Tia the Journey
Tia the Journey is a certified child care center in Upper Darby, PA, with capacity for 150 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 2 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 6 times. The state cited 24 violations, 6 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for building & playground safety (8 of 24). 11 citations came in the last 12 months, including 2 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #18 of 31 centers in Upper Darby and has more citations per inspection than 53% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
During the renewal inspection on 12/18/25 staff person #1 was observed with (7) children with the youngest child being 1yo.
During the renewal inspection on 12/18/25 child #1 was observed unsupervised outside the classroom with an outside provider.
During the renewal inspection on 12/18/25 upstairs childcare space was observed being utilized as storage.
During the renewal inspection on 12/18/25 disinfectant was observed in unlocked cabinet in the upstairs boy's bathroom. Liquid refresher was observed at the bottom of the steps leading to 2yo classroom. Aquaphor was observed sitting on counter in 4yo classroom. All items were accessible to children.
During the renewal inspection on 12/18/25 hot water in upstairs children's bathrooms exceeded 110° F.
During the renewal inspection on 12/18/25 the first aid kit located in the infant room did not contain soap.
During the renewal inspection on 12/18/25 chipping paint was observed throughout the facility. Damaged ceiling tiles in infant room needs to be replaced.
During the renewal inspection on 12/18/25 the department did not gain immediate access to the facility. CR arrived approximately 9:33am and did not gain access until approximately 9:37am.
During the renewal inspection on 1218/25 the file reviewed for staff person #4, staff person #5, and staff person #6 did not contain required Health & Safety training.
During the renewal inspection on 12/18/25 the file reviewed for staff person #7 and staff person #8 did not contain required mandated reporter training.
During the renewal inspection on 12/18/25 the file reviewed for staff person #3, staff person #5, staff person #6, Staff person #7, staff person #8, staff person #9, staff person #10, staff person #11, and staff person #12 contained online pediatric first aid/CPR certification and is not PQAS approved.
During the unannounced monitoring on 04/01/25 staff person #3 hired (see code sheet) did not have a NSOR certificate, FBI clearance, criminal clearance or a child abuse clearance. Furthermore, staff person #3 was observed working unsupervised with (8) children.
During the unannounced monitoring on 04/01/25 staff person #2 was observed caring for (6) infants alone.
During the unannounced monitoring on 04/01/25 staff person #1 left (5) young toddlers in the classroom unsupervised.
During the unannounced monitoring on 04/01/25 missing electrical outlet covers were observed throughout the facility.
During the renewal inspection on 12/17/24 there was a missing receptacle cover observed in infant room.
During the renewal inspection on 12/17/24 the health assessment reviewed for child #1 was expired. Health assessment was dated 12/15/23.
During the renewal inspection on 12/17/24 the file reviewed for staff person #1 did not contain acceptable verification of education.
During the renewal inspection on 12/07/23 the file reviewed for staff person #3 did not contain emergency plan at time of initial employment.
During the renewal inspection on 12/07/23 the first aid kit in the Two's classroom was missing tweezers and soap, the first aid kit in the kindergarten classroom was missing tweezers and gloves, the first aid kit in the PreK room was missing tweezers.
During the renewal inspection on 12/07/23 the file reviewed for staff person #1, staff person #2, staff person #3, staff person #4, staff person #5, staff person #6 and staff person #7 did not contain health assessment.
The facility was not in compliance with the CPSL and with Chapter 3490 (relating to protective services): Two staff person's record did not contain the required CPSL hiring documents. (#1-FBI was more than 60 months- no updated FBI on file; mandated reporter training was more than 60 months old when updated) (#2- mandated reporter training was more than 60 months old when updated)
One staff person's record did not contain a health assessment completed within 12 months prior to the date of hire. (#3)
Prescription medication was administered to child #1 from 6/22/21-6/25/21 and the medication log did not list the amount of the medication administered.
“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) | $67.00 | $49.00 |
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $67.00 | $49.00 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $63.00 | $47.00 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $60.00 | $44.00 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $56.00 | $42.00 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $48.00 | $35.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $48.00 | $35.00 |
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 Tia the Journey had any serious violations?
Pennsylvania cited 6 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 Dec 18, 2025 (staff ratios): “During the renewal inspection on 12/18/25 staff person #1 was observed with (7) children with the youngest child being 1yo.” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Tia the Journey?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Tia the Journey since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is Tia the Journey’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 2, effective Jun 17, 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 Tia the Journey compare with other daycares in Upper Darby?
It is tied for #18 of 31 centers in Upper Darby by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 53% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Tia the Journey last inspected?
Dec 18, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does Tia the Journey cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $67.00 for newborn, $67.00 for infant, $63.00 for young toddler, $60.00 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Tia the Journey?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is Tia Journey Corporation.
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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.