Safe Zone Play and Learn Childcare Facility
4601 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19140 · Philadelphia County
1 core-safety citation in last 12 months
3 complaint investigations found violations
Keystone STAR 1
Safe Zone Play and Learn Childcare Facility is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 15 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 6 times and confirmed violations in 3 complaint investigations. The state cited 26 violations, 6 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (8 of 26). 6 citations came in the last 12 months, including 1 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #648 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 50% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
More citations than 50% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. About typical
Tied for #648 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia
6
Core-safety citations
20
Other citations
6
Inspections
3
Complaint investigations that found violations
26 citations from 9 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 6 in the last 12 months · last inspected Dec 10, 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
8
Health & medication
4
Caregiver conduct
4
Training & qualifications
3
Background checks
2
Building & playground safety
2
Emergency preparedness
2
Other standards
1
Citations, newest first
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
At the time of the Renewal Inspection conducted on 12/10/2025, the file of Staff Person #1 did not contain a completed DHS FBI Clearance. The file for Staff Person #2 did not contain a completed National Sex Offender Registry Clearance or a completed PA Criminal Background Clearance.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 11, 2026): “The required clearances for Staff Person #1 and Staff Person #2 were obtained. Copies of all completed clearances were placed in each staff file. Any staff missing required clearances were not permitted to work until documentation was received.”
Citation
Dec 10, 2025
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
At the time of the Renewal Inspection conducted on 12/10/2025, there was a printer and telephone on a shelf with cords and wires hanging down in the Infant/Toddler Childcare space in an area accessible to children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 5, 2026): “The printer and telephone were moved up and out of children's reach within the classroom. All cords and wires were secured, taped, and placed in a manner inaccessible to children.”
Citation
Dec 10, 2025
Inspection
Health & medication
Child's hands washed/Adult Hygiene 55 Pa. Code §3270.134(a)/3270.152
At the time of the Renewal Inspection conducted on 12/10/2025, Staff Person #1 did not wash Child#1's hands after being diapered. Also, Staff Person #1 did not wash their hands after diapering Child #1.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 5, 2026): “Staff Person #1 was immediately retrained on proper diapering and handwashing procedures in accordance with Pennsylvania Childcare regulations. Correct handwashing procedures for both children and staff were reviewed and demonstrated.”
Citation
Dec 10, 2025
Inspection
Health & medication
Health information/Initial and subsequent health reports 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)/3270.182(1)
At the time of the Renewal Inspection conducted on 12/10/2025, the file for Child #1 admitted on 08/21/2025, and the file for Child #2 admitted 05/01/2025, did not contain an initial health assessment.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 11, 2026): “Initial health assessment forms were obtained for both Child #1 and Child #2 and placed in each child's file. Children without completed health assessments on file were monitored, and documentation updated immediately upon receipt.”
Citation
Dec 10, 2025
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
At the time of the Renewal Inspection conducted on 12/10/2025, the file for Staff Person #2 did not contain verification of the completion of the required CCDBG Health and Safety trainings. The file only contained verification of the completion of PA Required Health and Safety for Centers and Groups Part 1.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 11, 2026): “Staff Person #2 completed all remaining required CCDBG Health and Safety Training Modules. Verification certificates were obtained and placed in the staff member's personnel file.”
Citation
Dec 10, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Name, address, and phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(1)
At the time of the Renewal Inspection conducted on 12/10/2025, the file for Staff Person #2 did not contain verification of Staff Person#2's address.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 11, 2026): “Verification of Staff Person #2 current address was obtained and placed in the personnel file.”
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
At the time of the Renewal Inspection conducted on 12/16/2024, the file for Staff Person #2 did not contain a completed Child Abuse Clearance.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2025): “Staff Person #2 has been terminated. Last day for this staff member was 12/26/2024.”
Citation
Dec 16, 2024
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)
At the time of the Renewal Inspection on 12/16/2024, The file for Staff Person #1, Staff Person #2, Staff Person #3 and Staff Person #4 did not contain verification of the completion of Emergency Plan training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2025): “All staff will be trained in the Emergency Plan.”
