Pennsylvania · Philadelphia · 19104

Ties Tots

4431 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 · Philadelphia County

2 core-safety citations in last 12 months 2 complaint investigations found violations Keystone STAR 2

Ties Tots is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 43 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 2 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 6 times and confirmed violations in 2 complaint investigations. The state cited 45 violations, 6 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (15 of 45). 16 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 #946 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 73% of Pennsylvania certified centers.

Inspection record

More citations than 73% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most

Tied for #946 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia

6 Core-safety citations

39 Other citations

6 Inspections

2 Complaint investigations that found violations

45 citations from 8 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 16 in the last 12 months · last inspected Jun 24, 2026

Every state visit

Violation found No violation Top row: inspections · bottom row: complaint investigations, self-reported incidents and other visits

What inspectors cited most

Records & paperwork 15

Training & qualifications 8

Health & medication 6

Building & playground safety 5

Background checks 4

Emergency preparedness 3

Supervision 1

Other standards 1

Caregiver conduct 1

Food & feeding 1

Citations, newest first

Core safety Jun 24, 2026 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

The file of staff person #3 doh (see lis code sheet), did not include a copy for Criminal history information as required under the CPSL.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 9, 2026): “Staff person #3 may not work in a child care position at the facility.”

Citation Jun 24, 2026 Inspection Emergency preparedness

Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)

At the time of inspection, facility persons # 1 and 3 did not have verification of emergency plan training.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 30, 2026): “The provider will train staff on the emergency plan and maintain documentation of the training.”

Citation Jun 24, 2026 Inspection Health & medication

12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)

At the time of inspection, staff person # 4 did not have verification of valid health assessments.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 30, 2026): “Provider will request an updated health assessment.”

Citation Jun 24, 2026 Inspection Emergency preparedness

Written record 55 Pa. Code §3270.94(a)(9)

At the time of inspection, the operator did not maintain a written record indicating the hypothetical location of the fire and the names of the facility persons who participate in the fire drill.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 30, 2026): “The operator will use DHS fire drill log and maintain a written record indicating the hypothetical location of the fire and the names of the facility persons who participate in the fire drill.”

Citation Jun 24, 2026 Inspection Training & qualifications

Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)

At the time of inspection, staff person #4 did not have verification of annual fire safety training conducted by a fire protection professional.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 30, 2026): “Provider will obtain fire safety training conducted by a fire protection professional.”

Citation Jun 24, 2026 Inspection Training & qualifications

Health and Safety Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(f)

At the time of inspection, staff persons #1,2 and 3 have verification of health and safety professional development training.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 30, 2026): “Provider will request staff to complete Health and Safety training.”

Citation Jun 24, 2026 Inspection Training & qualifications

Staff evaluations 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(a)(6)

At the time of inspection, staff persons #1,2 and 4 did not have verification of written evaluations.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 30, 2026): “The director will complete written evaluations.”

Citation Jun 24, 2026 Inspection Training & qualifications

HS/GED + 2 yrs/Exp, educ., training prior to facility 55 Pa. Code §3270.36(b)(5)/3270.192(2)(ii)

At the time of inspection, staff persons #1 and 3 did not have verification of child care experience and education.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 12, 2026): “Provider will request verification of child care experience and education.”

Citation Jun 24, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork

Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)

At the time of inspection, the emergency contact information for child #1 did not include the address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 12, 2026): “The provider will update the emergency contact information to include the address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.”

Citation Jun 24, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork

Consent for emergency medical care required prior to admission/Consent for administration of minor first-aid required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(3)/3270.182(5)

At the time of inspection, certification representative observed the records of children #2,3,4 and 5 did not contain signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child and parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 12, 2026): “Provide will obtain signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child and parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff for all children.”

Citation Jun 24, 2026 Inspection Records & paperwork

Two written references 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(5)

At the time of inspection, the records for staff persons #1 and 3 did not include two written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the persons' suitability to serve as a staff person.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 12, 2026): “Provider will request two written nonfamily references.”

