BRILLIANT START ACADEMY

901 LIBERTY BELL DRIVE, Amherst, OH 440013
D

Data Freshness & Provenance

Inspection coverage

4 inspections on record

Active providers

License status: 3

Last refreshed

April 3, 2026

Latest inspection

December 29, 2025

Provenance

Ohio licensing inspections and DaycareCheck scoring

Quick Facts

These facts are normalized from the official record so they can be quoted directly.

Updated April 3, 2026

Provider
BRILLIANT START ACADEMY
License number
307463
Location
901 LIBERTY BELL DRIVE, Amherst, OH 44001
Status
3
Safety grade
D (Below Average), score 62.8/100
Inspection record
4 inspections, last inspected December 29, 2025
Provenance
Official state licensing inspections and DaycareCheck scoring. Last refreshed April 3, 2026.

Safety Scorecard

D
Below Average62.8 / 100
Health40/100
Safety58/100
Staffing76/100
Compliance97/100

15

Total Violations

Dec 29, 2025

Last Inspection

N/A

Capacity

Violation Timeline

Violations by month over the last 3 years, colored by severity.

All Violations (15)

MINORHEALTH5180:2-12-08Dec 29, 2025

In review of the staff records, it was determined that the medical statements for the employees listed on the Employee Record Chart did not meet the requirements as listed in number(s) 6(a) below. 1. A medical statement was not on file for at least one employee;2. The medical statement(s) on file did not have a date of examination within 12 months of the employees first day of employment;3. Date of examination was missing;4. Signature, business address, or telephone number of the licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, certified midwife, or certified nurse practitioner who completed the examination was missing;5. A statement was missing that verifies the employee is: a. Physically fit for employment in a program caring for children; b. Immunized against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap); c. Immunized against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR);6. Tuberculosis (TB) screening/test information was missing: a. Documentation of the screening process to determine if the employee resided in a country identified by the world health organization as having a high burden of TB and arrived in the United States within the five years preceding the date of application for employment. b. Results of a TB test for employees meeting both criteria in 6a. c. Results of additional testing for employees with a positive TB test. d. Written statement, signed by a representative of the TB control unit, that the employee's TB is no longer infectious or the individual is receiving a TB treatment regimen for employees with a positive TB test. Submit the programs corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the completed employee medical statement, or TB results/documentation, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.

Resolution: Compliance Status: Approved

CRITICALSAFETY5180:2-12-11Dec 29, 2025

During the inspection, it was determined that outdoor play equipment was unsafe or not used as intended as noted in number(s) 9 below:1. There was rust exposed.2. There were protruding bolts. 3. There were cracks.4. There were holes.5. There was splintering wood.6. There were sharp edges or points.7. There were lead hazards.8. There were toxic substances.9. There were tripping hazards.10. There was chipped and/or peeling paint.11. The sandbox was not covered when the program was closed or during non-daylight hours. 12. Outdoor equipment, [ ] was not developmentally appropriate.13. Outdoor equipment, [ ], was placed in the main traffic pattern.14. Outdoor play equipment, [ ], was positioned too closely together, posing a risk of injury if a child were to fall from one piece of equipment into another.15. Outdoor equipment, [ ], was not securely anchored but did not present a risk of imminent danger of the structure collapsing when children are using the equipment16. Outdoor equipment, [ ], was 30 inches or more from the ground and did not have a protective barrier that would prevent a child from falling off this piece of equipment.17. The manufacturer's guidelines for assembly and installation were not followed for the [ ].18. Functionally linked equipment was used by preschool-age children and the distance between two adjacent pieces of equipment exceeded 12 inches.19. Functionally linked equipment was used by school-age children and the distance between two adjacent pieces of equipment exceeded 18 inches.20. Other [ ]. Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.

