First Steps Academy
3091 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.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 67% 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
- 82
- 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 2 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Medication Administration (1) and Safe Sleep & SIDS Prevention (1). None of the 3 findings were critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
May 12, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item E
The program did not comply with medication storage requirements. Correction: Corrected on site
Jun 26, 20242 Findings2 Important
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 9
The program's space was not clean.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. Stat. 245A.146 subd. 4
The program did not complete monthly crib safety inspections.
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