Willowdale Childrens Academy · West Chester
Willowdale Childrens Academy is a certified child care center in West Chester, PA, with capacity for 136 children. It holds a Keystone STAR 4 rating. Since August 2021, Pennsylvania certification staff have inspected it 6 times. The state cited 42 violations, 4 of them core-safety (supervision, staff ratios, discipline, background checks, child protection or safe sleep), most often for records & paperwork (17 of 42). 11 citations came in the last 12 months, including 1 on a core-safety topic. Measured by topic-weighted citations per inspection, it is #28 of 37 centers in West Chester and has more citations per inspection than 69% of Pennsylvania certified centers.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
During the renewal inspection conducted 3/16/26, the file of facility person #1 (See code sheet for hire date) does not contain a completed NSOR verification or out of state clearances (Delaware). The file of facility person #2 (See code sheet for hire date) does not contain a completed state police history clearance. The file did not contain copies of a request for the PA state police clearance.
During the renewal inspection conducted 3/16/26, the continuity of operations reviewed did not include backing up or retrieving health and other key records/files and managing financial issues such as paying employees and bills during the aftermath of the disaster.
During the renewal inspection conducted 3/16/26, Aquaphor and diaper rash paste was observed in an unlocked closet under the diaper changing table inside of the 2-year-old classroom. Bleach, several cans of paint, mildew and mode stain remover were observed on the floor in an unlocked closet inside of the children's gym area.
During the renewal inspection conducted 3/16/26, chip paint was observed on the pink wall near the back infant crib inside of the infant classroom. Chip paint was also observed on the white wall along the edge of the door entrance in the hall near the 2-year-old classroom.
During the renewal inspection conducted 3/16/26, there were no handwashing signs over the toilets in the 1year old classroom, prekindergarten classroom or the preschool classroom that states a facility person and an able child shall wash his hands after toileting and before eating. A sign on which this requirement is written shall be posted at each toilet, training chair, diapering area and sink in the facility.
During the renewal inspection conducted 3/16/26, the health assessment reviewed for child #5 was not at least updated within a 6-month period. Last dated 9/10/25.
During the renewal inspection conducted 3/16/26, the record reviewed for staff #1 and #2 did not include an initial health assessment.
During the renewal inspection conducted 3/16/26, upon request there was no verification available for review to verify the facility sent a copy of their emergency plan and subsequent plan updates to the local municipality and to the county emergency management agency.
During the renewal inspection conducted 3/16/26, the record reviewed for staff #2 and #3 did not include verification of childcare experience for the position performing (Assistant group supervisor).
During the renewal inspection conducted 3/16/26, the emergency contact and agreement reviewed for child #1, #2, #3 and #4 was not updated within a 6-month period. Last dated, child #1 and #2 9/2/25, Child #3 9/1/25 and 8/14/25, child #4 1/6/25 and 1/5/25. The emergency contact reviewed for child #5 did not include a date.
During the renewal inspection conducted 3/16/26, the record reviewed for staff #1 did not include two written, nonfamily references from individuals attesting to the person's suitability to serve as a facility person. One reference letter was available for review.
Show 31 older citations
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through when arrived and observed the infant room out of ratio after a staff emergency that occurred. The ratio was 7-1.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff files, staff #3 was missing the FBI results in the file.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the children files child #1 health assessment was missing the statement free from communicable disease.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative requested to view the shaken baby policy the policy did not address all three topics shaken baby, abusive head trauma and child maltreatment.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through and did not see a daily schedule in the pre k room.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the children files, child # 5 was missing an updated child service report in the file.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the children files child #2 was missing the physician phone number on the emergency contact form.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the children's files child # 2 was missing information on disability this area was left blank.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the children files children #4 and #5 were missing update emergency contact forms and were also missing updated financial agreement forms.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the children files child #2 was missing a consent or acknowledgement for special meds/diet this area was left blank.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff files staff # 2 was missing proof of education in the file. staff #3 was missing experience in the file.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the staff files staff # 2 was missing two written references in the file.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the stall files staff #8, staff #10 and staff #12 were all missing the NSOR clearance in their files.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative requested to view the emergency plan and did not see the plans for continuity of care included in the plan.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through and observed missing outlet covers in the gym near the chalk board and near the cubbies.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through and discovered peeling paint on the in the young toddler room along the wall. There were also holes in the bathroom that is shared between the Turtles and pre k on the wall near the trash can.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through and observed two highchairs in the infant room that needed to be cleaned.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative conducted a facility walk through and discovered that a blue sippy cup without a label on it.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative reviewed the staff files staff, staff #1 was missing a staff evaluation in the file.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative reviewed the children's files, children #1 and #2 were both missing a child service report in the file.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative reviewed the children's files children # 5 and #6 both were missing the release person on their financial agreement.