Resolution: Compliance Status: Approved

SERIOUSHEALTH5180:2-12-15Dec 29, 2025

In review of the childrens records, it was determined the program did not meet the requirements for caring for at least one child, indicated on the Children Records Review, with a condition that requires a JFS 01236 "Child Medical/Physical Care Plan" as noted in number(s) 44 below: 1. No plan was on file.(Page 1)2. Childs name was missing.3. Name of the condition was missing.4. Indication if medication or medical food is required was missing.5. Signs, symptoms or situations that require staff to take action were missing.6. Activities, foods, environmental conditions to avoid were missing.7. Training instructions for procedures for staff to follow were missing or incomplete.(Page 2)8. Child's name was missing or not attached.9. Child's date of birth was missing or not attached.10. Child's weight was missing or not attached.11. Name of the medication/medical food was missing or not attached.12. Dosage of medication/medical food to be administered was missing or not attached.13. Time for medication/medical food to be administered was missing or not attached.14. Expiration date for medication/medical food was missing or not attached.15. Symptoms that require staff to administer medication/medical food were missing or not attached.16. Specific instructions to administer the medication/medical food were missing or not attached.17. Actions to be taken if the symptoms do not subside were missing or not attached.18. Physician's signature was missing or not attached.19. The date of the physician's signature was missing or not attached.(Page 3)20. Child's name was missing.21. Instructions regarding emergency evacuation, if applicable, were missing.22. Signature of parent granting permission to implement the plan and verifying training was missing.23. Date of parent signature was missing.24. Certified Professional Trainer information was missing.25. Signature of certified professional who trained the program staff was missing, if parent was not the trainer.26. Date of trainer signature was missing.27. Printed name(s)of child care staff member(s) who have received instructions for care and/or have been trained to perform the procedure were missing.28. Signature(s) of child care staff member(s) who have received instructions for care and/or have been trained to perform the procedure were missing.29. Date of staff signature was missing.30. Administrator/Provider signature was missing31. Date of administrator/Provider was missing.(Page 4)32. Child's name was missing.33. Name of medication or medical food was missing.34. Date the medication/medical food was administered was missing.35. Time medication/medical food was administered was missing.36. Dosage of medication/medical food that was administered was missing.37. Signature of person administering medication/medical food was missing.38. The plan was not followed or implemented.39. The plan was not able to be implemented due to conflicting information.40. None of the child care staff members trained in the procedures on the JFS 01236 were onsite when a child requiring the plan was present. 41. Child care staff members trained in the procedures on the JFS 01236 were not scheduled to be present the entire the time the child requiring the plan was onsite. 42. None of the child care staff members trained in the procedures on the JFS 01236 accompanied the child requiring the plan during a trip. 43. A child care staff member who had not been trained in the procedures on the JFS 01236 performed the procedure. 44. Medication listed in the procedures to follow was not onsite available to administer as instructed and alternate instructions for this situation were not included on the plan.Provide staff training. Submit the programs corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the completed JFS 01236, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.

Resolution: Compliance Status: Returned for Revision

SERIOUSSTAFFING5180:2-12-23Dec 29, 2025

During the inspection, it was determined that a bottle was not prepared appropriately as noted in number(s) 3 below:1. The bottle was heated in the microwave.2. The container of water used to warm bottles was heated to a temperature hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.3. The container used for heating bottles was not emptied and cleaned each day.4. The bottle was not shaken well before feeding.5.The temperature of the bottle was not tested before feeding.6.Frozen breast milk was not thawed under cold running water or in the refrigerator.7.Other [ ].Technical assistance was provided at the time of the inspection, and as discussed, please correct this rule noncompliance. A written response for this rule noncompliance is not required at this time.

Resolution: Compliance Status: Approved – Technical Assistance Provided

SERIOUSHEALTH5180:2-12-25Dec 29, 2025

During the inspection, it was determined that medication, medical foods and/or topical products did not meet the requirement(s) for administering medication, medical foods, and/or medical products as noted in number(s) 2 below:1. The medication, medical food, or topical product was no longer needed and had not been removed from the program.2. The medication, medical food, or topical product had expired and had not been removed from the program.3. The prescription label had expired.Submit the program's corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.

Resolution: Compliance Status: Approved

SERIOUSHEALTH5101:2-12-25Nov 26, 2024

During the inspection, it was determined that a medical food or topical product, diaper cream, was within the reach of children in the Infant room. Technical assistance was provided at the time of the inspection, and as discussed, please correct this rule noncompliance. A written response for this rule noncompliance is not required at this time.

