The Gardner School of River North
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 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
- 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
- Not Available
- Licensed capacity
- 187
- 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
6 Inspection Visits Since 2020 · 50 Findings
Most recent: Feb 26, 2026⤓ Download Latest Report (PDF)
7 Critical43 Important
Across 6 inspections since 2020, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (18), Children's Records & Files (10), and Building & Premises Safety (7). Of 50 total findings, 7 were critical.
See All 6 Inspection Visits
Feb 26, 20261 Finding1 Critical
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(a)(5)
Aug 8, 202523 Findings2 Critical21 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(5)
- Background Checks for Personnel407.110
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(4)
- Personnel Records407.120(e)(4)
- Grouping and Staffing407.190(a)
- Special Requirements for Infants and Toddlers407.210(f)(8)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(d)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(i)(1)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(i)(2)
- Guidance and Discipline407.270(a)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(3)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(6)
- Nutrition and Meal Service407.330(l)(1)
- Diapering and Toileting Procedures407.340(b)
- Napping and Sleeping407.350(c)
- Medications407.360(e)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(d)(3)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(e)(3)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(j)(4)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(j)(5)
- Fire/Health Safety Code reference (NFPA Life Safety Code, OSFM adoption)FHSEC 305
Aug 30, 202217 Findings2 Critical15 Important
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(5)
- General Requirements for Personnel407.100(c)(8)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(1)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(4)
- Personnel Records407.120(e)(4)
- Personnel Records407.120(e)(5)
- Enrollment and Discharge Procedures407.250(i)(4)(a)
- Daily Arrival and Departure of Children407.260(e)(3)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)
- Nutrition and Meal Service407.330(b)
- Diapering and Toileting Procedures407.340(a)(5)(i)
- Napping and Sleeping407.350(j)
- Physical Plant/Indoor Space407.370(d)(3)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(j)(4)(j)
- Equipment and Materials407.380(j)(4)(k)
Dec 13, 20211 Finding1 Important
- Grouping and Staffing407.190
Sep 28, 20217 Findings2 Critical5 Important
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6I)
- License requirement; application; noticeCCASEC 4(6II)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(2)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(3)
- Personnel Records407.120(a)(4)
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(6)
- Fire/Health Safety Code reference (NFPA Life Safety Code, OSFM adoption)FHSEC 305
Dec 16, 20201 Finding1 Important
- Health Requirements for Children407.310(a)(5)