First Step Child Care Center LLC
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.5 / 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.5 / 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 5 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Parent Aware rating of Level 4 (out of 4). Structural quality reflects a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Minnesota's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Minnesota 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 24 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Parent Aware Level 4 (Max 4) 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, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 100
- 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 3 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Safe Sleep & SIDS Prevention (3), Curriculum & Developmental Programming (2), and Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (2). None of the 17 findings were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Mar 13, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Behavior GuidanceMinn. R. 9503.0055 subp. 4
The program violated the behavior guidance policy for separating children from the group.
Dec 19, 20247 Findings7 Important
- Program PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0040 subp. 4
Children were not placed within the correct age category.
- Program Plan/Interest AreasMinn. R. 9503.0045 subp. 2
Children did not have daily access to all interest areas.
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 19
Equipment and furniture were not in good repair.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. Stat. 245A.146 subd. 2(a)
The program did not have documentation of crib brand names and model numbers.
- Risk Reduction PlanMinn. Stat. 245A.66 subd. 2(f)
The Risk Reduction Plan did not include policies and procedures for supervising children when required by DHS.
- Staff TrainingStat. 245A.40 subd. 3 R. 9503.0120 subp. D
The program did not comply with first aid training requirements.
- Staff TrainingStat. 245A.40 subd. 4 R. 9503.0120 subp. D
The program did not comply with CPR training requirements.
Sep 19, 20239 Findings9 Important
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. R. 9503.0090 subp. 2 item D
Daily written reports were not provided to parents.
- Children's RecordsMinn. R. 9503.0125 item G 9503.0140 subp. 5
Children's files did not contain immunization documentation.
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 20
Areas used by children were not in good repair.
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item A
Written parental permission had not been obtained for administering medicine or topical products.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. R. 9503.0145 subp. 7 item B
Infant feeding schedules were not available in the food preparation area.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. R. 9503.0145 subp. 7 item D
Each infant's bottle was not labeled with the child's first and last name.
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0155 subp. 7 item D
The outdoor activity area was not clean and/or safe.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. Stat. 245A.1435(c)
Infants were not moved to a crib after falling asleep.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. Stat. 245A.146 subd. 4
The program did not complete monthly crib safety inspections.