Little Free Thinkers Childcare INC
1429 S 58th St, Philadelphia, PA 19143 · Philadelphia County
1 complaint investigation found violations
Keystone STAR 2
Little Free Thinkers Childcare INC is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 60 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 2 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 8 times and confirmed violations in 1 complaint investigation. The state cited 36 violations, 3 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (12 of 36). None of them came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #569 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has fewer citations per inspection than 54% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Fewer citations than 54% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. About typical
Tied for #569 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia
3
Core-safety citations
33
Other citations
8
Inspections
1
Complaint investigations that found violations
36 citations from 9 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · none in the last 12 months · last inspected May 14, 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
Records & paperwork
12
Training & qualifications
9
Building & playground safety
7
Health & medication
5
Background checks
3
Citations, newest first
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 9/17/2025, 4 staff files were reviewed. Staff person # 2 did not contain a valid NSOR clearance. Staff person # 3 file did not contain a valid PA state police and NSOR clearance. Facility Person # 2 and 3 may not work in a child care position at the facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 30, 2025): “Staff person # 2 completed a renewal application to receive an updated NSOR Clearance.”
Citation
Sep 17, 2025
Inspection
Health & medication
Mantoux TB 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(2)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 9/17/2025, 4 staff files were reviewed. Staff person # 2 and 3 files did not have the results of a TB test given at initial employment.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 14, 2025): “Staff member # 2 provided his results from the initial TB test. Staff member # 3 was unable to find the original TB test results so she provided a 2023 chest x-ray.”
Citation
Sep 17, 2025
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 9/17/2025, 4 staff files were reviewed. Staff person # 1, 2 and 3 have fire safety certificates in their files that were older 1 year.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 15, 2025): “All 3 staff members attended the fire safety course to obtain their fire safety certificates.”
Citation
Sep 17, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Services proceeded 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(3)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 9/17/2025, 3 child files were reviewed. Child # 1 and 2 files did not contain a child service report.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 15, 2025): “I had parents of child # 1 and 2 come into center and read over and sign their child's service report. A copy of the report was given to both parents.”
Citation
Sep 17, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Admission date 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(6)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 9/17/2025, 3 child files were reviewed. Child # 3 file contained a fee agreement that did not specify the child's admission date.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 15, 2025): “The parent came into the center at pick up time and I had her sign and date child # 3 admission date.”
Citation
Sep 17, 2025
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 a renewal inspection conducted on 9/17/2025, 3 child files were reviewed. Child # 3 file contained an emergency contact form that did not contain parental consent for emergency medical care for the child.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 15, 2025): “Parent came into the center at pickup time and updated her emergency contact form to include her signature for medical care.”
Citation
Sep 17, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(f)/3270.181(c)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 9/17/2025, 3 child files were reviewed. Child # 1 and 2 file contained emergency contact forms and fee agreements that were not updated in 6 month intervals.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 15, 2025): “Parents updated a new emergency contact form for child # 1 and child # 2.”
Citation
Sep 17, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Consent for administration of minor first-aid required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(5)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 9/17/2025, 3 child files were reviewed. Child # 3 file contained an emergency contact form that did not contain parental consent for the administration of minor first aid.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 15, 2025): “Parent came into center and updated emergency contact form. She signed all needed areas.”
Citation
Sep 17, 2025
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 9/17/2025, 4 staff files were reviewed. Staff person # 1,2 and 3 files did not contain verification of 12 hours of child care training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 30, 2025): “Provider had staff members complete all 12 hours to meet the annual 12 hours of childcare training,”
Citation
Jul 17, 2025
Inspection
Training & qualifications
HS/GED + 2 yrs 55 Pa. Code §3270.36(b)(5)
During an allocated unannounced monitoring visit, 1 new staff file was reviewed. Staff person # 1 file did not contain verification of education.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 29, 2025): “Staff person # was asked to bring in her high school diploma. A copy was made and placed in the file.”
Show 26 older citations
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 9/24/2024, 4 staff files were reviewed. Staff member # 3 file did not contain an NSOR clearance as required. Staff member # 2 and 3 were or are residents in another state in the past 5 years. Staff member # 2 and 3 files did not contain clearances from a 2nd state as required by CPSL. Staff member's # 2 and 3 may not work in a childcare position at the facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “Staff member # 3 printed out the NSOR and it was added to the staff file. Staff member # 2 and # 3 went on 9/26/2024 to get both clearances from the 2nd state they lived in and are waiting for the results. They will not be returning to work until the clearances have been returned. We are estimating…”
Citation
Sep 24, 2024
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
During a renewal inspection conducted on 9/24/2024, Certification Representative observed 2 fans in the childcare space that were covered in dust.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “The fan was sprayed down with vinegar and baking soda. A trash bag was placed over the fan so the dust could moisten and be wiped off easily.”
