Daycare Record Child care inspection records

Happy Learners Development Childcare

408 Avenue of The States, Chester, PA 19013 · Delaware County
2 core-safety citations in last 12 months Keystone STAR 4

Happy Learners Development Childcare is a certified child care center in Chester, PA, with capacity for 19 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 3 times. The state cited 34 violations, 4 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (13 of 34). 12 citations came in the last 12 months, including 2 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #18 of 21 centers in Chester and has more citations per inspection than 94% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 94% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. Among the most cited
#18 of 21 centers in Chester
4 Core-safety citations
30 Other citations
3 Inspections
0 Complaint investigations that found violations
34 citations from 3 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 12 in the last 12 months · last inspected May 18, 2026

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) May 18, 2026 · Inspection · citation found Apr 20, 2026 · Inspection · citation found Jun 2, 2025 · 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 13
Records & paperwork 9
Health & medication 4
Staff ratios 3
Training & qualifications 2
Transportation 2
Background checks 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety May 18, 2026 Inspection Staff ratios
Similar Age Level 55 Pa. Code §3270.51
During unannounced monitoring on 5/18/26, Cert Rep observed the following Staff # 1 and # 2 had a combined total of 11 preschool children. Staff # 1 came downstairs to the 1st floor to open the door, and left Staff # 2 alone with 11 children
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 1, 2026): “5/20/26 Child staff ratio will be corrected by evaluating and monitoring group settings”
Core safety Apr 20, 2026 Inspection Staff ratios
Mixed Age Level 55 Pa. Code §3270.52
During renewal inspection on 4/20/26, Cert Rep observed the following: Staff # 3 had 6 children in care, the youngest 1 yr old, the oldest preschool. Staff# 3 was out of ratio
Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, May 18, 2026): “Staff will take into consideration that student to staff ratio must be prioritized to ensure safety and to stay in compliance with DHS. Ratios will be maintained at all times”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Apr 20, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.65
During renewal inspection on 4/20/26, Cert Rep observed the following: There were missing receptacle covers in the preschool room
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 18, 2026): “All receptacle cover outlets have been replaced”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Apr 20, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Has all items 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(c)
During renewal inspection on 4/20/26, Cert Rep observed the following: The first aid kit in the preschool room was missing tweezers The first aid kit in the toddler room was missing scissors
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 4, 2026): “All first aid kits have been properly inspected to ensure they meet requirements for containing soap, adhesive bandages, sterile gauze pads, tweezers, scissors, and disposable glass”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Apr 20, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
During renewal inspection on 4/20/26, Cert Rep observed the following: The facility's windowsills in the classrooms needed cleaning
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 4, 2026): “All window panels have been washed and disinfected for health and safety reasons”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Apr 20, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Handwashing signs 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(h)
During renewal inspection on 4/20/26, Cert Rep observed the following: the facility did not have the proper handwashing signs at the sinks, and changing table in the facility
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 4, 2026): “All areas with sinks, changing tables and bathroom stalls have posted handwashing signs that specifies specific times handwashing is a must”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Apr 20, 2026 Inspection Building & playground safety
Stairs, exits, etc. unobstructed 55 Pa. Code §3270.91(a)
During renewal inspection on 4/20/26, Cert Rep observed the following: The facility's exit from the kitchen was obstructed with toys and other miscellaneous things
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 4, 2026): “Toys and other miscellaneous items have been removed from facility emergency exit and stairway”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Apr 20, 2026 Inspection Health & medication
Original container 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(1)
During renewal inspection on 4/20/26, Cert Rep observed the following: Child # 2 had an epi pen that was not in the original container
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 4, 2026): “Child # 2 parents requested a container for the prescription, and it was received by the facility on 4/22/26”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Apr 20, 2026 Inspection Health & medication
Medication log 55 Pa. Code §3270.133(7)
During renewal inspection on 4/20/26, Cert Rep observed the following: Child # 2's file did not have a medication log
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 4, 2026): “Child # 2 medication log has been completed and signed by parent”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Apr 20, 2026 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)
During renewal inspection on 4/20/26, Cert Rep observed the following: Child # 1 and child # 2's emergency contact did not have parental signature for obtaining medical care and administration of minor first aid
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 4, 2026): “Child # 1 and # 2 has parental signature on their emergency contact for both emergency medical care and first aid procedure”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Apr 20, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork
Availability of certificate of compliance and applicable regulations 55 Pa. Code §3270.25(a)
During renewal inspection on 4/20/26, Cert Rep observed the following: The facility did not have the department's information posted for parents to easily access it.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 4, 2026): “DHS department information has been posted at out front entrance and at our parents resource wall”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation Apr 20, 2026 Inspection Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)
During renewal inspection on 4/20/26, Cert Rep observed the following: Staff # 1 did not have documentation of 12 clock hours of childcare training in file
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, May 4, 2026): “Staff # 1 completed all required documentation for training (12 hrs.)”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Show 22 older citations
Core safety Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3280.32(a)/3280.192(4)
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following Staff # 4's child abuse clearance was dated 3/25/20
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 26, 2025): “Provider will have staff # 4 complete clearance and place in file. Staff # 4 will not be in a childcare position.”
Core safety Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Staff ratios
Mixed age levels 55 Pa. Code §3280.52(c)
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following Staff # 3 leaving Staff #2 alone in the classroom with 10 children
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 27, 2025): “staff will be in compliance with child-staff ratio”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3280.14/3280.20
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, Cert Rep observed the following: 1. Facility's emergency plan did not have documentation of continuity of operations 2. The facility did not have documentation of shaken baby syndrome policy
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 24, 2025): “Continuity of operation and shaken baby syndrome policy has been completed and posted”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Protective Outlet Covers 5 yrs. or less 55 Pa. Code §3280.65
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following The facility had missing outlet covers in classrooms, playroom, cubby room and hallway
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 27, 2025): “All outlets will be covered”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible - in original container 55 Pa. Code §3280.66(a)
