Ducklings Early Learning Center Great Valley
Ducklings Early Learning Center Great Valley is a certified child care center in Malvern, PA, with capacity for 139 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 7 times. The state cited 22 violations, 3 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (7 of 22). None of them came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #3 of 12 centers in Malvern and has fewer citations per inspection than 65% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
During the renewal inspection conducted 8/20/25, there was no emergency plan posted in a conspicuous location.
During the renewal inspection conducted on August 19, 2024, the records reviewed for staff persons #3 and #4 did not include verification of childcare experience to qualify the staff person for the position performing. (Assistant Group Supervisor).
During the renewal inspection conducted on August 19, 2024, the record reviewed for Staff person #3 did not include two written references speaking to the staff persons suitably. Only one reference in the record spoke to the staff persons suitability to work with children. Staff person #4 record did not include two written nonfamily references.
During the renewal inspection conducted on August 19, 2024, there was no evidence that staff person #1 and #2 obtained 12 clock hours of childcare training within a 12-month period. (see hire dates on code sheet).
On 9/21/23, at time of renewal, Staff #6 has been employed at the facility more than 45 days. Staff #6 file did not contain a completed NSOR clearance required by CPSL. Staff #1 file did not contain proof of request of NSOR clearance, and a signed Disclosure Statement as required by CPSL in order to work provisionally for 45 days. Staff #2 file did not contain proof of FBI receipt as required by CPSL to work provisionally for 45 days. Additionally, Staff # 2 was observed working in the PS Classroom unsupervised by a permanent staff person.
On 9/21/23, at time of renewal, Child #1 has been enrolled at the facility for more than 60 days. Child #1 immunization record did not contain annual influenza vaccine as recommended by the ACIP.
On 9/21/23, at time of inspection, an EpiPen and Benadryl belonging to Child #2 was observed in the preschool classroom. The EpiPen was not in its original container with prescription containing child's name. The Benadryl was not labeled with the child's name.
On 9/21/23, at time of renewal, Staff #1, #3, #4 and #5 files did not contain the date in which results of tuberculosis testing was obtained.
On 9/21/23, at time of renewal, the facility did not have a policy on file to address Shaken Baby Syndrome/Head Trauma/Maltreatment of Children as required by OCDEL.
On 9/21/23, at time of renewal, emergency contact information was not present in the outdoor childcare space where children were receiving care.
On 9/21/23, at time of renewal, Child #3 and #4 files did not contain financial agreements dated at least once in a 6-month period. Child #3 financial agreement was dated 12/20/22. Child #4 financial agreement was dated 6/26/22.
On 9/21/23, at time of inspection, Staff #1 file did not contain 2 letters of written references.
Staff person #1 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised. Staff person #1 has not completed the following pre-service training required prior to caring for children unsupervised: Pediatric First Aid/CPR
On 10/19/22, Staff person #1 was observed to be caring for children unsupervised in the PK room. Staff #1 file did not contain results of FBI and NSOR clearances as required by CPS Law.
On 10/19/22, Staff #4 was observed working with children in the Infant room. Staff #4 file did not contain verification of education and experience.
On 10/19/22, Staff #2 was observed being utilized as a staff person in the Older Toddler Classroom. An individual record was not observed for Staff #2.
On 10/19/22, Staff #3 file did not contain two written references.
During the initial inspection on May 9, 2022, there was an uncovered electrical outlet observed in indoor play space storage closet.
During the initial inspection on May 9, 2022, the facility's heating system was accessible to children behind unlocked door in the indoor play space.
During the initial inspection on May 9, 2022, metal building supplies were observed behind an unlocked door in indoor play space accessible to children.
During the initial inspection on May 9, 2022, the signs posted in toilet areas did not include washing hands before eating.
During the initial inspection on May 9, 2022, there were no lidded waste receptacles in toilet areas.
“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.
About this center
Common questions
Has Ducklings Early Learning Center Great Valley had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 3 violations since 2021 on the topics Daycare Record treats as core safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep). The most recent, on Sep 21, 2023 (background checks): “On 9/21/23, at time of renewal, Staff #6 has been employed at the facility more than 45 days. Staff #6 file did not contain a completed NSOR clearance required by CPSL. Staff #1 file did not contain proof of request of…” 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 Great Valley?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Ducklings Early Learning Center Great Valley since 2021. 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 Great Valley’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 1, effective Nov 21, 2022. 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 Great Valley compare with other daycares in Malvern?
It is #3 of 12 centers in Malvern by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 65% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Ducklings Early Learning Center Great Valley last inspected?
Aug 10, 2026 (renewal). No violations were cited during that visit.
Who runs Ducklings Early Learning Center Great Valley?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Little Lennons Early Learning 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.
Concerned about this center? See how to report a daycare: which state line to call, what to write down and what happens next.