Start Early - Educare Chicago
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.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.4 / 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 an ExceleRate Illinois rating of Gold. 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.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- ExceleRate Illinois Gold (3 out of 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
- 204
- 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
16 Inspection Visits Since 2010 · 46 Findings
Most recent: Mar 19, 2026⤓ Download Latest Report (PDF)
8 Critical37 Important1 Administrative
Across 16 inspections since 2010, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (14), Building & Premises Safety (11), and Curriculum & Developmental Programming (5). Of 46 total findings, 8 were critical.
See All 16 Inspection Visits
Mar 19, 20264 Findings4 Important
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Program Requirements for All Ages407.200(m)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(e)(10)
- Fire/Health Safety Code reference (NFPA Life Safety Code, OSFM adoption)FHSEC 305
Jun 17, 20258 Findings3 Critical5 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(5)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6I)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6II)
- Special Requirements for Infants and Toddlers407.210(f)(7)
- Diapering and Toileting Procedures407.340(e)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(d)(3)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(f)(2)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(q)(1)
Feb 2, 20248 Findings2 Critical5 Important1 Administrative
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(7)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- Personnel Records407.120(e)(4)
- Guidance and Discipline407.270(a)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(q)(2)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(f)
- Fire/Health Safety Code reference (NFPA Life Safety Code, OSFM adoption)FHSEC 305
- Organization and Administration407.70(e)
Mar 10, 20231 Finding1 Critical
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
Feb 14, 20201 Finding1 Important
- Program Requirements for All Ages407.200(r)
Jan 9, 20201 Finding1 Critical
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
Oct 19, 20171 Finding1 Important
- Guidance and Discipline407.270(c)(6)(a)
Feb 21, 20172 Findings2 Important
- Program Requirements for All Ages407.200(r)
- Guidance and Discipline407.270(c)(6)(a)
Jan 31, 20172 Findings2 Important
- Personnel Records407.120(f)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(f)(2)
Feb 10, 20164 Findings4 Important
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Diapering and Toileting Procedures407.340(a)(2)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(f)(2)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(j)(5)
Feb 4, 20143 Findings3 Important
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(i)(2)
- Medications407.360(e)
Oct 25, 20131 Finding1 Important
- Guidance and Discipline407.270(c)(6)(a)
Jan 31, 20133 Findings1 Critical2 Important
- Background Checks for Personnel407.110
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
Mar 5, 20121 Finding1 Important
- Program Requirements for All Ages407.200(r)
Feb 15, 20114 Findings4 Important
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(i)(4)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(f)(2)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(f)(3)
Jul 20, 20102 Findings2 Important
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(c)(9)(b)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(h)