Stepping Up
3545 FAIRFAX ST, DENVER, CO 80207Childery Rating: 4/5
Data last updated ·
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.4 / 5
Why this rating
This daycare earned 4 out of 5 stars overall. Process quality reflects a Colorado Shines rating of Level 3 (out of 5). Structural quality reflects Colorado's licensing baseline. Colorado caps infant ratios at 1:5, toddler ratios at 1:5, and preschool ratios at 1:12. Lead teachers must hold a High School Diploma. Teachers must complete 15 hours of annual training.
Quality Recognitions & Accreditations
- State Quality Rating
- Colorado Shines Level 3 (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
- Infants, Toddlers
- Licensed capacity
- 61
- Teacher-child ratios & group sizesState Minimum Displayed
Age Max ratio Max group Infants 1:5 10 Toddlers 1:5 10
Teacher Credentials
- Lead teacher credentialState Minimum Displayed
- High School Diploma
Inspection History
Across 6 inspections since 2023, the issues cited most often were Staff Qualifications & Background Checks (4) and Hazardous Materials Handling (1). Of 6 total findings, 1 was critical.
See All 6 Inspection Visits
Apr 10, 20261 Finding1 Important
- Every Five (5) Years, All Child Abuse and Neglect Inquiry Background Checks Must Be Renewed by Resubmitting an Inquiry Form and Current Fee to the Department for Processing. An…2.120.I
Reviewed 7 staff files and observed the program to be lacking documentation of updated Trails clearance for 2 staff members. Trails clearance on file dated 5/1/2018 and 9/28/2020.
Sep 4, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Items Labeled “Keep Out of Reach of Children” Must Be Inaccessible to Children.2.229.C
The cabinet under the diaper changing table in the second toddler classsroom was unlocked with items N_a_m_e _: S_te_pp_in_g_ U_p ____________________Lic_e_ns_e _Nu_m_b_er _: 1_7_36_84_8______ ________________________________________________ labeled "keep out of reach of children" inside.
✓ Corrected at visit
May 12, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Prior to Caring for Children, All Staff Must Complete a Department-approved Training in Emergency and Disaster Preparedness: Evacuation, Shelter in Place, Lockdown, and Active…2.133.A
In a review of nine staff files, two staff (Baetrice and Ariana) were found to be missing current certification of a department-approved training in emergency and disaster preparedness.
✓ Corrected at visit
Mar 3, 20251 Finding1 Important
- Staff Aides Must Be at Least Sixteen (16) Years of Age, Must Work Directly Under the Supervision of the Director or a Toddler Early Childhood Teacher, and Must Have Completed…2.216.C.2
In a review of six staff files, four staff members Aanee, Kiyra, Deshawna and Shaya were missing documentation of a completed 8 hours of orientation at the toddler program and identified through verification of attendance records that staff Kiyra and Shaya were working with children without the direct supervision of the director or a toddler early childhood teacher on 2/11/2025.
Jul 1, 20241 Finding1 Critical
- Criminal Background Check Requests Must Be Successfully Completed Prior to an Individual Caring for Children or Allowing the Individual Unsupervised Access to Children in Child…2.121.D.4.a
In a review of 7 staff files one staff member (Tasia) was found to be missing documentation of their FBI background check and clearance.
Aug 1, 20231 Finding1 Important
- An "Infant Program" Provides Care for Children Between the Ages of 6 Weeks and 18 Months.7.702.1.B.3
2 children over the age of 18 months in the Infant classroom.
✓ Corrected at visit
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