During the renewal inspection the certification representative viewed the children's files, child # 1 was missing the physician phone number. child #2 was missing the physician's address and phone number.
During the unannounced monitoring the certification representative requested to view the staff files that were present at the time of the unannounced monitoring health and safety certificate along with their CPR training. staff # 1 was missing a health and safety certificate in the file.
During the renewal inspection conducted on 6/6/23, there was an outlet with a protective cover missing on the back wall inside of the gym.
During the renewal inspection conducted on 6/6/23, child #1 did not have their physicians name on their emergency contact form. Child #2 and #3 did not have their physician's address.
Child #4, #5, #6, and #9 did not have did not have their health insurance policy number included in their emergency contact information. Child #7, #8, #10, and #11 did not have their health insurance coverage and policy number included in their emergency contact information.
The emergency contact information of child #7, #10, #11, #13, #14, #16, and #17 did not include the address of the persons designated by the parents to whom the child may be released.
At the time of the inspection the facilities emergency plan had no written record of any review or update in the past 12 months.
At the time of the inspection the base boards in the bathrooms on the second floor and the molding trim in the large muscle play space had peeling paint.
At the time of the inspection the facility did not have proof of the operability of the fire detection system.
At the time of the inspection the record of child #1 was lacking in written consent for emergency medical care on their emergency contact form.
“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) | $80.60 | $73.80 |
| Infant (6 Weeks-12 mos.) | $80.60 | $73.80 |
| Young Toddler (13-24 mos.) | $77.83 | $71.40 |
| Older Toddler (25-36 mos.) | $75.29 | $68.80 |
| Preschool (37 mos.- Entering K) | $71.36 | $65.40 |
| Young School-Age (K-3rd gr.) | $68.59 | $28.40 |
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 Willowdale Childrens 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 Mar 16, 2026 (background checks): “During the renewal inspection conducted 3/16/26, the file of facility person #1 (See code sheet for hire date) does not contain a completed NSOR verification or out of state clearances (Delaware). The file of facility…” Pennsylvania’s records don’t grade violations by severity; each citation is listed in full above.
Have there been complaints about Willowdale Childrens Academy?
Pennsylvania lists no complaint investigation that found a violation at Willowdale Childrens Academy since 2021. Its search shows these “verified complaints” but not what a complaint alleged, or whether every violation relates to it.
What is Willowdale Childrens Academy’s Keystone STARS rating?
STAR 4, effective Dec 15, 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 Willowdale Childrens Academy compare with other daycares in West Chester?
It is #28 of 37 centers in West Chester by topic-weighted citations per inspection, and has more citations per inspection than 69% of Pennsylvania certified centers with enough inspection history to compare.
When was Willowdale Childrens Academy last inspected?
Mar 16, 2026 (renewal). The state cited at least one violation during that visit.
How much does Willowdale Childrens Academy cost?
It reported full-time daily rates of $80.60 for newborn, $80.60 for infant, $77.83 for young toddler, $75.29 for older toddler in Pennsylvania’s COMPASS search. Rates can change; confirm with the center.
Who runs Willowdale Childrens Academy?
The legal entity on its Pennsylvania certificate is KMR Daycare LLC.
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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.