Daycare Record Child care inspection records

Level Up Learning Academy

5039 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19120 · Philadelphia County
4 core-safety citations in last 12 months 1 complaint investigation found violations Keystone STAR 2

Level Up Learning Academy is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 52 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 2 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 4 times and confirmed violations in 1 complaint investigation. The state cited 35 violations, 5 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (11 of 35). 5 citations came in the last 12 months, including 4 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #1,075 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 86% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 86% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. Among the most cited
Tied for #1,075 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia
5 Core-safety citations
30 Other citations
4 Inspections
1 Complaint investigations that found violations
35 citations from 5 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 5 in the last 12 months · last inspected Feb 26, 2026

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Feb 26, 2026 · Inspection · no citation Feb 12, 2026 · Report/investigation · citation found Feb 12, 2026 · Inspection · citation found Mar 11, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Oct 11, 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

Records & paperwork 11
Building & playground safety 7
Health & medication 5
Caregiver conduct 3
Food & feeding 3
Emergency preparedness 3
Supervision 1
Background checks 1
Training & qualifications 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Feb 12, 2026 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct
No physical punishment 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(b)
Based on an investigation that included a review of video camera footage and interviews, it was verified that on 2/6/2026 at approximately 9:23 am, facility staff #1 briefly and aggressively handled facility child #1 and took child by the arm in a rough manner to put him into the bathroom because the child was not completing a table activity.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 17, 2026): “Staff person #1 was informed in the form of a written warning that the nuse of any form of physical punishment, including spanking a child will not be tolerated and will result in immediate termination as well as reported to the appropriate authorities.”
Core safety Feb 12, 2026 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct
No harsh language 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(d)
Based on an investigation that included a review of video camera footage and interviews, it was verified that on 2/6/2026 and other occasions, facility staff #1 has yelled at children and/or spoken to children in a harsh manner.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 17, 2026): “Staff person #1 was informed that the use of harsh, demeaning or abusive language will result in immediate termination and will be reported to the appropriate authorities.”
Core safety Feb 12, 2026 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct
Restraints prohibited 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(e)
Based on an investigation that included a review of video camera footage and interviews, it was verified that on 2/6/2026 facility staff #1 roughly grabbed facility child #1 and put the child into the bathroom when the child was not completing a table activity.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 17, 2026): “Staff #1 and all other staff were informed that they may not restrain a child by using bonds, ties or straps to restrict a child's movement or by enclosing the child in a confined space, closet or locked room.”
Core safety Feb 12, 2026 Inspection Supervision
Supervised at all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)
At the time of inspection on 2/12/2026, Certification Representative observed that three children were sleeping in the back classroom area without proper staff supervision. This occurred when the director/staff #1 left the children in that area to answer the door.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 17, 2026): “Children on the facility premises and on facility excursions off the premises shall be supervised by a staff person at all times. All staff will be reminded of proper supervision procedures including when answering the door.”
Citation Feb 12, 2026 Inspection Health & medication
Clean, age appropriate 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(a)
On 2/12/2026, Certification Representative observed infant child #1 sleeping in a bouncy chair and not in proper rest equipment.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 17, 2026): “All staff will be reminded that children need to sleep in proper rest equipment. Children will be observed and when the appear sleepy, staff will transition them into the proper equipment prior to child falling asleep.”
Core safety Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
At the time of inspection, facility person #1 Child Abuse Clearance was expired. Child Abuse Clearance was dated 10.6.2005. Facility person #1 did not have a National Sex Offender's Registry Clearance on file. Facility person #2, did not have a National Sex Offender's Registry Clearance on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 26, 2025): “Staff person #1 Child Abuse has been updated and placed in file. Staff person #2 NSOR has been updated and placed in file.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
At the time of inspection, the hot water in the two bathrooms located in the school age area on the lower level, reached 116 degrees.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 25, 2025): “Water temperature has been lowered to 110 degrees on lower-level school age area.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
Clean, age appropriate 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(a)
At the time of inspection, the infant cribs were not labeled for the use of a specific child.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 11, 2025): “Provider added name tags with the children name to each crib.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Food & feeding
Refrigerator 55 Pa. Code §3270.107
At the time of inspection, the refrigerator located in the infant childcare space, did not have a thermometer.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 11, 2025): “Provider placed new thermometer in the refrigerator.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
Mantoux TB/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(2)/3270.192(3)
At the time of inspection, facility person #1 TB test results on file was dated 4.2014. Prior to approximate hiring date of 1.2025.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 1, 2025): “Staff person #1 has an appointment to get updated TB test.”
Show 25 older citations
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Health & medication
Exam communicable disease/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(3)/3270.192(3)
At the time of inspection, facility person #1 health assessment on file did not address if the person was examined for and free of communicable diseases.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 28, 2025): “Staff person #1 will complete the proper health assessment that includes whether they are free of communicable diseases.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Food & feeding
Menus 55 Pa. Code §3270.165
At the time of inspection, the facility's menu was not posted in a conspicuous location.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 11, 2025): “Provider printed and posted the menu near the parent board.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Food & feeding
Written statement/Bottles labeled 55 Pa. Code §3270.166(1)/3270.166(4)
At the time of inspection, it was observed that the infant in care did not have a written statement from the parent with the infant's formula and feeding schedule. It was also observed that the infant's bottle in use was not labeled with the infant's name.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 24, 2025): “Child#1 feeding schedule has been obtained by the parent and posted in the classroom.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Every 60 days 55 Pa. Code §3270.94(a)(1)
At the time of inspection, the facility had not conducted a fire drill within the past 60 days.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 26, 2025): “A fire drill was conducted and documented in Fire Drill log.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)
