A Step Above, L.l.c.
303 N US HIGHWAY 169, SMITHVILLE, MO 64089-9501Childery Rating: 5/5
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.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 an 8% violation rate across 12 visits in the last 3 years (most recently inspected January 2026). The structural rating also includes Missouri's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Missouri caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:4, and preschool ratios at 1:10. Lead-teacher education isn't regulated. Teachers must complete 12 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
- Infants, Toddlers
- Licensed capacity
- 71
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 8 Toddlers 1:4 8
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- Not Regulated
Inspection History
Across 1 inspection since 2026, the issues cited most often were Licensing & Administrative Compliance (3) and Building & Premises Safety (2). Of 5 total findings, 1 was critical.
See the Inspection Visit
Jan 29, 20265 Findings1 Critical4 Important
- Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers5 CSR 25-500.082
Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: bleach. The item(s) was/were located in a broken locked cabinet in the 2s and 3s and in the 1s room.
- Annual Requirements5 CSR 25-500.052
The annual fire safety inspection was not approved.
- Annual Requirements5 CSR 25-500.052
The annual sanitation inspection was not conducted.
- Annual Requirements5 CSR 25-500.052
The Family Care Safety Registry check was not conducted for Cheyenne Reece and Sophia Cox within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.
- Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers5 CSR 25-500.082
The walls located in Preschool bathroom was/were not in good condition as evidenced by hole in wall and peeling drywall above sink.
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