Pennsylvania · Philadelphia · 19149

Foundation 1st Learning Academy

5800 Penn St, Philadelphia, PA 19149 · Philadelphia County

2 core-safety citations in last 12 months 1 complaint investigation found violations Keystone STAR 1

Foundation 1st Learning Academy is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 34 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 8 times and confirmed violations in 1 complaint investigation. The state cited 56 violations, 7 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (19 of 56). 4 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 #935 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 72% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 72% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most

Tied for #935 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia

7 Core-safety citations

49 Other citations

8 Inspections

1 Complaint investigations that found violations

56 citations from 9 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 4 in the last 12 months · last inspected Jul 6, 2026

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 19

Building & playground safety 10

Health & medication 9

Training & qualifications 7

Emergency preparedness 3

Supervision 2

Background checks 2

Caregiver conduct 1

Child protection 1

Transportation 1

Staff ratios 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Jul 6, 2026 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct

No ridicule or threaten harm 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(c)

At the time of the complaint investigation, it was identified that the facility was ridiculing children by putting them in time out in the "Magic Chair" for misbehaving. Although the facility stated they were unaware that this was public shaming. It was explained that this causes a child to be ridiculed by using the "Magic Chair" for misbehaving.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 12, 2026): “The "Magic Chair" was intended to be a designated calming/reset area where a child could sit for a short period of time when they needed help calming down, regrouping, or redirecting their behavior. It was not created or intended to ridicule, embarrass, degrade or publicly shame any child. After…”

Core safety Jul 6, 2026 Inspection Supervision

Supervised at all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)

At the time of complaint investigation child #1 was alone receiving services from their therapist unsupervised by facility staff.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 12, 2026): “I created a policy requiring parents to sign a consent form if their child will be receiving services from an outside therapist while at the facility. I also requested updated clearances and required documentation for all therapists who provide services at my center. Staff have been reminded that…”

Citation Jul 6, 2026 Complaint investigation Records & paperwork

Permit specialized services 55 Pa. Code §3270.17(b)

At the time of the complaint investigation, it was verified that the facility was denying services for special needs if the therapist did not schedule with the facility a day in advance and or 1 hour in advance of when services were going to be provided.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 12, 2026): “Foundation 1st Learning Academy has reviewed and clarified its procedure regarding therapist scheduling. The purpose of requesting advance communication from therapists is not to deny or prevent a child from receiving specialized services. Some children enrolled in the facility receive services…”

Citation Feb 4, 2026 Inspection Health & medication

12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)

At the time of inspection on 2/19/2026, there was not a health assessment on file for facility staff #1.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 13, 2026): “Facility staff #1 will obtain a current health assessment.”

Core safety Aug 21, 2025 Inspection Child protection

Fraud or deceit in obtaining or attempting to obtain a certificate of compliance 55 Pa. Code §20.71(a)(7)

At the time of inspection, a fire system inspection report was submitted and it was later determined that the date on the report was falsified. The fire system inspection company verified that they had not completed the inspection in August 2024 as the report was dated. The inspection report submitted by the facility was actually completed in July 2023.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 2, 2026): “The operator will ensure that all documents submitted to OCDEL are authentic and not falsified in any way. The operator obtained the correct 2024 fire system report from the landlord.”

Citation Aug 21, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety

Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)

At the time of inspection on 8/22/2025, Certification Representative observed the garage area where cleaning supplies were stored was not locked. **At the time of inspection on 9/19/2025, Certification Representatives observed the garage area where cleaning supplies were stored was not locked. This is a repeated non-compliance.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 6, 2025): “The operator will align the latch that keeps the door locked. Will keep the door locked at all times and will need a key to open. Will place a sign on the door stating will keep door locked at all times and will purchase a door twisted-lock to make inaccessible for children to unlock the door.”

Citation Aug 21, 2025 Inspection Health & medication

Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(b)(2)

There was not an updated health assessment at least every 12 months for facility child #2. The health assessments on file were completed 19 months apart.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 19, 2025): “The operator will remind parents when health reports are due and take necessary steps to ensure health reports are completed and on file as required.”

