Daycare Record Child care inspection records

New Directions Childcare Center

501 E Miner St, West Chester, PA 19382 · Chester County
1 core-safety citation in last 12 months Keystone STAR 1

New Directions Childcare Center is a certified child care center in West Chester, PA, with capacity for 137 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 5 times. The state cited 41 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 41). 4 citations came in the last 12 months, including 1 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #32 of 37 centers in West Chester and has more citations per inspection than 82% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 82% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most
#32 of 37 centers in West Chester
4 Core-safety citations
37 Other citations
5 Inspections
0 Complaint investigations that found violations
41 citations from 5 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 4 in the last 12 months · last inspected Nov 20, 2025

Every state visit

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom) Nov 20, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Jun 12, 2025 · Inspection · citation found Nov 20, 2024 · Inspection · citation found Nov 20, 2024 · Inspection · citation found Apr 26, 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

Building & playground safety 13
Records & paperwork 9
Emergency preparedness 9
Training & qualifications 5
Background checks 4
Food & feeding 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Nov 20, 2025 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff files Volunteer # 4 was missing a NSOR in the file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 15, 2025): “The provider will notify the staff and request for them to provide a copy of their current NSOR and include it in the file or apply for another NSOR or check the status of a previous ran one that has not returned.”
Citation Nov 20, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Age and Training/Health and Safety Training - Pediatric First Aid and CPR 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(i)/3270.31(f)(10)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff and volunteer files staff #1 cannot use the CPR certificate in the file trainer was not PQAS certified. Volunteers #4 and #5 cannot use the CPRs in their file. They also need to retake.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 19, 2025): “The provider will have all staff take an approved CPR course and include a copy in the file.”
Citation Nov 20, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff files, staff #1 fire safety was expired.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 15, 2025): “The provider will notify the staff and request for them to update their fire safety and include a copy in the file.”
Citation Nov 20, 2025 Inspection Records & paperwork
Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(f)/3270.181(c)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the children's files. child # 1 emergency contact form needs an updated signature.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 15, 2025): “The provider will notify the parent and request for an updated signature and include the copy in the file.”
Core safety Jun 12, 2025 Inspection Background checks
CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(4)
During the allocated unannounced inspection, the certification representative viewed the staff files staff #1 was missing the disseminated date on the state police criminal clearance.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 30, 2025): “The provider will notify the staff and request for them to provide completed copy of the clearance to be included in the file.”
Citation Jun 12, 2025 Inspection Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(i)
During the allocated unannounced inspection, the certification representative viewed the staff files staff #2, #3, #4 Pediatric first aid CPR was not taken by a PQAS certified trainer.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 27, 2025): “The provider will notify the staff and request for them to retake an approve Pediatric first aid CPR course and provide the provider with a copy to be included in the file.”
Core safety Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative reviewed the staff files, staff #6 was missing the State police clearance the one in the file was missing the date, Volunteer #7 was missing a disclosure and NSOR in the file, Volunteer #8 was missing an FBI clearance, disclosure, and mandating reporting clearance staff #9 was also missing a NSOR and disclosure clearance and staff #10 was missing the FBI clearance as well as a disclosure and NSOR clearance in the file
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2024): “The provider will notify the staff and volunteers of the required documents that needed in order to provide care to children in care at the facility and request form them to obtain the clearance so that it can be included in the file.”
Core safety Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Background checks
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative reviewed the staff files, staff #6 was missing the State police clearance the one in the file was missing the date, Volunteer #7 was missing a disclosure and NSOR in the file, Volunteer #8 was missing an FBI clearance, disclosure, and mandating reporting clearance Volunteer #9 was also missing a NSOR and disclosure clearance and volunteer #10 was missing the FBI clearance as well as a disclosure and NSOR clearance in the file
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2024): “The provider will notify the staff and volunteers of the required documents that needed in order to provide care to children in care at the facility and request form them to obtain the clearance so that it can be included in the file.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the emergency plan and did not see the plans for continuity of care included in the emergency plan.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 17, 2024): “The provider will obtain the copy of the emergency plans that contains the plans for continuity of care and submit a copy to the certification representative.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the volunteer files volunteer #7. #8, #9 and #10 were missing the emergency plan training in their files.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2024): “The provider will go over the emergency plan training with the volunteers and place the certificate or sign off sheet in their files.”
Show 31 older citations
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff files staff #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6 were missing the emergency plan training in the file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2024): “The provider will ensure all staff have training in the emergency plan at initial hire and will provide them with a certificate of sign off sheet to be included in the file.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through and observed the water exceeded over 110 in the infant room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 13, 2024): “The provider will have the water temperature turned down immediately and retest. The certification representative will return to check the water temperature.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative requested to view the annual fire detection testing documents and was unable to retrieve a copy of it during the renewal inspection.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 13, 2024): “The provider will obtain a copy of the annual fire detection testing document and submit a copy to the certification representative.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the volunteer files volunteer #7. #8, #9 and #10 were missing the emergency plan training in their files.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2024): “The provider will go over the emergency plan training with the volunteers and place the certificate or sign off sheet in their files.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the emergency plan and did not see the plans for continuity of care included in the emergency plan.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 17, 2024): “The provider will obtain the copy of the emergency plans that contains the plans for continuity of care and submit a copy to the certification representative.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)
POC 12/20/24 During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff files staff #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 and #6 were missing the emergency plan training in the file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2024): “The provider will ensure all staff have training in the emergency plan at initial hire and will provide them with a certificate of sign off sheet to be included in the file.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through and observed the water exceeded over 110 in the infant room.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 13, 2024): “The provider will have the water temperature turned down immediately and retest. The certification representative will return to check the water temperature”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative requested to view the annual fire detection testing documents and was unable to retrieve a copy of it during the renewal inspection.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 13, 2024): “The provider will obtain a copy of the annual fire detection testing document and submit a copy to the certification representative”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
