Little Steps Daycare
505 S MAIN, NEW LONDON, MO 63459Childery Rating: 3/5
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.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.3 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 3 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects an MO QAR rating of Level 2 (out of 4). Structural quality reflects Missouri's licensing baseline. 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.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- MO QAR Level 2 (Max 4) 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
- Group Child Care Home
- Age groups served
- Infants, Preschool
- Licensed capacity
- 20
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:4 8 Preschool 1:10 Not Regulated
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), Building & Premises Safety (1), and Staff-to-Child Ratios & Group Size (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See the Inspection Visit
Jul 10, 20255 Findings5 Important
- Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers5 CSR 25-500.082
The facility did not have a fenced outdoor play area that was on or adjoining the day care property and was accessible without hazard as evidenced by the height of the fence was less than 42 inches high - the measured height was between 36 inches and 40 inches in various places on the fence on the s
- Personnel5 CSR 25-500.102
A Junior Aide, Regan Thompson (age 17), was not under the direct supervision of an adult caregiver within the same group of children.
- Personnel5 CSR 25-500.102
A Junior Aide, Regan Thompson (age 17) (group Preschool/school age children age range 3 years to 7 years), was the sole caregiver for a group of children.
- Personnel5 CSR 25-500.102
A Junior Aide, Morgan Thompson (per statements of Jayme Darnell), was counted toward infant/toddler staff/child ratios.
- Staff/Child Ratios5 CSR 25-500.112
Staff/child ratio requirements were not met as evidenced by 15 (one 17 month old child, three 2 year old children, and eleven children ages 3 to 7) children , ages 17 months through 7 years, were cared for by adult and Junior Aide caregiver(s).
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