Little Stars Early Learning Center LLC
300 MADISON AVE # L, MANKATO, MN 56001-3300Childery 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 100% 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
- 132
- 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 2023, the issues cited most often were Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (5), Infectious Disease Prevention & Control (4), and Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (3). Of 19 total findings, 1 was critical.
See All 4 Inspection Visits
Apr 13, 20268 Findings8 Important
- Program PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0040 subp. 1
Staff-to-child ratios were not maintained.
- Program PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0040 subp. 2
The correct number of qualified staff were not present.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 12
Diaper changing procedures were not posted in the diaper changing area.
- Health PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 13
Children's hands were not washed with soap and water.
- Health PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 14
Staff did not wash their hands with soap and water.
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item E
The program did not comply with medication storage requirements.
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0155 subp. 9
The indoor space for children did not meet minimum square footage requirements.
- Program PracticesStat. 142B.01 subd. 27 R. 9503.0045 subp. 1 item A
Staff did not supervise the children at all times.
May 12, 20253 Findings1 Critical2 Important
- Background StudiesMinn. Stat. 245C.04 subd. 1(b) and (h)
The program did not submit a background study for an individual when required, however the program submitted a study before DHS discovered the error.
- Staff QualificationsMinn. R. 9503.0033 subp. 2 9503.0120 item B
Documentation was not available to show that an assistant teacher met qualifications. Correction: Corrected on site
- Program PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0034 subp. 1 9503.0040 subp. 2 item D
A teacher or assistant teacher did not directly supervise an aide.
Jul 26, 20242 Findings2 Important
- Behavior GuidanceMinn. R. 9503.0055 subp. 1
The program violated the behavior guidance general requirements.
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item D
Products to control diaper rash were not properly labeled.
Jul 10, 20236 Findings6 Important
- Staff QualificationsMinn. R. 9503.0033 subp. 2 9503.0120 item B
Documentation was not available to show that an assistant teacher met qualifications.
- Program PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0034 subp. 1 9503.0040 subp. 2 item D
A teacher or assistant teacher did not directly supervise an aide.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. Stat. 245A.1435(a)
An infant under six months was allowed to sleep on their stomach without the required documentation from parents.
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 245A.40 subd. 1 245A.04 subd. 14(b)(1)
Staff orientation training did not include all required items.
- 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.
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