Primrose School of Center City Philadelphia
1635 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19103 · Philadelphia County
2 core-safety citations in last 12 months
1 complaint investigation found violations
Keystone STAR 4 (accredited)
Part of Primrose Schools · 9 Pennsylvania locations
Primrose School of Center City Philadelphia is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 199 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 (accredited) rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 7 times and confirmed violations in 1 complaint investigation. The state cited 31 violations, 7 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (11 of 31). 6 citations came in the last 12 months, including 2 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #701 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 54% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
More citations than 54% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. About typical
Tied for #701 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia
7
Core-safety citations
24
Other citations
7
Inspections
1
Complaint investigations that found violations
31 citations from 8 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 6 in the last 12 months · last inspected Dec 12, 2025
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
11
Building & playground safety
5
Food & feeding
3
Supervision
2
Background checks
2
Caregiver conduct
2
Health & medication
2
Emergency preparedness
2
Child protection
1
Transportation
1
Citations, newest first
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
During the renewal inspection on 12/12/25, Staff person #3 was working unsupervised in the Toddlers Room without having completed the pre-service training Pediatric First Aid and CPR.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 24, 2025): “Staff person #3 will not be permitted to work unsupervised until she completes the Pediatric First Aid and CPR training.”
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
During the renewal inspection on 12/12/25: 1. Staff person #1 did not have Out of State Criminal History on file. 2. Staff person #2 did not have Out of State Criminal History or Out of State Child Abuse and Neglect Registry on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 24, 2025): “Facility person #1 has received final clearance document and is now able to work in a childcare position at the facility. Facility person #2 has not completed required Out-of-State Clearances and has been put on administrative leave until such time as those clearances have been completed.”
Citation
Dec 12, 2025
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Has all items 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(c)
During the renewal inspection on 12/12/25, the first-aid kit in the Private Pre-Kindergarten Room did not have gloves.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 24, 2025): “Pre-Kindergarten first aid kit had gloves added to the kit. All first aid kits were inspected to ensure that the required items were present.”
Citation
Dec 12, 2025
Inspection
Food & feeding
Refrigerator 55 Pa. Code §3270.107
During the renewal inspection on 12/12/25, the refrigerator in the Older Infant Room, did not have a thermometer.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 24, 2025): “A thermometer was placed in the Older Infant Room refrigerator.”
Citation
Dec 12, 2025
Inspection
Food & feeding
Menus 55 Pa. Code §3270.165
During the renewal inspection on 12/12/25, the operator did not have a menu posted conspicuously for the parents to view.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 24, 2025): “The menu has been posted on conspicuously in the front lobby where the parents login the children.”
Citation
Dec 12, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Each child care space 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(c)
During the renewal inspection on 12/12/25, child #1 did not have emergency contact information in the Toddlers Room while she was in care in that childcare space.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 24, 2025): “Emergency contact for child #1 was moved from the young toddler room to the toddler room.”
Required to report 55 Pa. Code §3270.19(a)
During the complaint investigation on 6/6/25, staff interviews confirmed that children were observed being physically and verbally mistreated by staff person #1 and staff interviews confirmed that these observations were instructed to be reported to "Leadership" instead of ChildLine.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 6, 2025): “1) All staff will complete mandated reporter training (| Welcome to the iLookOut for Child Abuse Project) no later than 7/31/25; any staff that does not complete this training will be unable to return to work until this training is completed. A list of compliance will be provided to licensing. 2)…”
Supervised at all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)
During the complaint investigation on 6/6/25, 1. It was verified that staff person #1, who was solely responsible for supervision of the children during naptime, was unable to explain how child #1 received a bruise to their nose. It was confirmed that child #1 did not have a bruise to the nose prior to naptime. 2. During walkthrough of the facility, in the Preschool Room, a child was observed using the classroom restroom unsupervised. Staff persons #2 and 3 were sitting at the classroom tables unaware that child was in the restroom.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 6, 2025): “Staff will make sure that they can see, hear, direct and assess the activities of the children at all times. (corrected 6/8/25) 1) Staff person #1 was terminated on 4/8/25. Corrected by 6/6/25 2) Staff persons #2 and #3 both received written warnings and reminders regarding the need to supervise…”
No physical punishment 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(b)
During the complaint investigation on 6/6/25, staff interviews confirmed that staff person #1 was observed physically mistreating children by pinching, flicking, pushing, pulling hair, shoving children into chairs, pushing children into tables, and snatching children by the wrist.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 6, 2025): “Staff will never use any type of physical punishment towards the children. 1) Staff person #1 was terminated on 4/8/25. Corrected 6/6/25 2) All staff will review the Staff Supervision of Children Policy, the Positive Behavioral Guidance Policy, and the Staff Prohibited Behavior Policy, and sign off…”
No harsh language 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(d)
During the complaint investigation on 6/6/25, staff interviews confirmed that staff person #1 was observed using harsh and abusive language towards the children like; "Shut the f--- up!", "Sit the f--- down!", "Sit down before you crack your f---ing head!", "You are so annoying!", "Lay the f--- down!".
