P.U.S.D.#1 - Discovery Gardens Childhood Center - Taylor Hicks
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 Quality First rating of Level 5 (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 5 (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
- Preschool
- Licensed capacity
- 99
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Preschool 1:15 Not Regulated
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 5 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Licensing & Administrative Compliance (5). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See All 5 Inspection Visits
Aug 21, 20251 Finding1 Important
- There Were No Deficiencies Observed at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on 8-21-2025 and Are Subject To…Compliance (Annual)
There were no deficiencies observed at the time of the Compliance inspection conducted on 8-21-2025 and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. A full inspection was conducted at this time. 2 of 2 fingerprint cards were verified to be valid via the DPS website during the time of the inspection. The Empower Survey was not completed at the time of the inspection. The DES group size checklist was not completed at the time of the inspection.
Jul 24, 20251 Finding1 Important
- State Compliance Officer Was Unable to Conduct the Annual Inspection Due to the Program Is Not OpenCompliance (Initial)
State Compliance Officer was unable to conduct the Annual Inspection due to the program is not open. Compliance Officer will conduct the inspection when services resume.
Jul 24, 20241 Finding1 Important
- There Were No Deficiencies Observed at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on 7-24-2024 and Are Subject To…Compliance (Annual)
There were no deficiencies observed at the time of the Compliance inspection conducted on 7-24-2024 and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. State Compliance Officer 1: Joel Guerrero A full inspection was conducted at this time. 3 of 3 fingerprint cards were verified to be valid via the DPS website during the time of the inspection. The Empower Survey was completed after the time of the inspection. The DES group size checklist was not completed at the time of the inspec
Jul 27, 20231 Finding1 Important
- There Were No Deficiencies Observed at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on 7/27/2023 and Are Subject To…Compliance (Annual)
There were no deficiencies observed at the time of the compliance inspection conducted on 7/27/2023 and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. The following was discussed: Capacity postings in each activity room. R9-5-303.B. A full inspection was conducted at this time. 5 of 5 fingerprint cards were verified to be valid via the DPS website during the time of the inspection. The Empower Survey was completed at the time of the inspection.
Jun 28, 20231 Finding1 Important
- Due to the Summer Temporary Closure, the State Compliance Officer Could Not Complete the Annual InspectionCompliance (Annual)
Due to the summer temporary closure, the State Compliance Officer could not complete the annual inspection. State Compliance Officer will complete inspection when facility reopens in the fall.