DHSS MO
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

OFFICE OF CHILDHOOD

GROUP HOME AND CENTER INSPECTION REPORT
Facility Information

STEP BY STEP PRESCHOOL

000184358

(314) 367-6009

5261 DELMAR BLVD
ST LOUIS
MO  63108

NICKS, VERLEAN

5261 DELMAR BLVD
ST LOUIS
MO  63108

NICKS, VERLEAN

VHNICKS@AOL.COM


BRITTNEY RALPH

6 WEEKS - 12 YEARS

95

GROUP HOME AND CENTER

8 CHILDREN UNDER 12 MONTHS; 16 CHILDREN UNDER 24 MONTHS
 
Inspection Information

08/06/2025

12:07 PM

2:49 PM

UNANNOUNCED

REINSPECTION

2498178535


DocumentDocument-Date
LINES OF ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY 07/09/2012
SAMPLE FORMS 07/09/2012
POLICIES 07/09/2012
SAMPLE WEEKLY MENU 07/09/2012
DISCIPLINE POLICIES 07/09/2012
DIAGRAM/OUTDOOR 07/09/2012
DIAGRAM/INDOOR 07/09/2012
DAILY SCHEDULE 07/09/2012
CHILD CARE PRACTICES 07/09/2012
APPLICATION 04/26/2018
DIRECTOR'S QUALIFICATIONS 08/10/2017
OWNER/PROVIDER REFERENCES 12/04/1988
REGISTERING FICTITIOUS NAMES 07/18/2023
FIRE/SAFETY INSPECTION 04/09/2025
EQUIPMENT LIST 07/17/2025
ANNUAL DECLARATION 07/17/2025
LISTING OF CHILD CARE STAFF/HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS 07/17/2025
SANITATION INSPECTION 04/24/2025
LOCAL ZONING APPROVAL 08/31/2023
LOCAL BUILDING APPROVAL 08/31/2023
LLC ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION 06/07/2024




Inspection determined facility to be in compliance with licensing rules.
Compliance Licensing Rules
Open Violations: 18
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 7
Total Children 32
StaffChildClass AgeNote
2 5 INFANTS AND TODDLERS Staff members, Saundra Monroe and Pamela Hockett were present with five children ages ranging between 13-months-old to 2-years-old.
1 2 INFANTS AND TODDLERS Staff member, Lisa Claxton was present with two children aged 13-months-old and 14-months-old.
2 16 MIXED Staff members, Jon Nicks and Carla Harris was present with 16 children ages ranging between 3-years-old to 10-years-old.
1 0 NO CHILDREN IN ATTENDANCE Director, Verlean Nicks was present with zero children in attendance.
1 9 PRESCHOOL Staff member, Verline Tabron was present with nine children ages ranging between 3-years-old to 5-years-old.

