S.t.e.p.'s Developmental Academy, Inc.
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.3 / 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
- Toddlers, Preschool, School-Age
- Licensed capacity
- Not Available
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Toddlers 1:6 12 Preschool 1:20 25
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 1 inspection since 2025, the issues cited most often were Emergency Preparedness & Drills (2), Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (2), and Children's Records & Files (1). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See the Inspection Visit
Dec 15, 20255 Findings5 Important
- Fire Drills Were Not Practiced Monthly And/or the Drill Record Was Incomplete.
A fire drill was not conducted for the month of August 2025. Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/29/2025
- All Staff, Including the Director, Did Not Have an Annual Health Questionnaire on File Following the Initial Medical Statement.
One (1) staff file did not have the health questionnaire updated annually. Violation corrected during visit
✓ Corrected at visit
- Child Care Providers, Including the Director, Uncompensated Providers, Substitute Providers, and Volunteers Did Not Have the Required Emergency Information…
Form on file on or before the first day of work, which included all the required information and/or the information on the form w
- Each Employee's Personnel File Did Not Contain an Annual Staff Evaluation and a Staff Development Plan.
One (1) staff file did not have the annual staff evaluation and staff development plan updated annually. Violation corrected during visit
✓ Corrected at visit
- Shelter-in-place or Lockdown Drills Were Not Practiced Every Three Months And/or Drill Record Was Incomplete.
An emergency drill was not practiced every three (3) months. Violation confirmed corrected by letter received from provider on 12/29/2025