During the renewal inspection the certification representative requested to view the shaken baby abusive head trauma and child maltreatment policy and was unable to do so at the time of the renewal inspection.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2024): “The provider will submit a copy of the shaken baby, abusive head trauma and child maltreatment policy to the certification representative.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff file staff #1 was missing fire safety.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2024): “The provider will notify staff #1 and request for a copy of their current up to date fire safety training and include it in the file.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the children's files child #1 is missing a policy # on the emergency contact form.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2024): “The provider will notify the parent and request for them to complete the emergency contact form to its entirety leaving no areas blank.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the children's files, children #4 and #5 were missing the release person on the emergency contact form.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2024): “The provider will notify the parent and request for them to complete the emergency contact to its entirety leaving no areas blank.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff files staff #5 was missing two references in the file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2024): “The provider will notify the staff and request for them to provide two references to be included in the file.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
During the renewal inspection the certification representative requested to view the shaken baby abusive head trauma and child maltreatment policy and was unable to do so at the time of the renewal inspection.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2024): “The provider will submit a copy of the shaken baby, abusive head trauma and child maltreatment policy to the certification representative.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff file staff #1 was missing fire safety.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2024): “The provider will notify staff #1 and request for a copy of their current up to date fire safety training and include it in the file.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the children's files child #1 is missing a policy # on the emergency contact form.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2024): “The provider will notify the parent and request for them to complete the emergency contact form to its entirety leaving no areas blank.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the children's files, children #4 and #5 were missing the release person on the emergency contact form.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2024): “The provider will notify the parent and request for them to complete the emergency contact to its entirety leaving no areas blank.”
Citation Nov 20, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff files staff #5 was missing two references in the file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 20, 2024): “The provider will notify the staff and request for them to provide two references to be included in the file.”
Citation Apr 26, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
During the initial inspection the certification representative viewed the emergency plan and did not see the plans for continuity of care included in the plan.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 19, 2024): “The provider will add the plans for continuity of care to the emergency plan.”
Citation Apr 26, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
General Health and Safety/Clean, good repair, proper size 55 Pa. Code §3270.21/3270.104(a)
During the initial inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through and observed to large bookshelves that were not secured or connected to a wall for support that is tipping hazard.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 26, 2024): “The provider will make sure the bookshelves are no longer a tipping hazard in the childcare space.”
Citation Apr 26, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Contact when arises/Contact when ended 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(3)/3270.27(a)(4)
During the initial inspection the certification representative viewed the emergency plan and did not see a method for facility persons to contact parents as soon as reasonably possible when an emergency situation arises or method for facility persons to inform parents that the emergency has ended and to provide instruction as to how parents can safely be reunited with their children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 19, 2024): “The provider will include the method to contact parents the event of an emergency and a method to contact the parents to let them know the emergency has ended and how to reunite with their children.”
Citation Apr 26, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Heat Source/Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.71/3270.76
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through and observed damage to the ceiling tile in the hallway need to be repaired there is evidence that it was leaking. There were also holes in the ceiling tiles in the preschool area. There is also damage to the ceiling tile in the school age room that need to be replaced. There is a visible hole in the preschool area where the high-water pipe has protecter that was damage that will be accessible to children is protected that need to be repaired. The light protector in the bathroom ceiling needs to be replaced. There were also large holes in the wall inside the gym space that need to be repaired. There was a random fixture in the bathroom that could be a hazard for the children if tipped over.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 19, 2024): “The provider will notify maintenance and request for repair and replacements on all visible items that was observed during the initial walk through of the facility.”
Citation Apr 26, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through and observed visible stains on the carpet. The carpet needs to be thoroughly cleaned.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 16, 2024): “The provider will notify maintenance and request for the carpet to be repaired or cleaned.”
Citation Apr 26, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
During the initial inspection the certification representative conducted a walkthrough of the outside entry way that will be used for picking up and drop off needing to be clean and free from loose trash.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 19, 2024): “The provider will ensure that the common area and outside walkway is cleaned and clean at all times and the surfaces is in good condition and free from visible hazard.”
Citation Apr 26, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.77(a)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through and observed peeling paint in both bathrooms on the main level in the childcare space as well as the bathrooms upstairs in the gym area.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 16, 2024): “The provider will notify maintenance and request for the areas of peeling paint be corrected in the bathrooms.”
Citation Apr 26, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(g)
During the initial inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through and observed a urinal in the boy restroom that was flushing and needs repair.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 26, 2024): “The provider will notify maintenance and put a request to repair the urinal.”
Citation Apr 26, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Stairs, exits, etc. unobstructed 55 Pa. Code §3270.91(a)
During the initial inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through and observed the stair well exit that will be used by the children had visible objects that needed to be removed
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 28, 2024): “The provider will remove the objects that were in the stair well exit that will be used by children.”
Citation Apr 26, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Age appropriate 55 Pa. Code §3270.101(a)
During the initial inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through and did not observe any toys or play equipment inside childcare space or for outdoor play.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 19, 2024): “The provider will supply play equipment and materials appropriate to the developmental needs, individual interests and ages of the children shall be provided in sufficient amount and variety to preclude long waits for use.”
Citation Apr 26, 2024 Inspection Building & playground safety
Clean, good repair, proper size 55 Pa. Code §3270.104(a)
During the initial inspection the certification representative did not see enough furniture in the infant and young toddler space
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 19, 2024): “The provider will set up the room with age-appropriate furniture in the rooms”
Citation Apr 26, 2024 Inspection Food & feeding
Refrigerator 55 Pa. Code §3270.107
During the initial inspection the certification representative did not observe any operable refrigerators in the childcare to store potential hazardous food.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 19, 2024): “The provider will put a refrigerator or refrigerators in the childcare space that will be used for the childcare center.”
Citation Apr 26, 2024 Inspection Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(2)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the emergency plan the plan needs to include the relocation plans and address in the event the emergency requires evacuation.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 19, 2024): “The provider will include the plans for relocation and provide the location and address to where the staff and children will relocate in the event of an emergency.”