Citation Aug 21, 2025 Inspection Health & medication

Free from contagious/communicable disease 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(d)(7)

The health assessment for facility child #4 did not include a statement that the child is able to participate in child care and appears to be free from contagious or communicable disease.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 28, 2025): “An updated health assessment will be obtained for facility child #4 that includes a statement that the child is able to participate in child care and appears free of contagious or communicable diseases.”

Citation Aug 21, 2025 Inspection Health & medication

12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)

There was not a health assessment on file for facility staff #1 who had a start date of 6/9/2025.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 28, 2025): “Facility staff #1 was suspended until the required health report is obtained. The operator will maintain all health reports on file.”

Citation Aug 21, 2025 Inspection Emergency preparedness

Every 60 days/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance 55 Pa. Code §3270.94(a)(1)/3270.95(b)

At the time of inspection on 8/22/2025, Certification Representative observed the fire drill logs had a gap between 7/20/2024 - 5/21/2025. There was no documentation of fire drills being conducted at least every 60 days between these dates.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 19, 2025): “The operator will ensure that fire drills are conducted at least every 60 days and documented on the logs immediately after each drill.”

Show 46 older citations

Citation Aug 21, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety

Devices must be compliant 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)

At the time of inspection on 8/22/2025, Certification Representative observed that there was not documentation of monthly fire system checks. The annual inspection form presented did not include the signature of the professional who completed the form and was missing the last page of the report (page 5). The director reported to Certification Representative that there was an issue with the fire alarm system and no electricity was getting to the fire alarm panel. There was not documentation of this issue being resolved. The director was unable to demonstrate that the fire alarm system was in good working order.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 19, 2025): “The operator installed temporary smoke detectors which will be checked daily to ensure good working order. By 10/5/2025 the electrical and fire system will be inspected and any necessary repairs will be made to ensure it is up to code and in good working order. detection devices or systems must be…”

Citation Aug 21, 2025 Inspection Transportation

Pick-up and drop-off points 55 Pa. Code §3270.171(a)

There was not documentation of notification to the local traffic safety authorities annually of the location of the facility and the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the child care facility.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 19, 2025): “The operator sent the local traffic authority notice in writing of its location and program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the child care facility.”

Citation Aug 21, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork

Each child care space 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(c)

At the time of inspection on 8/22/2025, Certification Representative observed that children's emergency contact forms were not present in the child care space the children were in.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 19, 2025): “A copy of each child's emergency contact form will be made and kept in a bindier in each child care space children are receiving care.”

Citation Aug 21, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork

Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.181(c)

The emergency contact and agreement forms for facility child #1 were not updated at least once every six months are required. The forms were dated 3/5/2024 and 6/12/2025.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 19, 2025): “The operator will require parents to review and update the emergency contact information and the financial agreement at least once in a 6-month period.”

Citation Aug 23, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety

Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)

At the time of inspection on 8/27/2024, Certification Representative observed the door to a storage area off the first classroom was unlocked and contained cleaning supplies that were not made inaccessible.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 20, 2024): “The storage area door was immediately locked. The operator will ensure this door remains locked at all times.”

Citation Aug 23, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork

Services proceeded 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(3)

There was not a child service report or another approved developmental assessment on file for facility child #2, as required.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 27, 2024): “The operator will ensure an approved development assessment is completed for facility child #2.”

Citation Aug 23, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork

Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)

The emergency contact form for facility child #3 did not include the addresses of all release persons.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 27, 2024): “The operator will obtain the addresses on the emergency contact form of facility child #3.”

Citation Aug 23, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork

Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.181(c)

The emergency contact and agreement forms for facility child #1 were not updated at least once every 6 months. The last update documented was 2/14/2024.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 27, 2024): “The operator will have the parents of facility child #1 review and update the emergency contact and agreement forms.”