Compliance List
5 CSR 25-500.032 Organization and Administration
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-500.042 Licensing Process
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
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 has not been used in over 8 years. A revision has been submitted to remove this classroom from the license.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.042 Licensing Process (3) states: The licensing process shall include an inspection of the entire premises of the facility by the licensing representative.
Correction Required
The inspection shall include the entire premises of the facility.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-500.052 Annual Requirements
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Evidence of local zoning approval was not received.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.052 Annual Requirements (1) (B) states: Evidence of compliance with local building and zoning requirements, if applicable.
Correction Required
The facility shall submit evidence of local building/zoning approval as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The Family Care Safety Registry check was not conducted for Lisa Claxton, Carla Harris, Pamela Hockett, Saundra Monroe, Ashley Nicks, Jon Nicks, Verlean Nicks, Eleasha Simpson, Verline Tabron, Nichelle Jackson, and Jay Nicks 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
8/6/2025
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
The facility has not met the requirements for state or local sanitation as evidenced by an emergency inspection was conducted on 7/24/25 and was not approved.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (1) (B) states: The premises shall conform to the fire and safety requirements of the State Fire Marshal or his/her designee and requirements for state or local zoning, building and sanitation.
Correction Required
The facility shall comply with fire and safety/zoning/sanitation requirements.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The ceilings located in the preschool classroom was/were not in good condition as evidenced by three ceiling tiles had water damage.
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
8/6/2025
Violation
The ceilings located in the 2-year-old classroom was/were not in good condition as evidenced by there were 7 ceiling tiles with water damage and there was an active leak in the 2-year-old classroom from the roof.
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
8/6/2025
Violation
The ceilings located in the infant/toddler unit was/were not in good condition as evidenced by four ceiling tiles had water damage and another one was broken.
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
8/6/2025
Violation
The facility did not have an adequate number of flush toilets/urinals and hand wash sinks as evidenced by there were only 3 handwashing sinks adjacent to the 7 flush toilets.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (3) (A) 1. and 2. states: One (1) flush toilet and one (1) adjacent hand washing facility with running water shall be available for every twenty (20) children. Urinals may be substituted for up to one-half (1/2) the required number of toilets, with a minimum of one (1) toilet per bathroom.
Correction Required
The facility shall provide bathroom fixtures as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The diapering area requirements were not met as evidenced by warm running water was not adjacent to the diapering area.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (4) (D) states: Diapering supplies and warm, running water shall be adjacent to the diapering area.
Correction Required
The facility shall supply the diapering area as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The facility's kitchen did not meet requirements as evidenced by there was no stove.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (5) (B) states: Kitchens used for meal preparation shall have sufficient equipment to accommodate the licensed capacity of the facility. The equipment shall include a stove, sink, hot and cold running water, a refrigerator and storage space for food, dishes and cooking utensils.
Correction Required
The kitchen shall be equipped as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
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.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (6) (A) 1. states: A fenced outdoor play area shall be available on or adjoining the day care property. The play area shall be located so it is convenient and the children can gain access to it without hazard. For facilities initially licensed after the effective date of these rules or for the installation of new fences in existing facilities, the fence shall be at least forty-two inches (42") high. An outdoor play area used exclusively for school-age children shall not be required to have a fence. Fences shall be constructed to prevent children from crawling or falling through or becoming entrapped.
Correction Required
The outdoor play area shall be accessible without hazard.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The facility's outdoor space was not safe for children's activities as evidenced by pieces of trash, including cigarette butts, were observed throughout the outdoor play space.
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
8/6/2025
Violation
The fall-zone area under and around outdoor equipment where children might fall and be injured was not covered with impact-absorbing materials to cushion a fall as evidenced by resilient material was not uniformly spread over the fall-zone area.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (6) (A) 7. states: Areas under and around outdoor equipment shall have continuous maintenance to ensure that the material remains in place and retains its cushioning properties. The resilient material shall be supplemented immediately or replaced as needed.
Correction Required
The facility shall maintain approved resilient material in all fall-zone areas.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The ceilings located throughout the building was/were not in good condition as evidenced by 5 ceiling tiles were missing in the infant/toddler unit, 2 were missing near the staff restroom, and 3 were missing in the 2-year-old classroom.
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
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-500.090 Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-500.092 Furniture, Equipment and Materials
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
A facility orientation was not conducted for a caregiver(s) before being left alone with children. The following staff need a facility orientation: Nichelle Jackson, start date 2/28/2024.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel (1) (K) . states: The child care provider shall ensure that within seven (7) days of employment or volunteering, and before being left alone with children, that caregivers employed on or after August 30, 2019, receive a facility orientation. The facility orientation shall include--
