Stepping Stones Early 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 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. 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
- 215
- 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 4 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (3), Infectious Disease Prevention & Control (3), and Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (2). Of 20 total findings, 3 were critical.
See All 4 Inspection Visits
Sep 3, 202511 Findings2 Critical9 Important
- Background StudiesMinn. Stat. 245C.04 subd. 1(b) and (h)
The program did not submit a background study request to DHS when required.
- FacilityStat. 142B.54 subd. 2(e) R. 9503.0140 subp. 17
Hazardous objects were accessible to children.
- Nap and RestMinn. R. 9503.0050 subp. 4
The program did not meet napping area and equipment requirements. Correction: Corrected on site
- Documentation LogsMinn. R. 9503.0110 subp. 3 item D and E and subp. 4 item B
The program did not have documentation of fire and/or tornado drills.
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 20
Areas used by children were not in good repair.
- Food and WaterMinn. Stat. 142B.41 subd. 13
The program used water bottles or reusable cups to provide water to children and did not have or follow a policy.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. Stat. 142B.45 subd. 2(a)
The program did not have documentation of crib brand names and model numbers.
- Children's RecordsMinn. Stat. 142B.66 subd. 1(a)
The Individual Child Care Program Plan for a child with a known allergy did not contain all required items.
- Program PracticesStat. 142B.01 subd. 27 R. 9503.0045 subp. 1 item A
Staff did not supervise the children at all times.
- Staff TrainingStat. 142B.65 subd. 4 R. 9503.0120 subp. D
The program did not comply with first aid training requirements.
- Staff TrainingStat. 142B.65 subd. 5 R. 9503.0120 subp. D
The program did not comply with CPR training requirements.
Sep 18, 20243 Findings1 Critical2 Important
- Reporting RequirementsMinn. R. 9503.0130 subp. 1
The program did not comply with the reporting requirements for abuse and neglect.
- Behavior GuidanceMinn. R. 9503.0055 subp. 1
The program violated the behavior guidance general requirements.
- Program PracticesStat. 245A.02 subd. 18 R. 9503.0045 subp. 1 item A
Staff did not supervise the children at all times.
Apr 16, 20244 Findings4 Important
- Behavior GuidanceMinn. R. 9503.0055 subp. 3
Children were subjected to prohibited disciplinary actions.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 12
Diaper changing procedures were not posted in the diaper changing area.
- Health PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 13
Children's hands were not washed with soap and water.
- Health PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 14
Staff did not wash their hands with soap and water.
Mar 5, 20242 Findings2 Important
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item A
Written parental permission had not been obtained for administering medicine or topical products.
- Program PracticesStat. 245A.02 subd. 18 R. 9503.0045 subp. 1 item A
Staff did not supervise the children at all times.