Resolution: Compliance Status: Approved – Technical Assistance Provided

MINORHEALTH5101:2-12-08Nov 26, 2024

In review of the staff records, it was determined that the medical statements for the employees listed on the Employee Record Chart did not meet the requirements as listed in number(s) 4 below. 1. A medical statement was not on file for at least one employee;2. The medical statement(s) on file did not have a date of examination within 12 months of the employees first day of employment;3. Date of examination was missing;4. Signature, business address, or telephone number of the licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, certified midwife, or certified nurse practitioner who completed the examination was missing;5. A statement was missing that verifies the employee is: a. Physically fit for employment in a program caring for children; b. Immunized against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap); c. Immunized against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR);6. Tuberculosis (TB) screening/test information was missing: a. Documentation of the screening process to determine if the employee resided in a country identified by the world health organization as having a high burden of TB and arrived in the United States within the five years preceding the date of application for employment. b. Results of a TB test for employees meeting both criteria in 6a. c. Results of additional testing for employees with a positive TB test. d. Written statement, signed by a representative of the TB control unit, that the employee's TB is no longer infectious or the individual is receiving a TB treatment regimen for employees with a positive TB test. Submit the programs corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the completed employee medical statement, or TB results/documentation, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.

Resolution: Compliance Status: Approved

CRITICALSAFETY5101:2-12-12Nov 26, 2024

During the inspection, equipment was determined to be unsafe, hazardous to children, or in need of repair as noted in number(s) 18 below: 1. Manufacturer's guidelines for the [ ] were not followed in that [ ]. 2. The straps were missing on the [ ].3. The straps were attached, but were not used on the [ ]. 4. The straps were attached and were used, but were not used in a safe manner.5. The equipment had sharp points or corners.6. The equipment had splinters.7. The equipment had protruding nails.8. The equipment had loose or rusty parts.9. The equipment had paint which contains lead or other poisonous materials.10. The equipment had hazardous features.11. A fan was unstable and could easily tip over. 12. A fan had openings a finger could enter.13. The pipes from the heat pump felt hot to the touch14. A space heater felt hot to the touch15. The position of a space heater was a tripping hazard16. The air conditioning unit was not enclosed and was accessible to children on the playground. 17. A ball pit, trampoline, inflatable bounce house, inflatable slide, or inflatable equipment used for climbing and bouncing was used. 18. Other- the plastic changing table surface in the Toddler room was cracked.Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.

Resolution: Compliance Status: Approved

MINORSTAFFING5101:2-12-19Nov 8, 2023

During the inspection, it was determined that a child care staff member used a discipline technique to guide or discipline child(ren) that was not developmentally appropriate, consistent, or occurred at the time of the incident. Provide staff training. Submit the program's corrective action plan, which includes a statement that training was provided, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.

Resolution: Compliance Status: Approved

CRITICALSTAFFING5101:2-12-19Nov 8, 2023

During the inspection, it was determined that children were not being properly supervised as noted in number(s) 1, 4 below: 1.Child(ren) were not within both sight and hearing of a child care staff member during indoor play.2.Child(ren) were not within both sight and hearing of a child care staff member during outdoor play.3.Child(ren) were not within both sight and hearing of a child care staff member more than once. 4. Staff were not physically present in the space and near enough to respond and reach the child(ren) immediately. 5.Other: [ ]. Children must be supervised according to rule and within both sight and hearing of a child care staff member at all times. Provide staff training. Submit the programs corrective action plan, which includes a statement that training was provided, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.

Resolution: Compliance Status: Approved

MINORCOMPLIANCE5101:2-12-20Nov 8, 2023

During the inspection, it was determined that sheets, mattresses and/or mattress covers did not meet the rule requirement as noted in number(s) 2 below:1. At least one crib did not have a sheet.2.At least one sheet was too large.3.At least one sheet was too small.4.At least one sheet was torn.5.The mattress was not at least one and one-half inches thick.6.The mattress was not firm. 7.There was space between the mattress and the sides and end panels of the crib which exceeded one and one-half inches. 8.The mattress cover was not waterproof.9.The mattress cover was torn.10. Other: [ ].Submit the programs corrective action plan to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.

