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



 

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

07/28/2026

9:53 AM

1:42 PM

UNANNOUNCED

COMPLIANCE MONITORING

2517228108


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
LLC ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION 06/07/2024
EQUIPMENT LIST 07/28/2026
FIRE/SAFETY INSPECTION 04/09/2025
SANITATION INSPECTION 04/29/2026
ANNUAL DECLARATION 07/28/2026
LISTING OF CHILD CARE STAFF/HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS 07/28/2026
LOCAL ZONING APPROVAL 01/09/2026
LOCAL BUILDING APPROVAL 01/09/2026




Inspection determined facility to be in compliance with licensing rules.
Compliance Licensing Rules
Open Violations: 16
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 20
StaffChildClass AgeNote
1 1 INFANTS AND TODDLERS Teacher, Lisa Claxton was present with one child aged 9-months-old.
1 0 NO CHILDREN IN ATTENDANCE Director, Verlean Nicks was present with zero children in attendance.
1 8 PRESCHOOL Teacher, Verline Tabron was present with eight children ages ranging between 3-years-old to 5-years-old.
1 5 SCHOOL AGE Teacher, Nichelle Jackson was present with five children ages ranging between 5-years-old to 9-years-old.
1 3 TWO YEAR OLDS Teacher, Carla Harris was present with three children all aged 2-years-old.
1 1 TWO YEAR OLDS Assistant director, Jon Nicks was present with one child ages 2-years-old.
1 2 TWO YEAR OLDS Teacher, Saundra Monroe was present with two children both aged 2-years-old.

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
Evidence of local building 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 annual fire safety inspection was not approved.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.052 Annual Requirements (2) (A) states: Evidence of compliance with a fire and safety inspection as conducted by the State Fire Marshal or his/her designee.
Correction Required
The facility shall submit evidence of compliance with annual fire safety requirements.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
The Family Care Safety Registry check was not conducted for Lisa Claxton, Carla Harris, Pamela Hockett, Nichelle Jackson, Saundra Monroe, Verlean Nicks, Jon Nicks, Ashley Nicks, Verline Tabron 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
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
Children were not restricted to approved space as evidenced by this facility is within another building with separate businesses. The facility has a door within their childcare space that leads to the rest of the building, which includes an elevator. This door was unlocked at the time of inspection.
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
7/28/2026
Violation
The infant/toddler space had no separation from other parts of the building by floor-to-ceiling walls.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (B) 2. B. (V) states: In facilities initially licensed for infant/toddler care after the effective date of these rules or facilities adding new infant/toddler space, no more than twenty four (24) infants/toddlers and/or two (2)-year olds shall be in a room. A room shall be defined as an area separated from other parts of the building by floor-to-ceiling walls. Stable partitions a minimum of four feet (4') in height shall be used to separate the infant/toddler or two (2)-year old groups, or both, in a room;
Correction Required
The infant/toddler space shall be separated by floor-to-ceiling walls, have stable partitions, and care for no more than 24 children at one time.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
7/28/2026
Violation
The walls located in the infant/toddler unit was/were not in good condition as evidenced by a section of baseboard was falling off near the refrigerator and handwashing 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
There was evidence of dirt/debris in the 2-year-old classroom on the floor/rug located in the back left corner. Dirt and crumbs were observed.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 9. states: The facility shall be clean at all times and free of dirt, insects, spiders, rodents or other pests.
Correction Required
The facility shall be clean and pest free.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

Violation
Bathroom supplies were not available and accessible to children as evidenced by there was no toilet paper.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (3) (A) 4. states: Paper towels, soap and toilet paper shall be provided and easily accessible so the children can reach them without assistance.
Correction Required
The facility shall provide paper towels, soap and toilet paper, accessible for children's use.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
7/28/2026
Violation
The bathroom was not clean and odor free as evidenced by the toilet was soiled.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (3) (A) 7. states: Bathrooms shall be clean and odor free.
Correction Required
Bathrooms shall be clean and odor free.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
7/28/2026
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
7/28/2026
Violation
The facility's outdoor space was not safe for children's activities as evidenced by directly outside the door that leads to the playground there was an old baseboard that had 4 nails sticking out of it.
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
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
7/28/2026
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
There was evidence of dirt/debris in in infant/toddler classroom on the left side. An old paper plate with what appears to be old food was located in the corner near the refrigerator..
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.082 Physical Requirements of Group Day Care Homes and Day Care Centers (2) (A) 9. states: The facility shall be clean at all times and free of dirt, insects, spiders, rodents or other pests.
Correction Required
The facility shall be clean and pest free.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
7/28/2026
Violation
The ceilings located in the school age classroom was/were not in good condition as evidenced by a section of drop ceiling was broken creating a hole approximately 2 feet by 3 feet. .
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 the infant toddler unit was/were not clean as evidenced by a section of wall near the refrigerator and handwashing sink has what appeared to be an orange sticky substance all over the wall and above the handwashing 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

5 CSR 25-500.087 Fire Safety
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.090 Disaster and Emergency Preparedness
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
The facility's list of emergency numbers are not posted in each room used for child care, specifically the school age classroom.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.090 Disaster and Emergency Preparedness (2) (B) 1. B. states: A list of emergency numbers, including 911, if available, the fire department, police department, ambulance service, poison control center, and local radio station;
Correction Required
The facility must post all emergency numbers as required.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
7/28/2026
Violation
The facility's special instructions for infants and non-ambulatory children were not posted in each room.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.090 Disaster and Emergency Preparedness (2) (B) 3. states: Any special instructions for infants and non-ambulatory children;
Correction Required
Facility must post information as required.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
7/28/2026
5 CSR 25-500.092 Furniture, Equipment and Materials
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
The requirements for obtaining 12 clock hours each calendar year were not met. For the calendar year of 2025, the staff listed need the following information: Pamela Hockett needs 1 clock hour.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.102 Personnel (3) (A) states: The center director, group child care home provider, all other caregivers, and those volunteers who are counted in staff/child ratios shall obtain at least twelve (12) clock hours of child-care related training during each calendar year. Clock hour training shall be approved by the department.
Correction Required
Required training hours shall be documented for each caregiver.

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 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 admission date is 8/24/2020.
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 11/24/2025.
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
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
A diet plan for each infant/toddler was not on file.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.132 Admission Policies and Procedures (8) (E) 3. states: A diet plan for each infant/toddler signed by the parent(s);
Correction Required
Each infant and toddler's diet plan shall be completed and on file as required.

Correction Verification
Submit Documentation

Compliance Date

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
Violation
 Provider Comments
Violation
Medication was not stored out of children's reach.
Licensing Rule Reference
5 CSR 25-500.192 Health Care (3) (E) states: All medication shall be stored out of reach of children or in a locked container.
Correction Required
Medication shall be inaccessible to children and handled as required.

Correction Verification
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
7/28/2026
5 CSR 25-500.202 Nutrition and Food Service
Compliance
5 CSR 25-500.212 Transportation and Field Trips
Compliance
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
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
7/28/2026
Violation
2 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

Violation
1 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
3 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
Corrected on Site

Compliance Date
7/28/2026
Violation
1 child(ren) records did not include child's address.
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

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