First Steps Academy
3089 25TH ST NW, ROCHESTER, MN 55901-7823Childery 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.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.1 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Heads-up: this facility's license is currently under sanction or carries an open enforcement action. Process quality reflects a Parent Aware rating of Level 4 (out of 4). Structural quality reflects a license currently under sanction (probation or restriction). 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
- 97
- 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 4 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (1) and Medication Administration (1). None of the 4 findings were critical.
See All 4 Inspection Visits
May 21, 20261 Finding1 Important
- Background StudiesMinn. Stat. 245C.05 subd. 2
The program did not verify that the background study information submitted was correct.
Aug 11, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Program PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0040 subp. 3 item B, (1)
Infants were mixed with children of other age categories.
Aug 26, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Program PracticesMinn. Stat. 245A.04 subd. 7a(a)
The program was not operating within the terms of the license.
Feb 6, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item A
Written parental permission had not been obtained for administering medicine or topical products.
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