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 6, 2025): “Staff will never use harsh demeaning or abusive language towards the children or in the presence of the children. 1) Staff person #1 was terminated on 4/8/25. Corrected 6/6/25 2) All staff will review the Staff Supervision of Children Policy, the Positive Behavioral Guidance Policy, and the Staff…”
Show 21 older citations
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
During the unannounced monitoring on 6/6/25, staff person #1 did not have a National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 10, 2025): “Staff person #1 had the NSOR in her email but had not provided a copy of that to us. She provided that copy to us on 6/6/25, and it was added to her file. Proof of completed document has been emailed to Fred Jones, Early Learning Program Certificate Representative.”
Citation
Jun 6, 2025
Inspection
Health & medication
Physical examination/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(1)/3270.192(3)
During the unannounced monitoring on 6/6/25, staff person #1 did not have a health assessment on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 10, 2025): “Staff person #1 was placed on leave at the end of the day on 6/6/25 until her health assessment was completed. She completed her health assessments on 6/11/25 (TB test read) and 6/12/25 (Physical). Those forms have been added to her personnel file, and she was able to return to work on 6/12/25…”
Citation
Jun 6, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Each child care space 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(c)
During the unannounced monitoring on 6/6/25, child #1 did not have emergency contact information in the childcare space while receiving care.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 10, 2025): “Child #1's emergency contact form was incomplete and at the front desk awaiting all signatures. For was completed on 6/10/25, added to the child's file, and to the emergency contact folder in the child's classroom. Document has been sent to Fred Jones as proof of completion.”
Citation
Jun 6, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Updated every 6 months 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(f)
During the unannounced monitoring on 6/6/25, child #2 did not have emergency contact information updated within the last 6 months. It was dated 10/22/24.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 10, 2025): “Child #2's updated emergency contact form was complete but had not been added to the room emergency contact folder. It was added to that folder on 6/10/25. A copy has been been sent to Fred Jones as proof of completion.”
Citation
Jun 6, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
During the unannounced monitoring on 6/6/25, staff person #1 did not have two written nonfamily references in file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 10, 2025): “Staff person #1 had provided references to us, but they had not been added to her file. These were added to her file on 6/6/25. Proof of these documents has been sent to Fred Jones.”
Citation
Jan 10, 2025
Inspection
Building & playground safety
No business simultaneous use 55 Pa. Code §3270.61(f)
During the renewal inspection on 1/10/25, in the Explorers Room, there were excess cardboard boxes and materials not related to childcare. The director and owner indicated that the space was being used for storage. Childcare space included in the facility total capacity may not be used for any purpose other than childcare and must be compliant and prepared for childcare, during hours of operation.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 4, 2025): “The boxes and storage items in the Explorers classroom were removed and classroom was set up for use.”
Citation
Dec 14, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Each child emergency contact person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(a)
During the renewal inspection on 12/14/23, the provider did not have emergency contact information for child #1.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 9, 2024): “Updated emergency contact information for child #1 was received the day after the inspection 12/15/23.”
Citation
Dec 14, 2023
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
During the renewal inspection on 12/14/23, child #2 did not have a health insurance policy number on the emergency contact information.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 9, 2024): “The emergency contact information including health insurance coverage was completed immediately following the inspection.”
Citation
Feb 14, 2023
Inspection
Health & medication
Clean, age appropriate 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(a)
At the time of inspection, some of the rest equipment in two classrooms were not labeled for the use of a specific child.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 15, 2023): “The operator will label the rest equipment.”
Citation
Dec 22, 2021
Inspection
Building & playground safety
110º F or less 55 Pa. Code §3270.69(b)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a walkthrough of the facility in infant room 1, 2, 3, and toddler room 1 the water temperature measured at 122 F.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 26, 2022): “Temperature was lowered by maintenance on day of inspection. Time was needed for hot water to drain from pipes and temperature to regulate.”
Citation
Dec 22, 2021
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Clean and good repair 55 Pa. Code §3270.82(g)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a walkthrough of the facility in the preschool classroom the toilet's sign read "out of order".
