Pine Pals Nest Infant-Toddler Child Care
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.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.3 / 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 a Parent Aware rating of Level 2 (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 2 (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
- 30
- 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 2 inspections since 2025, the issues cited most often were Food Safety & Allergic Reactions (3), Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (3), and Children's Records & Files (2). Of 13 total findings, 3 were critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
Oct 14, 20257 Findings1 Critical6 Important
- FacilityStat. 142B.54 subd. 2(e) R. 9503.0140 subp. 17
Hazardous objects were accessible to children.
- Program PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0040 subp. 3 item B, (1)
Infants were mixed with children of other age categories.
- Program Plan/Interest AreasMinn. R. 9503.0045 subp. 2
Children did not have daily access to all interest areas.
- Food and WaterMinn. R. 9503.0145 subp. 4
Meals did not comply with the nutritional requirements of the USDA.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. R. 9503.0145 subp. 7 item D
Each infant's bottle was not labeled with the child's first and last name.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. Stat. 142B.45 subd. 4
The program did not complete monthly crib safety inspections.
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 142B.66 subd. 1(b)
The program did not comply with Individual Child Care Program Plan requirements.
Jul 9, 20256 Findings2 Critical4 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 DCYF discovered the error.
- FacilityStat. 142B.54 subd. 2(e) R. 9503.0140 subp. 17
Hazardous objects were accessible to children.
- Children with Special NeedsMinn. R. 9503.0065 subp. 3
The program did not have an Individual Child Care Program Plan for a child with special needs and/or staff did not follow the plan.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. R. 9503.0145 subp. 7 item D
Each infant's bottle was not labeled with the child's first and last name.
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 142B.10 subd. 21(b)(1) 142B.65 subd. 1
Staff orientation training did not include all required items.
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 142B.65 subd. 3
Child development and learning training did not contain all required items.