S.U.S.D.#48 - Cherokee Elementary Preschool - Panda
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 Quality First rating of Level 3 (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 3 (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
- 233
- 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 3 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Licensing & Administrative Compliance (3). None of the 3 findings were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Sep 8, 20251 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Observed at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on 9/8/2025 and Are Subject…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were observed at the time of the Compliance Inspection conducted on 9/8/2025 and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. Please submit the Plan of Corrections via the LMS portal within 10 days of receipt of the Statement of Deficiencies. The Compliance Officer provided a paper copy of the Notice of Inspection Rights to the provider at the time of inspection. The Empower Self Assessment was emailed to the provider. The fingerprint clearance cards f
Sep 18, 20241 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Observed During the Compliance Inspection Conducted on September 18, 2024, and Are…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were observed during the compliance inspection conducted on September 18, 2024, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. Compliance Officer #1: Stacy Marchelli A complete inspection was conducted at this time. 2 fingerprint clearance cards were verified through the DPS website during the inspection. Please complete the Plan of Corrections on the Licensing portal within ten days of receiving this Statement of Deficiencies. A link to the Emp
Sep 14, 20231 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Observed at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on 9/14/2023 and Are…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were observed at the time of the Compliance inspection conducted on 9/14/2023 and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. Please submit the Written Documentation of Corrections within 10 days of receipt of this Statement of Deficiencies. 4 of 4 Fingerprint clearance cards reviewed were valid via a DPS website search. The Empower Survey was completed online at the time of the inspection. Compliance Officer: Archana Navin