Karter School of Thornton
4155 E. 128TH AVE, THORNTON, CO 80241Childery Rating: 3/5
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.3 / 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.4 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 3 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Colorado Shines rating of Level 2 (out of 5). Structural quality reflects Colorado's licensing baseline. Colorado caps infant ratios at 1:5, toddler ratios at 1:5, and preschool ratios at 1:12. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 15 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Colorado Shines Level 2 (Max 5) 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
- Licensed capacity
- 261
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:5 10 Toddlers 1:5 10
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 7 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (1), Safe Sleep & SIDS Prevention (1), and Children's Records & Files (1). None of the 7 findings were critical.
See All 7 Inspection Visits
Mar 24, 20261 Finding1 Important
- All Staff Must Complete a Department-approved Standard Precautions Training Prior to Working with Children. This Training Must Be Renewed Annually and Will Be Counted Towards…2.213.B
Reviewed two staff records and observed staff member one to have an expired Standard Precautions training, posing a potential safety hazard.
Nov 17, 20251 Finding1 Important
- There Must Be Assigned at Least One (1) Qualified Early Childhood Teacher Supervising Each Group of Children Unless Otherwise Specified in Rules. A Director May Be the Assigned…2.217.A.7
Identified through staff member 1's statement that they are alone for two hours in the morning with children and sometimes at nap time for one hour. Identified that staff member 1 did not have documentation of qualifications, posing a potential safety hazard.
Oct 9, 20251 Finding1 Important
- An Admission Record Must Be Completed for Each Child Prior to or at the Time of the Child's Admission. This Record Must Be Updated Annually and When Changes Occur. The Admission…2.209.A.7
Reviewed 24 children's records and observed seven records to be missing documentation of updated and current emergency medical authorizations.
Sep 5, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Emergency Drills, Lockdown and Active Shooter on Premises Drills Must Be Held at Least Quarterly but Often Enough So That All Occupants Are Familiar with the Drill Procedure And…2.138.A
Documentation shows that fire and tornado drills were not conducted in July or August, posing a potential safety hazard.
Apr 25, 20251 Finding1 Important
- The Written Policies and Procedures Must Be Developed, Implemented, and Followed, and Must Include at a Minimum the Following Information: How Decisions Are Made and What Steps…2.206.B.9.a
The facility was missing policies and procedures that address what steps are taken prior to suspension or expulsion including identifying a specialist as needed.
Nov 20, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Indoor and Outdoor Equipment, Materials, and Furnishings Must Be Sturdy, Safe, and Free of Hazards.2.230.B
Two electrical plugs, for a tablet or cell phone, to be exposed in the pre-k classroom, near the circle time rug, posing a potential safety hazard.
Dec 11, 20231 Finding1 Important
- Obtain Current Shaken Baby/ Abusive Head Trauma Certificate and Maintain in Staff File. Correct Prior to Submitting for Approval of License. Correct by 12/11/2023 - - - - - - - -…Correction
Reviewed 6 staff files and observed Nicole V. to be missing current Shaken Baby/ Abusive Head Trauma Certificate. (hired 11/21/2023 Expired 9/26/2023)
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