The Malvern School of Lionville
The Malvern School of Lionville is a certified child care center in Exton, PA, with capacity for 145 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 (accredited) rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 7 times and confirmed violations in 2 complaint investigations. The state cited 7 violations, 2 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep). 5 citations came in the last 12 months, including 2 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #1 of 15 centers in Exton and has fewer citations per inspection than 86% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
DURING THE FOLLOW UP OF THE SELF REPORTED NON COMPLIANCE, IT WAS CONFIRMED VIA VIDEO THAT STAFF #1 YANKED A CHILD BY THE ARM AND FORCED THE CHILD INTO A CHAIR.
During the allocated unannounced monitoring the file for staff #1 and staff #2 did not contain a health assessment/ physical examination.
During the allocated unannounced monitoring, the files for staff #2 did not contain a PQAS certified pediatric cpr/first aid certification from an approved provider /approved course.
During the allocated unannounced monitoring, the files for staff #3 did not contain the required health and safety trainings.
DURING THE SELF REPORT FOLLOW UP, IT WAS CONFIRMED VIA DIRECTOR AND VIDEO THAT STAFF#1, STAFF #2 AND STAFF #3 WERE INVOLVED IN PLACING A CHILD IN THE BATHROOM AS PUNISHMENT.
During the renewal inspection on 7/20/23, there was excess planter material in the infant play area.
DURING THE RENEWAL INSPECTION ON 9/28/22, THE CHANGING STATION IN THE FIRST STEP ROOM HAD EXCESS PAPER AND MATERIALS UNDER THE CHANGING STATION MATTRESS AND THERE WERE EXCESS WHITE STAINS FROM DIAPER OINTMENT ON THE MATTRESS.
“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 |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $94.46 | $70.90 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $93.42 | $70.09 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $92.38 | $69.28 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $79.44 | $59.58 |
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 Malvern School of Lionville 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 Mar 10, 2026 (caregiver conduct): “DURING THE FOLLOW UP OF THE SELF REPORTED NON COMPLIANCE, IT WAS CONFIRMED VIA VIDEO THAT STAFF #1 YANKED A CHILD BY THE ARM AND FORCED THE CHILD INTO A CHAIR.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about The Malvern School of Lionville?
Pennsylvania lists 2 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 The Malvern School of Lionville’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4 (accredited), effective Apr 1, 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 Malvern School of Lionville compare with other daycares in Exton?
It is #1 of 15 centers in Exton by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 86% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was The Malvern School of Lionville last inspected?
May 19, 2026 (renewal). No violations were cited during that visit.
How much does The Malvern School of Lionville cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $94.46 for infant, $93.42 for young toddler, $92.38 for older toddler, $79.44 for preschool in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs The Malvern School of Lionville?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is The Malvern School Of Lionville INC.
Certified centers nearby
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40 S Village Ave, Exton · 0.3 mi away · 87 spots Fewer citations than most La Petite Academy
91 Sheree Blvd, Exton · 0.5 mi away · 141 spots About typical Lionville Community YMCA
100 Devon Dr, Exton · 0.9 mi away · 77 spots About typical A Childs Place at Lionville Elementary
526 W Uwchlan Ave, Downingtown · 1.0 mi away About typical Bright Horizons at Eagleview
640 Rice Blvd, Exton · 1.4 mi away · 177 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.