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

BENTZ, 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

07/25/2025

10:10 AM

11:14 AM

UNANNOUNCED

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

2497548711


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
FIRE/SAFETY INSPECTION 07/15/2024
ANNUAL DECLARATION 12/18/2024
LISTING OF CHILD CARE STAFF/HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS 12/18/2024
EQUIPMENT LIST 12/18/2024
SANITATION INSPECTION 11/07/2024




Inspection determined facility to be in compliance with licensing rules.
Compliance Licensing Rules
Open Violations: 12
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 8
Total Children 41
StaffChildClass AgeNote
1 4 INFANTS AND TODDLERS Infants - Caregiver Maddison Hough with four children under the age of 12 months
2 7 INFANTS AND TODDLERS Toddlers - Caregivers Isabella Medley and Kasey Struck with seven children all under the age of 24 months
2 11 MIXED Twos and Threes - Caregivers Alexandra Wilkerson and Laurie Johnson with eleven children - five 2 year olds and six 3 year olds
1 9 MIXED Preschool A - Caregiver Abigail Anderson with nine children 3 - 10 years of age
2 10 PRESCHOOL Preschool B - Caregivers Cheyenne Reece and Emma Rice with ten children all 3-5 years of age

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
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Hazardous items as follows were accessible to children: Bleach water spray bottle. The item(s) was/were located on diaper changing table in Twos and Threes 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
7/25/2025
Violation
The walls located In the Toddler room was/were not in good condition as evidenced by chipping 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

Violation
The facility's outdoor space was not safe for children's activities as evidenced by weeds growing on older and twos and threes playground.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (6) (A) 4. states: The play area shall be safe for children's activities, well-maintained, free of hazards such as poisonous plants, broken glass, rocks or other debris and shall have good drainage.
Correction Required
The outdoor play area shall be clean, safe and well-maintained as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The facility's outdoor space was not safe for children's activities as evidenced by landscaping material showing causing a tripping hazard.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (6) (A) 4. states: The play area shall be safe for children's activities, well-maintained, free of hazards such as poisonous plants, broken glass, rocks or other debris and shall have good drainage.
Correction Required
The outdoor play area shall be clean, safe and well-maintained as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The walls located in Preschool bathroom was/were not in good condition as evidenced by hole in wall and peeling drywall above sink.
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

Violation
The ceilings located in Preschool Bathroom was/were not in good condition as evidenced by ceiling material hanging down from frame.
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

Violation
The walls located in Preschool B was/were not in good condition as evidenced by chipping paint by cots.
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

Violation
The ceilings located in Fours and Fives room was/were not in good condition as evidenced by stained ceiling tile.
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
Furniture/equipment, shelf, in twos and threes room was not in good condition as evidenced by chipped veneer on top causing the screw and particle board to be visible.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.092 Furniture, Equipment and Materials (1) (A) 1. states: All furniture and 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
The facility shall provide safe and clean furniture/equipment as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
Outdoor equipment, large playground piece, in older playground was not in good condition as evidenced by post with rust and peeling paint.
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 play equipment had Little tikes basketball hoop had netting hanging down that was unattached that might entrap, close or tighten upon a child.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.092 Furniture, Equipment and Materials (3) (I) states: Ropes, loops or any hanging apparatus that might entrap, close or tighten upon a child shall not be permitted.
Correction Required
Any item that might entrap, close or tighten upon a child shall not be permitted.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
7/25/2025
Violation
Outdoor equipment, large playground piece, in older playground was not in good condition as evidenced by Green pole has a hole exposing 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

Violation
Outdoor equipment, large playground piece, in older playground was not in good condition as evidenced by Edging cracking with edges sticking out.
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 playground piece, in older playground was not in good condition as evidenced by side of stairs has cracked surfacing.
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, slide, in Toddler Playground was not in good condition as evidenced by cracked plastic leaving sharp 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
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
7/25/2025
5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.112 Staff/Child Ratios
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports
Not Observed
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
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-600.020 General Requirements
Compliance
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