V.U.S.D.#20 - Cottonwood Early Childhood And School Age Program
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.5 / 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.5 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 5 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Quality First rating of Level 5 (out of 5). Structural quality reflects a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Arizona's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Arizona caps infant ratios at 1:5, toddler ratios at 1:6, and preschool ratios at 1:15. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 18 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Quality First Level 5 (Max 5) 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
- Preschool
- Licensed capacity
- 145
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Preschool 1:15 Not Regulated
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 4 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Licensing & Administrative Compliance (3) and Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (1). None of the 4 findings were critical.
See All 4 Inspection Visits
Sep 10, 20251 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Observed at the Time of the Annual Compliance Inspection Conducted on September 10,…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were observed at the time of the Annual Compliance Inspection conducted on September 10, 2025, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. A full inspection was conducted at this time. Two of two fingerprint clearance cards were verified to be valid through the DPS website at the time of the inspection. The Compliance Officer provided the facility with a paper copy of the Notice of Inspection Rights at the start of the inspection. The Empower Se
Jul 30, 20251 Finding1 Important
- There Were No Deficiencies Found at the Time of the Modification Inspection Conducted on July 30, 2025, and Are…Modification
There were no deficiencies found at the time of the modification inspection conducted on July 30, 2025, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. Note: A full inspection was not conducted. *Addition of two school-age classrooms. Added two sanitary units shared by the two classrooms. Approved the space change application effective July 30, 2025. Items discussed, but not limited to: * Emergency cards and staff files.
Sep 17, 20241 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Found at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on September 17, 2024, and Are…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were found at the time of the compliance inspection conducted on September 17, 2024, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. Senior Compliance Officer Brenda Alubowicz 2 of 2 fingerprint clearance cards were observed to be valid via the DPS website. Insurance 7/1/24 Fire 5/8/23 - expired - please send current copy upon receipt Gas 4/30/24 The empower checklist was emailed. The DES group size was observed. Please complete the pla
Sep 21, 20231 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Found at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on September 21, 2023, and Are…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were found at the time of the compliance inspection conducted on September 21, 2023, and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. There were three personnel files reviewed. All three of the fingerprint clearance cards were verified to be valid through the DPS website at the time of the inspection. Complete and submit a Written Documentation of Corrections within 10 days of receipt of this Statement of Deficiencies. Items discussed, but not limited t