Small Steps Nurturing Center-5th Ward

High risk Vehicles used to transport children must carry each child's emergency medical information.

State rule 746.5617(a)(2) (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Required Equipment in Vehicles - Emergency Medical Information"

Inspector's note: 12 children transported were missing the Emergency Medical Authorization forms in the van.

Corrected Aug 28, 2026, verified by the state Aug 31, 2026. The inspector gave technical assistance (advice on how to comply).

Medium-high risk A child with a diagnosed food allergy must have an emergency plan signed by the parent and a health-care professional.

State rule 746.3819 (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional"

Inspector's note: 2 children with a diagsnosed food allergy were missing medication that the health care provider says needs to be part of the plan.

Corrected Aug 28, 2026, verified by the state Aug 28, 2026. The inspector gave technical assistance (advice on how to comply).

Medium risk Liability Insurance Requirements - Provide Proof of Coverage Annually by Anniversary Date of Issuance

State rule 746.203(2) (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Liability Insurance Requirements - Provide Proof of Coverage Annually by Anniversary Date of Issuance"

Inspector's note: The policy on file that was documented on 10/16/24 had expired on 9/19/25. Note: this was corrected at inspection when the director entered the updated policy in the on line provider portal account.

Corrected May 22, 2026, verified by the state May 22, 2026. The inspector gave technical assistance (advice on how to comply).

High risk Caregivers must supervise every child at all times: close enough to step in, and always aware of what each child is doing.

State rule 746.1205(a)(4) (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Supervision ensures each child's safety, well-being, including physical proximity and auditory or visual awareness of each child's on going activity"

Inspector's note: A self-report by the operation was made that a child was left unsupervised in the hallway for a minute.

Corrected Apr 2, 2026, verified by the state Apr 8, 2026. The inspector gave technical assistance (advice on how to comply).

Medium risk Incident and illness report forms must be filled in and shared with the parent.

State rule 746.707 (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Incident/Illness Report Form Shared with Parent"

Inspector's note: The operation did not complete an incident report or share the report with the parent within 48 hours of the incident.

Corrected Nov 14, 2025, verified by the state Nov 14, 2025. The inspector gave technical assistance (advice on how to comply).

High risk Caregivers must supervise every child at all times: close enough to step in, and always aware of what each child is doing.

State rule 746.1205(a)(4) (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Supervision ensures each child's safety, well-being, including physical proximity and auditory or visual awareness of each child's on going activity"

Inspector's note: One child was left unsupervised in the classroom for several minutes.

Corrected Dec 1, 2025, verified by the state Dec 3, 2025. The inspector gave technical assistance (advice on how to comply).

Medium-high risk Areas children use must be kept free of safety hazards, such as uncovered electrical outlets, unprotected heaters or fans, or reachable water.

State rule 746.3701(10) (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Safety - Televisions Anchored to Prevent Tip Over"

Inspector's note: Two tv monitors in 2 classrooms were unfastended to the children's bookshelf, posing as a tipping hazard.

Corrected Oct 29, 2025, verified by the state Oct 29, 2025.

Medium-high risk A child with a diagnosed food allergy must have an emergency plan signed by the parent and a health-care professional.

State rule 746.3819 (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional"

Inspector's note: 4 out of 6 children with diagnosed food allergies did not have a complete and current food allergy emergency plan. 1 kid is missing Benadryl, 2 kids had expired epi-pens, 1 kid missing medication and authorization form.

Corrected Nov 7, 2025, verified by the state Nov 6, 2025.

High risk Vehicles used to transport children must carry each child's emergency medical information.

State rule 746.5617(a)(2) (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Required Equipment in Vehicles - Emergency Medical Information"

Inspector's note: The transportation binder is missing Emergency medical transport and treatment authorization forms for 3 children being transported.

Corrected Nov 20, 2024, verified by the state Nov 18, 2024. The inspector gave technical assistance (advice on how to comply).

Medium-high risk Medication must be given from its original container labelled with the child's name.

State rule 746.3805(b)(1) (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Administering Medication - Original Container with Child's Name, Date"

Inspector's note: 8 medications did not have the date received written on the container. Note; this was corrected at inspection when the director wrote on each medication the date it was received from the parent.

Corrected while the inspector was there.

Medium-high risk The emergency plan must cover evacuation, relocation, and sheltering or lock-down procedures.

State rule 746.5202(1) (minimum standards for child-care centers): "Emergency Preparedness Plan - Evacuation, relocation, and sheltering/lock-down procedures"

Inspector's note: The Emergency Prepardeness Plan is missing the address of the alternate shelter away from the center.

Corrected Nov 20, 2024, verified by the state Nov 18, 2024.