The Smart Cookie is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 11 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 1 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it twice. The state cited 7 violations, none of them core-safety, most often for records & paperwork (3 of 7). 6 citations came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #455 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has fewer citations per inspection than 63% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
At time of renewal inspection on 10/21/25, the refrigerator in the middle room did not have a working thermometer in it to ensure the temperature remains at 45 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
At time of renewal inspection on 10/21/25, the health assessment for staff person #1 did not include the physician's assessment of the person's suitability to provide child care.
At time of renewal inspection on 10/21/25, information regarding the facility's location, safe routes when dropping off and picking up children, and traffic patterns around the facility had not been developed, posted or sent to the local police department annually.
At time of renewal inspection on 10/21/25, the written plan describing the procedures that will be followed if a child needs emergency medical care was not posted in each child care space at the facility.
At time of renewal inspection on 10/21/25, the file for staff person #1 only had one written reference.
At time of renewal inspection on 10/21/25, information on how to electronically access the regulations and the phone number for the SE Regional Office was not posted in a conspicuous location at the facility.
At time of initial inspection on 6/25/25, the receipt of the purchase/installation of the fire system was not available or on file at the facility.
“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 |
|---|---|---|
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $70.00 | $60.00 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $70.00 | $60.00 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $70.00 | $60.00 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $70.00 | $60.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $70.00 | $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 Smart Cookie had any serious violations?
No citations on supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep since 2021. It has 7 other citations, listed above.
Have there been complaints about The Smart Cookie?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at The Smart Cookie since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is The Smart Cookie’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 1, effective Dec 29, 2025. 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 Smart Cookie compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?
It is tied for #455 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has fewer citations per inspection than 63% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was The Smart Cookie last inspected?
Oct 21, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does The Smart Cookie cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $70.00 for young toddler, $70.00 for older toddler, $70.00 for preschool, $70.00 for young school-age in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs The Smart Cookie?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is The Smart Cookie By MW INC.
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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.