The Learning Ladder, Inc.
985 MARLIN PL W STE 1, PILLAGER, MN 56473-2517Childery Rating: 3/5
Data last updated ·
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 100% violation rate and 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
- 64
- 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 3 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (2), Medication Administration (2), and Building & Premises Safety (1). Of 8 total findings, 1 was critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
May 18, 20263 Findings1 Critical2 Important
- Background StudiesMinn. Stat. 245C.04 subd. 1(b) and (h)
The program did not submit a background study request to DHS when required.
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 20
Carpet or rugs were not in good repair and/or did not meet safety requirements.
- Background StudiesMinn. Stat. 245C.04 subd. 7
The program did not follow background study requirements for a legal name change. Correction: Corrected on site
Jul 29, 20253 Findings3 Important
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item C
The program did not follow medication administration procedures.
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item D
Products to control diaper rash were not properly labeled.
- Staff TrainingMinn. Stat. 142B.66 subd. 1(b)
The program did not comply with Individual Child Care Program Plan requirements.
Jul 24, 20242 Findings2 Important
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item E
The program did not comply with medication storage requirements.
- Food and WaterMinn. R. 9503.0145 subp. 2
Menus did not comply with the nutritional requirements of the USDA.
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