Daycare Record Child care inspection records

Foundations Learning Academy LLC

3621 Emerald St, Philadelphia, PA 19134 · Philadelphia County
Keystone STAR 2

Foundations Learning Academy LLC is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 26 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 2 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 4 times. The state cited 25 violations, 1 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (7 of 25). 13 citations came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #833 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 63% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 63% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most
Tied for #833 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia
1 Core-safety citations
24 Other citations
4 Inspections
0 Complaint investigations that found violations
25 citations from 4 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 13 in the last 12 months · last inspected Jun 9, 2026

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Jun 9, 2026 · Inspection · no citation Dec 23, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Feb 17, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Aug 8, 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 7
Records & paperwork 6
Emergency preparedness 4
Training & qualifications 4
Health & medication 1
Transportation 1
Other standards 1
Background checks 1

Citations, newest first

Citation Dec 23, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
On December 23, 2025, during the renewal inspection, the closet on the right side of the main room contained rodent spray, accessible and in reach to children receiving care in the space.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 10, 2026): “Provider locked rodent spray away from the students in an area they should not be able to access in the kitchen.”
Citation Dec 23, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
On December 23, 2025, during the renewal inspection, the ceiling tiles in the bathroom on the left side of the hall were stained, discolored.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 10, 2026): “Provider will have area repainted and keep in good repair.”
Citation Dec 23, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
On December 23, 2025, during the renewal inspection, there was chipping paint along the blue pillar in the front of the main room near the entrance, and on the white shelf near the hallway of the main room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 10, 2026): “Blue pillar paint is repaired, white hallway shelf will be complete by 2/7/26.”
Citation Dec 23, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Handwashing signs 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(h)
On December 23, 2025, during the renewal inspection, staff person #1 did not wash their hands after completing a diaper change.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 6, 2026): “Provider placed hand washing signs at every required spot. Staff person #1 was given a training by director on how and when to wash hands.”
Citation Dec 23, 2025 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(6)
On December 23, 2025, during the renewal inspection, there was no evidence or documentation on file of emergency drills being conducted annually, at the facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 29, 2026): “Provider completed the emergency drill log.”
Citation Dec 23, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
Health information/Initial and subsequent health reports 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)/3270.182(1)
On December 23, 2025, during the renewal inspection, the file reviewed for child #2 did not contain a health assessment.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 10, 2026): “Child #2 had an appointment on 12/17/25, mother rescheduled to 2/9/26.”
Citation Dec 23, 2025 Inspection Transportation
Pick-up and drop-off points 55 Pa. Code §3270.171(a)
On December 23, 2025, during the renewal inspection, there was no evidence that the operator notified the local traffic safety authorities annually in writing of the location of the facility and the program's use of pedestrian and vehicular routes around the childcare facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 6, 2026): “Provider notified the 24th police district of my annual traffic safety route”
Citation Dec 23, 2025 Inspection Other standards
General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.21
On December 23, 2025, during the renewal inspection, the closet on the right side of the main room contained an electric drill and hammer, accessible and in reach to children receiving care in the space.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 29, 2026): “Provider placed a "keep door locked signs" up on the doors. Providers placed the unsafe items on a shelf out of the reach of the children in the closet.”
Citation Dec 23, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)
On December 23, 2025, during the renewal inspection, Staff persons #2, and #3 have completed Pediatric first aid and CPR training, however the training was not completed through a Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) approved curriculum. (The training reviewed was a full online course)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 9, 2026): “Provider will hold a CPR training on 2/6/26, provider set up the correct training for the entire center.”
Citation Dec 23, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
HS/GED + 2 yrs 55 Pa. Code §3270.36(b)(5)
On December 23, 2025, during the renewal inspection, the education document reviewed in the file for staff person #1 were not acceptable. (The education document reviewed is a foreign document which needs to be translated and evaluated).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 10, 2026): “Staff person #1 will complete the foreign education evaluation to get her diploma verified, staff will be supervised.”
Citation Dec 23, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
HS/GED + 2 yrs/Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.36(b)(5)/3270.192(2)(ii)
On December 23, 2025, during the renewal inspection, the file reviewed for staff person # 2 did not contain documentation of education qualifying staff person # 2 to work in their childcare position at the facility. (Assistant Group Supervisor)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 10, 2026): “Staff person #2 will get the transcripts by 2/6/26. Staff person will be supervised until transcripts are received.”
Citation Dec 23, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Physician name, address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(2)
On December 23, 2025, during the renewal inspection, the emergency contact form reviewed for child #1 did not contain the physician's name.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 6, 2026): “Child #1 mother added the doctors name.”
Citation Dec 23, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Emergency master file updated 55 Pa. Code §3270.181(e)
On December 23, 2025, during the renewal inspection, emergency contact forms reviewed in the main room childcare space for the children present and receiving care in the spaces were incomplete (missing information). (Main room)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 6, 2026): “All missing information was updated on emergency contact forms.”
Citation Feb 17, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
No styrofoam 55 Pa. Code §3270.108(c)
The facility children were observed eating lunch on Styrofoam plates.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 6, 2025): “The facility will use paper or plastic for meals.”
Citation Feb 17, 2025 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)
At the time of inspection, the admissions information in the files for facility children #1-#5 did not have signed permission for emergency medical care and minor first-aid.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 13, 2025): “All parents will update the forms.”
Core safety Aug 8, 2024 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
At the time of initial inspection, the file for Staff person #1 (see code sheet for hire date) did not contain a completed PA state criminal clearance, DHS required FBI clearance, NSOR verification, dated disclosure statement or verification of completion of mandated reporter training. Non-compliance must be corrected prior to issuance of initial certificate of compliance.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 9, 2024): “PA criminal clearance completed, and results received. Application for NSOR and FBI completed. Disclosure will be dated. Results will be obtained and placed in file. Mandated Reporter completed”
Citation Aug 8, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Contact when arises/Contact when ended 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(3)/3270.27(a)(4)
At the time of the initial inspection, the facility's emergency plan did not include contact of parents in the beginning and ending of an emergency situation. Non compliance must be corrected prior to issuance of initial certificate of compliance.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 14, 2024): “I will add parents will be notified at the beginning and end of the situation.”
Citation Aug 8, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)
At the time of the initial inspection, staff person #1 and #2 did not have verification of emergency plan training at the time of employment. Non compliance must be corrected prior to issuance of initial certificate of compliance.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 19, 2024): “I will sign the emergency plan and have my staff sign.”
Citation Aug 8, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Space safe for large muscle activity 55 Pa. Code §3270.62(c)
At the time of the initial inspection, the indoor play space had napping mats, table and chairs. Corrected in site.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 8, 2024): “Provider removed cot and table from play space.”
Citation Aug 8, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Clean, good repair, proper size 55 Pa. Code §3270.104(a)
At the time of the inspection, the infant room's bookshelf was not mounted on the wall. Non compliance must be corrected prior to issuance of initial certificate of compliance.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 14, 2024): “the bookshelf was mounted”
Citation Aug 8, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(5)
At the time of the initial inspection, facility's emergency plan did not include accommodations for infant, toddlers, children with special needs during an emergency. Non compliance must be corrected prior to issuance of initial certificate of compliance.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 19, 2024): “I will add the accommodations for any one with special needs.”
Citation Aug 8, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
At the time of inspection, the policy on file for Shaken Baby Syndrome, Abusive Head Trauma and Child Maltreatment did not include strategies for coping with a crying, fussing, or distraught child; and did not address the prevention and identification of child maltreatment. Non compliance must be corrected prior to issuance of initial certificate of compliance.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 14, 2024): “I will add coping strategies and prevention.”
Citation Aug 8, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications
HS/GED + 2 yrs/Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.36(b)(5)/3270.192(2)(ii)
At the time of the initial inspection, staff person #1 did not have verification of child care experience, and education at the time of the initial inspection. Staff person #1 is employed as an AGS. Non compliance must be corrected prior to issuance of initial certificate of compliance.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 9, 2024): “I will obtain verification of education and experience for identified staff person and place in staff file”
Citation Aug 8, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Written emergency plan posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(e)
At the time of the initial inspection, the operator did not have the emergency transportation plan and was not posted in every child care space. Non-compliance must be corrected prior to the issuance of certificate of compliance.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 9, 2024): “emergency transportation plan posted in every child care space.”
Citation Aug 8, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
At the time of the initial inspection, the staff person #1 did not have two written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person. Non compliance must be corrected prior to issuance of initial certificate of compliance.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 9, 2024): “two references will be obtained in placed in staff file.”

