Growing Explorers Learning Center
158 JADE TRL N, LAKE ELMO, MN 55042-2606Childery 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
- 179
- 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 6 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (3), Building & Premises Safety (2), and Medication Administration (2). Of 19 total findings, 3 were critical.
See All 6 Inspection Visits
Sep 12, 202510 Findings2 Critical8 Important
- Background StudiesMinn. Stat. 245C.04 subd. 1(b) and (h)
The program did not submit a background study request to DHS when required. Correction: Correction Documentation Not Yet Submitted
- FacilityStat. 142B.54 subd. 2(e) R. 9503.0140 subp. 17
Hazardous objects were accessible to children. Correction: Correction Documentation Not Yet Submitted
- Staff QualificationsMinn. R. 9503.0032 subp. 2 9503.0120 item B
Documentation was not available to show that a teacher met qualifications. Correction: Correction Documentation Not Yet Submitted
- Nap and RestMinn. R. 9503.0050 subp. 4
The program did not meet napping area and equipment requirements. Correction: Corrected on site
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 19
Equipment and furniture were not in good repair. Correction: Correction Documentation Not Yet Submitted
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 20
Carpet or rugs were not in good repair and/or did not meet safety requirements. Correction: Correction Documentation Not Yet Submitted
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item A
Written parental permission had not been obtained for administering medicine or topical products. 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
- Food and WaterMinn. Stat. 142B.41 subd. 13
The program used water bottles or reusable cups to provide water to children and did not have or follow a policy. Correction: Correction Documentation Not Yet Submitted
- Staff TrainingStat. 142B.65 subd. 4 R. 9503.0120 subp. D
The program did not comply with first aid training requirements. Correction: Correction Documentation Not Yet Submitted
Dec 6, 20242 Findings2 Important
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item E
The program did not comply with medication storage requirements.
- Staff TrainingStat. 245A.40 subd. 4 R. 9503.0120 subp. D
The program did not comply with CPR training requirements.
Oct 16, 20242 Findings2 Important
- Behavior GuidanceMinn. R. 9503.0055 subp. 3
Children were subjected to prohibited disciplinary actions.
- Program PracticesStat. 245A.02 subd. 18 R. 9503.0045 subp. 1 item A
Staff did not supervise the children at all times.
Feb 14, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Behavior GuidanceMinn. R. 9503.0055 subp. 1
The program violated the behavior guidance general requirements.
Aug 9, 20231 Finding1 Important
- Program PracticesStat. 245A.02 subd. 18 R. 9503.0045 subp. 1 item A
Staff did not supervise the children at all times.
Jul 10, 20233 Findings1 Critical2 Important
- FacilityStat. 245A.66 subd. 2(e) R. 9503.0140 subp. 17
Hazardous objects were accessible to children. Correction: Corrected on site
- Staff QualificationsMinn. R. 9503.0032 subp. 2 9503.0120 item B
Documentation was not available to show that a teacher met qualifications.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. Stat. 245A.1435(b)
Crib mattresses and/or sheets did not meet safety requirements, and/or items were in a crib for an infant under 12 months.
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