Mendota Head Start
101 4TH ST, MENDOTA, IL 61342Childery Rating: 4/5
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.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.4 / 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 an ExceleRate Illinois rating of Gold. Structural quality reflects a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Illinois's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Illinois caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:5, and preschool ratios at 1:10. Lead teachers must hold a Child Development Associate (CDA). Teachers must complete 15 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- ExceleRate Illinois Gold (3 out of Max 4) 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
- Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 17
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Preschool 1:10 20
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- Child Development Associate (CDA)
Inspection History
9 Inspection Visits Since 2014 · 64 Findings
Most recent: Oct 22, 2025⤓ Download Latest Report (PDF)
8 Critical50 Important6 Administrative
Across 9 inspections since 2014, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (17), Children's Records & Files (12), and Building & Premises Safety (8). Of 64 total findings, 8 were critical.
See All 9 Inspection Visits
Oct 22, 202519 Findings3 Critical15 Important1 Administrative
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(h)
- Background Checks for Personnel407.110
- Personnel Records407.120(a)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(1)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(4)
- Grouping and Staffing407.190(a)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(d)
- Daily Arrival and Departure of Children407.260(f)
- Guidance and Discipline407.270(a)
- Transportation407.280(d)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)
- Nutrition and Meal Service407.330(b)
- Napping and Sleeping407.350(b)
- Medications407.360(c)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(f)(3)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(b)
- Organization and Administration407.70(n)
Sep 24, 20242 Findings2 Important
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(6)
Oct 5, 202326 Findings3 Critical20 Important3 Administrative
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100
- Background Checks for Personnel407.110
- Staffing Structure407.90(a)
- Personnel Records407.120
- Qualifications for Child Care Director407.130
- Qualifications for Early Childhood Teachers and School-age Workers407.140
- Qualifications for Early Childhood Assistants and School-age Assistants407.150
- Substitutes407.170
- Grouping and Staffing407.190
- Program Requirements for All Ages407.200
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250
- Daily Arrival and Departure of Children407.260
- Guidance and Discipline407.270
- Transportation407.280
- Health Requirements for Children407.310
- Hand Washing407.320
- Nutrition and Meal Service407.330
- Diapering and Toileting Procedures407.340
- Napping and Sleeping407.350
- Medications407.360
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370
- Equipment and Materials407.380
- Outdoor Play Area407.390
- Provisions Pertaining to the License407.60
- Organization and Administration407.70
- Confidentiality of Records and Information407.80
Oct 6, 20221 Finding1 Critical
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6I)
Nov 3, 20217 Findings1 Critical4 Important2 Administrative
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(6)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(d)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(3)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(5)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(6)
- Application for Renewal of License407.55(b)
- Organization and Administration407.70(e)
Nov 10, 20204 Findings4 Important
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(d)
- Guidance and Discipline407.270(a)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(e)(1)(c)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(e)(4)
Oct 22, 20181 Finding1 Important
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
Oct 23, 20171 Finding1 Important
- Nutrition and Meal Service407.330(b)
Oct 29, 20143 Findings3 Important
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(e)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(e)(3)
- Outdoor Play Area407.390(i)(3)
Explore More
Daycares Near This One
- Newell, Jennifer AMendota · 5/5 Childery Rating
- Reppin, Diane NMendota · 3/5 Childery Rating
- Mendota Child Development CenterMendota · 5/5 Childery Rating
- Randolph, Jennifer LMendota · 5/5 Childery Rating