The Gardner School of Lincoln Park
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
- 194
- 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 10 inspections since 2017, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (17), Licensing & Administrative Compliance (8), and Building & Premises Safety (3). Of 35 total findings, 14 were critical.
See All 10 Inspection Visits
Feb 7, 20252 Findings1 Critical1 Important
- Application examination and licensingCCASEC 5(5B)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(k)
Oct 31, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Guidance and Discipline407.270(c)(6)(a)
Jan 23, 202410 Findings2 Critical7 Important1 Administrative
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(5)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(d)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(1)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(4)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(i)(2)
- Guidance and Discipline407.270(a)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(3)
- Organization and Administration407.70(i)
Dec 20, 20228 Findings4 Critical3 Important1 Administrative
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(d)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6II)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6II)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(4)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(i)(4)(a)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(j)(5)
- Organization and Administration407.70(e)
Jan 7, 20212 Findings1 Critical1 Important
- Background Checks for Personnel407.110
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(f)(3)
Nov 5, 20184 Findings3 Critical1 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(f)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6I)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6II)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
Feb 5, 20181 Finding1 Important
- Grouping and Staffing407.190(a)
Dec 7, 20174 Findings3 Critical1 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(5)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6I)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6II)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
Apr 6, 20172 Findings2 Important
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Personnel Records407.120(e)(4)
Feb 27, 20171 Finding1 Important
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)