John Welsh is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it twice. The state cited 17 violations, none of them core-safety, most often for training & qualifications (7 of 17). All 17 came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #898 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 68% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
More citations than 68% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most
Tied for #898 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia
0
Core-safety citations
17
Other citations
2
Inspections
0
Complaint investigations that found violations
17 citations from 2 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 17 in the last 12 months · last inspected Mar 27, 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
Training & qualifications
7
Records & paperwork
5
Health & medication
2
Food & feeding
1
Emergency preparedness
1
Transportation
1
Citations, newest first
Follow-up
Mar 27, 2026
Inspection
Health & medication
Health information/Initial and subsequent health reports 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)/3270.182(1)
On 3/27/26 the records reviewed for child #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 did not include an initial health assessment (Continued noncompliance from the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 20, 2026): “Provider will collect Health Assessments for students #1-#5 in order to keep in compliance with DHS standards. If any student from #1-#5 has not turned in a Health Assessment by 4/10/2026, participation will be paused until health forms are turned in.”
Re-cited at a follow-up visit; counted once, with the original citation.
Follow-up
Mar 27, 2026
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
On 3/27/26, the fire safety reviewed for staff #2 was not annually updated. Last dated 6/15/23 (Continued noncompliance from the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 14, 2026): “Provider will ensure that Staff #2 completed fire safety training that is required. If training is not completed by 4/10/2026, Staff #2 employment will be paused until completion.”
Re-cited at a follow-up visit; counted once, with the original citation.
Follow-up
Mar 27, 2026
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)
On 3/27/26, staff person #5, has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their hire date, pediatric first aid and CPR by a qualified PQAS instructor (see code sheet for hire dates) (Continued noncompliance from the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 20, 2026): “Provider will ensure that Staff #5 completes CPR training that is required. If training is not completed by 4/10/2026 Staff #5 will not be allowed to be left alone with any program enrolled students.”
Re-cited at a follow-up visit; counted once, with the original citation.
Follow-up
Mar 27, 2026
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)
on 3/27/26, upon request 12 clock hours of childcare training was not available for review for staff #2. (Continued noncompliance from the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 14, 2026): “Provider will ensure that Staff #2 completes 12 hours of training that is required. If training is not completed by 4/10/2026, Staff#2's employment will be paused until completion.”
Re-cited at a follow-up visit; counted once, with the original citation.
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Health & medication
Mantoux TB/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(2)/3270.192(3)
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, the health assessments reviewed for staff #1, #2 and #4 did not include tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method at initial employment.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 24, 2026): “Provider will provide licensing rep TB screenings for staff #1, #2 and #4.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Food & feeding
Menus 55 Pa. Code §3270.165
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, there was no menu posted in a conspicuous location.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 12, 2026): “Provider will provide licensing rep menu on our program board.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(f)
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, upon request there was no verification available for review to verify the facility sent a copy of their emergency plan and subsequent plan updates to the local municipality and to the county emergency management agency.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 13, 2026): “Provider will send a copy of the emergency plan to the local municipality and to the county emergency management agency.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Health & medication
Health information/Initial and subsequent health reports 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)/3270.182(1)
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, the records reviewed for child #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 did not include an initial health assessment.
Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Mar 30, 2026): “Provider will provide to licensing rep initial health assessments for child #1-#5. If health assessments are not provided by correction date, child #1*#5 will not be able to return to program until the information is provided.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Transportation
Pick-up and drop-off points 55 Pa. Code §3270.171(a)
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, upon request there was no verification available for review to verify the facility notified 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, Mar 12, 2026): “Provider will provide licensing rep evidence that local traffic safety authorities are notified of the program location and use the pedestrian and vehicular routes.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, the shaken baby syndrome policy reviewed did not include information on the prevention and identification of child maltreatment.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 12, 2026): “Provider will provide license rep the updated shaken baby syndrome policy which will include the prevention and identification of child maltreatment.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, the fire safety reviewed for staff #2 was not annually updated. Last dated 6/15/23.
Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Mar 30, 2026): “Provider will provide licensing rep an updated fire safety cert for staff #2.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, staff person #5, has not completed the following required pre-service training within 90 days of their hire date, pediatric first aid and CPR by a qualified PQAS instructor. Staff #1 and #4 required health and safety training topic (see code sheet for hire dates)
Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Mar 27, 2026): “Until such time as the required training has been completed staff person #1, #4 and #5 must be supervised when interacting with children at minimum by an assistant group supervisor who has completed all pre-service trainings and has all qualifications to care for children unsupervised. if there are…”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Staff evaluations 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(a)(6)
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, upon request there was no verification available for review to verify staff #2 and #4 received a minimum of one evaluation every 12 months.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 12, 2026): “Provider will provide licensing rep employee evaluations for staffs #2 and #4.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Associate's, 30 credits + 4 yrs/Transcript, diploma and letters 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(b)(4)/3270.192(2)(iv)
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, the record reviewed for staff #1 did not include verification of education or childcare experience for the position performing (Director).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 26, 2026): “Provider will provide verification of education and childcare experience for staff #1.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Employed and present 30 hrs/wk 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(c)
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, the record reviewed for staff #1 did not include verification of education or childcare experience for the position performing. Therefore, the facility does not have a director.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 26, 2026): “Provider will provide verification of education and childcare experience for staff #1.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Training & qualifications
HS/GED + 2 yrs/Transcript, diploma and letters 55 Pa. Code §3270.36(b)(5)/3270.192(2)(iv)
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, the record reviewed for staff #2, #3, #4, and #5 did not include verification of education or childcare experience for the position performing (Assistant Group Supervisor).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 12, 2026): “Provider will provide verification of education and childcare experience for staff #2. #3, #4. and #5.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Admission date/Application, admission, withdrawal dates 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(6)/3270.182(2)
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, the agreement reviewed for Child #2 did not include the date of admission.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 17, 2026): “Provider will provide to the licensing rep that date of admission on the agreement of Child #2.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Physician name, address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(2)
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, the emergency contact reviewed for child #1 did not include the address of the child's physician or source of medical care.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 17, 2026): “Provider will provide to licensing rep the address of child's physician and source of medical care for child #1.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, the emergency contact reviewed for child #1 did not include the name, address and telephone number of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 17, 2026): “Provider will provide to licensing rep child #1 name, address and telephone number of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, the record reviewed for Staff #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 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, Mar 12, 2026): “Provider will provide licensing rep two written nonfamily references for staff #1 - #5.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
Citation
Feb 25, 2026
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)
During the initial inspection conducted 2/25/26, upon request 12 clock hours of childcare training was not available for review for staff #2.
Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Mar 30, 2026): “Provider will send the licensing rep the remainder of training hours for staff #2.”
Inspection status on COMPASS: Non Compliant – Finalized
“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 |
|---|---|---|
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $54.80 | — |
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
—
Certificate status
Regular
Certificate valid through
Apr 20, 2027
Operator
Methodist Services
Hours
Monday–Friday 2:30 PM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone
(215) 400-7130
State certificate #
CER-00255474
Common questions
Has John Welsh had any serious violations?
No citations on supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep since 2021. It has 17 other citations, listed above.
Have there been complaints about John Welsh?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at John Welsh since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is John Welsh’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 1, effective May 8, 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 John Welsh compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?
It is tied for #898 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 68% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was John Welsh last inspected?
Mar 27, 2026 (unannounced monitoring). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does John Welsh cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $54.80 for older school-age in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs John Welsh?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Methodist Services.
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.