Citation
Dec 16, 2024
Inspection
Health & medication
Physical examination/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(c)(1)/3270.192(3)
At the time of the Renewal Inspection conducted on 12/16/2024, the files for Staff Person #1 did not contain a health assessment including initial and subsequent tuberculosis test.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2025): “Staff Person #1 will obtain a completed health assessment.”
Citation
Dec 16, 2024
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Every 60 days 55 Pa. Code §3270.94(a)(1)
At the time of the Renewal Inspection on 12/16/2024, the date of the most recent fire drill on file at the facility was 10/14/2024.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2025): “Provider will conduct a fire drill.”
Show 16 older citations
Citation
Dec 16, 2024
Inspection
Health & medication
Health information/Initial and subsequent health reports 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(a)/3270.182(1)
At the time of the Renewal Inspection on 12/16/2024, the file for Child #4 did not contain a health report.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 14, 2025): “Provider will obtain the health assessment.”
Citation
Dec 16, 2024
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
At the time of the Renewal Inspection conducted on 12/16/2024, Staff Person #1 was observed working alone with 2 children ages 1-2 years old. The file for Staff Person #1 did not contain completion of the required CCDBG 10-Hour Health and Safety Revised training prior to working alone with children.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2025): “Staff Person will complete the training.”
Citation
Dec 16, 2024
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Health and Safety Training/Professional development certificate 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)/3270.31(g)
At the time of the Renewal Inspection conducted on 12/16/2024, the file for Staff Person #2 and Staff Person #4 did not contain verification of the completion of the required CCDBG Revised10-Hour Health and Safety Training.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 13, 2025): “Staff will obtain required trainings.”
Citation
Dec 16, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Services proceeded 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(3)
At the time of the Renewal Inspection on 12/16/2024, the files for Child #1, Child #2, Child #3, Child #4 and Child #5 did not contain a Child Service Report.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 14, 2025): “Child service reports will be completed for each child.”
Citation
Dec 16, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Admission date/Application, admission, withdrawal dates 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(6)/3270.182(2)
At the time of the Renewal Inspection on 12/16/2024, the agreement forms on file for Child #1, Child #2, Child #3, Child #4 and Child #5 did not contain the date of the child's admission into the program.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 14, 2025): “Enrollment dates will be added to the agreement form.”
Citation
Dec 16, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)
At the time of the Renewal Inspection on 12/16/2024, the emergency contact forms on file for Child #2, Child #3 and Child #5 did not contain the Health Insurance Policy Number for the child. The file for Child # 3 did not contain the Health Insurance Coverage for the child.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 14, 2025): “Health insurance information will be obtained for each child.”
Citation
Dec 16, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)
At the time of the Renewal Inspection on 12/16/2024, the files for Child #1, Child #2, and Child #5 did not contain the addresses of the individuals to whom the parent designated the child may be released.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 14, 2025): “Addresses for the people to whom the children may be released will be added to the child's file.”
Citation
Dec 16, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Written emergency plan posted 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(e)
At the time of the Renewal Inspection on 12/16/2024, the facility's Emergency Transportaion Plan was not posted in a conspicuous location in the childcare space.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 14, 2025): “Emergency transportation plan has been posted.”
No ridicule or threaten harm 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(c)
At the time of the Complaint Investigation on 08/26/2024, Staff Person #1 is observed on video from 08/19/2024 saying to Child #1, "Get up, Why was you over there going to sleep, Get up", "Sit down, don't go to sleep", "You set up there and peed on yourself, why did you do that, you sat there and peed on yourself", "You not wet, boy sit down somewhere", "Boy I'll be glad when your parents come because you be doing stupid stuff", "You need to wake up", "I wish your parents come on yo, this is ridiculous".
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 16, 2024): “The provider will discuss with the staff appropriate ways to speak to children.”
Infant/Toddler Stimulation/Restraints prohibited 55 Pa. Code §3270.112/3270.113(e)
At the time of the Unannounced Monitoring Inspection on 08/26/2024, Child #1 was strapped into a highchair for 30 minutes without activity or other stimulation.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 16, 2024): “Provider will ensure that no child is being placed in a highchair as a form of restraint.”