Citation
Sep 24, 2024
Inspection
Health & medication
Mantoux TB/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(2)/3270.192(3)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 9/24/2024, 4 staff files were reviewed. Staff members # 1 2, 3 and 4 files contained health assessments that did not include tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method at initial employment.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 24, 2024): “Staff members # 1,2,3 and 4 have made appointments to receive a current TB test and results. Staff member # 1 test read on 9/30/2024 Staff member # 2 test read on 9/27/2024 Staff member # 3 test read on 9/27/2024 Staff member # 4 chest x-ray was read on 10/24/2024”
Citation
Sep 24, 2024
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Staff evaluations 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(a)(6)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 9/24/2024, 4 staff files were reviewed. Staff member # 4 file did not contain an annual evaluation.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “Staff member # 4 was given an annual evaluation.”
Citation
Sep 24, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 9/24/2024, 4 child files were reviewed. Child #1 file contained an emergency contact form were the address of the person designated as a release person was not completed.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 9, 2024): “The parent of Child # 1 was notified about the incomplete form. The parent of child # 1 came to the center and completed the emergency contact form.”
Citation
Nov 27, 2023
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Has all items 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(c)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 11/27/2023, Certification Representative observed that a first aid kit in the downstairs classroom did not have scissors and tape as required.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 4, 2023): “Current first aid kit on all floors completed on 11/28/2023”
Citation
Nov 27, 2023
Inspection
Health & medication
Physical examination/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(1)/3270.192(3)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 11/27/2023, 2 staff files were reviewed. Staff member # 1 file did not contain a valid health assessment.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 4, 2023): “Staff member # 1 health assessment dated 12/2/2023 was submitted.”
Citation
Nov 27, 2023
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Staff evaluations 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(a)(6)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 11/27/2023, 2 staff files were reviewed. Staff member # 2 file did not contain an annual written evaluation.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 4, 2023): “Director will have staff member # 2 annual evaluation done by 12/4/2023.”
Citation
Nov 27, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Admission date/Application, admission, withdrawal dates 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(6)/3270.182(2)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 11/27/2023, 6 child files were reviewed. Child # 1 file contained a fee agreement that did not list the child's admission date.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 4, 2023): “Child # 1 fee agreement was completed.”
Citation
Nov 27, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 11/27/2023, 6 child files were reviewed. Child # 2 file contained an emergency contact form that did not list the address of the person designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 4, 2023): “Child # 2 emergency contact form was completed.”
Citation
Nov 27, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(2)(ii)
During a renewal inspection conducted on 11/27/2023, 2 staff files were reviewed. Staff member # 1 and 2 files did not contain verification of child care experience prior to working at the facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 4, 2023): “Work verification for staff member # 1 and 2 were completed on 11/30/2023.”
Citation
Dec 15, 2022
Inspection
Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
The hot water temperature at the facility measured 120° F.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 28, 2022): “Hot water heater was turn down to 104 degrees”
Citation
Dec 15, 2022
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
Due to a leaking roof, rain water was coming through the ceiling in the 2nd floor (Preschool Room). The deadbolt was not able to engage on the 2nd floor (Preschool Room) fire exit. Observed sharp edges on the corners of the half-wall partition that has been constructed in the upstairs (Preschool Room). The handrail for the steps leading from the first to the second floor was loose.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2023): “ROOF WILL BE REPAIRED 2 ND FLOOR, DEADBOLT IS NOW ENGAGED, ALL SHARP EDGES WAS COMPOUNDED and sanded and painted. Handrail was tightened,”
Citation
Dec 15, 2022
Inspection
Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
Observed flaking plaster on the half-wall partition on the top floor (Preschool Room).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 28, 2022): “All flaky plaster was scraped sanded and painted All peeled damage paint was scraped and repainted.”
Citation
Dec 15, 2022
Inspection
Health & medication
Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months/Initial and subsequent health reports 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(b)(2)/3270.182(1)
The most recent health reports in the file for Child #3, a preschool child, exceeded 12 months between reports.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 28, 2022): “Current health assessment in file for child #3”
Citation
Dec 15, 2022
Inspection
Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)/3270.192(3)
The most recent health assessments in the files for Staff Person #1, #2 and #3 exceeded 24 months between assessments.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 28, 2022): “Current health assessments on file for staff #1 #2 #3.”
Citation
Dec 15, 2022
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant/Director or designated staff person ensure compliance 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)/3270.95(b)
The fire drill/fire system check log documented two times when fire system was not checked within thirty days. 7/1/22-8/29/22 and 9/7/22-10/11/22. On the day of the inspection, 12/15/22, a fire system check had not been conducted for the past thirty days.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 28, 2022): “Fire system check was properly conducted and documented.”
Citation
Dec 15, 2022
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
Staff Person #1 completed 6-hour Health and Safety Basics on 9/23/2018, which was after the prescribed time frame: 6/30/18 Observed 10-hour Building Blocks preservice training in the file for Staff Person #1 dated 12/4/22, which was not within the prescribed timeframe of completion of training by 4/9/22.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 28, 2022): “Current 10-HOUR health and safety training is in the file for staff#1.”
Citation
Dec 15, 2022
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(i)
The most recent Pediatric First Aid/CPR Certification in the files for Staff Person #1, #2 and #3 was acquired after the previous certification had expired: Staff Person #1: 10/14/20-11/29/22 Staff Person #2: 3/31/19-10/27/21 Staff Person #3: 9/16/19-1/5/22.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 28, 2022): “Current Pediatric First Aid/CPR is in the files for Staff Person #1, 2 and 3.”
