Minnesota Zoo Nature Preschool
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.5 / 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 5 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Parent Aware rating of Level 4 (out of 4). 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.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Parent Aware Level 4 (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
- Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 20
- 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 5 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Emergency Preparedness & Drills (3), Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (2), and Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (2). None of the 11 findings were critical.
See All 5 Inspection Visits
Apr 6, 20264 Findings4 Important
- Equipment ListMinn. R. 9503.0060
The program did not have sufficient furnishings, equipment, materials, or supplies.
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 142B.65 subd. 9
All staff did not complete ongoing training requirements.
- Staff TrainingStat. 142B.65 subd. 4 R. 9503.0120 subp. D
The program did not comply with first aid training requirements.
- Staff TrainingStat. 142B.65 subd. 5 R. 9503.0120 subp. D
The program did not comply with CPR training requirements.
Jan 8, 20261 Finding1 Important
- Program PracticesStat. 142B.01 subd. 27 R. 9503.0045 subp. 1 item A
Staff did not supervise the children at all times.
Apr 4, 20252 Findings2 Important
- Program Plan/Interest AreasMinn. R. 9503.0045 subp. 2
Children did not have daily access to all interest areas. Correction: Corrected on site
- Emergency PreparednessMinn. Stat. 245A.41 subd. 3(f)
The relocation site and evacuation route from the emergency preparedness plan was not posted. Correction: Corrected on site
Mar 27, 20243 Findings3 Important
- Documentation LogsMinn. R. 9503.0110 subp. 3 item D and E and subp. 4 item B
The program did not have documentation of fire and/or tornado drills.
- Emergency PreparednessMinn. Stat. 245A.41 subd. 3(d)
The emergency preparedness plan was not updated each calendar year.
- Risk Reduction PlanMinn. Stat. 245A.66 subd. 3(b)
The Risk Reduction Plan was not reviewed each calendar year.
Dec 12, 20231 Finding1 Important
- Program PracticesStat. 245A.02 subd. 18 R. 9503.0045 subp. 1 item A
Staff did not supervise the children at all times.