Happy Kids Academy is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 63 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 4 times. The state cited 27 violations, 1 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (9 of 27). None of them came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #848 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 65% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
More citations than 65% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most
Tied for #848 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia
1
Core-safety citations
26
Other citations
4
Inspections
0
Complaint investigations that found violations
27 citations from 4 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · none in the last 12 months · last inspected Jul 28, 2025
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
9
Building & playground safety
6
Health & medication
5
Training & qualifications
5
Background checks
1
Emergency preparedness
1
Citations, newest first
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 1 and 2 were missing NSOR from their file. Staff 1 was missing signed disclosure statement and mandated reporter training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “Staff 1 immediately attended this matter. We reordered for the 5th time this document and she was suspended util documentation was received. Staff 2 should receive their NSOR by 10-2-24”
Citation
Sep 18, 2024
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 1 and 2 were missing emergency plan training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 4, 2024): “Added emergency plan training for staff 1 and 2. They took emergency plan training already nut we added on the date”
Citation
Sep 18, 2024
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
During renewal inspection certification rep observed wipes and spray bottles accessible in room 2 and in the bathroom under the sink
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “We immediately added new safety lock to the cabinet and under the sink”
Citation
Sep 18, 2024
Inspection
Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
During renewal inspection certification rep observed chipped paint in room 4, room 3, room 1b and in the bathroom on the first floor and the hallway downstairs near the bathroom had plaster
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “We immediately fixed the chipped paint in room 4, room 3, 1b and bathroom on the first floor and the hallways downstairs (corner) near the bathroom”
Citation
Sep 18, 2024
Inspection
Health & medication
Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(b)(2)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Health assessment for child 2 was expired. (dated 2-1-22)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “We let the parents know immediately and notified child 2 parent that child can come back when we have a new health report. Form received on 10-2-24”
Citation
Sep 18, 2024
Inspection
Health & medication
Original container 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(1)
During renewal inspection certification rep observed expired hydrocortisone cream in room 3. Corrected on site.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “We discarded immediately and threw it in the trash. The cream was new and never used.”
Citation
Sep 18, 2024
Inspection
Health & medication
Toothbrush bristles up 55 Pa. Code §3270.134(f)
During renewal inspection certification rep observed the toothbrushes in room 1A touching each other inside a bin.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “We bought and assembled at the wall next to the sink the toothbrush holder and covered the child's toothbrushes”
Citation
Sep 18, 2024
Inspection
Health & medication
Mantoux TB/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(2)/3270.192(3)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 3 was missing physical and TB.During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 1 was missing date of TB was read.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “Staff 3 doesn't work with us anymore. Staff 1 confirmed, and Dr. fixed the file and added date TB read”
Citation
Sep 18, 2024
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 5 was missing fire safety training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 4, 2024): “Staff 5 took fire safety training on 9-12-24. We printed and added certificate to file.”
Citation
Sep 18, 2024
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 1 and 4 and 5 were missing 10 hour health and safety training
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “Staff 1 took 10 hour health and safety training on 9-24-24 and 1 hour training on 9-3-24. Staff 4 took same training on 9-19-24. Staff 5 completed training on 10-4-24”
Show 17 older citations
Citation
Sep 18, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Amount of fee/Date fee to be paid 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(1)/3270.123(a)(2)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Fee agreement for child 1 did not specify the amount of the fee to be charged per day or per week.During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Fee agreement for child 1 did not specify the date on which the fee is to be paid.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “We added the fee amount on the agreement on child 1 immediately and filed”
Citation
Sep 18, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Written consent/Consent for emergency medical care required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(4)/3270.182(3)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Emergency contact for child 1,2,3 and 4 was missing signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “We gave the parents the form to sign for child 1,2,3 and 4”
Citation
Sep 18, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.181(c)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Fee agreement and emergency contact for child 4 were expired.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “Child 4 parent signed and updated emergency contact and fee agreement.”
Citation
Sep 18, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Consent for administration of minor first-aid required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(5)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Emergency contact for child 1,2,3 and 4 were missing signed parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “Parents of child 1,2,3 and 4 signed and updated emergency contact”
Citation
Sep 18, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(2)(ii)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. staff 4 is missing verification of childcare experience.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “Staff 4 has verification of ECE experience in the file.”
Citation
Sep 18, 2024
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)
During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 5 was missing 8 annual training hours.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “Staff 5 took training on 9-14-24 but was missing the certificate inside the file (child abuse and neglect). Staff also took 10 hour health and safety training.”