Citation Jun 24, 2026 Inspection Training & qualifications

Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)

At the time of inspection, staff persons #1 and 4 did not have verification of an annual minimum of 12 clock hours of child care training.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 30, 2026): “Staff persons #1 and 4 will obtain an annual minimum of 12 clock hours of child care training.”

Core safety Nov 5, 2025 Complaint investigation Supervision

Supervised at all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)

During the complaint investigation on 11/5/25, the operator confirmed that staff person #1 momentarily lost sight of a child during care on 10/7/25.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 19, 2025): “The staff person who intentionally ignored Ties Tots supervision policies and lost sight of the child (forcing another staff member there at the time to assume responsibility for the child without proper communication or hand-off) was terminated the next business day after our internal…”

Citation Nov 5, 2025 Complaint investigation Health & medication

Inpatient hospitalization or ER treatment of child 55 Pa. Code §3270.20(a)(1)

During the complaint investigation on 11/5/25, it was determined that the provider did not call and inform the Department, within 24 hours of receiving notification from the parent that the child received emergency room treatment, as result of an incident at the facility.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 19, 2025): “Ties Tots policy has been updated to reflect that we will inform the regional office as well as document in Pelican within the allotted timeframe if a child has to be taken to the ER. Teachers have also been trained on the updated policy. The policy has been updated, and all staff have been trained…”

Citation Nov 5, 2025 Complaint investigation Health & medication

Mail or deliver written report to regional office within 72 hours 55 Pa. Code §3270.20(b)

During the complaint investigation on 11/5/25, it was determined that the operator did not report within 72 hours, in writing, to the Department, about an incident that resulted in a child receiving emergency room treatment on 10/7/25.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 19, 2025): “Ties Tots policy has been updated to reflect that we will inform the regional office as well as document in Pelican within the allotted timeframe if a child is taken to the emergency room. We will also document using the DHS incident report along with our current reporting in the Procare app…”

Citation Nov 5, 2025 Complaint investigation Other standards

General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.21

During the complaint investigation on 11/5/25, it was determined that the provider was using the Cute Rider #AW1973K riding toy until 10/7/25, a toy that is not recommended for outdoor use, in the outdoor play space, which posed as a safety concern for the children.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 19, 2025): “The rider toy has been removed from the outdoor space. Staff have been informed that it is for indoor use only.”

Show 29 older citations

Core safety Jun 10, 2024 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

The file of staff person #1 doh (see lis code sheet), did not include a copy of the FBI history information as required under the CPSL. The file of staff person #2 doh (see lis code sheet), did not include a copy of the Criminal or NSOR history information as required under the CPSL. The file of staff person #3 doh (see lis code sheet), did not include a request for the out of state clearance history information as required under the CPSL.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 5, 2024): “Staff persons #1,2 and 3 may not work in a child care position at the facility.”

Citation Jun 10, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork

Signed 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)

At the time of inspection, the agreement for child #2 was not signed by the operator.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 14, 2024): “The operator will sign the agreement.”

Citation Jun 10, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork

Admission date 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(6)

At the time of inspection, the agreement for child # 2 did not specify the date of the children's admission.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 14, 2024): “The agreement will be updated to specify the date of the children's admission.”

Citation Jun 10, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork

Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)

At the time of inspection, the emergency contact information for child #1,2 and 3 did not include the address of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 14, 2024): “The provider will update the emergency contact information to include the address and or telephone number of the individual designated by the parent to whom the child may be released.”

Citation Jun 10, 2024 Inspection Records & paperwork

Consent for emergency medical care required prior to admission/Consent for administration of minor first-aid required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(3)/3270.182(5)

At the time of inspection, certification representative observed the record of child #1 did not contain signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child and parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jun 14, 2024): “Provide will obtain signed parental consent for emergency medical care for the child and parental consent for administration of minor first-aid procedures by facility staff for all children.”

