First Step Child Care
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.3 / 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.4 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 3 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects an NC 5-Star Rated License rating of Level 3 (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 3 (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
- Family Child Care Home
- 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 2024, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (1) and Hazardous Materials Handling (1). None of the 4 findings were critical.
See All 3 Inspection Visits
Dec 9, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Operator And/or Staff Who Work with Children, Did Not Complete Health and Safety Training as Part of On-going Training So That Every Five Years, All the Topic…
areas were covered. The operator only completed 3 of the required 11 training topics over the last 5 years. Violation confirme
Jun 2, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Corrosive Agents, Pesticides, Bleaches, Detergents, Cleansers, Polishes, and Products Under Pressure in an Aerosol Dispenser and Any Substance That May Be…
hazardous to a child if ingested, inhaled, or handled were not kept in locked storage when children were in care. An aerosol can w
Aug 12, 20242 Findings2 Important
- A Child Care Provider or Uncompensated Provider Found to Be Disqualified and Not Eligible for Employment in Child Care Was Employed or Living in the Home.
The providers husband was disqualified on May 21, 2024. Violation corrected during visit
✓ Corrected at visit
- The Child Care Provider And/or Household Member Who Incurred Pending Charges, Indictments, or Convictions Since Their Last Qualification Letter Was Issued By…
the Division, did not notify the operator of these charges within five business days or before returning to work. The operator