A Step Ahead Learning Academy
IN 46312Childery Rating: 4/5
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.4 / 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.4 / 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 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Path to QUALITY rating of Level 3 (out of 4). Structural quality reflects a 14% violation rate across 7 visits in the last 3 years (most recently inspected January 2026), no complaints on record over the same window, and a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Indiana's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Indiana caps infant ratios at 1:5, toddler ratios at 1:6, and preschool ratios at 1:13. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 12 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Path to QUALITY Level 3 (Max 4) 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
- Family Child Care Home
- Age groups served
- Infants, Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- 12
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:5 12 Toddlers 1:6 14 Preschool 1:13 29
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 3 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Hazardous Materials Handling (1), Licensing & Administrative Compliance (1), and Infectious Disease Prevention & Control (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Feb 19, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Caregiver Shall Keep Poisonous or Hazardous Materials That Would Harm Children,
The provider had cleaning supplies under the both bathroom sinks and kitchen sink that would be accessible to children. The kitchen has a gate but that is not a lock. There was also a bucket of mop water in the kitchen.
Sep 12, 20243 Findings3 Important
- The Licensee Shall Maintain the Following Documentation in the Child Care Home F
Two providers do not have record of CPR and FIrst AIde on premises. Y & T.
- A Child Care Home Shall
A child care home shall, at no expense to the state, maintain and make available One provider does not have record of a drug test on file. Y.
- The Caregiver Shall Maintain and Make Available Verification of the Following: A
Two providers do not have record of TB test on premises. Y & T.
Jun 26, 20241 Finding1 Important
- Direct Child Care Providers Who Work in the Home More Than Three (3) Times a Mon
The staff files were not on-site.
Complaints & Safety Record
- Complaints (Last 36 Months)
- 0
- 0% of licensed capacity
Explore More
Daycares Near This One
- New Horizons Child Care Ministry, Inc.East Chicago · 5/5 Childery Rating
- Circle of LoveEast Chicago · 5/5 Childery Rating
- Merchant of Hope Enrichment Academy, LLCEast Chicago · 5/5 Childery Rating
- A Step Ahead Day Care Inc.4/5 Childery Rating
- Amazing Grace Childcare4/5 Childery Rating
- Blessings Daycare3/5 Childery Rating