The Learning Tree
101 PLAZA DR, JOPLIN, MO 64804-3864Childery Rating: 4/5
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.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.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.4 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Structural quality reflects an 11% violation rate across 9 visits in the last 3 years (most recently inspected October 2025). The structural rating also includes Missouri's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Missouri caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:4, and preschool ratios at 1:10. Lead-teacher education isn't regulated. Teachers must complete 12 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
- Licensed capacity
- 72
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 8 Toddlers 1:4 8
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- Not Regulated
Inspection History
Across 1 inspection since 2025, the issues cited most often were Licensing & Administrative Compliance (2), Building & Premises Safety (2), and Emergency Preparedness & Drills (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See the Inspection Visit
Oct 16, 20255 Findings5 Important
- Annual Requirements5 CSR 25-500.052
The Family Care Safety Registry check was not conducted for Kadyn Carrico, Diana Heckmaster, Christine Iliff, and Terra Smith within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.
- Annual Requirements5 CSR 25-500.052
The annual fire safety inspection was not approved.
- Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers5 CSR 25-500.082
Emergency numbers for the police, fire department, and ambulance were not posted.
- Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers5 CSR 25-500.082
The infant/toddler space had no separation from other parts of the building by floor-to-ceiling walls.
- Fire Safety5 CSR 25-500.087
The facility was observed using an extension cord in the large room on the 2's & 3's side near the television.
Explore More
Daycares Near This One
- Freeman Learning CenterJoplin · 4/5 Childery Rating
- The Young Men's Christian Association of Joplin, MissouriJoplin · 3/5 Childery Rating
- La Petite Academy, Inc.Joplin · 3/5 Childery Rating
- The Young Men's Christian Association of Joplin, MissouriJoplin · 5/5 Childery Rating
- Growing with Grace Preschool and DaycareJoplin · 4/5 Childery Rating
- Christ's Community-JoplinJoplin · 5/5 Childery Rating