Citation Aug 23, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications

Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)

Facility staff #1 and #2 did not complete all 12 clock hours of child care training at least annually.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 20, 2024): “Facility staff #1 and #2 completed the remaining child care training hours.”

Core safety Aug 17, 2023 Inspection Staff ratios

Similar Age Level 55 Pa. Code §3270.51

During the unannounced monitoring inspection conducted on 8/17/2023 observed 1 staff person responsible for 14 children with the youngest in the group being age 4.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 21, 2023): “The staff will not leave site unless there are enough staff to children ratio.”

Citation Aug 17, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety

Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76

During the unannounced monitoring inspection conducted on 8/17/2023 observed a damaged wall where an air conditioner used to be in the front of the main room.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 21, 2023): “The wall will be repaired and painted by 8/28/2023 by maintenance dept.”

Core safety Jul 5, 2023 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/05/2023 observed staff person #1's record did not include verification of FBI clearance. Observed staff person #2's record did not include verification of National Sex Offender Registry and mandated reporter training.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 7, 2023): “Staff person #1- has the correct FBI clearance and Staff person #2- has provide the NSOR both documents were sent to state reps email.”

Citation Jul 5, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety

110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/05/2023 observed the hot water temperature in the bathroom sink measured at 150° F.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 7, 2023): “The water within the child care space has been turned off and the cabinet has be child proof.”

Citation Jul 5, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety

Has all items 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(c)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/05/2023 observed the first aid kit in the Preschool room did not contain an assortment of adhesive bandages.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 7, 2023): “The first aid kit has obtain assorted bandages in each first aid kit at our site.”

Citation Jul 5, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

Immunization record/Exemption documentation from parent/guardian 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(d)(5)/3270.131(e)(1)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/05/2023 observed child #2's health report did not include verification of the influenza vaccine.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 7, 2023): “Unable to obtain necessary medical records on child #2, due to religious belief. Exemption letter from parent provided.”

Citation Jul 5, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

Physical examination/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(1)/3270.192(3)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/05/2023 observed staff person #2's record did not include an adult health assessment.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 7, 2023): “A health assessment for staff has updated with required fields completed and has been email to rep.”

Citation Jul 5, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

Health information/Initial and subsequent health reports 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)/3270.182(1)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/05/2023 observed child #1's record did not include verification of an initial health report.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 7, 2023): “A health report for child #1 has received and has been email to rep.”

Citation Jul 5, 2023 Inspection Training & qualifications

Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(i)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/05/2023 observed staff person #1's record did not include verification of completion of training by a professional in the field of first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 7, 2023): “Staff person #1 has a first -aid and CPR training. The CPR training was sent to inspector email address.”

Citation Jul 5, 2023 Inspection Training & qualifications

Director qualifications/Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(b)/3270.192(2)(ii)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/05/2023 observed staff person #2's record did not include verification of child care experience and education.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 7, 2023): “Staff person #2 has their verification of child care experience and education and these documents were sent to the office in an email.”

Citation Jul 5, 2023 Inspection Training & qualifications

HS/GED + 2 yrs/Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.36(b)(5)/3270.192(2)(ii)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/05/2023 observed staff person #1's record did not include verification of child care experience.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 7, 2023): “Staff person #2 has their verification of child care experience and education and these documents were sent to the office in an email.”

Citation Jul 5, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Signed 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/05/2023 observed child #3's record did not include a fee agreement.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 7, 2023): “An agreement for child #3 has updated with daycare fee as required.”

Citation Jul 5, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Each child emergency contact person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(a)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/05/2023 observed child #1's record did not include emergency contact information.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 7, 2023): “An emergency contact information for child #1 has updated with required fields completed and has been email to rep.”

Citation Jul 5, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/05/2023 observed staff person #2's record did not include two written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 7, 2023): “Staff person #2 - has all required references and all documents were sent in an email.”

