Little Explorers Discovery Center
1002 MYRTLE AVE, JEFFERSON CITY, MO 65101Childery Rating: 5/5
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.5 / 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.5 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 5 out of 5 stars overall. Structural quality reflects an 8% violation rate across 13 visits in the last 3 years (most recently inspected February 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
- Licensed capacity
- 99
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 8
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- Not Regulated
Inspection History
Across 1 inspection 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 the Inspection Visit
Mar 24, 20255 Findings5 Important
- Personnel5 CSR 25-500.102
Safe sleep training was not completed within the past 3 years for the following staff Kim Michaels.
- Personnel5 CSR 25-500.102
Safe sleep training was not completed within the past 3 years for the following staff Kim Michaels.
- Medical Examination Reports5 CSR 25-500.122
Medical examination report(s) was/were not on file for Jordyn Baucom, Kyla Nix, Kristen Willmeno, Elaine Wehnes as evidenced by the medical examination was not signed by the required medical source.
- Medical Examination Reports5 CSR 25-500.122
Medical examination report(s) was/were not on file for Jordyn Baucom, Kyla Nix, Kristen Willmeno, Elaine Wehnes as evidenced by the medical examination was not signed by the required medical source.
- General Requirements5 CSR 25-600.020
Criminal background check results were older than five (5) years for Pam Barriere and Michelle Distler.
Explore More
Daycares Near This One
- Special Learning CenterJefferson City · 3/5 Childery Rating
- The Academy of Innovative LearnersJefferson City · 3/5 Childery Rating
- Jefferson City Area Ymca Child Development CenterJefferson City · 4/5 Childery Rating
- Walker, TwilaJefferson City · 3/5 Childery Rating
- Katina ReynoldsJefferson City · 3/5 Childery Rating
- Early Explorers Preschool, LlcJefferson City · 3/5 Childery Rating