Lil' Explorers Childcare, Prior Lake
3880 FOUNTAIN HILLS DR NW, PRIOR LAKE, MN 55372-2833Childery 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.Not Available
- 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 3 out of 5 stars overall. Structural quality reflects a 75% 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. No objective process measures (e.g., state quality rating or national accreditation) are available for this daycare. The overall rating reflects structural features only.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- 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
- 180
- 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-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (4), Food Safety & Allergic Reactions (2), and Medication Administration (2). None of the 13 findings were critical.
See All 6 Inspection Visits
May 8, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Program PracticesStat. 142B.01 subd. 27 R. 9503.0045 subp. 1 item A
Staff did not supervise the children at all times.
Nov 26, 20242 Findings2 Important
- Food and WaterMinn. R. 9503.0145 subp. 4
Meals did not comply with the nutritional requirements of the USDA.
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 245A.41 subd. 1(b)
The program did not comply with Individual Child Care Program Plan requirements.
Sep 11, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Program PracticesStat. 245A.02 subd. 18 R. 9503.0045 subp. 1 item A
Staff did not supervise the children at all times.
Aug 28, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Program PracticesStat. 245A.02 subd. 18 R. 9503.0045 subp. 1 item A
Staff did not supervise the children at all times.
Oct 11, 20236 Findings6 Important
- Staff QualificationsMinn. R. 9503.0032 subp. 2 9503.0120 item B
Documentation was not available to show that a teacher met qualifications.
- Program PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0040 subp. 2.
The correct number of qualified staff were not present.
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item C
The program did not follow medication administration documentation procedures.
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item E
The program did not comply with medication storage requirements.
- 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.
Aug 4, 20232 Findings2 Important
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. R. 9503.0145 subp. 7
A child was fed the wrong bottle.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. R. 9503.0145 subp. 7 item D
Each infant's bottle was not labeled with the child's first and last name.
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