The Childrens School at ST Johns
The Childrens School at ST Johns is a certified child care center in Bala Cynwyd, PA, with capacity for 112 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 5 times. The state cited 16 violations, 2 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (8 of 16). 8 citations came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #3 of 7 centers in Bala Cynwyd and has fewer citations per inspection than 65% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
During the renewal inspection on 2/19/26, it was observed that the exit from the lower level was obstructed with snow and ice.
During the renewal inspection on 2/19/26, it was observed that the records of children #1 and #3 did not contain and updated health report. Documents dated 9/30/24 and 7/25/24 respectively.
During the renewal inspection on 2/19/26, it was observed that the medication for child #2 was not contained in the original container.
During the renewal inspection on 2/19/26 it was observed that the records of staff #1 did not include tuberculosis screening by the Mantoux method
During the renewal inspection on 2/19/26, it was observed that the records of child #3, child #4 child #5, child #6, child #7, and child #8 did not specify the child's arrival and departure times.
During the renewal inspection on 2/19/26, it was observed that the records of children #1, #4, and #5 did not include work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent.
During the renewal inspection on 2/19/26, it was observed that the records of children #4, #6, and #7 did not include information on the child's special needs.
During the renewal inspection on 2/19/26, it was observed that the records of child #1 did not include the address and telephone number of the person to whom the child may be released. The records of children #7 and #8 did not include the address of the person to whom the child may be released.
During the unannounced inspection on 9/29/25, it was determined that staff #1 struck child on the cheek
During the renewal inspection on 2/26/25, it was observed that the records of staff person #1 did not include an acceptable Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) clearance as required by the CPSL.
During the renewal inspection on 2/26/25, it was observed that the records of child #2, child #4, child #5, child #6 and child #7 did not include child's arrival and departure times.
During the renewal inspection on 2/26/25, it was observed that the records of child #1, child #2, child #3, child #4, Child #5, child #6 and child #7 contained the original agreement.
During the renewal inspection on 2/26/25, it was observed that the records of child #3, and child #4 did not contain the work addresses and telephone numbers of the enrolling parent.
During the renewal inspection on 2/26/25, it was observed that the records of child #3, child #4 and child #6 did not include information on the child's special needs.
During the renewal inspection on 3/11/24, it was observed that there were stained ceiling tiles in the 2nd floor bathrooms, hallway, and Toddler room.
During the renewal inspection on 3/11/24, it was observed that paint/plaster was peeling in the Stairwell going down to the basement and the toddler room near ceiling.
“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
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) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $98.00 | $72.00 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $96.00 | $72.00 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $78.00 | $60.00 |
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
Common questions
Has The Childrens School at ST Johns had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 2 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 29, 2025 (caregiver conduct): “During the unannounced inspection on 9/29/25, it was determined that staff #1 struck child on the cheek” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about The Childrens School at ST Johns?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at The Childrens School at ST Johns since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is The Childrens School at ST Johns’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Aug 6, 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 The Childrens School at ST Johns compare with other daycares in Bala Cynwyd?
It is tied for #3 of 7 centers in Bala Cynwyd by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 65% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was The Childrens School at ST Johns last inspected?
Feb 19, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does The Childrens School at ST Johns cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $100.00 for newborn, $100.00 for infant, $98.00 for young toddler, $96.00 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs The Childrens School at ST Johns?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is St Johns Nursery School of Lower Merion.
Certified centers nearby
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250 N Highland Ave, Merion Station · 0.4 mi away · 144 spots More citations than most Goddard School New Life Learning
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612 Montgomery Ave, Narberth · 0.6 mi away · 44 spots Fewer citations than most
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.