Citation
Aug 19, 2024
Inspection
Building & playground safety
General Health and Safety/Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.21/3270.76
During unannounced visit certification rep observed a group of toddlers playing in a room that is not licensed by DHS. The room had broken tiles, chipped paint and holes on the wall.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 18, 2024): “We immediately proceeded to lock it, we out a sign prohibiting the access of children in that area. A meeting was held with staff to inform them and collected signatures to make sure all staff and teachers know and prove having been informed that day.”
Citation
Nov 8, 2023
Inspection
Building & playground safety
General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.21
During initial inspection certification rep observed a hole next to the outlet cover in the hallway between room 3 and 4.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 13, 2023): “The hole was covered with caulking material and after painted”
Citation
Nov 8, 2023
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Original container 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(b)
During initial inspection cert observed Clorox wipes and white out under the changing table accessible in the room 3. Corrected on site.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 16, 2023): “We remove the Clorox wipes and white our and we locked them making them inaccessible for children/”
Citation
Nov 8, 2023
Inspection
Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
During initial inspection certification rep observed chipped paint in room 3 (gray walls and near the door) and 4 gray walls and near the door). Certification rep observed chipped paint on the door frame in room 3. Peeling paint was observed in each stall of the children's bathroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 16, 2023): “The walls in room #3, 4 and bathroom were painted and covered”
Citation
Nov 8, 2023
Inspection
Health & medication
Mantoux TB 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(2)
During initial inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 1 and staff 2 were missing date TB was read on health assessment. Health assessment for staff 3, the TB section says see attached but nothing was attached to the health assessment. There are no TB results for staff 3. Physical for Staff 2 was more than 12 months old.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 13, 2023): “Staff 1 and 2 provided their TB read results. Staff 3 provided the attachment for the TB test. Staff 2 will provide updated physical”
Citation
Nov 8, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(i)
During initial inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 2 pediatric first aid/ CPR expired on 2-28-23
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 13, 2023): “Staff #2 took first aid and CPR training”
Citation
Nov 8, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
HS/GED + 30 credits 55 Pa. Code §3270.36(b)(1)
During initial inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 3 was missing high school diploma/ GED from her file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 13, 2023): “Staff #3, The high school diploma was printed and added to her file.”
Citation
Nov 8, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Arrival/departure times 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(4)
During initial inspection certification rep reviewed children's file. Fee agreement for child 2 did not specify the child's arrival and departure times.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 13, 2023): “Child #2, the agreement was given to his mom to add the child's arrival and departure time.”
Citation
Nov 8, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Written consent/Consent for emergency medical care required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(4)/3270.182(3)
During initial inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Emergency contact for child 2 was missing signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 13, 2023): “Parent signed emergency medical care for the child”
Citation
Nov 8, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)
During initial inspection certification rep reviewed children's file. Emergency contact for child 1 was missing telephone number of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 13, 2023): “Parent added the missing telephone number for the person who the child can be released to”
Citation
Nov 8, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Consent for administration of minor first-aid required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(5)
During initial inspection certification rep reviewed children's files. Emergency contact for child 2 was missing signed parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 13, 2023): “Parent signed the consent for administration of minor first aid procedures”
“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) | $59.40 | $50.00 |
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $59.40 | $50.00 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $56.40 | $46.40 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $53.00 | $43.00 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $50.00 | $40.20 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $40.20 | $35.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $40.20 | $35.00 |
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
63 children
Certificate status
Regular (COMPASS: awaiting renewal)
Certificate valid through
Nov 16, 2026
Operator
Happy Kids Academy LLC
Hours
Monday–Friday 6:00 AM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone
(215) 309-2582
State certificate #
CER-00242429
Common questions
Has Happy Kids Academy 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 Sep 18, 2024 (background checks): “During renewal inspection certification rep reviewed staff files. Staff 1 and 2 were missing NSOR from their file. Staff 1 was missing signed disclosure statement and mandated reporter training.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Happy Kids Academy?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Happy Kids Academy since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is Happy Kids Academy’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Feb 18, 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 Happy Kids Academy compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?
It is tied for #848 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 65% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Happy Kids Academy last inspected?
Jul 28, 2025 (renewal). No violations were cited during that visit.
How much does Happy Kids Academy cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $59.40 for newborn, $59.40 for infant, $56.40 for young toddler, $53.00 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Happy Kids Academy?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Happy Kids Academy LLC.
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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.