A Child's First Steps
345 CENTRAL AVE, JEFFERSON, LAChildery Rating: 2/5
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.2 / 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.3 / 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.1 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 2 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Louisiana Performance Profile rating of Proficient. Structural quality reflects 10000% of lead teachers don't yet hold a degree or CDA. The structural rating also includes Louisiana's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Louisiana caps infant ratios at 1:5, toddler ratios at 1:7, and preschool ratios at 1:15. Lead-teacher education isn't regulated. Teachers must complete 12 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Louisiana Performance Profile Proficient (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
- Infants, Toddlers, Preschool
- Licensed capacity
- 83
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:5 15 Toddlers 1:7 21 Preschool 1:15 30
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credential
- No Credential on File
Inspection History
Across 5 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Abuse Recognition & Reporting (3), Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (2), and First Aid & Pediatric CPR (2). None of the 9 findings were critical.
See All 5 Inspection Visits
Jun 9, 20261 Finding1 Important
- D. – General Liability Insurance Policy1503.A
Based on record review at 1:35 p.m., S1 failed to provide the required documentation of current commercial liability insurance for the operation of the center to ensure medical coverage for children in the event of accident or injury. The center's commercial liability insurance policy expired on 4/7/2026. Corrective Action: Effective 6/9/2026: S1 stated she will set a reminder 1 month prior to expiration to find a cost effective policy without a gap in coverage to ensure compliance with this regulation.
Jul 31, 20251 Finding1 Important
- C. – Critical Incidents and Required Notifications1103.A
C.: Based on record review and interviews at 2:15 p.m., S1 failed to notify within 24 hours the Department and other appropriate agencies of the following critical incident : On 4/23/2025, at 10:02 a.m., C1, 4-years-old, was running on the playground and tripped over his own feet. C1 fell and hit his head on a metal toy car on the playground. C1 had a cut on his head that required stitches. O1, C1's mother, brought C1 to the ER on 4/23/2025 around 10:30 a.m. S1 stated she notified DCFS and the Department of the critical incident on 4/28/2025. Corrective Action: Effective 7/31/2025, S1…
Jul 15, 20252 Findings2 Important
- C. – Orientation Training1719.A
1719.B. Based on record review at 11:00 a.m., S1 failed to have documentation that S7 completed the annual online Mandated Reporter Training within seven calendar days of the first day present at the center. S7s first day present at the center was 2/24/2025. Corrective Action: Effective 7/15/2025, S1 stated she will set a reminder within the first 3 days of hire to ensure compliance with this regulation.
- CPR and First Aid Certifications1723.F
1723.F Based on record review at 11:00 a.m., S6 (DOH 4/14/2025) and S7 (2/24/2025) failed to have current certification in pediatric first aid and CPR within 90 calendar days from the date of hire and prior to assuming sole responsibility for any children. The Specialist observed S6 and S7, alone, supervising 3 children ages, one-year old. Corrective Action: Effective 07/15/2025, S2 stated she will schedule required training within 30 days of hire to ensure compliance with this regulation.
May 15, 20253 Findings3 Important
- C. – Orientation Training1719.A
1719.B. Based on record review at 11:30 a.m. S1 failed to have documentation that S7 (DOH 2/24/2025) completed the annual online Mandated Reporter Training within seven days of the first day present at the center and prior to having sole responsibility for any children. Corrective Action: Effective 5/15/2025, S1 stated she will have newly hired staff complete required training within the first 5 days of hire to ensure compliance with this regulation.
- Child Neglect and Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training1727.A.&B
1727. A. B. Based on record review at 11:45 a.m., S1 failed to have documentation that S1 (DOH 6/1/2000), S2 (DOH 6/1/2000), S3 (DOH 6/6/2022), S4 (DOH 8/28/2006), S5 (DOH 4/14/2024) and S8 (DOH 5/16/2019) completed the annual online child abuse and neglect Mandated Reporter Training provided by DCFS. Corrective Action: Effective 05/15/2025, S1 stated she will set a reminder 30 days prior to certificate expiration to ensure compliance with this regulation.
- Cribs Free of Toys and Other Soft or Loose Bedding1907.E.2
Based on observations at 10:15 a.m., S1 failed to ensure the center's cribs were free of loose bedding. The Specialists observed 2 infants sleeping in a crib with a blanket. S6 immediately removed the blankets from the crib. Corrective Action: Effective 5/15/2025 S1 stated she will complete walkthroughs and give staff reminders to ensure compliance with this regulation.
Oct 29, 20242 Findings2 Important
- CPR and First Aid Certifications1723.A.&B
1723.A.B. Based on record review at 10:45 a.m., S1 failed to have documentation that 7 of 7 staff on the premises and accessible to children have current certification in infant, child, and adult CPR through training approved by the Department. S1 (DOH 6/1/00), S2 (DOH 5/16/19), S3 (DOH 6/6/22), S4 (DOH 6/22/20), S5 (DOH 8/28/06), S6 (DOH 8/9/23), and S8 (DOH 3/27/17) failed to have the current certification. A class has been scheduled for 11/13/2024.
- Pediatric First Aid1723.C
1723.C. Based on record review at 10:45 a.m., S1 failed to have documentation that 7 of 7 staff on the premises and accessible to children have current certification in Pediatric First Aid through training approved by the Department. S1 (DOH 6/1/00), S2 (DOH 5/16/19), S3 (DOH 6/6/22), S4 (DOH 6/22/20), S5 (DOH 8/28/06), S6 (DOH 8/9/23), and S8 (DOH 3/27/17) failed to have the current certification. A class has been scheduled for 11/13/2024.
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