Smart Start Daycare Inc.
W2988 COUNTY ROAD C, MONTELLO, WI 53949-9442Childery 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.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 YoungStar rating of 3 Star. Structural quality reflects a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Wisconsin's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Wisconsin caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:4, and preschool ratios at 1:13. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 15 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- YoungStar 3 Star (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
- Group Child Care Home
- Age groups served
- Infants, Toddlers
- Licensed capacity
- 40
- 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
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 3 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (2), Children's Records & Files (2), and Curriculum & Developmental Programming (2). Of 6 total findings, 1 was critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
May 21, 20261 Finding1 Critical
- Staff Record - Completed Background Check251.05(2)(a)2.
Fingerprints not completed for the following individuals: Individual 001
Oct 14, 20252 Findings2 Important
- Child Record - Alternate Arrival / Release Agreement251.04(6)(a)5.
Child 7 failed to have a signed alternate arrival/release agreement for their transportation to and from school.
- Medical Log - Reviewing Injury Records251.07(6)(dm)4.
Center failed to review medical log book every six months; last review was 01/2025.
Oct 29, 20243 Findings3 Important
- Staff Record - Days & Hours Worked251.05(2)(a)6.
Based upon observation on October 29, 2024, a child care worker did not sign out of ratio in the bug room when they left
- Outdoor Play Space - Energy-Absorbing Surfaces251.06(11)(b)5.
Based upon observation on October 29, 2024, the depth of the wood chips around the large climber was not at least 9 inch
- Deteriorating Paint251.06(2)(i)
Based upon observation on October 29, 2024, there was deteriorating paint accessible to children in the outdoor play spa
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