the inspection, staff #1 and staff #2 confirmed that the facility is assigning more than one child to a single crib. All cribs did not have labels stating which child uses which crib.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 4, 2026): “More cribs will be purchased.”
Citation Jan 15, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Contaminated trash in closed plastic-lined receptacle 55 Pa. Code §3270.67(d)
On 01/15/26, during the unannounced follow up visit, ongoing noncompliance was observed for the following violation; On 12/16/25, during the renewal inspection, two of the garbage cans in the ladybugs room and one in butterflies room contained trash that had been contaminated by human secretion did not contain a plastic lining.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 6, 2026): “Staff will be trained to replace liners daily. Trash cans will be lined in all classrooms.”
Citation Jan 15, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
In child care spaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(a)
On 01/15/26, during the unannounced follow up visit, ongoing noncompliance was observed regarding the following violation; On 12/16/25, during the renewal inspection, there was no first aid kit in the caterpillar's 2 room because the room was engaged in "split groups" and the group that left the classroom took the first aid kit with them.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 6, 2026): “A second first-aid kit will be made for each classroom that engages in split groups.”
Citation Jan 15, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
On 01/15/26, during an unannounced follow up inspection, ongoing noncompliance was observed regarding the following violation; On 12/16/25, during the renewal inspection, the ladybug classroom had peeled paint on the left wall.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 6, 2026): “Paint in the Ladybug classroom will be painted up so no peeling paint is left.”
Core safety Dec 16, 2025 Inspection Sleep safety
Prohibit items in crib 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(j)
On 12/16/25, during the renewal inspection, a sound machine was observed in the crib of a sleeping infant.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 15, 2026): “Sound machine was removed from crib. All staff were reminded that no items can be placed in a crib when a child is sleeping.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Dec 16, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Contaminated trash in closed plastic-lined receptacle 55 Pa. Code §3270.67(d)
On 12/16/25, during the renewal inspection, two of the garbage cans in the ladybugs room and one in butterflies room contained trash that had been contaminated by human secretion did not contain a plastic lining.
Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Jan 15, 2026): “All garbage cans will have liners at all times.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Dec 16, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
In child care spaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(a)
On 12/16/25, during the renewal inspection, there was no first aid kit in the caterpillar's 2 room because the room was engaged in "split groups" and the group that left the classroom took the first aid kit with them.
Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Jan 15, 2026): “A second first aid kit will be placed in the caterpillar 2 room.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Dec 16, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Has all items 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(c)
On 12/16/25, during the renewal inspection, the first aid kit in the butterfly's classroom did not contain nonporous gloves.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 15, 2026): “Nonporous gloves will be added to the Butterfly classroom first aid kit.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Dec 16, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
On 12/16/25, during the renewal inspection, the garbage can, white cabinets, step stool and refrigerator were visibly dirty.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 15, 2026): “The Firefly classroom will be cleaned and sanitized. All surfaces will be cleaned.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Dec 16, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
On 12/16/25, during the renewal inspection, the ladybug classroom had peeled paint on the left wall.
Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Jan 15, 2026): “Chipped and peeling paint will be touched up and fixed.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Core safety Oct 21, 2025 Complaint investigation Staff ratios
Similar Age Level 55 Pa. Code §3270.51
On 10/21/25, during the unannounced monitoring, the infant ratio in the infant 1 classroom was not maintained. Staff #1 was alone in the infants 1 classroom with 5 infants, ranging in age from 4 months old to 7 months old.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 16, 2025): “Keep classrooms to appropriate ratios especially during morning drop off times.”
Show 15 older citations
Core safety Feb 20, 2025 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
At the time of the inspection, Staff 5 did not have proof of the FBI clearance on file, and was past their provisional hire period and was with the children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 24, 2025): “Staff 5 will not work in a child care position until they receive their FBI clearance.”
Citation Feb 20, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
At the time of the inspection, 2 ceiling tiles in the gym appeared to have water damage.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 24, 2025): “The ceiling tiles will be replaced.”
Citation Feb 20, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
Exam communicable disease 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(3)
At the time of the inspection, Staff 1 and Staff 2 had physicals that did not contain the results for communicable diseases.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 28, 2025): “Staff 1 and Staff 2 will have a health assessment must include an examination for communicable diseases and the results of that examination.”
Citation Feb 20, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(2)(ii)
At the time of the inspection, Staff 3 and Staff 4's did not have proof of prior experience on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 24, 2025): “Staff 3 and Staff 4 will obtain proof of experience, and that proof will be kept on file.”
Core safety Jan 7, 2025 Inspection Supervision
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
On 1/7/25, staff person #3 and staff person #6 were observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff person #3 has not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Health & Safety, Mandated Reporter Training and Pediatric First Aid/CPR. Staff person #6 has not completed Pediatric First Aid/CPR.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 24, 2025): “Until such time as the required pre-service trainings are completed, staff persons #3 and #6 must be supervised, when interacting with children, by an AGS who has completed the required training related to this citation. If there are no staff person(s) available to supervise staff persons #3 and…”
Core safety Jan 7, 2025 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
On 1/7/25, Staff #1 file did not contain results of NSOR Clearance and PA Criminal Clearance as required by CPSL. Staff #2 file did not contain results of NSOR Clearance as required by CPSL.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 17, 2025): “Staff #1 and #2 will be removed from the facility until all results of all clearances are obtained.”
Citation Jan 7, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Inaccessible to children 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(b)
On 1/7/25, two red bags containing first aid kits were observed accessible to children on the floor of the indoor gross motor room where toddlers were playing.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 24, 2025): “At time of inspection, Director instructed teachers to either wear the red bags on their backs or place them on the cart which is inaccessible to children.”
Citation Jan 7, 2025 Inspection Food & feeding
Six-months-old held 55 Pa. Code §3270.166(5)
On 1/7/25, at approximately 10:35am, Child #1 was observed drinking a bottle on the floor of the infant room while staff person was attending to classroom duties. Child #1 is younger than 6 months of age.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 24, 2025): “Employee was retrained on proper feeding of infants.”
Citation Jan 7, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training/Health and Safety Training - Pediatric First Aid and CPR 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)/3270.31(f)(10)
On 1/7/25, Staff person #5 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire: Health & Safety 1hr Update. Staff #7 has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their date of hire: Health & Safety Training and Pediatric First Aid/CPR.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 3, 2025): “Staff person #5 and staff #6 will have until 1/22/25 to complete the required training. Until such time, staff #7 must be supervised by an AGS who has completed all preservice trainings. If no staff person is available to supervise staff #7, then staff #7 may not work in a childcare position at the…”
Citation Jan 7, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
On 1/7/25, Staff #1 and Staff #4 have not completed the mandated reporter training within 90 days of their date of hire.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 24, 2025): “Staff #1 and Staff #4 will have until 1/22/25 to complete the mandated reporter training. Until such time as the required training has been completed, staff person #1 and #4 must be supervised, when interacting with children, by an AGS who has completed the required training related to this…”
Core safety Dec 13, 2024 Complaint investigation Supervision
Aides supervised all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.37(c)
On 1/7/25, Staff #2 was observed working unsupervised with 5 Young Toddlers. Staff #3 and Staff #4 were observed working unsupervised with 8 Young Toddlers. Staff #2, #3 and #4 files did not contain verification of two years' experience. Staff #2, #3 and #4 are qualified as aides.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 24, 2025): “Staff files will be updated to include verification of two years' experience. Staff qualified as aides will be with AGS or GS at all times.”
Core safety Dec 13, 2024 Complaint investigation Supervision
Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)(1)
On 1/7/25, staff in the toddler rooms stated they were not assigned specific children in the group for the purpose of supervision.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 24, 2025): “Lists of children have been given to all classroom teachers. Review of how groups should be split was done.”
Citation Dec 13, 2024 Complaint investigation Training & qualifications
Each staff person meets quals/Exp, educ., training at facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.33(a)/3270.192(2)(iii)
On 1/7/25, Staff #1 was observed working unsupervised in the Older Toddler Room. Staff #1 file did not contain verification of education and experience required in order to qualify for the position in which they were performing.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 24, 2025): “Staff #1 will have a complete file, including verification of education. Staff #1 will not be unsupervised while working with children.”
Citation Sep 26, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
During the initial inspection cert rep observed the hot water temperature in the kitchen was 113 degrees, the Doodlebugs classroom 111 and 112 degrees, the Fireflies classroom 111 degrees, the Before and After classroom 111 degrees, the Caterpillar classroom 111 degrees and the Ladybugs classroom 113 degrees.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 27, 2024): “Operator will lower the hot water temperature to under 110 degrees in all classrooms.”
Citation Sep 26, 2024 Inspection Food & feeding
Refrigerator 55 Pa. Code §3270.107
During the initial inspection the cert rep observed the refrigerator in the Dragonflies classroom was 77 degrees.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 30, 2024): “Operator will lower the refrigerator temperature to 45 degrees or lower in the Dragonflies classroom refrigerator.”

