A Child’s First Steps
A license type: III in Jefferson, Louisiana 70121
345 Central Ave, Jefferson, Louisiana 70121. (504) 733-2687.
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. Louisiana’s own record is on louisianaschools.com.
The short answer
Record last released by Louisiana Department of Education on Oct 27, 2026.
Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.
What these words mean4
- Inspection (survey)
- A visit by state inspectors, often unannounced, who check a place against the rules it must meet. For nursing homes and other places Medicare pays, CMS calls these visits surveys: a standard survey of a nursing home comes at least every 15 months, and a complaint survey whenever a complaint calls for one. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 488.308.
- Deficiency, citation, violation
- What inspectors write up when a place didn’t meet a rule: the rule, what they saw, and when. CMS calls it a deficiency; states may say citation or violation. It is the inspectors’ finding, not a court’s, and the place is usually asked for a plan to correct it. Source: CMS, statement of deficiencies (Form CMS-2567); each state’s licensing agency.
- Quality rating
- Many states rate child care in a quality rating system that goes past the licensing rules, such as Texas Rising Star or Kentucky All STARS. Taking part is often voluntary, so a program with no rating hasn’t been rated low. Source: Each state’s quality rating system.
- Licence status
- Whether the state’s licence lets the place operate now, in the state’s own words: licensed, on probation (allowed to keep operating on conditions, after problems), provisional, pending or expired. Source: Each state’s licensing agency.
What did inspectors find?
Louisiana lists 17 inspection visits, the latest on Oct 30, 2026 (Follow Up To Follow Up To Annual).
Louisiana says deficiencies were cited at 11 of them.
The Department’s file lists 17 deficiencies cited at 8 visits from Jan 1, 2023 to Oct 19, 2026, each in its words below.
Louisiana Department of Education, Louisiana School Finder, inspection visits. Checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily.
Louisiana Department of Education, Public records response of Oct 27, 2026: deficiencies cited at early learning centers and family child care homes, Jan 1, 2023 to Oct 19, 2026. Released Oct 27, 2026. Not updated on a schedule: the Department sent this file once, in answer to a public records request.
When those deficiencies happened
17 deficiencies in 7 months of the last 46. Last cited Sep 2026. The last 4 years, to Nov 5, 2026.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2024 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2025 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2026 | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct |
Hover or focus a month to read it.
Hearth Record drew this from the dates and levels in the source’s own records.
Each deficiency, in its source’s words
Grouped by visit, newest first, with the level its source gave it.
Louisiana Department of Education, Public records response of Oct 27, 2026: deficiencies cited at early learning centers and family child care homes, Jan 1, 2023 to Oct 19, 2026. Released Oct 27, 2026. Not updated on a schedule: the Department sent this file once, in answer to a public records request.
Sep 18, 2026: follow Up To Annual3 deficiencies
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Supervision
“1713.A.&B.&C. Based on observation upon arrival and the initial walkthrough, S6 failed to ensure all children were under supervision at all times. The Specialist observed S6 leave out the kitchen and walk into classroom 1. Upon entering classroom 1, S6 was the only staff inside with 2 children ages, 7-months-old to 1-year-old. S6 stated she had went to the kitchen to get a cup. The time is unknown for how long children were unsupervised.”
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CPR and First Aid Certifications
“1723.A.&B.: Based on record review at 9:45 a.m., S1 failed to have documentation that 1 of 4 staff on the premises and accessible to children, have current certification in infant, child, and adult CPR through training approved by the Department. S6 (DOH 4/14/2025) failed to have the current certification. S6’s certification expired on 6/4/2026.”
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Pediatric First Aid
“1723.C.: Based on record review at 9:45 a.m., S1 failed to have documentation that 1 of 4 staff on the premises and accessible to children, have current certification in Pediatric First Aid through training approved by the Department. S6 (DOH 4/14/2025) failed to have the current certification.”
