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September 15, 2026 Jessica Allen, Authorized Agent Little Stars Learning Center 5356 Chicago Ave Minneapolis, MN 55417 License Number: 1100582 (Child Care Center) Dear Jessic Allen: On July 20, 2026, the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families Services (DCYF), Division of Licensing, received your request for reconsideration regarding Citations 1, 2, and 4 in the Correction Order issued to you on July 2, 2026. You did not request reconsideration of any other citations; therefore, they are not under review. Reconsideration Determination Citation 1: The required staff-to-child ratios were not maintained. Seventeen toddler, preschool and school age children were being supervised by two staff persons. Because toddler aged children were in the group, three staff persons were required. (Preschool Classroom: Preschool classroom) Your Request for Reconsideration. You stated, “Staff to child ratios were maintained because the children that were eating in the preschool classroom were transitioning at the time. The children who were transitioning are officially moved up to preschool as of 7/6/2026.” Applicable Law. Staff-to-child ratios and maximum group size. Except as provided in subpart 2, the minimally acceptable staff-to-child ratios and the maximum group size within each age category are:
Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0040, subpart 1 Age category grouping. Children in different age categories may be grouped as follows: the staff-to-child ratio, group size, and staff distribution applied are for the age category of the youngest child present. Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0040, subpart 3, paragraph A, subpart 2. Reconsideration Determination. The Licensor noted that seventeen toddler, preschool and school age children were being supervised by two staff persons. You needed to have three staff persons present because the staff-to-child ratio is for the age category of the youngest child present. In this case, the youngest children present were toddlers. You stated that staff-to-child ratios was maintained because the children that were eating in the preschool classroom were transitioning and officially moved up to the preschool classroom on July 6, 2026. However, on the day of the site visit, the Licensor noted that the toddler children went back to the toddler class room and the toddlers were classified as toddlers. You had two staff persons supervising seventeen toddler, preschool and school age children, the required staff-to-child ratios were not maintained; therefore, Citation 1 is affirmed. Citation 2: Staff distribution requirements were not maintained. Seventeen toddler, preschool and school age children were being supervised by two teacher qualified staff persons. Because toddler aged children were in the group, at least another aide qualified staff person was required. (Preschool Classroom: Preschool classroom) Your Request for Reconsideration. You stated, “Staff distribution requirements were maintained because the children that were eating in the preschool classroom were transitioning at the time. The children who were transitioning are officially moved up to preschool as of 7/6/2026.” Applicable Law. Staff distribution. The license holder must ensure that the following requirements for staff distribution are met and a written staff distribution record is kept in the administrative record. A. Only a staff person who is qualified as a teacher, assistant teacher, or aide and who works directly with children can be counted in meeting the staff-to-child ratios. B. An assistant teacher may be substituted for a teacher during morning arrival and afternoon departure times if the total arrival and departure time does not exceed 25 percent of the center's daily hours of operation. C. The maximum group size applies at all times except during meals, outdoor activities, field trips, naps and rest, and special activities such as films, guest speakers, and holiday programs. D. Except as provided in item B, staff distribution within each age category must follow the pattern in subitems (1) to (4). (1) The first staff member needed to meet the required staff-to-child ratio must be a teacher. (2) The second staff member must have at least the qualifications of a child care aide. (3) The third staff member must have at least the qualifications of an assistant teacher. (4) The fourth staff member must have at least the qualifications of a child care aide. The pattern in subitems (1) to (4) must be repeated until the number of staff needed to meet the staff-to-child ratio for each age category has been achieved. Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0040, subpart 2. Age category grouping. Children in different age categories may be grouped as follows: the staff-to-child ratio, group size, and staff distribution applied are for the age category of the youngest child present. Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0040, subpart 3, paragraph A, subpart 2. Reconsideration Determination. The Licensor noted that seventeen toddler, preschool and school age children were being supervised by two teacher qualified staff persons. You needed to have another at least aide qualified staff person present to comply with the age category grouping and staff distribution requirements because toddlers were present. Staff distribution requirements were not maintained when seventeen toddler, preschool and school age children were being supervised by two teacher qualified staff persons. Therefore, Citation 2 is affirmed. Citation 4: Written parental permission had not been obtained for administering diaper products. The program had not obtained permission for diapering wipes. Your Request for Reconsideration. You stated, “Our childcare center has been open since 2020 and have never been told we needed written parental permission for diapering wipes during our annual nurse and license visits. We have now added this but would like a reconsideration for this violation.” Applicable Law. Administration of medicine. A license holder who chooses to administer medicine must ensure that the license holder must get written permission from the child's parent before administering medicine, diapering products, sunscreen lotions, and insect repellents. Nonprescription medicines, diapering products, sunscreen lotions, and insect repellents must be administered according to the manufacturer's instructions unless there are written instructions for their use provided by a licensed physician or dentist. Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0140, subpart 7, item A. Reconsideration Determination. The Licensor noted that written parental permission had not been obtained for administering diaper products. Diaper wipes are a diapering product; you must obtain written permission from a child’s parent before administering diapering products. You did not obtain permission to administer diaper wipes. Citation 4 is affirmed. Disposition The Commissioner has reviewed the relevant laws and all the information you submitted in response to the Correction Order. Citations 1, 2, and 4 are affirmed. This is a final agency decision. Previously Ordered Corrective Action. In the original Correction Order, you were ordered to correct the violation(s) cited, and submit documentation of such action to your licensor. A request for reconsideration does not stay any provisions or requirements of the correction order. Minnesota Statutes, 142B.16, subdivision 2, paragraph (a). If you have not done so already, please immediately comply with the previously ordered corrective actions for all uncontested and affirmed violations. The Commissioner appreciates your response and encourages you to continue to work cooperatively with your licensor to ensure the safety and well-being of the children you serve. Sincerely,
Hlee Vang, Attorney Legal Counsel’s Office Office of Inspector General
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