Sweet Pea Academy
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.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 an ExceleRate Illinois rating of Gold and NAEYC accreditation. Structural quality reflects a license that's pending or provisional. 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)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
- Licensed capacity
- 74
- 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 5 inspections since 2016, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (14), Curriculum & Developmental Programming (5), and Licensing & Administrative Compliance (4). Of 33 total findings, 14 were critical.
See All 5 Inspection Visits
Feb 2, 20245 Findings1 Critical3 Important1 Administrative
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(7)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(i)(1)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(e)(11)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(f)
- Organization and Administration407.70(i)
Feb 7, 202311 Findings5 Critical6 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(5)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(7)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(8)
- Staffing Structure407.90(a)(1)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6I)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(1)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Qualifications for Child Care Director407.130(j)
- Qualifications for Child Care Director407.130(l)(1)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(d)
- Fire/Health Safety Code reference (NFPA Life Safety Code, OSFM adoption)FHSEC 305
Nov 22, 20228 Findings2 Critical6 Important
- Background Checks for Personnel407.110
- Background Checks for Personnel407.110
- Napping and Sleeping407.350(b)(1)(e)
- Outdoor Play Area407.390(f)
- Outdoor Play Area407.390(g)
- Outdoor Play Area407.390(l)
- Outdoor Play Area407.390(l)(1)
- Outdoor Play Area407.390(l)(9)(e)
Aug 26, 20201 Finding1 Critical
- Staffing Structure407.90(a)
Aug 30, 20168 Findings5 Critical3 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(5)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(6)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(7)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6I)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6II)
- Personnel Records407.120(c)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(f)(3)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(k)