Heartland Head Start - 5 (five)
1303 E INDIANA AVE, PONTIAC, IL 61764Childery 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.3 / 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.5 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects an ExceleRate Illinois rating of Silver. Structural quality reflects a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Illinois's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Illinois caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:5, and preschool ratios at 1:10. Lead teachers must hold a Child Development Associate (CDA). Teachers must complete 15 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- ExceleRate Illinois Silver (2 out of 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
- Licensed capacity
- 28
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 12 Toddlers 1:5 15 Preschool 1:10 20
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- Child Development Associate (CDA)
Inspection History
Across 5 inspections since 2017, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (9), Building & Premises Safety (3), and Curriculum & Developmental Programming (2). Of 20 total findings, 4 were critical.
See All 5 Inspection Visits
Aug 22, 202513 Findings3 Critical10 Important
- Licensing standards for child care facilitiesCCA 7(A)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6I)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6II)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(4)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(6)
- Personnel Records407.120(e)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(e)(4)
- Personnel Records407.120(e)(5)
- Personnel Records407.120(f)(2)
- Outdoor Play Area407.390(a)
- Fire/Health Safety Code reference (NFPA Life Safety Code, OSFM adoption)FHSEC 305
Sep 6, 20233 Findings3 Important
- Diapering and Toileting Procedures407.340(k)(1)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(e)(8)
- Fire/Health Safety Code reference (NFPA Life Safety Code, OSFM adoption)FHSEC 305
Sep 15, 20222 Findings1 Critical1 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(f)(2)
Jul 20, 20211 Finding1 Important
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(a)(1)
Sep 15, 20171 Finding1 Important
- Special Requirements for Infants and Toddlers407.210(b)
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