Lake Area Discovery Center at Community of Grace Lutheran Church
Data last updated · May 2026
Quality Indicators
See Methodology →- Overall QualityCombines daily care quality (interactions, learning, environment) with structural features like staff-to-child ratios and teacher qualifications.5 / 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.5 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 5 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Parent Aware rating of Level 4 (out of 4) and NAEYC accreditation. Structural quality reflects 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)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
- 85
- 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 2024, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (4), Children's Records & Files (3), and Food Safety & Allergic Reactions (2). Of 13 total findings, 1 was critical.
See All 4 Inspection Visits
Apr 2, 20262 Findings2 Important
- Food and WaterMinn. R. 9503.0145 subp. 2
Menus did not comply with the nutritional requirements of the USDA.
- Health PracticesMinn. Stat. 142B.66 subd. 1(d)
Food allergy information was not available to staff.
Feb 4, 20253 Findings3 Important
- Staff QualificationsMinn. R. 9503.0032 subp. 2 9503.0120 item B
Documentation was not available to show that a teacher met qualifications.
- Staff QualificationsMinn. R. 9503.0033 subp. 2 9503.0120 item B
Documentation was not available to show that an assistant teacher met qualifications.
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 245A.40 subd. 7
All staff did not complete ongoing training requirements.
Jul 25, 20242 Findings2 Important
- Children with Special NeedsMinn. R. 9503.0065 subp. 3
The program did not have an Individual Child Care Program Plan for a child with special needs and/or staff did not follow the plan.
- Program PracticesStat. 245A.02 subd. 18 R. 9503.0045 subp. 1 item A
Staff did not supervise the children at all times.
Feb 20, 20246 Findings1 Critical5 Important
- Background StudiesMinn. Stat. 245C.04 subd. 1(b) and (g)
The program did not submit a background study for an individual when required, however the program submitted a study before DHS discovered the error.
- Children's RecordsMinn. R. 9503.0125 item G 9503.0140 subp. 3
Children's files did not contain physical exam documentation.
- Children's RecordsMinn. R. 9503.0125 item G 9503.0140 subp. 5
Children's files did not contain immunization documentation.
- Background StudiesMinn. Stat. 245C.13 subd. 2
An individual required to have a background study was allowed to have contact with children before receiving a DHS notice allowing contact.
- Staff TrainingStat. 245A.40 subd. 3 R. 9503.0120 subp. D
The program did not comply with first aid training requirements.
- Staff TrainingStat. 245A.40 subd. 4 R. 9503.0120 subp. D
The program did not comply with CPR training requirements.