At the time of inspection, the facility's documented fire inspection summary from the township fire department was over a year old. Inspection summary was dated 11.10.2023.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 25, 2025): “Provider will contact the company to obtain the most recent copy of the alarm system inspection summary conducted October of 2024.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Signed 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)
At the time of inspection, children #1, #2, #4 and #5 Financial Agreement Forms were missing provider signatures. Child #3 Financial Agreement Form was missing both parental and provider signatures.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 24, 2025): “Children #1, 2, 4 and 5 Financial Agreement Forms has been updated with provider signature and parent signature.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Amount of fee/Date fee to be paid 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(1)/3270.123(a)(2)
At the time of inspection, children #2 through #5, Financial Agreement Forms did not list the Fee Amounts. Child #3 Financial Agreement Form did not list the date in which the fees are due.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 24, 2025): “Children #2, 3, 4, 5 fee amounts were updated on Financial Agreement Form and dated.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Arrival/departure times/Designated release persons 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(4)/3270.123(a)(5)
At the time of inspection, children #1, #2 and #3 Financial Agreement Forms did not address arrival and departure times nor did the forms list persons designated by a parent to whom the child may be released.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 24, 2025): “Children #1, 2 and 3 arrival/departure times and release persons fields were updated and recorded on the forms.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Admission date/Application, admission, withdrawal dates 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(6)/3270.182(2)
At the time of inspection, children #1, #2 and #3 Financial Agreement Forms did not list the children's admission dates.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 26, 2025): “Financial Agreement Forms have been updated with admission dates.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Services considered extra 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(7)
At the time of inspection, children #1 through #5, Financial Agreement Forms did not address any services considered to be extra.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 24, 2025): “Children #1 through #5, Financial Agreements extra services area was updated.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Physician name, address, phone/Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(2)/3270.124(b)(6)
At the time of inspection, child #1 Emergency Contact Form did not list telephone number for physician/medical care office and did not list the child's insurance policy number. Child #2 Emergency Contact Form did not list the name of the child's physician/medical care office. Child #3 Emergency Contact Form did not list the child's insurance policy number.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 26, 2025): “All Emergency Contact Forms have been updated with physician, telephone # and policy numbers.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Parent home/work address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(3)
At the time of inspection, children #1, #2 and #3 Emergency Contact Forms did not list parents work addresses and/or work telephone numbers.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 24, 2025): “All Emergency Contact Forms have been updated with parent/guardian work addresses and telephone numbers.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Consent for administration of medications or special dietary needs 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(4)
At the time of inspection, child #4 Emergency Contact Form did not have written parental consent for the administration of medications and/or special dietary needs.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 24, 2025): “Child #4 Emergency Contact Form has been updated with parental consent for administration of medications and/or dietary needs.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Transcript, diploma and letters 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(2)(iv)
At the time of inspection, facility person #1 did not have written verification of experience on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 24, 2025): “Staff person #1 has updated file which shows experience as required.”
Citation Mar 11, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
At the time of inspection, facility person #1 file did not contain the two required nonfamily references.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 24, 2025): “Staff person #1 file has been updated with non-family references.”
Citation Oct 11, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)
At the time of inspection, facility did not have documentation of emergency plan training for current staff.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 17, 2024): “Provider will ensure staff will receive and sign off on receipt of facility's emergency plan training.”
Citation Oct 11, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Unsafe Areas in Outdoor Space 55 Pa. Code §3270.63
At the time of inspection, the outdoor play area did not have proper fence closure to restrict children's access to the parking lot.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 24, 2024): “Provider replaced the gate to the outside fenced play area that is able to be latched for children safety.”
Citation Oct 11, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Inaccessible to children/Has all items 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(b)/3270.75(c)
At the time of inspection, 2 first aid kits did not have soap and/or scissors.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 11, 2024): “Provider added soap and scissors to the appropriate first aid kits.”
Citation Oct 11, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Glass 55 Pa. Code §3270.81
At the time of inspection, childcare space titled before and after school room did not have visual strip or other visual identification on glass leading from parking lot.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 17, 2024): “Provider covered glass window in high traffic area with colored paper.”
Citation Oct 11, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Handwashing signs 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(h)
At the time of inspection, handwashing sign did not include hands should be washed after toileting and before eating.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 11, 2024): “Provider will ensure all handwashing signs include hands should be washed after toileting and before eating.”
Citation Oct 11, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Clean, good repair, proper size 55 Pa. Code §3270.104(a)
At the time of inspections, facility had shelving that was not mounted and posed a safety hazard.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 17, 2024): “Provider will mount all shelving that pose a safety hazard to children.”
Citation Oct 11, 2024 Inspection Health & medication
Conducted by physician, PA or CRNP/Physical examination 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(b)/3270.151(c)(1)
At the time of inspection, facility person #1 did not have a current, signed health assessment on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 17, 2024): “Provider will ensure facility person #1 has a completed physical with a signed health assessment form placed on file.”
Citation Oct 11, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan/Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(2)/3270.27(a)(5)
At the time of inspection, facility's emergency plan did not contain an immediate emergency evacuation location from the facility's premises and accommodations for evacuating infants, toddlers, and children with special needs.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 24, 2024): “Provider will ensure emergency plan contain emergency evacuation and accommodations for evacuating infant, toddlers and children with disabilities.”
Citation Oct 11, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
At the time of inspection, facility person #1 did not have approved fire safety/protection training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 17, 2024): “Provider will ensure facility person #1 completes an approved fire safety course and submit verification.”
Citation Oct 11, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
At the time of inspection, facility person #1 did not have required 2 written, nonfamily references on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 24, 2024): “Provider received two written non-family member references from staff person #1 and placed in 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.

