A Step Forward Early Learning 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.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.4 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects an NC 5-Star Rated License rating of Level 4 (out of 5). Structural quality reflects North Carolina's licensing baseline. North Carolina caps infant ratios at 1:5, toddler ratios at 1:6, and preschool ratios at 1:20. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 20 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- NC 5-Star Rated License Level 4 (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, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- Not Available
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:5 10 Toddlers 1:6 12 Preschool 1:20 25
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 3 inspections since 2025, the issues cited most often were Building & Premises Safety (2), Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (1), and Safe Sleep & SIDS Prevention (1). Of 5 total findings, 1 was critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
May 7, 20261 Finding1 Critical
- Children Were Not Adequately Supervised at All Times.
A two year old was not adequately supervised at all times. The two year old was left outside on the playground from approximately 10:50am-11:28am on 5/5/26 according to the Ring camera footage reviewed. Violation confirmed correcte
Feb 17, 20261 Finding1 Important
- Caregivers Did Not Document Compliance with Visually Checking on Sleeping Infants Aged 12 Months or Younger And/or the Documents Were Not Maintained for A…
minimum of one month. Caregivers did not document compliance with visually checking on sleeping infants aged 12 months or younger.
Dec 11, 20253 Findings3 Important
- Human Milk, Formula and Other Bottled Beverages Including Sippy Cups, Sent From Child's Home Were Not Fully Prepared, Dated, and Labeled for the Appropriate…
child. Several children's files were not labeled with the names and dates. Violation corrected during visit
✓ Corrected at visit
- Electrical Outlets and Power Strips, Not in Use, Which Were Located in Space Used by Children Did Not Have Safety Outlets or Were Not Covered with Safety Plugs…
unless located behind furniture or equipment that cannot be moved by a child. A electrical outlets was not covered in the inf
- Monthly Playground Inspections Were Not Completed And/or They Were Not Completed by an Individual Trained in Playground Safety Requirements.
A monthly playground inspection was not completed for the month of November. Violation corrected during visit
✓ Corrected at visit