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following The facility had toxic materials located in the lower cabinet of the bathroom that is accessible to children
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 27, 2025): “Toxic materials will be placed in locked cabinets”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3280.69(a)
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following The facility's water in the children's bathroom tested at 127 degrees
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 27, 2025): “Hot water will be adjusted to the correct setting”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Above ground window opening restricted to 6" 55 Pa. Code §3280.72(d)
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following The windows in the facility were able to open more than 6 inches
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 27, 2025): “Windows will not open above 6 inches”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Telephone 55 Pa. Code §3280.73
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following The facility does not have a telephone that stays at facility while children are in care.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 27, 2025): “A telephone has been installed.”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Emergency Numbers Posted 55 Pa. Code §3280.74
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following The facility did not have the emergency numbers posted
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 27, 2025): “All emergency numbers have been posted”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3280.76
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following 1.The facility's windowsills in the childcare spaces were dirty and needed cleaning 2. The facility had ceilings tiles that needed changing in 2 of the classrooms located on the right side after entering the facility
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2025): “Windows have been cleaned and sanitized. Ceiling tiles will be replaced”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Fireplaces & Wood or Coal Burning Stoves 55 Pa. Code §3280.93
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following The facility has a large fireplace located in the playroom that is accessible and tall enough for a child to stand in, did not have protective guard to keep children out.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 27, 2025): “Fireplace will be boarded to ensure children protection”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3280.151(a)/3280.192(3)
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following Staff # 1's health assessment was dated 3/9/23 Staff # 3's health assessment was dated 3/20/23
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 24, 2025): “Staff will have updated health assessments completed”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Transportation
Safe routes posted 55 Pa. Code §3280.171(c)
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following The facility had incomplete evacuation routes posted
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 27, 2025): “Evacuation routes have been posted”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Transportation
Insured 55 Pa. Code §3280.176(a)
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following The facility offers transportation. The facility's insurance expired 9/24/24and registration expired 5/31/25
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 24, 2025): “Facility will not transport children until insurance and registration have been updated and presented to the department”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Liability Insurance 55 Pa. Code §3280.17
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following The facility did not have documentation of liability insurance
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 23, 2025): “Liability insurance has been purchased for new location”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Contact when arises/Contact when ended 55 Pa. Code §3280.26(a)(3)/3280.26(a)(4)
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following The facility's emergency plan did not provide a method of contacting parents at the onset and end of emergency
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 23, 2025): “Emergency plan will be modified to include method for contacting student parents”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Age and training 55 Pa. Code §3280.31(e)(4)(i)
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following While reviewing staff files Staff # 2's Pediatric CPR/First aid was dated 12/28/22 Staff # 3 and Staff # 4's Pediatric CPR/First aid was dated 4/18/23
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 23, 2025): “Provider will have staff complete Pediatric CPR/First aid and place in file. Staff will be supervised by staff that has a complete file until training is completed.”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Written plan 55 Pa. Code §3280.111(a)
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following The facility only had a written plan of daily activities in 1 classroom in the facility and not the other classrooms.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 27, 2025): “All rooms operated by childcare have a schedule posted”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Services proceeded 55 Pa. Code §3280.123(a)(3)
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following While reviewing children's files, Child # 1, # 2, and # 4 did not have documentation of child service report in file
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 24, 2025): “All children files have updated service reports”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Child's name, birth date 55 Pa. Code §3280.124(b)(1)
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following Child # 3's emergency contact did not list date of birth
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 24, 2025): “All children files will have date of birth documented”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3280.124(f)/3280.181(c)
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following Child # 1's emergency contact and agreement was last signed 8/15/24 and 7/25/24 Child # 2's emergency contact and agreement as last signed 8/23/24 and 7/10/24 Child # 4's emergency contact and agreement was last signed 9/10/24 and 9/11/24
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2025): “all emergency contacts have been signed and up to date”
Citation Jun 2, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3280.26(a)(5)
During initial inspection on 6/2/25, cert Rep observed the following The facility's emergency plan did not provide for accommodations for infants toddlers, children with disabilities and chronic medical conditions
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 27, 2025): “Emergency plan has been modified to include measures for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities and chronic medical conditions”

“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

Capacity 19 children
Certificate status Regular
Certificate valid through Jun 30, 2027
Keystone STARS STAR 4
since May 20, 2026 · what STARS means
Programs PA Pre-K Counts
Operator Happy Learners Development Childcare LLC
Hours Monday–Friday 6:00 AM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone (610) 822-0022
State certificate # CER-00257668
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has Happy Learners Development Childcare had any serious violations?

Pennsylvania cited 4 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 May 18, 2026 (staff ratios): “During unannounced monitoring on 5/18/26, Cert Rep observed the following Staff # 1 and # 2 had a combined total of 11 preschool children. Staff # 1 came downstairs to the 1st floor to open the door, and left Staff # 2…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about Happy Learners Development Childcare?

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

What is Happy Learners Development Childcare’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 4, effective May 20, 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 Learners Development Childcare compare with other daycares in Chester?

It is #18 of 21 centers in Chester by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 94% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was Happy Learners Development Childcare last inspected?

May 18, 2026 (unannounced monitoring). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.

Who runs Happy Learners Development Childcare?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Happy Learners Development Childcare 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.