University Nursery School Swan Lake
1500 SWAN LAKE RD, DULUTH, MN 55811-4638Childery 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.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 a Parent Aware rating of Level 4 (out of 4). Structural quality reflects an 86% 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.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Parent Aware Level 4 (Max 4) Learn more →
- 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
- 92
- 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 6 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Children's Records & Files (4), Discipline & Adult-Child Interaction (2), and Safe Sleep & SIDS Prevention (2). Of 14 total findings, 1 was critical.
See All 6 Inspection Visits
Feb 24, 20261 Finding1 Important
- Emergency PreparednessMinn. Stat. 142B.66 subd. 3(f)
The relocation site and evacuation route from the emergency preparedness plan was not posted.
Jul 31, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Program PracticesStat. 142B.01 subd. 27 R. 9503.0045 subp. 1 item A
Staff did not supervise the children at all times.
Mar 21, 20257 Findings7 Important
- Behavior GuidanceMinn. R. 9503.0055 subp. 4
The program violated the behavior guidance policy for separating children from the group.
- Children's RecordsMinn. R. 9503.0125
Children's files did not contain all required items.
- FacilityMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 19
Equipment and furniture were not in good repair.
- Medication/First AidMinn. R. 9503.0140 subp. 7 item A
Written parental permission had not been obtained for administering medicine or topical products.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. Stat. 245A.146 subd. 4
The program did not complete monthly crib safety inspections.
- Children's RecordsMinn. Stat. 245A.41 subd. 1(a)
The program did not develop an Individual Child Care Program Plan for a child with a known allergy.
- Staff TrainingStat. 245A.40 subd. 3 R. 9503.0120 subp. D
The program did not comply with first aid training requirements.
Sep 17, 20242 Findings1 Critical1 Important
- FacilityStat. 245A.66 subd. 2(e) R. 9503.0140 subp. 17
Hazardous objects were accessible to children.
- Infant and Toddler CareMinn. Stat. 245A.1435(b)
Crib mattresses and/or sheets did not meet safety requirements, and/or items were in a crib for an infant under 12 months.
Jul 11, 20242 Findings2 Important
- Behavior GuidanceMinn. R. 9503.0055 subp. 5 9503.0115 item G
The separation log was not complete.
- Children with Special NeedsMinn. R. 9503.0065 subp. 3
The program did not have an Individual Child Care Program Plan for a child with special needs and/or staff did not follow the plan.
Apr 30, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Children with Special NeedsMinn. R. 9503.0065 subp. 3
The program did not have an Individual Child Care Program Plan for a child with special needs and/or staff did not follow the plan.
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