Stepping Stones Child Care
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.5 / 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.5 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 5 out of 5 stars overall. Structural quality reflects a license in good standing. The structural rating also includes South Dakota's licensing baseline — what every licensed daycare in the state must meet. South Dakota caps infant ratios at 1:5, toddler ratios at 1:5, and preschool ratios at 1:10. Lead-teacher education isn't regulated. Teachers must complete 10 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
- Not Available
- Licensed capacity
- Not Available
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:5 20 Toddlers 1:5 20 Preschool 1:10 20
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- Not Regulated
Inspection History
Across 4 inspections since 2025, the issues cited most often were Building & Premises Safety (2), Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (2), and Children's Records & Files (2). None of the 8 findings were critical.
See All 4 Inspection Visits
Oct 7, 20251 Finding1 Important
- 67:42:17:32 Allwalls,ceilings,floors,andequipmentmustbeeasilycleanable,keptclean,andingoodrepair. Heatingandcooling Systemsmustmaintainatemp…67:42:17:32
Atthetimeoftheinspection,thedoortothebathroombythebackdoorwasbrokennearthebottomofthedoor. This shouldberepaired,orreplaced
Oct 6, 20252 Findings2 Important
- Isfood,includingbreastmilkandformula,properlystored,keptatthepropertemperature67:42:17:31
Isfood,includingbreastmilkandformula,properlystored,keptatthepropertemperature, andprotectedfrompotentialcontamination?67:42:17:31 NOTE:Refr…
- Areallwalls,ceilings,floors,andequipmenteasilycleanable,keptcleanandingoodrepair? 67:42:17:3267:42:17:32
May 15, 20252 Findings2 Important
- 67:42:17:13 Allchildcareproviders,programemployeesagefourteenandolder,andfamilydaycarehouseholdmembersage Eighteenandolder,shallmeetfederalb…67:42:17:13
Fouremployeesundertheageof18needacompletebackgroundcheck.
- 67:42:17:42 Aprovidershallmaintainarecordforeachchildthatincludes: (1) Thechild'snameanddateofbirth; (2) Theparentorguardian'snameandtelepho…67:42:17:42
Therewasonechildrecordthatneededupdatedimmunizations.Andonechildrecordthatneededmissingparental permissionforemergencymedicaltreatment.
May 14, 20253 Findings3 Important
- Do Employee Records Contain All Required Information? 67:42:17:1567:42:17:15
- Do Children's Records Include Name and DOB of Child67:42:17:42
Do children's records include name and DOB of child, parent/s names and contact information, emergency contact information, permission for e…
- If Transportation Is Provided67:42:17:45
If transportation is provided, does the program have proof of liability insurance for the vehicle(s) used to transport children? 67:42:17:45…