The Essence of Childcare
The Essence of Childcare is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 32 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 8 times. The state cited 22 violations, 4 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for emergency preparedness (7 of 22). 1 citation came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #405 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has fewer citations per inspection than 66% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
During a renewal inspection conducted on 12/05/25, the Certification Representative reviewed Staff's #1, and Staff' #2 content of records. Staff
Disclosure statement was absent from file for staff members numbers 2 and 4. State Police clearance not on file for staff members 1.
Staff member number 2 did not have TB test results and read date on file during the Renewal Inspection.
Continued Noncompliance from Renewal Inspection: The provider's emergency plan did not provide accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.
Continued Noncompliance from Renewal Inspection: The provider did not have an emergency drill log on file at facility during the Renewal Inspection.
Continued Noncompliance from Renewal Inspection: The operator did not have written documentation stating that emergency plan was delivered to county emergency management agency
Continued Noncompliance from Renewal Inspection: The provider's emergency plan did not provide accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.
Continued Noncompliance from Renewal Inspection: The provider did not have an emergency drill log on file at facility during the Renewal Inspection.
Continued Noncompliance from Renewal Inspection: The operator did not have written documentation stating that emergency plan was delivered to county emergency management agency
During the Renewal Inspection, the provider stated that she did not have a written policy that addresses Shaken Baby Syndrome, along with recognition of potential signs/symptom, strategies for coping and prevention of child maltreatment.
Staff member #1 did not have a current State Police Clearance on file. Expired clearance is dated 6/11/2019.
During the unannounced visit, 2 staff members were alone with 22 mixed - age children ranging from infancy to Young School Age.
Staff member # 2 did not have a file at the facility.
On the day of visit Staff#1, Staff#2 and Staff#3 did not have a current emergency plan training in the file.
On the day observing the files staff#1 and staff#2 did not have a current first aid and CPR training in the files.
On the day observing the files Staff#1, Staff#2, and Staff#3 did not have a current fire safety training in the files.
Observed staff 1 file with an expired child abuse and FBI clearance.
Observed staff 1 file without updated health assessment.
Observed refrigerator with no thermometer.
Observed Childs cup with no label.
Observed fire extinguishers not maintained since January of 2020. Also the fire inspection was out dated.
Observed facility with no insurance.
“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) | $67.83 | $55.72 |
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $67.83 | $55.72 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $63.49 | $52.27 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $59.54 | $49.58 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $56.23 | $46.90 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $45.55 | $39.36 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $45.55 | $39.36 |
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 Essence of Childcare 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 Oct 10, 2024 (background checks): “Disclosure statement was absent from file for staff members numbers 2 and 4. State Police clearance not on file for staff members 1.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about The Essence of Childcare?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at The Essence of Childcare since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is The Essence of Childcare’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 1, effective Feb 27, 2020. 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 Essence of Childcare compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?
It is tied for #405 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 66% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was The Essence of Childcare last inspected?
Apr 10, 2026 (allocated unannounced monitoring). No violations were cited during that visit.
How much does The Essence of Childcare cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $67.83 for newborn, $67.83 for infant, $63.49 for young toddler, $59.54 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs The Essence of Childcare?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is The Essence Of Childcare.
Certified centers nearby
128 S 45th St, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 13 spots More citations than most Ties Tots
4431 Walnut St, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 43 spots More citations than most The Lea UACS Program
4701 Spruce St, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away Too few inspections to compare A Secure Future Academy LLC
4500 Chestnut St, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 35 spots Among the most cited Teachable Moments Childcare
216 S 48th St, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 65 spots More citations than most Scribble Scrabble Kids
4813 Walnut St, Philadelphia · 0.2 mi away · 65 spots About typical
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.