Core safety Jul 13, 2022 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

During the renewal inspection follow-up on 8/26/2022 observed staff person #1's file did not contain National Sex Offender Registry. Staff person #2's file included an FBI clearance that was not done thru IdentoGO. Staff person #3's file did not include child abuse clearance, FBI clearance or mandated reporter training. Staff person #4's FBI clearance expired on 12/30/2021.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 21, 2022): “Staff #1 has completed NSOR displaced out of her file. Completed on 3/6/2020 Certificate is attached to email. Staff person #3's clearances were obtained. Staff person #2 no longer employed as of 8/19/22. Staff person #4 no longer employed as of 7/15/22.”

Core safety Jul 13, 2022 Inspection Supervision

Staff assigned to specific children 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)(1)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/13/2022 observed both staff present named the same child when asked to name the children assigned to them for supervision.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 26, 2022): “The staff person has been trained on her position.”

Citation Jul 13, 2022 Inspection Emergency preparedness

Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)

During the renewal inspection follow-up on 8/26/2022 observed staff person #1, #2 and #4's files did not include updated emergency plan training. Observed staff person #3's file did not include training regarding the emergency plan at the time of initial employment.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 21, 2022): “All staff in facility have completed emergency plan training. File has been attached to email. Staff person #2 no longer employed as of 8/19/22. Staff person #4 no longer employed as of 7/15/22.”

Citation Jul 13, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety

Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/13/2022 observed cleaning supplies child accessible underneath the sink as the child proof lock appeared to be broken.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 26, 2022): “There was a child proof lock that was installed.”

Citation Jul 13, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety

Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/13/2022 observed water damage in the infant area ceiling and wall. It was observed that parts of the ceiling and wall had already fallen off the wall and mold was observed to be growing on it. Broken tile was observed next to the green wall in the lunch area. Exposed nails were observed on the wall in the yellow bathroom.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 29, 2022): “The rental company came out to commercial property and repaired the water leak on 8/10/2022.”

Citation Jul 13, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety

No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/13/2022 observed chipped paint on the room divider, in the blue bathroom and on the purple wall.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 29, 2022): “Paint repairs have been made. When children begin to remove or peel paint. It will be repaired on the spot.”

Citation Jul 13, 2022 Inspection Building & playground safety

High Chairs 55 Pa. Code §3270.105

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/13/2022 observed the highchair activity table was missing safety straps.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 26, 2022): “The high chair table has been removed from my facility.”

Citation Jul 13, 2022 Inspection Health & medication

12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)

During the renewal inspection follow-up on 8/26/2022 observed staff person #1's health assessment expired on 9/20/2021. Observed staff person #2 and #3's file did not include a health assessment.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 16, 2022): “Each new staff have to complete health assessment upon hire. Health assessments are attached to this email. Staff person #2 no longer employed as of 8/19/22.”

Citation Jul 13, 2022 Inspection Health & medication

Record include X-ray results and evaluation 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(2)(ii)

During the renewal inspection follow-up on 8/26/2022 observed staff person #1's last health assessment showed a positive tuberculin test but did not include the results of a chest x-ray and evaluation for chemoprophylaxis.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 16, 2022): “Staff #1 has a completed chest x-ray displaced out of her file. Rx of chest has been attached to email.”

Citation Jul 13, 2022 Inspection Emergency preparedness

Every 60 days 55 Pa. Code §3270.94(a)(1)

During the renewal inspection conducted on 7/13/2022 observed the fire drill log was not filled in with any dates to show that fire drills were conducted.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 21, 2022): “Fire drill will be conducted on a 60 day basis. Fire drill folder will be accessible to all staff.”

Citation Jul 13, 2022 Inspection Training & qualifications

Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(i)

During the renewal inspection follow-up on 8/26/2022 observed staff person #1's pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) expired on 6/12/2021.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 19, 2022): “Staff #1 has completed CPR training. The certificates are attach to email.”

Citation Jul 13, 2022 Inspection Training & qualifications

Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)

During the renewal inspection follow-up on 8/26/2022 observed staff person #1's last fire safety training expired as it was conducted on 11/6/2020.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 16, 2022): “Staff #1 has completed Fire safety training. The certificates are attached to email.”