The Common Place
The Common Place is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 10 times. The state cited 105 violations, 13 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (32 of 105). 20 citations came in the last 12 months, including 3 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #1,105 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 90% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed staff #1 did not have FBI clearance and mandated reporter training on file.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed in the greenway room there were 2 staff with 14 mixed school age children. The one staff left the greenway room to go into the office leaving 14 children to 1 staff person.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed a child was in the bathroom unsupervised.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed continuity of operations was not included in the emergency plan.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed staff #2 did not have emergency plan training on file.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed persons in the music room that were not staff bringing in products to set up for a food giveaway.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed in the downstairs bathroom there were cleaning supplies accessible to children.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed the first aid kit in the greenway room did not include gloves and tweezers.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed the downstairs bathroom was not clean.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed the refrigerator did not have a thermometer.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed staff #1 and 2 did not have a complete health assessment on file with TB.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed documentation of testing fire safety system every 30 or documentation of annual testing from a fire safety professional was not on file.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed a copy of the emergency plan was not sent to the local municipality and to the county emergency management agency.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed there was no shaken baby syndrome policy on file.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed there was no liability insurance on file.
During the renewal inspection cert rep was let into the child care center by 2 persons who were inside the child care facility while a funeral was being held. I asked them if the director was available and was told they did not know because they were leaving from a funeral. Cert rep walked into the office and called out for the director. No one answered, so cert rep walked around to the greenway room and also saw other people walking in the hallways of the child care facility who were not staff. Once cert rep reached the greenway room there were 2 staff persons and 14 children in care.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed staff #1 and 2 did not have health and safety training on file.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed the emergency contacts were not present in the child care space in the greenway or the parlor classroom.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed child #1-5 did not have an individual record on file.
During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed staff #2 did not have two written nonfamily references on file.
Show 85 older citations
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed the indoor play space was not set up for indoor play space.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed the hot water temperature in the girls and boys bathroom was 112 degrees and 111 in the basement bathroom.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed a written notification of safe routes was not posted in the child care facility.
During the unannounced monitoring visit from the renewal inspection on 10/2/2024 child #1 and 5 did not have a complete immunization chart on file.
During the unannounced monitoring visit from the renewal inspection on 10/2/2024 child #1-3 and 5 fee agreement did not include the release persons name.
During the unannounced monitoring visit from the renewal inspection on 10/2/2024 child #1-5 fee agreement did not include the date of admission.
During the unannounced monitoring visit from the renewal inspection on 10/2/2024 child #5 emergency contact did not include the name of the physician.
During the unannounced monitoring visit from the renewal inspection on 10/2/2024 child #4 and 5 emergency contact did not include the written consent signed by a parent for emergency medical care and for emergency medical care for the child.
During the unannounced monitoring visit from the renewal inspection on 10/2/2024 child #2 emergency contact did not include the release persons address.
During the unannounced monitoring visit from the renewal inspection on 10/2/2024 4 emergency contacts were not present in the child care space while children were receiving care.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed staff #3 does not have State Police clearance, NSOR certificate and a disclosure on file.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed staff #2-5 did not have emergency plan training on file.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed the girls bathroom water temperature was 112 and 116 degree, and the basement bathroom was 117 and 116.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed the first aid kit did not include soap.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed child #2, 4 and 5 did not have a health assessment on file with immunizations. Child #1 did not have immunizations on file.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed no written notification of safe routes was posted in a conspicuous location at the facility.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed the annual emergency drill was not on file and not sent to the local municipality and to the county emergency management agency.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed the last fire drill was conducted on 7/10/2024.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed there is no Shaken Baby Syndrome policy on file.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed there is no general liability insurance on file.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed staff #4 did not have fire safety training on file.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed staff #3 does not have Health and Safety training on file.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed there was no emergency contact information present in the child care space while the children were receiving care in the space.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed child 1-5 emergency contact and fee agreement was not on file.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed staff #2 did not have two written nonfamily references on file.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed staff #3 did not have pediatric first aid and CPR on file.
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed staff #1 and 4 did not have 12 clock hours of child care training on file.
During unannounced monitoring on 9/26/23, while doing a walkthrough of the facility, Cert Rep and Cert Supervisor observed the following: Staff # 1 was alone in the Greenway classroom with 16 children (a mixed young school age and older school age), while Staff # 2 had children using the restroom.