“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.

Enforcement actions

Issuance of Provisional Certificate of Compliance at the time of Initial Sep 17, 2024
COMPASS status: Pending Appeal · the center has since been granted a regular certificate

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
Newborn (Under 6 Weeks) $70.00 $50.00
Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) $70.00 $50.00
Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) $64.00 $44.00
Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) $63.00 $43.00
Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) $61.00 $41.00

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 26 children
Certificate status Regular
Certificate valid through Mar 9, 2027
Keystone STARS STAR 2
since Jul 15, 2026 · what STARS means
Operator Foundations Learning Academy LLC
Hours Monday–Sunday 6:00 AM–6:00 AM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone (267) 977-1609
State certificate # CER-00251629
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has Foundations Learning Academy LLC had any serious violations?

Pennsylvania cited 1 violation 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 8, 2024 (background checks): “At the time of initial inspection, the file for Staff person #1 (see code sheet for hire date) did not contain a completed PA state criminal clearance, DHS required FBI clearance, NSOR verification, dated disclosure…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about Foundations Learning Academy LLC?

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

What is Foundations Learning Academy LLC’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 2, effective Jul 15, 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 Foundations Learning Academy LLC compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?

It is tied for #833 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 63% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was Foundations Learning Academy LLC last inspected?

Jun 9, 2026 (allocated unannounced monitoring). No violations were cited during that visit.

How much does Foundations Learning Academy LLC cost?

It reported full-time daily rates of $70.00 for newborn, $70.00 for infant, $64.00 for young toddler, $63.00 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.

Who runs Foundations Learning Academy LLC?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Foundations Learning Academy 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.