Little Sparks Montessori
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.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.5 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 5 out of 5 stars overall. 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. 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
- Not Available
- Licensed capacity
- Not Available
- 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 3 inspections since 2025, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (5), First Aid & Pediatric CPR (2), and Licensing & Administrative Compliance (1). Of 13 total findings, 1 was critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Sep 29, 20253 Findings3 Important
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 20
Areas used by children were not in good repair.
- Reporting RequirementsMinn. Stat. 142B.54 subd. 1, paragraph (2)
The program did not identify persons responsible for completing internal reviews.
- Risk Reduction PlanMinn. Stat. 142B.54 subd. 2(f)
The Risk Reduction Plan did not include policies and procedures for supervising children when required by DCYF.
May 22, 20254 Findings4 Important
- Nap and RestMinn. R. 9503.0050 subp. 3
Children were confined to napping equipment longer than 30 minutes.
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 245A.40 subd. 7
All staff did not complete ongoing training 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.
Feb 11, 20256 Findings1 Critical5 Important
- FacilityStat. 245A.66 subd. 2(e) R. 9503.0140 subp. 17
Hazardous objects were accessible to children.
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 16
The first aid kit did not contain all required items.
- Food and WaterMinn. R. 9503.0145 subp. 2
Menus did not comply with the nutritional requirements of the USDA.
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 245A.04 subd. 14(c)
The program's policies and procedures were not readily accessible and/or organized. Correction: Corrected on site
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 245A.40 subd. 1 245A.04 subd. 14(b)(1)
Staff orientation training did not include all required items.
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 245A.40 subd. 2
Child development and learning training did not contain all required items.