First Step Early Childhood Education 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.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.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.5 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 5 out of 5 stars overall. 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. 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
- Not Available
- 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 2024, the issues cited most often were Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (4), Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (3), and Building & Premises Safety (1). Of 11 total findings, 3 were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Apr 23, 20263 Findings1 Critical2 Important
- FacilityStat. 142B.54 subd. 2(e) R. 9503.0140 subp. 17
Hazardous objects were accessible to children. Correction: Correction Documentation Not Yet Submitted
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0155 subp. 11
Electrical outlets were not tamper-proof or shielded. Correction: Correction Documentation Not Yet Submitted
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 142B.10 subd. 21(b)(1) 142B.65 subd. 1
Staff orientation training did not include all required items. Correction: Correction Documentation Not Yet Submitted
May 1, 20254 Findings1 Critical3 Important
- FacilityStat. 245A.66 subd. 2(e) R. 9503.0140 subp. 17
Hazardous objects were accessible to children.
- Program PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0034 subp. 1 9503.0040 subp. 2 item D
A teacher or assistant teacher did not directly supervise an aide.
- Program PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0040 subp. 1
Staff-to-child ratios were not maintained.
- Program PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0040 subp. 2.
The correct number of qualified staff were not present.
May 2, 20244 Findings1 Critical3 Important
- Background StudiesMinn. Stat. 245C.04 subd. 1(b)
The program did not submit a background study request to DHS as required.
- Program PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0034 subp. 1 9503.0040 subp. 2 item D
A teacher or assistant teacher did not directly supervise an aide.
- Children's RecordsMinn. R. 9503.0125 item G 9503.0140 subp. 5
Children's files did not contain immunization documentation.
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 245A.40 subd. 1 245A.04 subd. 14(b)(1)
Staff orientation training did not include all required items.