First Steps Academy
5450 ROYAL PL NW, ROCHESTER, MN 55901-1895Childery 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.3 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Parent Aware rating of Level 4 (out of 4). Structural quality reflects a 100% violation rate and 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
- 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 2023, the issues cited most often were Medication Administration (2), Infectious Disease Prevention & Control (1), and Food Safety & Allergic Reactions (1). Of 6 total findings, 1 was critical.
See All 4 Inspection Visits
Apr 9, 20261 Finding1 Important
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 11
The diaper changing area was not properly equipped. Correction: Corrected on site
Aug 11, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Food and WaterMinn. R. 9503.0145 subp. 2
Snack did not comply with the nutritional requirements of the USDA.
Aug 1, 20242 Findings1 Critical1 Important
- FacilityStat. 245A.66 subd. 2(e) R. 9503.0140 subp. 17
Hazardous objects were accessible to children. Correction: Corrected on site
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 245A.41 subd. 1(b)
The program did not comply with Individual Child Care Program Plan requirements.
Aug 2, 20232 Findings2 Important
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item B
The program did not follow health care provider's written instructions when administering prescription medication.
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item C
The program did not follow medication administration procedures.
Explore More
Daycares Near This One
- Overland SchoolRochester · 3/5 Childery Rating
- Taylor Jennifer MRochester · 3/5 Childery Rating
- Chubbuck Carrie MRochester · 5/5 Childery Rating
- Emmanuelli Sheila M & Emmanuelli Helson LRochester · 5/5 Childery Rating
- Balcha BelayneshRochester · 3/5 Childery Rating
- Borgohain ParinitaRochester · 4/5 Childery Rating