Citation
Dec 15, 2022
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr./Exp, educ., training at facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)/3270.192(2)(iii)
The most recent fire safety trainings in the files for Staff Person #1, #2, #3 and #4 exceeded 12 months between trainings. 11/30/20-1/4/22 and 1/5/22.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 28, 2022): “Current Fire Safety is in the file for staff Person #1 #2 #3.”
Citation
Dec 15, 2022
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)
The Pediatric First Aid/CPR Certification in the file for Staff Person #5 was conducted on 11/29/22, which is more than 90 days after the Staff Person first day working in child care. (See LIS Code Sheet).
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 28, 2022): “Current pediatric first aid/CPR training is in the file for staff #5.”
Citation
Dec 15, 2022
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Signed 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)
The fee agreement in the file for Child #3 was not signed by the operator.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 28, 2022): “Current fee agreement for child #3 signed.”
Citation
Dec 15, 2022
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Services proceeded 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(3)
The files for Child #1, #2 and #3 did not contain a child service report for the past six months.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 28, 2022): “Child Service report was conducted for each child #1 #2 #3.”
Citation
Dec 15, 2022
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.181(c)
The most recent parent updates for the emergency contact form and fee agreement in the file for Child #1 were more than 6 months apart: 4/15/22-12/1/22. The fee agreement in the file for Child #3 has not been updated in the past 6 months.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 28, 2022): “Updates for Child #1 are current. Current fee agreement for child #3 in file.”
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
During unannounced monitoring while reviewing files, Staff # 2 's FBI was dated 11/4/17, and Child Abuse dated 11/7/17
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 6, 2022): “Staff # 2 will not work in a childcare position until all the clearances are up to date. Staff # 2 Child Abuse was completed dated 11/29/22”
Citation
Nov 21, 2022
Complaint investigation
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
During complaint investigation on 11/28/22, while doing a walk-through of the facility, Cert Rep observed that the facility's childcare space in the basement, 1st floor, and 2nd floor needed to be dusted, mopped, and vacuumed.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 6, 2022): “Floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces, including the facility's outdoor play space surfaces shall be kept clean, in good repair and free from visible hazards.”
“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
Nov 21, 2022
Complaint investigation
1 violation 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.
Daily rates
| Age group | Full time, per day | Part time, per day |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (Under 6 Weeks) | $42.69 | $36.70 |
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $42.69 | $36.70 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $41.67 | $34.65 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $36.54 | $30.55 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $33.47 | $26.45 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $27.73 | $23.37 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $27.73 | $23.37 |
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
60 children
Certificate status
Regular (COMPASS: awaiting renewal)
Certificate valid through
Dec 28, 2026
Operator
Little Free Thinkers Childcare INC
Hours
Monday–Sunday 6:00 AM–6:00 AM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone
(215) 796-9292
State certificate #
CER-00249171
Common questions
Has Little Free Thinkers Childcare INC had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 3 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 Sep 17, 2025 (background checks): “During a renewal inspection conducted on 9/17/2025, 4 staff files were reviewed. Staff person # 2 did not contain a valid NSOR clearance. Staff person # 3 file did not contain a valid PA state police and NSOR clearance.…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Little Free Thinkers Childcare INC?
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 Little Free Thinkers Childcare INC’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 2, effective Jan 31, 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 Little Free Thinkers Childcare INC compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?
It is tied for #569 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 54% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Little Free Thinkers Childcare INC last inspected?
May 14, 2026 (allocated unannounced monitoring). No violations were cited during that visit.
How much does Little Free Thinkers Childcare INC cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $42.69 for newborn, $42.69 for infant, $41.67 for young toddler, $36.54 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Little Free Thinkers Childcare INC?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Little Free Thinkers Childcare INC.
Certified centers nearby
Florence Learning Academy LLC
1557 S 58th St, Philadelphia · 0.1 mi away · 35 spots Fewer citations than most Tots Yearn to Learn 58th
1232 S 58th St, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 67 spots About typical Sherwood Day Care Center
5543 Willows Ave, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away Among the most cited Beyond Babysitting Early Education Center
5601 Whitby Ave, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 21 spots About typical Scribble Scrabble Kidz
5555 Florence Ave, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 39 spots More citations than most Children Space Learning Academy LLC
5665 Springfield Ave, Philadelphia · 0.4 mi away · 43 spots About typical
1557 S 58th St, Philadelphia · 0.1 mi away · 35 spots Fewer citations than most Tots Yearn to Learn 58th
1232 S 58th St, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 67 spots About typical Sherwood Day Care Center
5543 Willows Ave, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away Among the most cited Beyond Babysitting Early Education Center
5601 Whitby Ave, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 21 spots About typical Scribble Scrabble Kidz
5555 Florence Ave, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 39 spots More citations than most Children Space Learning Academy LLC
5665 Springfield Ave, Philadelphia · 0.4 mi away · 43 spots About typical
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.