First Steps 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.5 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Quality First rating of Level 4 (out of 5). Structural quality reflects a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Arizona's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Arizona caps infant ratios at 1:5, toddler ratios at 1:6, and preschool ratios at 1:15. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 18 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Quality First 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
- Licensed capacity
- 97
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:5 Not Regulated Toddlers 1:6 Not Regulated Preschool 1:15 Not Regulated
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 5 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Licensing & Administrative Compliance (5). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See All 5 Inspection Visits
Sep 10, 20251 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Observed at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on 9/10/2025 and Are…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were observed at the time of the Compliance Inspection conducted on 9/10/2025 and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. Please submit the Plan of Corrections via the LMS portal within 10 days of receipt of the Statement of Deficiencies. The Compliance Officer provided the facility with a paper copy of the Notice of Inspection Rights at the start of the inspection. The Emergency Disaster Contact Form was completed at the time of the inspection.
Sep 16, 20241 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Observed at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on 9/16/2024 and Are…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were observed at the time of the Compliance Inspection conducted on 9/16/2024 and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. Please submit the Plan of Corrections via the LMS portal within 10 days of receipt of the Statement of Deficiencies. The Emergency Disaster Contact Form was completed at the time of the inspection. The Empower Self-Evaluation was emailed at the time of the inspection. The DES Contact Group size was in compliance at the time o
Jul 17, 20241 Finding1 Important
- There Were No Deficiencies Observed During the Complaint Investigation (#00086848) Conducted on 7/17/2024Complaint
There were no deficiencies observed during the Complaint investigation (#00086848) conducted on 7/17/2024. A full inspection was not conducted at this time. Ratios: Infants: 2:8 Younger 1-year-old children: 1:5 Older 1-year-old children: 2:9 2-year-old children: 2:13 3-year-old children: 2:14 4-year-old children 2:6 There were 1 staff interviewed during this investigation. There were 2 Assistant directors interviewed during this investigation. Others interviewed: Director.
Feb 12, 20241 Finding1 Important
- AMENDED 2/26/24 The Purpose of the Inspection Was to Investigate Complaint #67848 on February 12, 2024. A Complete…Complaint
AMENDED 2/26/24 The purpose of the inspection was to investigate complaint #67848 on February 12, 2024. A complete inspection was not conducted. Compliance Officer #1: Stacy Marchelli Compliance Officer #2: Jennifer Forschino The ratios observed were: Infants 3:4 2;s: 2:5 3's 2:5 Two staff members were interviewed during this investigation. The documentation observed was an incident report. Upon completion of the complaint investigation, it was determined from observation,
Sep 18, 20231 Finding1 Important
- The Following Deficiencies Were Observed at the Time of the Compliance Inspection Conducted on 9/18/23 and Are Subject…Compliance (Annual)
The following deficiencies were observed at the time of the Compliance Inspection conducted on 9/18/23 and are subject to changes pending programmatic review. Please submit the Plan of Corrections via the LMS portal within 10 days of receipt of the Statement of Deficiencies. The Emergency Disaster Contact form was completed at the time of the inspection. The Empower Self-Evaluation was completed at the time of the inspection. The DES Child Care Group Size was compliant at the time o