Uplift Academy is a certified child care center in Philadelphia, PA, with capacity for 18 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 2 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 5 times. The state cited 38 violations, 4 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (10 of 38). 1 citation came in the last 12 months. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #977 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia and has more citations per inspection than 76% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
More citations than 76% of 4,789 Pennsylvania certified centers, per inspection, weighted by topic. More citations than most
Tied for #977 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia
4
Core-safety citations
34
Other citations
5
Inspections
0
Complaint investigations that found violations
38 citations from 5 state visits since Aug 16, 2021 · 1 in the last 12 months · last inspected Dec 4, 2025
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
10
Health & medication
7
Training & qualifications
6
Building & playground safety
5
Emergency preparedness
3
Supervision
2
Food & feeding
2
Transportation
1
Background checks
1
Staff ratios
1
Citations, newest first
Citation
Dec 4, 2025
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Space safe for large muscle activity/Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.62(c)/3270.76
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed the outdoor play space was not clean and free from visible hazards.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Dec 4, 2025): “Will clean the outdoor play space.”
Citation
Jan 21, 2025
Inspection
Health & medication
2 feet apart 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(f)
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed the baby shark and cuddlefish classroom rest equipment was not 2 ft of space on three sides while in use at napping time.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 27, 2025): “The sleeping arrangement was changed to ensure each child has 2 feet of space on 3 sides. A picture was taken and laminated to be kept on the wall to ensure the teacher is aware of spacing during nap time.”
Citation
Jan 21, 2025
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Devices must be compliant 55 Pa. Code §3270.95(a)
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed documentation of testing the fire safety system every 30 days was last done on 12/2/2024.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 27, 2025): “On January 24, 2025 at 10:15 am, the fire system was sounded to check it was in working condition.”
Citation
Jan 21, 2025
Inspection
Transportation
Pick-up and drop-off points 55 Pa. Code §3270.171(a)
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed the annual letter to the local traffic safety authorities was dated 12/11/2023.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 27, 2025): “The annual letter was sent to the local police station on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.”
Citation
Jan 21, 2025
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed the Shaken Baby Syndrome policy did not include the prevention and identification of child maltreatment.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Jan 27, 2025): “To correct this issue, the shaken baby syndrome policy was updated to include prevention and identification of child maltreatment clause located on page 2 of the shaken baby syndrome policy.”
Supervised at all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)
During the renewal inspection cert rep rang the doorbell. The staff person in the preschool classroom answered the door. The children in the preschool classroom were left unsupervised while the staff person opened the door.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 6, 2024): “Students will be supervised at all times and in the future, we'll have 2 staff people in the front when the bell rings to ensure students are supervised when staff opens the door.”
Citation
Jan 11, 2024
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)
During the renewal inspection staff #2 and 5 did not have emergency plan training on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 20, 2024): “Operator will obtain emergency plan training for staff #2 and 5.”
Citation
Jan 11, 2024
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Locked or inaccessible 55 Pa. Code §3270.66(a)
During the renewal inspection there was exposed paint and cleaning supplies in the bathroom in the back of the building.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 20, 2024): “Operator will ensure that all paint and cleaning supplies is inaccessible to children.”
Citation
Jan 11, 2024
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces 55 Pa. Code §3270.76
During the renewal inspection the bathroom in the back of the facility was not clean.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 20, 2024): “Operator will clean the bathroom in the back of the building.”
Citation
Jan 11, 2024
Inspection
Health & medication
Clean, age appropriate 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(a)
During the renewal inspection the mat inside the pack and play in the infant room was not clean. The rockers were sitting inside of the pack and plays on the mats.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 20, 2024): “Operator will clean the mats in the pack and plays and not sit the rockers inside of the pack and plays on the mats.”
Show 28 older citations
Citation
Jan 11, 2024
Inspection
Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)
During the renewal inspection staff #1 did not have a health assessment on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 5, 2024): “Operator will obtain a health assessment for staff #1.”
Citation
Jan 11, 2024
Inspection
Food & feeding
Written statement 55 Pa. Code §3270.166(1)
During the renewal inspection a written statement giving the formula and feeding schedule for the infants was not on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 6, 2024): “Operator will obtain a written statement giving the formula and feeding schedules for all the infants.”
Citation
Jan 11, 2024
Inspection
Food & feeding
Bottles labeled 55 Pa. Code §3270.166(4)
During the renewal inspection cert rep observed there were bottles not labeled with the child's name.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 6, 2024): “Operator will label all nursers and bottles with the child's name.”
Citation
Jan 11, 2024
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Pertinent Laws & Regulations/General Health and Safety 55 Pa. Code §3270.14/3270.21
During the renewal inspection staff #1 and 3 did not have Health and Safety Training on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 6, 2024): “Operator will obtain Health and Safety Training for staff #1 and 3.”
Citation
Jan 11, 2024
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
During the renewal inspection staff #4 did not have fire safety training on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 20, 2024): “Operator will obtain fire safety training for staff #4.”
