The Gardner School of Chicago West Loop
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.3 / 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.3 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 3 out of 5 stars overall. 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. 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
- Not Available
- Licensed capacity
- 178
- 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
13 Inspection Visits Since 2013 · 53 Findings
Most recent: Jan 19, 2021⤓ Download Latest Report (PDF)
20 Critical33 Important
Across 13 inspections since 2013, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (27), Children's Records & Files (8), and Licensing & Administrative Compliance (6). Of 53 total findings, 20 were critical.
See All 13 Inspection Visits
Jan 19, 20219 Findings5 Critical4 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(5)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- Background Checks for Personnel407.110
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6I)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6II)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Qualifications for Child Care Director407.130(m)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)
- Fire/Health Safety Code reference (NFPA Life Safety Code, OSFM adoption)FHSEC 305
Oct 1, 20193 Findings3 Important
- Program Requirements for All Ages407.200(p)
- Daily Arrival and Departure of Children407.260(d)
- Outdoor Play Area407.390(o)
May 21, 20198 Findings5 Critical3 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(5)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(7)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(8)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6I)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6II)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(i)(3)
- Fire/Health Safety Code reference (NFPA Life Safety Code, OSFM adoption)FHSEC 305
Jun 14, 20184 Findings1 Critical3 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(3)
- Nutrition and Meal Service407.330(b)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(f)(2)
Jul 6, 20176 Findings3 Critical3 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(7)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6I)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6II)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(i)(3)
Aug 23, 20163 Findings1 Critical2 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(a)(5)
- Program Requirements for All Ages407.200(r)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(p)
Jan 14, 20161 Finding1 Important
- Program Requirements for All Ages407.200(p)
Aug 4, 20152 Findings2 Important
- Program Requirements for All Ages407.200(p)
- Guidance and Discipline407.270(c)(6)(a)
Jun 10, 20156 Findings1 Critical5 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(5)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(e)(4)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(5)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(j)(5)
Jun 5, 20142 Findings1 Critical1 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(5)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
Dec 17, 20132 Findings1 Critical1 Important
- Background Checks for Personnel407.110
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
Sep 4, 20133 Findings1 Critical2 Important
- Background Checks for Personnel407.110
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
Jul 9, 20134 Findings1 Critical3 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(5)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(5)