Step Ahead Child Care Center
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.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.5 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a YoungStar rating of 3 Star. Structural quality reflects a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes Wisconsin's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. Wisconsin caps infant ratios at 1:4, toddler ratios at 1:4, and preschool ratios at 1:13. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 15 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- YoungStar 3 Star (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
- Group Child Care Home
- Age groups served
- Infants, Toddlers
- Licensed capacity
- 115
- 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
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 2 inspections since 2024, the issues cited most often were Discipline & Adult-Child Interaction (1), Emergency Preparedness & Drills (1), and Safe Sleep & SIDS Prevention (1). None of the 7 findings were critical.
See All 2 Inspection Visits
Jun 25, 20253 Findings3 Important
- Program Reflects Policies251.07(1)(h)
On June 6, 2025, the center self-reported that staff broke the center's cell phone policy when certain caregivers record
- Prohibited Actions - Cruel, Aversive, Frightening, Humiliati251.07(2)(e)5.
On June 6, 2025, the center self-reported that an individual dressed up in a gorilla costume and scared the children in
- Infant & Toddler - Responding To Crying Children251.09(2)(a)
On June 6, 2025, a child care worker failed to promptly respond to a crying child who was scared.
Nov 26, 20244 Findings4 Important
- Emergencies - Practice Written Plans251.06(3)(b)2.
The center failed to practice fire and tornado drills during the months of September and October.
- Naps Or Rest Periods - Individual Bedding251.07(4)(d)
One classroom failed to have sheets covering the mats that children were napping on.
- Infant & Toddler - Bedding251.09(1)(k)
Based on observation, a staff member was holding an infant and had a blanket covering the childs face and head.
- Infant & Toddler - Diaper Changing Surface Disinfection251.09(4)(a)3.
One staff member reported that they do not leave the disinfecting solution on the diaper changing table for the required