A Step Above Academy
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.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.5 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 5 out of 5 stars overall. Structural quality reflects a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Kansas's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Kansas caps infant ratios at 1:3, toddler ratios at 1:6, and preschool ratios at 1:12. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 16 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
- Not Available
- Licensed capacity
- 100
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:3 9 Toddlers 1:6 12 Preschool 1:12 24
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 5 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (11), Building & Premises Safety (4), and Licensing & Administrative Compliance (4). Of 26 total findings, 11 were critical.
See All 5 Inspection Visits
Dec 12, 20251 Finding1 Critical
- Background ChecksK.A.R. 28-4-125
Facility did not submit identifying information for one individual as required to complete background checks.
Oct 28, 20255 Findings3 Critical2 Important
- Background ChecksK.A.R. 28-4-125
Individual working and background check remains pending.
- Education and Training RequirementsK.A.R. 28-4-428
Two-year-old was left unattended on 10/14/2025.While staff and children were outside.
- Education and Training RequirementsK.A.R. 28-4-428
Upon entering the Threes (Rm 5) unit, two children were observed in the unit with no staff present. -Unit came into compliance when the director stayed until staff returned from the bathroom with the remainder of the children.
- Physical PlantK.A.R. 28-4-423
Carpeting was not in clean and good repair: Ones (Rm 2) unit was stained and was fraying along the seam adjacent to the transitioning of flooring within the unit.
- Child Care Centers: Napping and SleepingK.A.R. 28-4-436
Ill child awaiting a parent was observed sleeping on a bare cot in Threes (Rm 5.)
Jun 5, 20257 Findings3 Critical4 Important
- Background ChecksK.A.R. 28-4-125
Individual working and background check remains pending.
- Telephone; Emergency Medical Treatment; Reporting RequirementsK.A.R. 28-4-127
One of fourteen child files reviewed lacked documentation of written permission for emergency medical treatment at the time of the survey.
- Education and Training RequirementsK.A.R. 28-4-428a
One staff member of files reviewed had expired certification of pediatric CPR and first aid.
- Health of Individuals at Least 16 Years of AgeK.A.R. 28-4-126
One staff file reviewed lacked documentation of a negative TB test result.
- Physical PlantK.A.R. 28-4-423
Chipped and peeling paint was observed on multiple walls and surfaces; southwest wall, near the sink and the door frame in PreK (Rm 4), shelves and baseboard in Ones (Rm 2), northeast corner wall in Threes (Rm 5).
- Physical PlantK.A.R. 28-4-423
Carpeting was not in clean and in good repair: Ones (Rm 2) unit was stained (dark spot near adjoining door, high traffic discoloration in high traffic areas and bleached out areas throughout) fraying along the seam adjacent to the laminate floor and rug littered with debris. Threes (Rm 5) had an unanchored and fraying seam adjacent to the transition of flooring within the unit.
- Health Practices; Illness and Abuse; General Health Requirements for StaffK.A.R. 28-4-430
Two child files reviewed lacked documentation of a medical record on file for review.
Mar 5, 20241 Finding1 Critical
- Background ChecksK.A.R. 28-4-125
Individual(s) on-site and background check results remain pending.
Jun 22, 202312 Findings3 Critical6 Important3 Administrative
- Education and Training RequirementsK.A.R. 28-4-428a
One of sixteen staff lack documentation of current pediatric 1st aid and cpr training on file for review.
- Education and Training RequirementsK.A.R. 28-4-428a
One of sixteen staff lack documentation of health and safety trainings available for review.
- Education and Training RequirementsK.A.R. 28-4-428a
Five of sixteen staff lack documentation of an orientation.
- Other Licensing RequirementK.A.R. 28-1-
One of fourteen child files reviewed lacked documentation of immunizations being current as medically appropriate for the age of the child.
- Terms of LicenseK.A.R. 28-4-421
Unit Ones (Rm 2) was not maintained for the ages of children as determined by the license. One child (DOB 7/1/2022) was under the 12 months of age specified on the license for the unit.
- Physical PlantK.A.R. 28-4-423
Infant (Rm 1) had canister of disinfectant wipes stored in the window sill, not in locked storage.
- Health Practices; Illness and Abuse; General Health Requirements for StaffK.A.R. 28-4-430
- Child Care Centers: Napping and SleepingK.A.R. 28-4-436
Bedding was not stored in a clean and sanitary manner, observed multiple blankets and sheets in piles on top of stacked cots and benches in several units.
- Infant and Toddler ProgramsK.A.R. 28-4-440
Two prepared bottles stored in the unit refrigerator were lacking the date received on the label.
- AdministrationK.A.R. 28-4-426
Seven individuals lack staff records.
- AdministrationK.A.R. 28-4-426
Five of fourteen child files reviewed lacked complete contact information for individuals to notify in case of an emergency.
- AdministrationK.A.R. 28-4-426
Two of sixteen staff records lack work references.