DHSS MO
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

OFFICE OF CHILDHOOD

GROUP HOME AND CENTER INSPECTION REPORT
Facility Information

A STEP ABOVE, L.L.C.

001814924

(816) 532-3104

303 N US HIGHWAY 169
SMITHVILLE
MO  64089-9501

A STEP ABOVE, L.L.C.

704 QUINCY BLVD
SMITHVILLE
MO  64089-8614

DIXON, LAURA ROSE

astepabove.smithville@gmail.com


MARY C MALOID

6 WEEKS - 12 YEARS

71

GROUP HOME AND CENTER

16 CHILDREN IN THE INFANT/TODDLER UNIT; 8 CHILDREN UNDER 12 MONTHS
 
Inspection Information

01/27/2025

9:45 AM

11:56 AM

UNANNOUNCED

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

2486333770


DocumentDocument-Date
SAMPLE FORMS 01/04/2005
OWNER/PROVIDER REFERENCES 01/14/2003
LLC OPERATING AGREEMENT 01/04/2005
DIRECTOR'S QUALIFICATIONS 09/27/2011
DIAGRAM/INDOOR 01/12/2005
CHILD CARE PRACTICES 01/04/2005
POLICIES 01/12/2005
LOCAL ZONING APPROVAL 01/12/2005
LINES OF ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY 01/12/2005
DISCIPLINE POLICIES 01/12/2005
DIAGRAM/OUTDOOR 01/12/2005
DAILY SCHEDULE 01/04/2005
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION 01/04/2005
SAMPLE WEEKLY MENU 11/24/2014
SAFE SLEEP POLICY 01/10/2018
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN 12/29/2017
APPLICATION 11/08/2018
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 01/04/2005
LOCAL BUILDING APPROVAL 01/12/2005
ANNUAL DECLARATION 12/18/2024
LISTING OF CHILD CARE STAFF/HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS 12/18/2024
EQUIPMENT LIST 12/18/2024
SANITATION INSPECTION 07/12/2024
FIRE/SAFETY INSPECTION 07/15/2024




Inspection determined facility to be in compliance with licensing rules.
Compliance Licensing Rules
Open Violations: 9
NOTE
The licensee is responsible for compliance with all licensing rules, including but not limited to the rules listed on this compliance report form.
Attendance at Time of Inspection
Total Staff 12
Total Children 51
StaffChildClass AgeNote
3 8 INFANTS AND TODDLERS Infants - Caregivers Makayla Huggins, Alexandra Wilkerson, and Kimberly Florkowski with eight children all under 12 months of age
2 8 INFANTS AND TODDLERS Toddlers - Caregivers Samantha Yarc and Kasey Struck with eight children all under 24 months of age
2 14 MIXED Twos and threes - Caregivers Andrea Hodges, Laurie Johnson, and Alexandra DeWeese with fourteen children - six 2 year olds and eight 3 year olds.
2 0 NO CHILDREN IN ATTENDANCE Laura Dixon and Lisa Dixon with no children in attendance
3 21 PRESCHOOL Preschool - Pre K - Caregivers Abigail Anderson, Meadow Cruickshank, and Amanda Simpson with twenty one 4 - 5 year olds