Resolution: Compliance Status: Approved

MINORCOMPLIANCE5101:2-12-22Nov 8, 2023

During the inspection, it was determined that required documentation for substitutions for fluid milk was not on file as noted in number(s) 3 below:1. Written instructions from a licensed physician, physicians assistant, or certified nurse practitioner when infants up to 12 months of age are served anything other than formula or breast milk.2. Written instructions from a licensed physician, physicians assistant, or certified nurse practitioner when infants and toddlers 12 months of age up to 24 months of age are served anything other than unflavored whole homogenized vitamin D fortified cow's milk, breast milk, or non-cow milk substitution that is nutritionally equivalent to milk.3. Written instructions from a licensed physician, physicians assistant, or certified nurse practitioner when toddlers and children 24 months of age and older are served anything other than unflavored one per cent milk that is vitamin A and D fortified, unflavored fat free or skim milk that is vitamin A and D fortified, or non-cow milk substitutions that are nutritionally equivalent to milk.4. Written parental consent for non-cow milk substitutions that are nutritionally equivalent to milk for children 12 months of age and older.5. The program did not have the type of milk on-site to ensure that all children were served age-appropriate fluid milk. Technical assistance was provided at the time of the inspection, and as discussed, please correct this rule noncompliance. A written response for this rule noncompliance is not required at this time.

Resolution: Compliance Status: Approved – Technical Assistance Provided

SERIOUSSAFETY5101:2-12-04Nov 8, 2023

During the inspection, it was determined the program did not meet the requirements for fire inspection as noted in number(s) 1 below:1. The program did not have documentation on file for a fire inspection without any uncorrected violations within 12 months from the date of the last fire inspection and the request for the new inspection was not made at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the previous fire inspection.2. The documentation for the most recent fire inspection contained violations that had not been corrected. 3. The [ ] space was being used and had not been approved by the fire department or the state fire marshals office for child care.Submit the programs corrective action plan, which includes an updated fire inspection without any uncorrected violations, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.

Resolution: Compliance Status: Approved

CRITICALHEALTH5101:2-12-13Nov 8, 2023

During the inspection, it was determined that the program was not providing a clean and healthy environment, furniture, materials and equipment as required by Appendix A, as noted in number(s) 2 below:1. Item(s) soiled with blood or bodily fluids were not cleaned/sanitized immediately. 2. Blankets/sheets were not cleaned weekly, when soiled, or before use by another child. 3. Children's individual blankets and belongings were stored in an unsanitary manner. 4. Bottles, bottle caps, nipples and other equipment used for bottle feeding were not cleaned and sanitized in a dishwasher or by washing, rinsing, and boiling for one minute.5. Carpets were not vacuumed weekly or cleaned when soiled.6. Changing table/pad was not sanitized after each use or cleaned when visibly soiled.7. Reusable cloths were not being washed daily or when visibly soiled.8. Cots/Pads/Mats were not cleaned and sanitized before assigning to a different child, when used by a sick child, when soiled or at least every three months.9. Cribs were not cleaned and sanitized monthly, or when soiled, or before use by another child.10. Diaper Receptables were not cleaned and sanitized daily or more frequently as needed to eliminate odor.11. Dishes/Cups/Silverware were not cleaned and sanitized after each use.12. Water Containers were not labeled with the child's name, or were not cleaned and sanitized before use again on another day.13. Dividers were not cleaned when visibly soiled.14. Dress up clothes and hats (dramatic play) were not cleaned monthly or when soiled.15. Floors were not cleaned weekly or when soiled.16. The food prep area, including sinks, were not cleaned before and after preparing food (including bottle preparation) or between preparing raw or cooked food.17. Potty chairs were not cleaned after each use, rinsed with water, cleaned and sanitized or contents were not emptied into a toilet.18. Food tables, highchair trays were not cleaned before and after each use.19. Tables used for play were not cleaned when visibly soiled or sanitized daily.20. Toilet bowls were not cleaned when visibly soiled or sanitized weekly.21. Toilet seat(s), handle(s) and hand washing sink(s) were not cleaned when visibly soiled or sanitized daily.22. Mouthed toys were not cleaned and sanitized after each childs use.23. Toys, other than those mouthed by children, were not cleaned monthly or when visibly soiled.24. Washable furniture, including fabrics on infant equipment, were not cleaned weekly or when soiled.25. Upholstered furniture was not steam cleaned when soiled.26. Slip covers were not washed at least every six months or when soiled.27. Wastebaskets/rinse buckets, including lids, were not being emptied daily or cleaned and sanitized when visibly soiled.28. The manufacturers directions for the cleaning product were not followed.29. The solution used for sanitizing was not a commercial product registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a sanitizer.30. Other [ ]. Furniture, materials and equipment must be maintained according to the cleaning and sanitizing schedule in Appendix A to this rule. Technical assistance was provided at the time of the inspection, and as discussed, please correct this rule noncompliance. A written response for this rule noncompliance is not required at this time.

