Smart Beginnings Early Learning Center
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.3 / 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.3 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 3 out of 5 stars overall. Structural quality reflects Missouri's licensing baseline. Missouri caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:4, and preschool ratios at 1:10. Lead-teacher education isn't regulated. Teachers must complete 12 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
- Infants, Toddlers
- Licensed capacity
- 76
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 8 Toddlers 1:4 8
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- Not Regulated
Inspection History
Across 1 inspection since 2025, the issues cited most often were Building & Premises Safety (3) and Licensing & Administrative Compliance (2). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See the Inspection Visit
Sep 24, 20255 Findings5 Important
- Annual Requirements5 CSR 25-500.052
The annual fire safety inspection was not approved.
- Annual Requirements5 CSR 25-500.052
The Family Care Safety Registry check was not conducted for Brandi Staples, Amanda Van Behren, Melanie Thomas, and Kari Meyers within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.
- Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers5 CSR 25-500.082
The infant/toddler space had no separation from other parts of the building by floor-to-ceiling walls.
- Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers5 CSR 25-500.082
The walls located in the 2 year old room, discovers, was/were not in good condition as evidenced by the wallpaper/wall was coming off in the corner. It was fixed.
- Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers5 CSR 25-500.082
There was no diapering table in the preschool unit and a two year old child was present.