Citation Jun 10, 2024 Inspection Training & qualifications

Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)

At the time of inspection, staff persons #1 did not have verification of an annual minimum of 12 clock hours of child care training.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 5, 2024): “Staff persons #1 and 2 will obtain an annual minimum of 12 clock hours of child care training.”

Citation Jul 11, 2023 Inspection Building & playground safety

Has all items 55 Pa. Code §3270.75(c)

During the renewal inspection on 07/11/23 the first aid kit located in the PreK room was missing tweezers.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jul 11, 2023): “Tweezers were replaced by provider during the inspection.”

Citation Jul 11, 2023 Inspection Health & medication

Toddler/preschool: updated health report every 12 months/Initial and subsequent health reports 55 Pa. Code §3270.131(b)(2)/3270.182(1)

During the renewal inspection on 07/11/23 the health record for child #1, child #2 and child #3 needs to be updated. Health assessment for child #1 dated 03/09/22. Health assessment for child #2 dated 04/19/22. File for child #3 did not contain health assessment.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 11, 2023): “The parent will be contacted to provide an updated health report.”

Citation Jul 11, 2023 Inspection Emergency preparedness

Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(6)

During the renewal inspection on 07/11/23 documentation supporting annual emergency drill was not provided.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 11, 2023): “Annual Emergency Drill has been scheduled for 8/9/23 staff. Documentation will include staff signatures of attendance and training.”

Citation Jul 11, 2023 Inspection Training & qualifications

Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21

During the renewal inspection on 07/11/23 the training record reviewed for staff person #1 did not include (1) hour PA Health and Safety update.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 3, 2023): “The teacher has been informed, the link re-shared, and due date set. The teacher is removed from classroom teaching until this is done.”

Citation Jul 11, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Physician name, address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(2)

During the renewal inspection on 07/11/23 the emergency contact form reviewed for child #1 did not contain PCP address or telephone number. The emergency contact form reviewed for child #2 did not contain PCP name, address, or telephone number.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 11, 2023): “Physician information will be copied from the annual health report to the emergency contact info.”

Citation Jul 11, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Insurance coverage information 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(6)

During the renewal inspection on 07/11/23 the emergency contact form reviewed for child #1 and child #2 did not contain health insurance coverage or policy number.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 11, 2023): “Health Insurance coverage and policy number will be copied to the emergency contact form.”

Citation Jul 11, 2023 Inspection Records & paperwork

Updated every 6 months/Emergency info/agreement updated 6 mos 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(f)/3270.181(c)

During the renewal inspection on 07/11/23 the fee agreement and emergency contact form reviewed for child #3 was not reviewed/updated within 6-month time period. Both forms were dated for 09/02/22.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Aug 11, 2023): “The parent will be contacted to obtain review signatures.”

Core safety Oct 28, 2022 Complaint investigation Caregiver conduct

No physical punishment 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(b)

During the complaint investigation on 10/28/22, interview was conducted with director and incident reports were reviewed indicating that staff person #1 squeezed the arm of (2) different children at the facility.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Nov 14, 2022): “Staff person #1 was put on administrative leave during investigation process.”

Core safety Sep 2, 2022 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

During the unannounced monitoring on 09/02/22 the file reviewed for staff #1 hired (see code sheet) contained an expired child abuse clearance. Clearance dated 04/26/17 which is more than 60 months old. Continued non compliance from renewal inspection on 7/19/22.

Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Sep 26, 2022): “The only acceptable plan is removing staff #1 from child care position. Facility person #1 has been removed from the schedule and classroom. Clearance request was submitted.”

Core safety Jul 19, 2022 Inspection Background checks

Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)

The file of staff person #1, hired (see code sheet) contains a state police clearance dated 05/03/17 which is more than 60 months old. Staff person #2 and staff person #5 hired (see code sheet) contained child abuse clearances dating 09/05/2016 and 04/26/17 which is more than 60 months old.

Center’s plan of correction (not implemented, Sep 2, 2022): “The only acceptable plan is removing staff person #1, #2 and #5 from a child care position. Clearances will be submitted by 8/26/22.”