Resolution: Compliance Status: Approved – Technical Assistance Provided

SERIOUSHEALTH5101:2-12-15Nov 8, 2023

In review of the childrens records, it was determined the program did not meet the requirements for caring for at least one child, indicated on the Children Records Review, with a condition that requires a JFS 01236 "Child Medical/Physical Care Plan" as noted in number(s) 7, 39 below: 1. No plan was on file.(Page 1)2. Childs name was missing.3. Name of the condition was missing.4. Indication if medication or medical food is required was missing.5. Signs, symptoms or situations that require staff to take action were missing.6. Activities, foods, environmental conditions to avoid were missing.7. Training instructions for procedures for staff to follow were missing or incomplete.(Page 2)8. Child's name was missing or not attached.9. Child's date of birth was missing or not attached.10. Child's weight was missing or not attached.11. Name of the medication/medical food was missing or not attached.12. Dosage of medication/medical food to be administered was missing or not attached.13. Time for medication/medical food to be administered was missing or not attached.14. Expiration date for medication/medical food was missing or not attached.15. Symptoms that require staff to administer medication/medical food were missing or not attached.16. Specific instructions to administer the medication/medical food were missing or not attached.17. Actions to be taken if the symptoms do not subside were missing or not attached.18. Physician's signature was missing or not attached.19. The date of the physician's signature was missing or not attached.(Page 3)20. Child's name was missing.21. Instructions regarding emergency evacuation, if applicable, were missing.22. Signature of parent granting permission to implement the plan and verifying training was missing.23. Date of parent signature was missing.24. Certified Professional Trainer information was missing.25. Signature of certified professional who trained the program staff was missing, if parent was not the trainer.26. Date of trainer signature was missing.27. Printed name(s)of child care staff member(s) who have received instructions for care and/or have been trained to perform the procedure were missing.28. Signature(s) of child care staff member(s) who have received instructions for care and/or have been trained to perform the procedure were missing.29. Date of staff signature was missing.30. Administrator/Provider signature was missing31. Date of administrator/Provider was missing.(Page 4)32. Child's name was missing.33. Name of medication or medical food was missing.34. Date the medication/medical food was administered was missing.35. Time medication/medical food was administered was missing.36. Dosage of medication/medical food that was administered was missing.37. Signature of person administering medication/medical food was missing.38. The plan was not followed or implemented.39. The plan was not able to be implemented due to conflicting information.40. None of the child care staff members trained in the procedures on the JFS 01236 were onsite when a child requiring the plan was present. 41. Child care staff members trained in the procedures on the JFS 01236 were not scheduled to be present the entire the time the child requiring the plan was onsite. 42. None of the child care staff members trained in the procedures on the JFS 01236 accompanied the child requiring the plan during a trip. 43. A child care staff member who had not been trained in the procedures on the JFS 01236 performed the procedure. 44. Medication listed in the procedures to follow was not onsite available to administer as instructed and alternate instructions for this situation were not included on the plan.Provide staff training. Submit the programs corrective action plan, which includes a copy of the completed JFS 01236, to the Department to verify compliance with the requirements of this rule.

Resolution: Compliance Status: Approved

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Childcare Costs in This Area

INFANT (FAMILY HOME)

$693.62/mo

INFANT (CENTER)

$964.25/mo

PRESCHOOL (CENTER)

$735.88/mo

PRESCHOOL (FAMILY HOME)

$757.75/mo

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is BRILLIANT START ACADEMY's safety grade?

BRILLIANT START ACADEMY has a safety grade of D (Below Average) based on state inspection data. The composite score is 62.8 out of 100.

How many violations does BRILLIANT START ACADEMY have?

BRILLIANT START ACADEMY has 15 total violations on record, including 4 critical, 6 serious, and 5 minor.

When was BRILLIANT START ACADEMY last inspected?

BRILLIANT START ACADEMY was last inspected on December 29, 2025.

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