“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) $79.00 $79.00
Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) $79.00 $79.00
Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) $75.00 $62.20
Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) $72.80 $58.60
Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) $67.60 $54.40
Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) $57.00 $40.00

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 137 children
Certificate status Regular (COMPASS: awaiting renewal)
Certificate valid through Jan 19, 2027
Keystone STARS STAR 1
since Jan 24, 2025 · what STARS means
Operator Charles A Melton Arts And Education Center
Hours Monday–Friday 6:30 AM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone (484) 947-0813
State certificate # CER-00249591
Parent reviews Google Maps reviews
Not checked by Daycare Record

Common questions

Has New Directions Childcare Center 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 Nov 20, 2025 (background checks): “During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff files Volunteer # 4 was missing a NSOR in the file.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.

Have there been complaints about New Directions Childcare Center?

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

What is New Directions Childcare Center’s Keystone STARS rating?

STAR 1, effective Jan 24, 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 New Directions Childcare Center compare with other daycares in West Chester?

It is #32 of 37 centers in West Chester by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 82% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.

When was New Directions Childcare Center last inspected?

Nov 20, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.

How much does New Directions Childcare Center cost?

It reported full-time daily rates of $79.00 for newborn, $79.00 for infant, $75.00 for young toddler, $72.80 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.

Who runs New Directions Childcare Center?

The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Charles A Melton Arts And Education Center.

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.