Citation
Jan 11, 2024
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Staff evaluations 55 Pa. Code §3270.34(a)(6)
During the renewal inspection staff #1, 3 and 4 did not have staff evaluations on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 20, 2024): “Operator will obtain staff evaluations for staff #1, 3 and 4.”
Citation
Jan 11, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Designated release persons 55 Pa. Code §3270.123(a)(5)
During the renewal inspection child #1 fee agreement did not specify the release persons name.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 20, 2024): “Operator will obtain the release persons name for the fee agreement for child #1.”
Citation
Jan 11, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Parent home/work address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(3)
During the renewal inspection child #1 emergency contact did not include the parents work address and phone number.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 20, 2024): “Operator will obtain the parents work address and phone number for the emergency contact for child #1.”
Citation
Jan 11, 2024
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Transcript, diploma and letters 55 Pa. Code §3270.192(2)(iv)
During the renewal inspection staff #3 did not have verification of education on file.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 6, 2024): “Operator will obtain verification of education for staff #3.”
Comply with CPSL/CPSL information 55 Pa. Code §3270.32(a)/3270.192(4)
During renewal inspection on 1.11.23, while reviewing files Cert Rep observed the following: - Staff # 3's State police clearance was applied for on 4/11/22 but did not have a disseminated date, Staff # 3 did not have a mandated reporter training in file -Staff # 5 applied for a NSOR clearance on 7/8/22 but did not have a completed clearance in file
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 1, 2023): “Staff 3: Mandated reporter (10¿17-22) was not scanned into the file sent and state police clearance (4-11-22) is on page 9 on the document both docs are on file. Staff 5: Now has received the NSOR in the mail and it is on file at the center.”
Mixed Age Level 55 Pa. Code §3270.52
During renewal inspection on 1/11/23, while doing a walk-through of the facility, Cert Rep observed the following. - Staff # was in the front childcare space alone with 7 children- 2 older toddler (children 2 years old) and 5 preschoolers (children 3-5 years old)
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 8, 2023): “The day after the inspection we completely changed the rooms: the front room only has preschoolers, 2nd room only has toddlers and the last room only has infants (and one young toddler). This helps maintain the ratio. We've also posted the ratios for each room in the classroom and the ages of the…”
Supervised at all times 55 Pa. Code §3270.113(a)
During renewal inspection on 1/11/23, while doing a walk0thoriugh of the facility, Cert Rep observed the following. - Staff # was observed changing an infant in the front classroom and left 6 children alone in the middle classroom and back classroom of the facility.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 8, 2023): “All staff has been reminded of the importance of supervision and assigned the supervision training on BKC. Also, at our weekly meetings, we discuss the importance of supervision. I¿ve also had individual conversations with staff regarding supervision and the importance of it at all times.…”
Citation
Dec 28, 2022
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Training regarding plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(c)
During renewal inspection on 1.11.23, while reviewing files Cert Rep observed the following: Staff # 1's emergency plan training was dated 2/20/21
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 8, 2023): “Staff 1 has since corrected the file and an image of the updated Emergency Plan Training has been added to staff 1¿s file on 1-25-23.”
Citation
Dec 28, 2022
Inspection
Building & playground safety
Building Surfaces/No peeling paint or plaster 55 Pa. Code §3270.76/3270.77(a)
During renewal inspection on 1/11/23, while doing a walk-through of the facility, Cert Rep observed the following. - Peeling paint in different areas of the green room- infant room (middle classroom) -Peeling paint in several areas of the green room young and older toddlers - (located in the back of the facility) - Debris in the backyard play space that consisted of a pile of wood with nails sticking out
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 8, 2023): “Since the day after the inspection, all peeling paint has been painted over in every room. The debris in the yard has also been cleared out completely.”
Citation
Dec 28, 2022
Inspection
Health & medication
Clean, age appropriate 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(a)
During renewal inspection on 1/11/23, while doing a walk-through of the facility, Cert Rep observed the following. - the pack and plays both in the infant room and toddler room were not labelled for the use of specific children that was observed in them
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 8, 2023): “The day after the inspection, all pack and plays were labeled accordingly.”
Citation
Dec 28, 2022
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 renewal inspection on 1.11.23, while reviewing files Cert Rep observed the following: Child # 3's health assessment was dated 10/22/21
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 1, 2023): “Child 3 has an appointment on 1/30/23 to get an updated health assessment”
Citation
Dec 28, 2022
Inspection
Health & medication
12 months prior to service and every 24 months thereafter/Health assessment, TB test 55 Pa. Code §3270.151(a)/3270.192(3)
During renewal inspection on 1.11.23, while reviewing staff files Cert Rep observed the following: - Staff # 2 did not have a health assessment and TB in file - Staff # 5 had an incomplete health assessment in file no signature or date on health assessment by physician or CRNP
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 7, 2023): “Staff #2 will have an updated health assessment in file Staff #5 has gotten a full assessment with another doctor, and the assessment is on file.”
