Little Pearls Academic Center
Little Pearls Academic Center is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 15 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 6 times. The state cited 15 violations, 1 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (6 of 15). None of them came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #361 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has fewer citations per inspection than 70% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
During the renewal inspection on 07/22/25, the lower kitchen cabinets, which were accessible to the children, were not locked and contained a cleaner solution spray and bleach.
During the renewal inspection on 07/22/25, the outdoor PlaySpace was not clean with trash and debris scattered around in the space.
During the renewal inspection on 07/22/25, the exit located at the rear of the facility was obstructed.
During the renewal inspection on 07/22/25, Certification Representative overheard a staff member tell a child "I am going to throw away your food if you keep playing because that means you're done."
During the renewal inspection on 07/22/25, the menu that was posted was for May 2025.
During a renewal inspection conducted on 5/25/2023, 4 staff files were reviewed. Staff member # 1 and 2 files did not contain valid copies of CPSL required clearances. Facility Person # 1 and 2 may not work in a child care position at the facility.
During a renewal inspection conducted on 5/25/2023, 4 staff files were reviewed. Staff member # 1 and 2 files did not contain verification of training on the facility's emergency plan at the time of hire.
During a renewal inspection conducted on 5/25/2023, Certification Representative observed indoor the outdoor play space had a broken fence and bird excrement on surfaces.
During a renewal inspection conducted on 5/25/2023, Certification Representative observed an electrical outlet in the caterpillar room was missing a cover.
During a renewal inspection conducted on 5/25/2023, 4 staff files were reviewed. Staff member # 1 and 2 files did not contain health and safety training (CCDBG) as required.
During a renewal inspection conducted on 5/25/2023, 4 staff files were reviewed. Staff member # 1 file did not contain verification of age. There was no ID in the file.
During a renewal inspection conducted on 5/25/2023, 4 staff files were reviewed. Staff member # 1 and 2 files did not contain 2 written nonfamily references.
During a renewal inspection conducted on 2/24/2022, 2 staff files were reviewed. Staff member # 2 file did not contain verification of training on the facility's emergency plan.
During a renewal inspection conducted on 2/24/2022, the Certification Representative observed 3 spots in the ceiling that showed signs of water damage from the upstairs unit.
During a renewal inspection conducted on 2/24/2022, 2 staff files were reviewed. Staff member # 1 and 2 file did not contain 12 hours of annual child care training.
“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) | $81.20 | $61.00 |
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $81.20 | $61.00 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $76.60 | $57.40 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $72.60 | $54.60 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $65.60 | $50.40 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $48.40 | $48.40 |
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
Common questions
Has Little Pearls Academic Center 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 May 25, 2023 (background checks): “During a renewal inspection conducted on 5/25/2023, 4 staff files were reviewed. Staff member # 1 and 2 files did not contain valid copies of CPSL required clearances. Facility Person # 1 and 2 may not work in a child…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Little Pearls Academic Center?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Little Pearls Academic Center since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is Little Pearls Academic Center’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Nov 1, 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 Little Pearls Academic Center compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?
It is tied for #361 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 70% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Little Pearls Academic Center last inspected?
Jun 25, 2026 (renewal). No violations were cited during that visit.
How much does Little Pearls Academic Center cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $81.20 for newborn, $81.20 for infant, $76.60 for young toddler, $72.60 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Little Pearls Academic Center?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Little Pearls Academic Center LLC.
Certified centers nearby
1234 N 52nd St, Philadelphia · under 0.1 mi away · 17 spots About typical Seed School 2
1227 N 52nd St # 31, Philadelphia · under 0.1 mi away · 91 spots Too few inspections to compare My Special Angel Childcare & LRNG CTR
1315 N 52nd St, Philadelphia · under 0.1 mi away · 15 spots About typical No Place Like Home Daycare
1211 N 52nd St, Philadelphia · under 0.1 mi away · 24 spots Fewer citations than most Pearlwood Early Learning Center
1462 N 52nd St, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 26 spots About typical Castle Kidz INC
544 N 52nd St, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 146 spots Among the most cited
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.