Smart Start Childcare & Learning Center
14480 60TH ST N, STILLWATER, MN 55082-6313Childery Rating: 4/5
Data last updated ·
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.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.3 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Parent Aware rating of Level 4 (out of 4). Structural quality reflects a 100% violation rate and 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 4 (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
- 141
- 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 2024, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (1), Children's Records & Files (1), and Child Maltreatment Prevention (1). Of 4 total findings, 1 was critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
Feb 12, 20252 Findings1 Critical1 Important
- Background StudiesMinn. Stat. 245C.04 subd. 1(b) and (h)
The program did not submit a background study request to DHS when required.
- Children's RecordsMinn. R. 9503.0125 item G 9503.0140 subp. 5
Children's files did not contain immunization documentation.
Aug 22, 20242 Findings2 Important
- Staff QualificationsMinn. R. 9503.0032 subp. 2 9503.0120 item B
Documentation was not available to show that a teacher met qualifications.
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 245A.40 subd. 5a(b)
Abusive head trauma training did not contain all required items. Correction: Corrected on site
Explore More
Daycares Near This One
- Ark of Angels Montessori PreschoolStillwater · 3/5 Childery Rating
- Duncan Timothy R & Duncan Sharon SStillwater · 3/5 Childery Rating
- St Croix Kids Early Childhood CenterStillwater · 3/5 Childery Rating
- Salem Lutheran Church & SchoolStillwater · 3/5 Childery Rating
- Lake Area Discovery Center at TrinityStillwater · 4/5 Childery Rating
- ISD 834 Adventure Club - ECFCStillwater · 5/5 Childery Rating