Citation
Dec 28, 2022
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
During renewal inspection on 1.11.23, while reviewing files Cert Rep observed the following: - Staff # 1 's fire safety training was dated 2/20/21
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 8, 2023): “Staff 1 has completed a fire safety training on 1/24/23 and has added it on file.”
Citation
Dec 28, 2022
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Name/address/phone release person 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(7)
During renewal inspection on 1.11.23, while reviewing files Cert Rep observed the following: Child # 3 and 5's emergency contact did not list the release persons address.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 8, 2023): “Both children¿s emergency contact forms have been updated with the release person¿s address.”
Citation
Dec 28, 2022
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Consent for administration of minor first-aid required prior to admission 55 Pa. Code §3270.182(5)
During renewal inspection on 1.11.23, while reviewing files Cert Rep observed the following: Child # 5's emergency contact did not have a signature for administering minor first aid
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Feb 8, 2023): “Child #5 has a signature under administering minor first aid.”
Citation
Feb 3, 2022
Inspection
Health & medication
Clean, age appropriate 55 Pa. Code §3270.106(a)
During renewal inspection on 3/2/22, while doing a walk through of the facility, Cert Rep observed that the pack n play in the infant room were not labelled for each individual child's use
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 3, 2022): “Director will label each pack n play for each child's individual use”
Citation
Feb 3, 2022
Inspection
Emergency preparedness
Emergency plan 55 Pa. Code §3270.27(a)(5)
During renewal inspection on 3/2/22, the facility's emergency pan did not provide accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and children with chronic medical conditions.
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 6, 2022): “UPLIFT Academy's emergency plan has a clear, concise description of accommodations for infants, toddlers, children with disabilities, and chronic illness. This is found on pages 3 and 10”
Citation
Feb 3, 2022
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Age and Training 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(1)(ii)
During renewal inspection on 3/2/22, while reviewing staff files, Cert Rep observed the following - Staff # 1 did not have 12 annual clock hours of childcare training in file - Staff # 2 did not have 12 annual clock hours of childcare training in file -Staff# 3 did not have 12 annual clock hours of childcare training in file
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 4, 2022): “UPLIFT Academy's staff have all taken an additional 12 hour of training.”
Citation
Feb 3, 2022
Inspection
Training & qualifications
Fire safety - 1 yr. 55 Pa. Code §3270.31(e)(4)(ii)
During renewal inspection on 3/2/22, while reviewing staff files, Staff # 3 did not have current fire safety training in file
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 4, 2022): “Staff 3 has received fire safety training for this year.”
Citation
Feb 3, 2022
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Physician name, address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(2)
During renewal inspection on 3/2/22, while reviewing children's files, Child # 3's emergency contact did not have physician's number listed
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 4, 2022): “Child 3's emergency contact include's his physician number”
Citation
Feb 3, 2022
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Parent home/work address, phone 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(b)(3)
During renewal inspection on 3/2/22, while reviewing children's files, Child # 6's emergency contact did not include father's address
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 4, 2022): “Child 6's emergency contact now include's the father's address”
Citation
Feb 3, 2022
Inspection
Records & paperwork
Each child care space 55 Pa. Code §3270.124(c)
During renewal inspection on 3/2/22, while doing a walk through of the facility, the facility did not have emergency contacts for the children in the infant room and the preschool room
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Mar 3, 2022): “Director placed emergency contacts for the children in the infant room and preschool room.”
Citation
Feb 3, 2022
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)
During renewal inspection on 3/2/22, while reviewing children's files, Child # 3 and Child # 4's emergency contact did not include a signature of parental consent for emergency medical care and obtaining administering medical care
Center’s plan of correction (implemented, Apr 6, 2022): “All children enrolled now have all consent signatures.”
“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) | $70.00 | $60.00 |
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $70.00 | $60.00 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $65.00 | $58.00 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $62.00 | $54.00 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $59.00 | $50.00 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $56.00 | $46.00 |
| Older School-Age (4th gr.-15 yrs.) | $56.00 | $46.00 |
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
Capacity
18 children
Certificate status
Regular (COMPASS: awaiting renewal)
Certificate valid through
Feb 9, 2027
Operator
United Peoples Learning Initiative For Tomorrow
Hours
Monday–Sunday 6:00 AM–6:00 AM How Pennsylvania centers’ hours compare
Phone
(215) 921-4290
State certificate #
CER-00249047
Common questions
Has Uplift Academy 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 Jan 11, 2024 (supervision): “During the renewal inspection cert rep rang the doorbell. The staff person in the preschool classroom answered the door. The children in the preschool classroom were left unsupervised while the staff person opened the…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Uplift Academy?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Uplift Academy since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is Uplift Academy’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 2, effective Dec 30, 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 Uplift Academy compare with other daycares in Philadelphia?
It is tied for #977 of 1,163 centers in Philadelphia by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 76% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Uplift Academy last inspected?
Dec 4, 2025 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does Uplift Academy cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $70.00 for newborn, $70.00 for infant, $65.00 for young toddler, $62.00 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Uplift Academy?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is United Peoples Learning Initiative For Tomorrow.
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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.