Citation
Aug 26, 2024
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Toxic use- no contamination/Child's hands washed 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(c)/3270.134(a)
At the time of the Unannounced Monitoring Inspection on 08/26/2024 before snack time, hand sanitizer was used in place of hand washing for children with ages ranging from 1 year to 4 years old. After being given hand sanitizer, Child #2 rubbed it in their hair.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 16, 2024): “Provider will no longer use hand sanitizer for the children in care, and the provider will ensure that the children's hands are washed before meals and snacks and after diapering and toileting.”
Citation
Aug 26, 2024
Complaint investigation
Other standards
Written plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.111(a)
At the time of the Complaint Investigation on 08/26/2024 Staff Person #1 was observed on video on 08/19/2024 placing Child #1 in a highchair during the center's rest time. Child #1 is seen falling asleep in the highchair.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 16, 2024): “Provider will ensure that the written plan of daily activities and routines is flexible and accommodates to the individual needs of the children.”
Citation
Aug 26, 2024
Complaint investigation
Records & paperwork
Reports of accidents, injuries and illnesses. Original report - parent same day Copy - facility accident file. Copy - child's file 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(7)
During complaint investigation on 08/26/2024, facility could not provide a completed incident report for child #1 falling out of highchair and hitting face on the floor after not being properly secured in highchair as observed on video provided by facility from 08/19/2024.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 16, 2024): “The provider will ensure that all staff complete incident reports when there is an incident or injury involving a child in care at the facility.”
Citation
Feb 26, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)
File Record for Child #1, Child #2, Child #3 did not include the address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 11, 2024): “File Record for Child #1, Child #2, Child #3 was updated to include the address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.”
No physical punishment 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(b)
On 10/4/21 at complaint investigation cert rep verified that staff person grabbed a child in a harsh manner.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 4, 2021): “Provider terminated staff person.”
No harsh language 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(d)
On 9-29-21 during a complaint investigation Certification Representative viewed a video recording of staff # 1 yelling at child # 1 to shut Up, while grabbing here out of the crib when she was crying this took place on Thursday, 9-24-21.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Oct 6, 2021): “Provider has terminated staff # 1 due to her treatment of child # 1.”
“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
Aug 26, 2024
Complaint investigation
3 violations cited, listed under Citations.
Violation found
Oct 4, 2021
Complaint investigation
1 violation cited, listed under Citations.
Violation found
Sep 29, 2021
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) | $320.00 looks like a weekly or monthly price |
$260.00 looks like a weekly or monthly price |
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $320.00 looks like a weekly or monthly price |
$260.00 looks like a weekly or monthly price |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $300.00 looks like a weekly or monthly price |
$240.00 looks like a weekly or monthly price |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $280.00 looks like a weekly or monthly price |
$235.00 looks like a weekly or monthly price |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $270.00 looks like a weekly or monthly price |
$225.00 looks like a weekly or monthly price |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $225.00 looks like a weekly or monthly price |
$190.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $225.00 looks like a weekly or monthly price |
$190.00 |
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
15 children
Certificate status
Regular
Certificate valid through
Mar 3, 2027
Operator
Safe Zone Play And Learn Childcare Facility
Hours
Monday–Sunday 6:00 AM–6:00 AM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone
(267) 257-5607
State certificate #
CER-00251834
Common questions
Has Safe Zone Play and Learn Childcare Facility had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 6 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 10, 2025 (background checks): “At the time of the Renewal Inspection conducted on 12/10/2025, the file of Staff Person #1 did not contain a completed DHS FBI Clearance. The file for Staff Person #2 did not contain a completed National Sex Offender…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Safe Zone Play and Learn Childcare Facility?
Pennsylvania lists 3 complaint investigations 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 Safe Zone Play and Learn Childcare Facility’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 1, effective Feb 13, 2021. 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 Safe Zone Play and Learn Childcare Facility compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?
It is tied for #648 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 50% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Safe Zone Play and Learn Childcare Facility last inspected?
Dec 10, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
Who runs Safe Zone Play and Learn Childcare Facility?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Safe Zone Play And Learn Childcare Facility.
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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.