Leap Ahead Learning Center
117 HICKORY CIR, UNION, MO 63084-2093Childery 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.Not Available
- 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. Structural quality reflects a 20% violation rate across 10 visits in the last 3 years (most recently inspected March 2026). The structural rating also includes Missouri's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Missouri caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:4, and preschool ratios at 1:10. Lead-teacher education isn't regulated. Teachers must complete 12 hours of annual training. No objective process measures (e.g., state quality rating or national accreditation) are available for this daycare. The overall rating reflects structural features only.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- 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
- Licensed capacity
- 60
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 8 Toddlers 1:4 8
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- Not Regulated
Inspection History
Across 2 inspections since 2025, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (3) and Children's Records & Files (2). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
Oct 15, 20254 Findings4 Important
- Personnel5 CSR 25-500.102
The requirements for obtaining 12 clock hours each calendar year were not met. For the calendar year of 2024, the staff listed need the following information: Haylie Rucker needs 1.50 hours.
- Personnel5 CSR 25-500.102
The requirements for obtaining 12 clock hours each calendar year were not met. For the calendar year of 2024, the staff listed need the following information: Haylie Rucker needs 1.50 hours.
- Medical Examination Reports5 CSR 25-500.122
Medical examination report(s) was/were not on file for Abigail Gilbert as evidenced by a medical examination was not on file within 30 days of an individual beginning to work with children.
- Medical Examination Reports5 CSR 25-500.122
Medical examination report(s) was/were not on file for Abigail Gilbert as evidenced by a medical examination was not on file within 30 days of an individual beginning to work with children.
Sep 19, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Personnel5 CSR 25-500.102
The requirements for obtaining 12 clock hours each calendar year were not met. For the calendar year of 2024, the staff listed need the following information: Haylie Rucker needs 1.50 hours.
Explore More
Daycares Near This One
- The Kid DenUnion · 2/5 Childery Rating
- Creative Kids Kampus L.l.c.Union · 5/5 Childery Rating
- Bailey, RhondaUnion · 3/5 Childery Rating
- Krystal WeberUnion · 3/5 Childery Rating
- Ymca-Four Rivers Branch-Clearview ElementaryUnion · 4/5 Childery Rating
- St. Paul Lutheran Church PreschoolUnion · 2/5 Childery Rating