First Start Childcare Academy South
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.3 / 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.3 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 3 out of 5 stars overall. Structural quality reflects a license that's pending or provisional. The structural rating also includes Illinois's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Illinois caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:5, and preschool ratios at 1:10. Lead teachers must hold a Child Development Associate (CDA). Teachers must complete 15 hours of annual training. 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
- 50
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 12 Toddlers 1:5 15 Preschool 1:10 20
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- Child Development Associate (CDA)
Inspection History
9 Inspection Visits Since 2017 · 40 Findings
Most recent: Dec 2, 2024⤓ Download Latest Report (PDF)
11 Critical28 Important1 Administrative
Across 9 inspections since 2017, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (13), Children's Records & Files (12), and Building & Premises Safety (4). Of 40 total findings, 11 were critical.
See All 9 Inspection Visits
Dec 2, 20248 Findings3 Critical5 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(1)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(d)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- Grouping and Staffing407.190(a)
- Grouping and Staffing407.190(g)
- Special Requirements for Infants and Toddlers407.210(f)(3)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(d)
- Napping and Sleeping407.350(c)
Dec 20, 20233 Findings2 Critical1 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(5)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6I)
- Personnel Records407.120(e)(2)
Apr 18, 20222 Findings2 Important
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(h)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(i)(1)
Dec 10, 20212 Findings1 Critical1 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
Dec 17, 20203 Findings3 Important
- Special Requirements for Infants and Toddlers407.210(b)
- Daily Arrival and Departure of Children407.260(f)
- Guidance and Discipline407.270(a)
Dec 13, 20187 Findings2 Critical4 Important1 Administrative
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(7)
- Background Checks for Personnel407.110
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(d)
- Guidance and Discipline407.270(a)
- Fire/Health Safety Code reference (NFPA Life Safety Code, OSFM adoption)FHSEC 305
- Organization and Administration407.70(l)
Aug 14, 20182 Findings2 Important
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(a)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(p)
Dec 5, 20174 Findings2 Critical2 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(7)
- Background Checks for Personnel407.110
- Special Requirements for Infants and Toddlers407.210(b)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(d)
Jan 26, 20179 Findings1 Critical8 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(a)(5)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(c)(1)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(i)(4)(a)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(1)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(5)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(6)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(7)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(a)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(e)(3)