Smart Start 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.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
- Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 123
- 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 10 inspections since 2010, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (10), Curriculum & Developmental Programming (5), and Licensing & Administrative Compliance (5). Of 33 total findings, 13 were critical.
See All 10 Inspection Visits
Jan 14, 20202 Findings2 Important
- Grouping and Staffing407.190(a)
- Special Requirements for Infants and Toddlers407.210(h)(8)
Nov 6, 20193 Findings3 Critical
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(1)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(8)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
Sep 13, 20181 Finding1 Important
- Guidance and Discipline407.270(c)(6)(a)
Oct 17, 20175 Findings3 Critical2 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6I)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6II)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(d)
- Fire/Health Safety Code reference (NFPA Life Safety Code, OSFM adoption)FHSEC 305
Dec 9, 20163 Findings2 Critical1 Important
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6I)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6II)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
Oct 9, 20153 Findings1 Critical2 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(d)
- Qualifications for Child Care Director407.130(j)
- Outdoor Play Area407.390(m)
Apr 8, 20157 Findings3 Critical3 Important1 Administrative
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(d)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- Staffing Structure407.90(e)
- Grouping and Staffing407.190(e)(1)
- Program Requirements for All Ages407.200(d)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(a)
- Organization and Administration407.70(k)
Oct 24, 20126 Findings1 Critical5 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- Special Requirements for Infants and Toddlers407.210(f)(15)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(3)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(5)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(6)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(e)(3)
Jul 15, 20112 Findings2 Important
- Program Requirements for All Ages407.200(r)
- Guidance and Discipline407.270(c)(6)(a)
Dec 28, 20101 Finding1 Important
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(e)(3)