Step by Step Preschool
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, Toddlers
- Licensed capacity
- 95
- 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
- Not Regulated
Inspection History
Across 1 inspection since 2026, the issues cited most often were Building & Premises Safety (3) and Licensing & Administrative Compliance (2). None of the 5 findings were critical.
See the Inspection Visit
Jan 9, 20265 Findings5 Important
- Licensing Process5 CSR 25-500.042
The licensing representative did not have access to the entire premises as evidenced by the director, Verlean Nicks stated she does not have access to the preschool classroom that is licensed for 20 children across the hall from the rest of the facility. Director, Verlean Nicks stated this classroom
- Annual Requirements5 CSR 25-500.052
Evidence of local zoning approval was not received.
- Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers5 CSR 25-500.082
The diapering area requirements were not met as evidenced by warm running water was not adjacent to the diapering area.
- Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers5 CSR 25-500.082
The facility's kitchen did not meet requirements as evidenced by there was no stove.
- 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 fence had openings that were between 3.5 and 9 inches and allow entrapment - the openings measured 4.5 inches.