“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 3, 2026 Complaint investigation
1 violation cited, listed under Citations.
Violation found Jun 9, 2026 Complaint investigation
1 violation cited, listed under Citations.
Violation found Jun 9, 2026 Complaint investigation
1 violation cited, listed under Citations.
Violation found Apr 28, 2026 Complaint investigation
1 violation cited, listed under Citations.
Violation found Mar 27, 2026 Complaint investigation
1 violation cited, listed under Citations.
Violation found Oct 21, 2025 Complaint investigation
1 violation cited, listed under Citations.
Violation found Dec 13, 2024 Complaint investigation
3 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.) $108.30 $108.30
Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) $105.08 $105.08
Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) $101.85 $101.85
Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) $99.73 $99.73

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 152 children
Certificate status Regular
Certificate valid through Feb 28, 2027
Keystone STARS STAR 2
since Oct 9, 2025 · what STARS means
Operator Ducks At Ponds Edge LLC
Hours Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone (484) 768-0123
State certificate # CER-00253760
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has Ducklings Early Learning Center had any serious violations?

Pennsylvania cited 13 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 3, 2026 (supervision): “On 09/10/26, staff person #1 was giving a bathroom break in the infant room, classroom #1, and did not know the names of the 4 infants in the classroom.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about Ducklings Early Learning Center?

Pennsylvania lists 7 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 Ducklings Early Learning Center’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 2, effective Oct 9, 2025. 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 Ducklings Early Learning Center compare with other daycares in Media?

It is #13 of 15 centers in Media by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 67% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was Ducklings Early Learning Center last inspected?

Jun 9, 2026 (allocated unannounced monitoring). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.

How much does Ducklings Early Learning Center cost?

It reported full-time daily rates of $108.30 for infant, $105.08 for young toddler, $101.85 for older toddler, $99.73 for preschool in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.

Who runs Ducklings Early Learning Center?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Ducks At Ponds Edge 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.