Little Explorers
655 JAMES STREET, UTICA, NY 13501Childery 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 QUALITYstarsNY rating of Level 2 (out of 5). Structural quality reflects a 15% violation rate across 13 visits in the last 3 years (most recently inspected April 2026) and a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes New York's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. New York caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:5, and preschool ratios at 1:8. Lead teachers must hold a Child Development Associate (CDA). Teachers must complete 15 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- QUALITYstarsNY 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
- Group Child Care Home
- Age groups served
- School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 16
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 8 Toddlers 1:5 12 Preschool 1:8 21
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- Child Development Associate (CDA)
Inspection History
Across 2 inspections since 2025, the issues cited most often were Safe Sleep & SIDS Prevention (1) and Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (1). None of the 3 findings were critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
Mar 12, 20262 Findings2 Important
- Children Must Be Provided an Opportunity to Choose Between Quiet Activities and Active Play.416.7(g)
✓ Corrected at visit
- The Caregivers Must Use Acceptable Techniques and Approaches to Help Children Solve Problems.416.9(b)
✓ Corrected at visit
Dec 11, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Training Must Address All Topics or Subject Matters Required by State and Federal Law. The Required State Topics Are:416.14(f)
✓ Corrected at visit
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