Stepping Stones Childcare Learning Center Inc
810 NW 7TH ST, BRAINERD, MN 56401-2986Childery 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 an 86% 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
- 136
- 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 5 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Discipline & Adult-Child Interaction (3), Safe Sleep & SIDS Prevention (3), and Food Safety & Allergic Reactions (2). Of 13 total findings, 1 was critical.
See All 5 Inspection Visits
Mar 19, 20261 Finding1 Important
- Behavior GuidanceMinn. R. 9503.0055 subp. 4
The program violated the behavior guidance policy for separating children from the group.
Feb 25, 20265 Findings1 Critical4 Important
- FacilityStat. 142B.54 subd. 2(e) R. 9503.0140 subp. 17
Hazardous objects were accessible to children.
- Program Plan/Interest AreasMinn. R. 9503.0045 subp. 2
Children did not have daily access to all interest areas.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. Stat. 142B.45 subd. 2(a)
The program did not have documentation of crib brand names and model numbers.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. Stat. 142B.45 subd. 3
Cribs were not checked annually against the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website's listing of unsafe cribs.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. Stat. 142B.46(b)
Crib mattresses and/or sheets did not meet safety requirements, and/or items were in a crib for an infant under 12 months.
Dec 17, 20252 Findings2 Important
- Behavior GuidanceMinn. R. 9503.0055 subp. 3
Children were subjected to prohibited disciplinary actions.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. R. 9503.0145 subp. 7 item B
Infant feeding schedules were not available in the food preparation area.
Apr 23, 20254 Findings4 Important
- Health PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 13
Children's hands were not washed with soap and water.
- Health PracticesMinn. Stat. 245A.41 subd. 1(d)
Food allergy information was not available to staff.
- Staff TrainingStat. 245A.40 subd. 3 R. 9503.0120 subp. D
The program did not comply with first aid training requirements.
- Staff TrainingStat. 245A.40 subd. 4 R. 9503.0120 subp. D
The program did not comply with CPR training requirements.
May 16, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Behavior GuidanceMinn. R. 9503.0055 subp. 4
The program violated the behavior guidance policy for separating children from the group.
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