Complaint investigations and reported incidents

Violation found Feb 12, 2026 Complaint investigation
3 violations cited, listed under Citations.

Pennsylvania’s search lists complaint investigations in which the state found at least one violation (“verified complaints”). It does not say what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it. Incident investigations look into something that happened at the center; self-reported violations are ones the center reported to the state itself.

Enforcement actions

Issuance of Provisional Certificate of Compliance at the time of Initial Nov 4, 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.

About this center

Capacity 52 children
Certificate status Regular
Certificate valid through Apr 24, 2027
Keystone STARS STAR 2
since Dec 11, 2025 · what STARS means
Operator Taliah Boney
Phone —
State certificate # CER-00255141
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has Level Up Learning Academy had any serious violations?

Pennsylvania cited 5 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 Feb 12, 2026 (caregiver conduct): “Based on an investigation that included a review of video camera footage and interviews, it was verified that on 2/6/2026 at approximately 9:23 am, facility staff #1 briefly and aggressively handled facility child #1…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about Level Up Learning Academy?

Pennsylvania lists 1 complaint investigation since 2021 in which it found at least one violation; the violations are listed above. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.

What is Level Up Learning Academy’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 2, effective Dec 11, 2025. 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 Level Up Learning Academy compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?

It is tied for #1,075 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 86% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was Level Up Learning Academy last inspected?

Feb 26, 2026 (renewal). No violations were cited during that visit.

Who runs Level Up Learning Academy?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Taliah Boney.

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.