First Place Inc Dba Doreen Cato Early Learning Center
Data last updated · May 2026
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.4 / 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.5 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects an Early Achievers rating of Level 4. Structural quality reflects a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Washington's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Washington caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:7, and preschool ratios at 1:10. Lead teachers must hold a Child Development Associate (CDA). Teachers must complete 10 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Early Achievers Level 4 (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
- Not Available
- Licensed capacity
- 92
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 8 Toddlers 1:7 14 Preschool 1:10 20
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- Child Development Associate (CDA)
Inspection History
Across 1 inspection since 2026, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (4), Hazardous Materials Handling (1), and Building & Premises Safety (1). Of 7 total findings, 2 were critical.
See the Inspection Visit
Feb 5, 20267 Findings2 Critical5 Important
- Early Learning Providers and Household Members in a Family Home Early Learning Program Must Complete and Pass a Department Background Check, Pursuant to Chapter…Serious: 110-300-0105(2)
0105(2) Licensor observed backgrounds are cleared however the second requirement for preservice is TB. There are staff that do not have TB dates in Merit.
- To Ensure a Safe Exit From the Premises During an Emergency, Early Learning Providers Must Comply with the Following Requirements: (A) Emergency Exit Doors Must…Serious: 110-300-0166(3)
01663(3)(a) Licensor observed an exit door that requires special knowledge to open. To open the door, you have to push extremely hard to get the door to open.
- License Applicants, Center Directors, Assistant Directors, Program Supervisors, Lead Teachers, Assistant Teachers, and Aides Must Complete the Child Care Basics…110-300-0106(3)
0106(3) Licensor observed staff that is missing childcare basics.
- (1) On or Before Their Children's First Day of Attending an Early Learning Program, the Parents or Guardians of Enrolled Children Must Give to Early Learning Pr…110-300-0210(1)
Page 4 of 5 Non-Compliances: This section of the Inspection Report lists non-compliances found during any licensing inspection. Information from this section will be reported to Child Care Check and can be used to determine current and future licensing and enforcement actions. 0210(1)(2) Licensor observed child files that do not have current, complete and medically verified CIS immunization record from the Washington state immunization information system (WA IIS).
- Early Learning Providers Who Prepare or Serve Food to Children at an Early Learning Program Must Obtain a Current Food Worker Card Prior to Preparing or Serving…Serious: 110-300-0106(12)
0106(12) Licensor observed staff with food handlers permit that is expired.
- This Section of the Inspection Report Lists Non-compliances Found During Any Licensing Inspection. Information From This Section Will Be Reported to Child Care…Serious: 110-300-0106(4)
0106(4) Licensor observed staff / volunteer that are missing training for prevention of child abuse and neglect.
- This Section of the Inspection Report Lists Non-compliances Found During Any Licensing Inspection. Information From This Section Will Be Reported to Child Care…Serious: 110-300-0165(2)
0165(2)(d) Licensor observed plastic bags, gloves, other sufucation hazards that say keep out of reach of children accessible to children.