Compliance List
5 CSR 25-500.032 Organization and Administration
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.042 Licensing Process
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.052 Annual Requirements
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
The Family Care Safety Registry check was not conducted for Samantha Yarc, Kasey Stuck, Laurie Johnson, Laura Dixon, Emma Rice, Abigail Anderson, and Janet Worley within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.052 Annual Requirements (2) (C) states: The child care provider shall conduct a Family Care Safety Registry check for all child care staff members within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date as printed on the license.
Correction Required
Required Family Care Safety Registry checks shall be conducted for all child care staff member(s) within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Children were not restricted to approved space as evidenced by Staff Restroom door standing open.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (1) (C) states: Children shall have no access to areas not approved for child care.
Correction Required
Caregivers shall restrict children to approved space.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
1/27/2025
Violation
Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: Gorilla Glue. The item(s) was/were located in unlocked drawer in Toddler room.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (1) (I) states: All flammable liquids, matches, cleaning supplies, poisonous materials, medicines, alcoholic beverages, hazardous personal care items or other hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children.
Correction Required
Hazardous items shall be inaccessible to children.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
1/27/2025
Violation
The walls located in Preschool was/were not in good condition as evidenced by chipped paint.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 6. states: Walls, ceilings and floors shall be finished with material which can be cleaned easily and shall be free of splinters, cracks and chipping paint. Floor covering shall be in good condition. Lead-free paint shall be used for all painted surfaces.
Correction Required
Walls, ceilings, and floors shall be made of approved materials, easily cleaned and in good condition.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-500.087 Fire Safety
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.090 Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.092 Furniture, Equipment and Materials
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Outdoor equipment, landing of large piece of equipment, in playground was not in good condition as evidenced by hole in metal of landing.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.092 Furniture, Equipment and Materials (3) (A) states: All outdoor equipment shall be constructed safely, in good condition and free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. Only lead-free paint shall be used.
Correction Required
Outdoor play equipment shall be safe and in good repair.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
Outdoor equipment, large piece of playground equipment, in older playground was not in good condition as evidenced by chipping paint on green poles.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.092 Furniture, Equipment and Materials (3) (A) states: All outdoor equipment shall be constructed safely, in good condition and free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. Only lead-free paint shall be used.
Correction Required
Outdoor play equipment shall be safe and in good repair.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
Outdoor equipment, large piece of playground equipment, in older playground was not in good condition as evidenced by covering on beige steps is pulling away leaving jagged edges.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.092 Furniture, Equipment and Materials (3) (A) states: All outdoor equipment shall be constructed safely, in good condition and free of sharp, loose or pointed parts. Only lead-free paint shall be used.
Correction Required
Outdoor play equipment shall be safe and in good repair.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Safe sleep training was not completed within the past 3 years for the following staff Andrea Hodges and Cynthia Perkins.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel (4) (A) . states: Every three (3) years, the child care provider, group child care home provider, child care staff members, and volunteers in a group child care home or child care center licensed to provide care for infants less than one (1) year of age shall successfully complete department-approved training regarding the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safe sleep recommendations contained in the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on sleep-related infant deaths. The Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment, July 2022, is incorporated by reference in this rule, as published by the American Academy of Pediatrics and available at https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304/Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated-2022 or as published in PEDIATRICS Volume 150, Issue 1, July 2022. A copy can also be obtained from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Childhood, 205 Jefferson Street, PO Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480 and at https://dese.mo.gov/governmental-affairs/deseadministrativerules/incorporated-reference-materials. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions.
Correction Required
The director, group home provider, other caregivers, and those volunteers counted in staff/child ratio, shall complete department-approved safe sleep training as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-500.112 Staff/Child Ratios
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
A medical examination report did not include either a Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis form or a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) for the following staff: Makayla Huggins.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports (1) (B) . states: Medical examination reports shall include either a Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment form, completed and signed by a health care professional, or a negative tuberculin skin test (TST) completed not more than twelve (12) months before beginning work in the facility. The Tuberculosis (TB) Risk Assessment form, revised March 2014, is incorporated by reference in this rule, as published by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102 and available by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/tuberculosis/tbmanual/pdf/RiskAssessmentform.pdf. If the person has signs or symptoms of tuberculosis, or risk factors for tuberculosis, then testing for tuberculosis shall occur.
Correction Required
Medical examination reports shall include Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis forms or negative tuberculin skin test (TST) as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
Requirements for infant-toddler/preschool child medical examination reports on file were not met as evidenced by there was no medical examination report on file within 30 days of admission - the admission date(s) was/were 5/01/2023.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports (2) (A) states: The provider, within thirty (30) days following the admission of each infant, toddler or preschool child, shall require a medical examination report signed by a licensed physician or registered nurse who is under the supervision of a licensed physician and completed not more than twelve (12) months prior to admission. The provider may use the department’s medical assessment form or the provider may use its own form if it contains all the information on the department’s form. The Child Medical Examination Report (Infant/Toddler/Pre-School)form, revised 2021, is incorporated by reference in this rule, as published by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, PO Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480 and available by the department at https://dese.mo.gov/childhood/forms. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions.
Correction Required
Child medical requirements shall be completed and on file as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-500.132 Admission Policies and Procedures
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.142 Nighttime Care
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.162 Overlap Care of Children
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.172 Emergency School Closings
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.182 Child Care Program
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.192 Health Care
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.202 Nutrition and Food Service
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-500.212 Transportation and Field Trips
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.222 Records and Reports
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Two child(ren) records did not include date care begins and ends.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.222 Records and Reports (2) (A) states: The child's full name, address, birth-date and the date care begins and ends;
Correction Required
Child enrollment information shall be completed and on file as required.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
1/27/2025
Violation
Two child(ren) records did not include work telephone number of parent(s), guardian or legal custodian.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.222 Records and Reports (2) (B) states: Full name of the parent(s), guardian or legal custodian, home address, employers' name and address, work schedule, and home and work telephone numbers;
Correction Required
Child enrollment information shall be completed and on file as required.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
1/27/2025
Violation
Five child(ren) records did not include home telephone number of parent(s), guardian or legal custodian.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.222 Records and Reports (2) (B) states: Full name of the parent(s), guardian or legal custodian, home address, employers' name and address, work schedule, and home and work telephone numbers;
Correction Required
Child enrollment information shall be completed and on file as required.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
1/27/2025
Violation
One child(ren) records did not include work schedule of parent(s), guardian or legal custodian.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.222 Records and Reports (2) (B) states: Full name of the parent(s), guardian or legal custodian, home address, employers' name and address, work schedule, and home and work telephone numbers;
Correction Required
Child enrollment information shall be completed and on file as required.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
1/27/2025
5 CSR 25-600.020 General Requirements
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Criminal background check results were older than five (5) years for Laurie Johnson, Abigail Anderson, and Janet Worley.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-600.020 General Requirements (5) states: Criminal background checks shall be completed for each child care staff member every five (5) years.
Correction Required
Required results of criminal background checks shall be on file.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-600.040 Background Screening Findings
Compliance
RSMo 210.115. Reports of abuse, neglect, and under age eighteen deaths — persons required to report — supervisors and administrators not to impede reporting — deaths required to be reported to the division or child fatality review panel, when — report made to another state, when. —
Compliance
RSMo 210.211.  License required - exceptions - written notice of licensure status, when.
Compliance