Smart Beginnings Academy Inc.
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.Not Available
- 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. 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. No objective process measures (e.g., state quality rating or national accreditation) are available for this daycare. The overall rating reflects structural features only.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- 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
- Not Available
- Licensed capacity
- 136
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 12 Toddlers 1:5 15 Preschool 1:10 20
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- Child Development Associate (CDA)
Inspection History
Across 7 inspections since 2022, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (15), Curriculum & Developmental Programming (3), and Medication Administration (3). Of 31 total findings, 11 were critical.
See All 7 Inspection Visits
Mar 12, 20262 Findings1 Critical1 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
Jan 14, 20264 Findings3 Critical1 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(a)(1)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(a)(3)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(b)(1)
- Guidance and Discipline407.270(c)(3)
Jul 14, 20253 Findings1 Critical2 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(a)(11)
- Nutrition and Meal Service407.330(g)
- Nutrition and Meal Service407.330(h)
Mar 21, 20242 Findings2 Important
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
Feb 28, 20235 Findings1 Critical4 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(d)
- Personnel Records407.120(e)
- Medications407.360(c)
- Medications407.360(e)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(e)(1)
Jun 29, 20229 Findings2 Critical5 Important2 Administrative
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(5)
- Staffing Structure407.90(a)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Grouping and Staffing407.190(d)(4)
- Nutrition and Meal Service407.330(j)(5)
- Medications407.360(d)(1)
- Provisions Pertaining to the License407.60(g)
- Organization and Administration407.70(k)
Apr 26, 20226 Findings3 Critical3 Important
- Staffing Structure407.90(a)(2)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6I)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6II)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(5)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(6)