First Step Preschool
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 4 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Licensing & Administrative Compliance (2), Medication Administration (1), and Curriculum & Developmental Programming (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See All 4 Inspection Visits
Apr 8, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Incident Logs Were Not Completed and Maintained as Required.
During the visit, I observed an incident log that was updated through February 2025. I observed incident reports from March and April that had not been recorded on the log. Violation confirmed corrected by letter received fr
Oct 9, 20242 Findings2 Important
- Parent's Medication Authorization Did Not Include Required Information.
During the visit, I observed three diaper creams in space three that did not have medication authorization forms. Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/18/2024
- The Depth of the Loose Surfacing Was Not Based on Critical Height of the Equipment.
During the visit, I observed mulch surfacing around a large playground structure measuring approximately 4 inches deep. Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 10/18/2024
Jun 13, 20241 Finding1 Important
- An Individual Written Feeding Plan Was Not Provided by Child's Parent or Health Care Provider or Was Not Followed and Posted. (Omit Posting for Centers Located…
in a residence) During today's visit, Ms. Mahometa confirmed one child was given whole milk when that was not listed on the
May 14, 20241 Finding1 Important
- A Current Activity Plan Was Not Posted for Each Group of Children for Reference.
I did not observe a current activity plan posted in space six. Violation corrected during visit
✓ Corrected at visit