Blue Skies Exploration Academy
1960 DOMINION WAY, COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80918Childery Rating: 4/5
Data last updated ·
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.4 / 5
- Process QualityThe quality of daily care — caregiver-child interactions, learning activities, and the emotional climate. Drawn from the state QRIS rating, accreditations, and Head Start CLASS observations.3 / 5
- Structural QualityMeasurable features like staff-to-child ratios, group sizes, license status, and teacher qualifications. Provider-level data when available; otherwise the state regulatory baseline.4 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Colorado Shines rating of Level 3 (out of 5). Structural quality reflects Colorado's licensing baseline. Colorado caps infant ratios at 1:5, toddler ratios at 1:5, and preschool ratios at 1:12. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 15 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Colorado Shines Level 3 (Max 5) Learn more →
- Accreditations
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)Not Accredited
- National Accreditation Commission (NAC)Not Accredited
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)Not Accredited
- National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)Not Accredited
Facility Info
- Facility type
- Child Care Center
- Age groups served
- Infants, Toddlers
- Licensed capacity
- 110
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:5 10 Toddlers 1:5 10
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 6 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Discipline & Adult-Child Interaction (2), Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (2), and Building & Premises Safety (1). None of the 9 findings were critical.
See All 6 Inspection Visits
Feb 23, 20261 Finding1 Important
- Children Must Not Be Subjected to Physical or Emotional Harm, Humiliation, or Threats.2.225.B
Identified through staff members' statements that staff treat children harshly.
May 20, 20252 Findings2 Important
- All Staff Must Complete a Pre-service Building and Physical Premises Safety Training Prior to Working with Children. The Training Must Include Identification of and Protection…2.213.A
At the time of the visit, reviewed 22 staff files and found 1 staff file (Jordan M) was missing the pre-service building and physical premises training. Jordan was hired on 2/1/2025.
- All Children Must Be Under the Direct Supervision at All Times of a Qualified Adult Who Has Been Assigned the Responsibility to Supervise2.223.A.1
Identified through staff statements, that CH1 climbed over the fence, approximately 4 feet in height, into the fenced area and sustained an injury from a wheelbarrow that was in the area. Identified through staff statements, that they were on the other side of the playground area and did not see CH1 climbing the fence.
Apr 10, 20251 Finding1 Important
- All Staff at the Center Must Demonstrate Knowledgeable Decision-making, Judgment, and Concern for the Proper Care and Well-being of Children.2.212.A
Identified through staff statements, that they were holding CH1 and when they went to place CH1 on their feet, they lowered them while holding CH1's hands causing injury.
Feb 10, 20251 Finding1 Important
- All Diaper Change Areas Must: Have a Place Inaccessible to Children for Storing All Diaper Change Supplies and Disinfecting Solutions and Products;2.222.A.1.b
During the safety walk-through, the Licensing Specialists observed in Classroom 5 diapers and diaper changing supplies accessible to children in an unlocked cabinet.
Jun 11, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Verbal Abuse and Derogatory Remarks About the Child Are Not Permitted.2.225.G
Identified through staff members' statements that SM1 has yelled in CH1's face about their behavior and has stated that they did not like CH1.
Oct 3, 20233 Findings3 Important
- The Admission Record Must Include: A Dated, Written Authorization for Emergency Medical Care Signed and Updated Annually by the Parent(s)/guardian(s). The Authorization Must Be…7.702.34.A.7
Reviewed 11 children's files. 1 child did not have a current authorization for emergency medical care signed and updated annually.
- Staff to Child Ratios by AGES OF CHILDREN and NUMBER OF STAFF 6 Weeks to 18 Months (Infants): 1 Staff Member to 5 Infants 12 Months to 36 Months: 1 Staff Member to 5 Toddlers 24…7.702.46.A.14
Verified through staff interviews that there were 12 three year old children in the classroom at the time of the incident and SM 2 left the classroom with the injured CH to take them to the office.
- Staff to Child Ratios by AGES OF CHILDREN and NUMBER OF STAFF 6 Weeks to 18 Months (Infants): 1 Staff Member to 5 Infants 12 Months to 36 Months: 1 Staff Member to 5 Toddlers 24…7.702.46.A.14
Verified through staff interviews that there were 12 three year old children in the classroom at the time of the incident and SM 2 left the classroom with the injured CH to take them to the office.
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