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
- 169
- 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 6 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (4), Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (4), and Building & Premises Safety (2). Of 21 total findings, 2 were critical.
See All 6 Inspection Visits
Feb 24, 20267 Findings1 Critical6 Important
- FacilityStat. 142B.54 subd. 2(e) R. 9503.0140 subp. 17
Hazardous objects were accessible to children.
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 10
The program's bathrooms were not clean. Correction: Corrected on site
- Health PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 14
Staff did not wash their hands with soap and water.
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 20
Carpet or rugs were not in good repair and/or did not meet safety requirements.
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item E
The program did not comply with medication storage requirements.
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 9
The program's space was not clean.
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0155 subp. 10
Hot or hazardous surfaces were not shielded or insulated.
Mar 6, 20255 Findings5 Important
- Behavior GuidanceMinn. R. 9503.0055 subp. 3
Children were subjected to prohibited disciplinary actions.
- Behavior GuidanceMinn. R. 9503.0055 subp. 5 9503.0115 item G
The separation log was not complete.
- Food and WaterMinn. R. 9503.0145 subp. 2
Menus did not comply with the nutritional requirements of the USDA.
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 245A.40 subd. 1 245A.04 subd. 14(b)(1)
Staff orientation training did not include all required items.
- Background StudiesMinn. Stat. 245C.04 subd. 7
The program did not follow background study requirements for a legal name change.
Jan 15, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Program PracticesStat. 245A.02 subd. 18 R. 9503.0045 subp. 1 item A
Staff did not supervise the children at all times.
Jun 6, 20242 Findings2 Important
- Program PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0040 subp. 1
Staff-to-child ratios were not maintained.
- Program PracticesStat. 245A.02 subd. 18 R. 9503.0045 subp. 1 item A
Staff did not supervise the children at all times.
Apr 15, 20244 Findings1 Critical3 Important
- Background StudiesMinn. Stat. 245C.04 subd. 1(b)
The program did not submit a background study request to DHS as required.
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 19
Equipment and furniture were not in good repair.
- Health PracticesMinn. Stat. 245A.41 subd. 1(d)
Food allergy information was not available to staff. Correction: Corrected on site
- Background StudiesMinn. Stat. 245C.13 subd. 2
An individual required to have a background study was allowed to have contact with children before receiving a DHS notice allowing contact.
Jul 12, 20232 Findings2 Important
- Program PracticesMinn. R. 9503.0040 subp. 1
Staff-to-child ratios were not maintained.
- Children's RecordsMinn. R. 9503.0125 item G 9503.0140 subp. 3
Children's files did not contain physical exam documentation.