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 15, 2022): “A maintenance request was submitted the day of inspection on 12/22/21 and repairs completed the afternoon of 12/23/21”
Citation
Dec 22, 2021
Inspection
Food & feeding
Refrigerator 55 Pa. Code §3270.107
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a walkthrough of the facility, in infant rm #3 the refrigerator thermometer read 55 F.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 26, 2022): “Thermometer was placed in a different spot in the refrigerator during inspection and temperature was 43 degrees later in day of inspection.”
Citation
Dec 22, 2021
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(5)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a review of files, the emergency plan did not contain accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions. (Implemented on site)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 22, 2021): “The provider added the accommodations to the emergency plan.”
Citation
Dec 22, 2021
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a review of the files. The certification representative asked for the proof of purchase for the fire system, staff #1 stated they did not have any proof nor an attestation form. (Implemented on site)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 22, 2021): “The provider filled out the attestation form.”
Citation
Dec 22, 2021
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(f)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a review of files, the certification representative asked for the letter to the local municipality and the provider stated they did not have one.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 26, 2022): “Summarized Emergency Plan sent to Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management and Philadelphia Police 9th District.”
Citation
Dec 22, 2021
Inspection
Transportation
Pick-up and drop-off points 55 Pa. Code §3270.171(a)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a review of the facility's files. The certification representative asked staff #1 for the safe routes letter. Staff #1 stated they did not have the letter.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 26, 2022): “Sent letter to Philadelphia Department of Streets at 1401 JFK Blvd.”
Citation
Dec 22, 2021
Inspection
Records & paperwork
On file at facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.18(a)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative reviewed the liability insurance, it did not contain the address of the facility location. (Implemented on site)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 22, 2021): “The provider added location address to the insurance.”
Citation
Dec 22, 2021
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Physician name, address, phone/Parent home/work address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(2)/3270.124(b)(3)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative reviewed the child files, in child # 1 and #2 file the emergency contact information did not contain the address of the child's physician nor the work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 10, 2022): “Immediately following inspection the Director followed up with parents to provide necessary information.”
Citation
Dec 22, 2021
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative reviewed the child files, in child # 1 file the emergency contact form did not contain address and telephone number of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released. In child #3 file the emergency contact form did not contain the address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 10, 2022): “Immediately following the inspection the Director requested the required information to be completed by parent.”
Citation
Dec 22, 2021
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a review of the staff files, Staff# 2 file did not consist of two nonfamily references.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 23, 2021): “Missing reference letter was emailed to licensing representative on 12/23/21”
Citation
Dec 22, 2021
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Building Codes 55 Pa. Code §3270.15(a)
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a review of the facility files, the certification asked for the certificate of occupancy. Staff #1 informed the certification representative that she did not have it in the facility and would have to ask the owner for the certificate.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 25, 2022): “The Certificate of Occupancy was provided prior to Licensing representative leaving. It is on site.”
“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
Jun 6, 2025
Complaint investigation
4 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.
Daily rates
| Age group | Full time, per day | Part time, per day |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $124.25 | — |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $122.40 | $108.78 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $122.40 | $108.78 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $106.24 | $94.46 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $106.24 | $94.46 |
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
199 children
Certificate status
Regular (COMPASS: awaiting renewal)
Certificate valid through
Feb 3, 2027
Operator
Center City Philadelphia School Services LLC
Hours
Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–6:00 PM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone
(215) 545-1920
State certificate #
CER-00251320
Common questions
Has Primrose School of Center City Philadelphia had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 7 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 Dec 12, 2025 (supervision): “During the renewal inspection on 12/12/25, Staff person #3 was working unsupervised in the Toddlers Room without having completed the pre-service training Pediatric First Aid and CPR.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Primrose School of Center City Philadelphia?
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 Primrose School of Center City Philadelphia’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4 (accredited), effective Jul 24, 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 Primrose School of Center City Philadelphia compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?
It is tied for #701 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 54% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Primrose School of Center City Philadelphia last inspected?
Dec 12, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does Primrose School of Center City Philadelphia cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $124.25 for infant, $122.40 for young toddler, $122.40 for older toddler, $106.24 for preschool in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Primrose School of Center City Philadelphia?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Center City Philadelphia School Services LLC.
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1601 Market St, Philadelphia · under 0.1 mi away · 155 spots About typical KinderCare Learning Center 303009
1700 Market St, Philadelphia · under 0.1 mi away · 139 spots More citations than most Friends Child Care Center
1501 Cherry St, Philadelphia · 0.3 mi away · 148 spots About typical Right Steps of Rittenhouse Square
1531 Locust St # 35, Philadelphia · 0.3 mi away · 105 spots About typical Temple Beth Zion Beth Israel
300 S 18th St, Philadelphia · 0.4 mi away · 65 spots About typical The Learning Experience
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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.