Little Hands Academy
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.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 a Quality First rating of Level 3 (out of 5). Structural quality reflects a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Arizona's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Arizona caps infant ratios at 1:5, toddler ratios at 1:6, and preschool ratios at 1:15. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 18 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Quality First Level 3 (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, Preschool
- Licensed capacity
- 67
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:5 Not Regulated Toddlers 1:6 Not Regulated Preschool 1:15 Not Regulated
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 7 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Licensing & Administrative Compliance (7) and Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (1). None of the 8 findings were critical.
See All 7 Inspection Visits
Sep 8, 20252 Findings2 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Observed at the Time of the Annual Compliance Inspection Conducted on 9/8/25, and Are…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were observed at the time of the Annual Compliance Inspection conducted on 9/8/25, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. The Compliance Officer provided the facility with a paper copy of the Notice of Inspection Rights at the start of the inspection. A full inspection, along with a Modification Inspection, was conducted at this time. 2 of 2 fingerprint clearance cards were verified to be valid through the DPS website during the time of the in
- The Following Deficiencies Were Observed at the Time of the Modification Inspection Conducted on 9/8/25, and Are…Modification
The following deficiencies were observed at the time of the Modification Inspection conducted on 9/8/25, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. The Compliance Officer provided the facility with a paper copy of the Notice of Inspection Rights at the start of the inspection. A full Annual Compliance inspection was conducted in addition to the Modification inspection at this time. Please complete the Plan of Corrections via the LMS Portal within 10 days of receipt of this
Apr 22, 20251 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Found at the Time of the Modification Inspection Conducted on 4/22/25, and Are…Modification
The following deficiencies were found at the time of the modification inspection conducted on 4/22/25, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. Note: A full inspection was not conducted. Please complete the Plan of Corrections via the online Portal within 10 days of receipt of this Statement of Deficiencies. The classrooms were not added to the license at the time of the inspection pending corrections.
Oct 21, 20241 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Found at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on 10/21/24, and Are Subject…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were found at the time of the compliance inspection conducted on 10/21/24, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. 2 of 2 fingerprint clearance cards were verified to be valid through the DPS website during the time of the inspection. Compliance Officer #1: Amanda Valenzuela Compliance Officer #2: Laurie McKenna Please complete the Plan of Corrections via the online Portal within 10 days of receipt of this Statement of Deficiencies. Please sub
Mar 20, 20241 Finding1 Important
- The Purpose of the Inspection Was to Conduct a Complaint Investigation for Case # 81459 on March 20, 2024Complaint
The purpose of the inspection was to conduct a complaint investigation for case # 81459 on March 20, 2024. A full inspection was not conducted. Compliance Officer Supervisor - Lisa Emery Senior Compliance Officer - Brenda Alubowicz Ratios observed: Infant 2:4 1's and pre k children on playground 4:33 ( out of ratio) There were 4 staff interviewed during this investigation. There was 1 child's file reviewed during this investigation. Other documentation reviewed: children's
Feb 7, 20241 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Found at the Time of the Monitoring Inspection Conducted on 2/7/24, and Are Subject To…Monitoring
The following deficiencies were found at the time of the monitoring inspection conducted on 2/7/24, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. A full inspection was not conducted. Senior Compliance Officer - Brenda Alubowicz Compliance Officer - Katie Corrow Please complete the plan of correction via the online portal within 10 days.
Jan 9, 20241 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Found at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on January 9, 2023, and Are…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were found at the time of the compliance inspection conducted on January 9, 2023, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. Senior Compliance Officer - Brenda Alubowicz Compliance Officer - Katie Corrow Insurance 1/19/25 Fire 8/31/23 - Please send documentation of corrections for the fire inspection Sanitation 1/31/24 Auto Insurance 1/10/24 2 of 2 fingerprint clearance cards were found to be valid via the DPS website. DES group size was
Jul 11, 20231 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Found at the Time of the Monitoring Inspection Conducted on July 11, 2023, and Are…Monitoring
The following deficiencies were found at the time of the monitoring inspection conducted on July 11, 2023, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. A full inspection was not conducted. Compliance Officer Brenda Alubowicz Compliance Officer Supervisor Lisa Emery Items discussed, but not limited to include: adding more caulking around the diaper changing table and sink in the infant room. While an enrolled infant is occupying a crib, the crib cannot be located next to