Correction Required
The facility shall ensure that a facility orientation occurs within 7 days of employment or volunteering and before caregivers are left alone with children.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-500.112 Staff/Child Ratios
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Medical examination report(s) was/were not on file for Jayline Ricks, Katia Dunn, and Camron Reid as evidenced by a medical examination was not on file within 30 days of an individual beginning to work with children.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports (1) (A) states: All persons working in a child care facility in any capacity during child care hours, including volunteers counted in staff/child ratios, shall be in good physical and emotional health with no physical or mental conditions which would interfere with child care responsibilities. These persons shall have a medical examination report, signed by a licensed physician or registered nurse who is under the supervision of a licensed physician, on file at the facility at the time of initial licensure or within thirty (30) days following employment.
Correction Required
Medical reports shall be on file as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date
8/6/2025
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: Jayline Ricks, Katia Dunn, and Camron Reid.
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
8/6/2025
Violation
A school-age child's health report was not on file at the time of enrollment as evidenced by 1 child did not have a school age health report. Their birthday is 8/22/2016.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.122 Medical Examination Reports (2) (D) states: The parent(s) of a school-age child shall provide a report at the time of enrollment indicating the child's health history, any current health problems, and any restrictions necessary for the child's care.
Correction Required
Child medical requirements shall be completed and on file 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 4/5/2021, 3/9/25, 11/1/2021, 9/11/2023.
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
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-500.142 Nighttime Care
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-500.162 Overlap Care of Children
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-500.172 Emergency School Closings
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-500.182 Child Care Program
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-500.192 Health Care
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Requirements for immunization reports on file were not met as evidenced by 1 immunization record(s) was/were not on file.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.192 Health Care (4) (A) states: No child shall be permitted to enroll in or attend any day care facility caring for ten (10) or more children unless the child has been immunized adequately against vaccine preventable childhood illnesses specified by the department in accordance with recommendations of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP). The parent or guardian of the child shall provide satisfactory evidence of the required immunizations. Satisfactory evidence means a statement, certificate or record from a physician or other recognized health facility or personnel, stating that the required immunizations have been given to the child and verifying the type of vaccine and the month, day and year of administration.
Correction Required
Child immunization requirements shall be on file as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date
8/6/2025
5 CSR 25-500.202 Nutrition and Food Service
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-500.212 Transportation and Field Trips
Not Observed
5 CSR 25-500.222 Records and Reports
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
3 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
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
4 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
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
1 child(ren) records did not include home address 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
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date
8/6/2025
Violation
1 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
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date
8/6/2025
Violation
1 child(ren) records did not include full name, home address, employers name and address, work schedule and home and work telephone numbers of the 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
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date
8/6/2025
Violation
3 child(ren) records did not include address of another individual who might be reached in an emergency.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.222 Records and Reports (2) (C) states: Name, address and telephone number of another individual (friend or relative) who might be reached in an emergency when the parent(s), guardian or legal custodian cannot be reached;
Correction Required
Child enrollment information shall be completed and on file as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
1 child(ren) records did not include name of family physician or hospital.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.222 Records and Reports (2) (D) states: Name and phone number of the family physician, hospital, or both, to be used in an emergency;
Correction Required
Child enrollment information shall be completed and on file as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date
8/6/2025
Violation
4 child(ren) records did not include field trip and transportation authorization.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.222 Records and Reports (2) (F) states: Field trip and transportation authorization.
Correction Required
Child enrollment information shall be completed and on file as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

5 CSR 25-600.020 General Requirements
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Criminal background check results were older than five (5) years for Lisa Claxton, Carla Harris, Saundra Monroe, Ashley Nicks, Verlean Nicks, Eleasha Simpson, Verline Tabron.
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

Violation
Criminal background check results were not on file for Pamela Hockett, Jon Nicks, John Nicks, and Nichelle Jackson.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-600.020 General Requirements (1) states: Prior to the employment or presence of a child care staff member in a licensed, regulated, or registered child care facility not exempted by section 210.1080.13, RSMo, the child care provider shall request the results of a criminal background check for such child care staff member from the department.
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
Not Observed
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. —
Not Observed
RSMo 210.211.  License required - exceptions - written notice of licensure status, when.
Not Observed