Castle Head Start
2050 ACADEMY, ATWATER, CA 95301Childery 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.Not Available
- 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. Structural quality reflects a 38% violation rate, no complaints on record, and a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes California's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. California caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:6, and preschool ratios at 1:12. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Annual training isn't required by the state. No objective process measures (e.g., state quality rating or national accreditation) are available for this daycare. The overall rating reflects structural features only.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- 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
- Not Available
- Licensed capacity
- 76
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 Not Regulated Toddlers 1:6 12 Preschool 1:12 Not Regulated
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 4 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (3) and Licensing & Administrative Compliance (1). None of the 4 findings were critical.
See All 4 Inspection Visits
Jan 8, 20261 Finding1 Important
- The Licensee Shall Provide Care and Supervision as Necessary to Meet the Children's Needs. (1) No Child(ren) Shall Be Left Without the Supervision of a Teacher at Any Time, Except…CCR 101229(a)(1)
(POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment. Kari McWilliams NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM MANAGER: Ka Vang NAME OF LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST: LICENSING PROGRAM ANALYST SIGNATURE: DATE: 01/08/2026 I acknowledge receipt of this form and understand my appeal rights as explained and received. FACILITY REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE: DATE: 01/08/2026 LIC809 (FAS) - (06/04) Page: 3 of 4 STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY FACILITY EVALUATION REPORT (Cont) CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES COMMUNITY CARE LICENSING DIVISION FRESNO CC RO , 1310 E. SHAW AVE, FRESNO , CA 93710 FACILITY NAME: CASTLE HEAD START FACILITY NUMBER: 243808261 VISIT DATE: 01/08/2026
Feb 27, 20251 Finding1 Important
- The Licensee Shall Ensure That Each Child Is Accorded the Following Personal Rights: (3) To Be Free From Corporal Or…CCR 101223(a)(3)
The licensee shall ensure that each child is accorded the following personal rights: (3) To be free from corporal or unusual punishment, infliction of pain, humiliation,…
Feb 8, 20241 Finding1 Important
- The Licensee Shall Ensure That Each Child Is Accorded the Following Personal Rights: (2)To Be Accorded Safe, Healthful, and Comfortable Accommodations, Furnishings and Equipment…CCR 101223(a)(2)
(POC) due date, may result in a civil penalty assessment.
Mar 2, 20231 Finding1 Important
- Lead Testing (1) A Licensed Child Day Care Center, as Defined in Section 1596.76, That Is Located in a Building That Was Constructed Before January 1, 2010, Shall Have Its…HSC 1597.16(a)(1)
Based on record reviewed, the licensee did not comply with the section cited above. As of today's date 03/02/2023 facility has not provided Community Care Licensing with evidence of testing the water used for drinking or food preparation for lead contamination as required, therefore facility is out of compliance which poses a potential health, safety or personal rights risk to persons in care. POC Due Date: 04/03/2023
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