During unannounced monitoring on 9/26/23, while doing a walkthrough of the facility, Cert Rep and Cert Supervisor observed the following: Staff # 1 was observed sending the boys to use the restroom that was not visible to be able to see, hear, assess and direct children.
During unannounced monitoring on 9/26/23, while reviewing staff files, Cert Rep and Cert Supervisor observed the following: - Staff # 3 and # 4 did not have documentation of 2 nonfamily references in file.
Staff # 11 listed as office staff applied for NSOR on 3/2/22 but does not have documentation in file to show completed clearance
During unannounced inspection on 7/19/23, Staff # 13 did not have documentation of emergency plan training in file.
During unannounced inspection on 7/19/23, while doing a walk-through of the facility, Cert Rep observed the following: - Missing outlet covers in the Performing Arts room located on 2nd floor.
During unannounced inspection on 7/19/23, while doing a walk-through of the facility, Cert Rep observed the following: - the first aid kit in the Performing arts room was missing gloves
During unannounced inspection on 7/19/23, Cert Rep observed the following: - Peeling paint in the performing arts room located on the 2nd floor
During unannounced inspection on 7/19/23, Cert Rep observed the following; - The refrigerator located in the basement did not have a thermometer.
During unannounced inspection on 7/19/23, Cert Rep observed the following: Child # 4 did not have documentation of a child health report in file.
During unannounced inspection on 7/19/23, Cert Rep observed the following: Staff # 4, 6,11, and # 13 did not have documentation of a health assessment and TB in file.
During unannounced inspection on 7/19/23, Staff # 1 did not have documentation of staff eval in file.
During unannounced inspection on 7/19/23, Cert Rep observed the following - Child # 3's emergency contact did not have health insurance and policy number listed.
During unannounced inspection on 7/19/23, Cert Rep observed the following: Staff # 2,4,7,.11 and # 13 did not have documentation of 2 non-family references in file.
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while reviewing staff files, Cert Rep observed the following: - Staff #2 and # 6 did not have receipt in file to show that the FBI clearance was not applied for under the 45-day provisional waiver hire. Staff # 2 and # 6 does not met the requirement. - Staff # 3's NSOR receipt is dated 11/3/22 and is not in file - Staff # 11 listed as office staff applied on 3/2/22 for NSOR but does not have documentation of NSOR clearance in file. - Staff # 2, #4, #8, and #11 did not have documentation of disclosure statement in file
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while reviewing staff files, Cert Rep observed the following: Staff# 11 did not have documentation of emergency plan training in file
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23, while doing a walk-through of the facility Cert Rep observed the following: - The facility did not have the emergency plan posted in a conspicuous location used by parents
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while doing a walkthrough of the facility, Cert Rep observed the following: - There were missing outlet covers in the Performing Arts Room located on the 2nd floor.
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while doing a walkthrough of the facility, Cert Rep observed the following: - the first aid kit in the Performing arts classroom was missing gloves
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while doing a walkthrough of the facility, Cert Rep observed the following: - Peeling paint in the Performing arts room located on the 2nd floor - peeling paint the entire length of the hallway facing the entrance where the baseboard should be
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while doing a walkthrough of the facility, Cert Rep observed the following: - Missing handwashing signs at the sink in the kitchen located in the basement
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while doing a walkthrough of the facility, Cert Rep observed the following: The refrigerator located in the basement kitchen did not have a thermometer.
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while reviewing children's files, Cert Rep observed the following: Child # 4 did not have documentation of child health report
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while reviewing staff files, Cert Rep observed the following: - Staff # 4, # 6, # 7, # 10 and # 11 did not have documentation of health assessment and TB in file - Staff # 5's health assessment was dated 8/6/20
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while reviewing staff files, Cert Rep observed the following: - Staff # 1 did not have the mandatory 1-hr health and safety in file
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23, while reviewing staff files, Cert Rep observed the following: - Staff # 1 did not have documentation of staff evaluation in file
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while reviewing staff files, Cert Rep observed the following: - Staff # 2 and # 7 listed as an AGS did not have verification of 2 years childcare experience in file - Staff # 4 and # 6 listed as an AGS did not have high school diploma and 2 verification of 2 years childcare experience in file
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while doing a walkthrough of the facility Cert Rep observed the following: The Parlor room located on the first floor did not a written plan of daily activities posted
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while reviewing children's files, Cert Rep observed the following: Child # 1-4's agreement did not have operator's signature
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while reviewing children's files, Cert Rep observed the following: Child # 2, and # 3 did not have health insurance coverage and policy number listed on emergency contact.
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while reviewing children's files, Cert Rep observed the following: Child # 1, and # 2 did not have parental signature on the emergency contacts, but had initials.
