Step Ahead Child Care 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.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.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.3 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 3 out of 5 stars overall. 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. 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
- 85
- 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 2024, the issues cited most often were Building & Premises Safety (3), Emergency Preparedness & Drills (1), and Children's Records & Files (1). Of 5 total findings, 3 were critical.
See the Inspection Visit
Sep 20, 20245 Findings3 Critical2 Important
- Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers5 CSR 25-500.082
Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: bleach and cleaning supplies. The item(s) was/were located in an unlocked utility closet in the "Zoe's Zingers" Classroom.
- Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers5 CSR 25-500.082
Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: adult scissors . The item(s) was/were located in an unlocked closet located in the bathroom of the "Zoe's Zingers" Classroom.
- Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers5 CSR 25-500.082
Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: bleach and cleaning supplies. The item(s) was/were located in an unlocked utility closet in the "Zoe's Zingers" Classroom.
- Disaster and Emergency Preparedness5 CSR 25-500.090
The facility’s name, address and telephone number was not posted by each telephone.
- Records and Reports5 CSR 25-500.222
Two child(ren) records did not include work schedule of parent(s), guardian or legal custodian.