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while reviewing children's files, Cert Rep observed the following: Child # 1, # 2 did not have signed parental consent, but had initials
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23. while reviewing staff files, Cert Rep observed the following: - Staff # 2,4,7,9, and # 11 did not have documentation of 2 non-family references in file.
During renewal inspection on 6/21/23, while reviewing staff files, Cert Rep observed the following - Staff # 1 had 2 completed childcare training hours and not 12 hours
The file for staff member #1, hired August 2022; did not contain a completed FBI or PA State Police clearance. The file for staff member #2, hired 9/20/2018; contained a Department of Education FBI clearance which is not accepted by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).
The facility did not have verification of initial emergency plan training for staff member #3, hired 9/8/2022.
The file for staff member #1, hired 8/2022; didn't contain an initial health assessment. The staff members file only contained TB results dated 5/6/2022.
The current Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric CPR training certificate observed in staff member's #3 filles was not provided by approved PQAS training professional.
The files for staff members #2 and #4, both hired 9/2018; did not contain verification of completion of the required pre-service Health and Safety topics.
The agreement forms observed for child #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 did not include a space for parents to designated release persons to whom the child may be released.
The emergency contact form for child #1, child #3 and child #5 did not have the parents' signature for consent of emergency medical and minor first-aid.
The files for staff members #4 and #5 did not contain verification of the annual 12 clock hours of childcare training.
During unannounced monitoring on 12/2/21, the file of facility person #2 hired 7/9/21does not contain a completed child abuse, DHS required FBI clearance, NSOR verification, or a signed disclosure statement. The LE does not have an approved waiver to hire provisionally. The file does not contain copies of request(s) for the clearances/verification, and the disclosure statement required for provisional hiring under the CPSL.
During unannounced visit on 12/2/21, Cert Rep observed Staff # 1 alone escorting 22 school age children to the facility
During unannounced monitoring on 12/2/21, Facility person # 2 whose hire date 7/9/21 did not have documentation of health assessment in file
During unannounced 12/2/21, Facility person # 2 whose hire date 7/9/21 did not have documentation of 2 non-family references in file
During physical site visit on 11/10/21, Cert Rep observed Staff # 2 alone with 18 children (mixed age group- young/old school age) in the Greenway room
During physical site visit on 11/10/21, Cert Rep observed Staff# 2 walking 23 children (mixed age group of young and older school age children) to the facility
During renewal inspection on 11/3/21, while reviewing staff files, Cert Rep observed the following - Staff # 7 and 8 listed as volunteers did not have emergency plan training in file
During renewal inspection on 11/3/2021 while doing a walk through of the facility, Cert Rep observed that the Music room located in the basement's facility did not have a first aid kit tin the child care space
During renewal inspection on 11/3/2021 while doing a walk through of the facility, Cert Rep observed that the trash can in the basement bathroom and the 1st floor boys bathroom did not have a lid
During renewal inspection on 11/3/2021 while observing staff files, Cert Rep observed the following: - Staff # 6 whose hire date 1/2015 did not have a staff health form in file - Staff # 7 listed as volunteer did not have a health assessment in file
During renewal inspection on 11/3/2021 while doing a walk through of the facility, Cert Rep observed that there was no evacuation route posted in the Music room located in the basement's facility
During renewal inspection on 11/3/2021 while reviewing staff files, Cert Rep observed that Staff # 4 whose hire date 6/2021 did not have documentation of Health and Safety training in file
During renewal inspection on 11/3/2021 while reviewing staff files, Staff # 4 whose hire date did not have documentation of 2500 childcare hours to qualify as Assistant Group Supervisor
During renewal inspection on 11/3/2021 while reviewing children's files, Child # 1-6 agreements were incomplete
During physical site visit on 11/10/21, Cert Rep observed Facility person # 9 at the facility, but did not receive a file for Facility # 9
During renewal inspection on 11/3/2021 while reviewing staff files, Cert Rep observed Staff # 4 whose hire date 6/2021 had documentation of 1 written reference in file
“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 |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $50.00 | $50.00 |
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 Common Place had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 13 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 Feb 11, 2026 (background checks): “During the renewal inspection the cert rep observed staff #1 did not have FBI clearance and mandated reporter training on file.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about The Common Place?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at The Common Place since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is The Common Place’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 1. 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 Common Place compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?
It is tied for #1,105 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 90% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was The Common Place last inspected?
Feb 11, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does The Common Place cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $50.00 for preschool, $50.00 for young school-age, $50.00 for older school-age in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
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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.
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