Jul 7, 2026: follow Up To Annual3 deficiencies
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General Liability Insurance Policy
“1503.A.B.: Based on record review at 1:35 p.m., S2 failed to provide the required documentation of current commercial liability insurance for the operation of the center to ensure medical coverage for children in the event of accident or injury. The center’s commercial liability insurance policy expired on 4/7/2026.”
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CPR and First Aid Certifications
“1723.A.&B.: Based on record review at 11:45 a.m., S2 failed to provide documentation that S6 (date of hire 4/14/2025) has current certification in infant, child, and adult CPR through training approved by the department. S6’s certification expired on 6/4/2026.”
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Pediatric First Aid
“1723.C.: Based on record review at 11:45 a.m., S2 failed to provide documentation that S6 (date of hire 4/14/2025) has current certification in pediatric first aid through training approved by the department. S6’s certification expired on 6/4/2026.”
Jun 9, 2026: annual Inspection1 deficiency
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General Liability Insurance Policy
“1503.A.B.: Based on record review at 1:35 p.m., S1 failed to provide the required documentation of current commercial liability insurance for the operation of the center to ensure medical coverage for children in the event of accident or injury. The center’s commercial liability insurance policy expired on 4/7/2026.”
Jul 31, 2025: follow Up To Follow Up To Annual1 deficiency
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Critical Incidents and Required Notifications
The inspectors’ words, 98 words
“1103.A.-C.: Based on record review and interviews at 2:15 p.m., S1 failed to notify within 24 hours the Department and other appropriate agencies of the following critical incident : On 4/23/2025, at 10:02 a.m., C1, 4-years-old, was running on the playground and tripped over his own feet. C1 fell and hit his head on a metal toy car on the playground. C1 had a cut on his head that required stitches. O1, C1’s mother, brought C1 to the ER on 4/23/2025 around 10:30 a.m. S1 stated she notified DCFS and the Department of the critical incident on 4/28/2025.”
Jul 15, 2025: follow Up To Annual2 deficiencies
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Orientation Training
“1719.B. Based on record review at 11:00 a.m., S1 failed to have documentation that S7 completed the annual online Mandated Reporter Training within seven calendar days of the first day present at the center. S7s first day present at the center was 2/24/2025.”
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CPR and First Aid Certifications
“1723.F Based on record review at 11:00 a.m., S6 (DOH 4/14/2025) and S7 (2/24/2025) failed to have current certification in pediatric first aid and CPR within 90 calendar days from the date of hire and prior to assuming sole responsibility for any children. The Specialist observed S6 and S7, alone, supervising 3 children ages, one-year old.”
May 15, 2025: annual Inspection3 deficiencies
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Orientation Training
“1719.B. Based on record review at 11:30 a.m. S1 failed to have documentation that S7 (DOH 2/24/2025) completed the annual online Mandated Reporter Training within seven days of the first day present at the center and prior to having sole responsibility for any children.”
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Child Neglect and Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training
“1727. A. B. Based on record review at 11:45 a.m., S1 failed to have documentation that S1 (DOH 6/1/2000), S2 (DOH 6/1/2000), S3 (DOH 6/6/2022), S4 (DOH 8/28/2006), S5 (DOH 4/14/2024) and S8 (DOH 5/16/2019) completed the annual online child abuse and neglect Mandated Reporter Training provided by DCFS.”
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Cribs Free of Toys and Other Soft or Loose Bedding
“1907.E.2.: Based on observations at 10:15 a.m., S1 failed to ensure the center’s cribs were free of loose bedding. The Specialists observed 2 infants sleeping in a crib with a blanket. S6 immediately removed the blankets from the crib.”
Oct 29, 2024: follow Up To Annual2 deficiencies
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CPR and First Aid Certifications
“1723.A.B. Based on record review at 10:45 a.m., S1 failed to have documentation that 7 of 7 staff on the premises and accessible to children have current certification in infant, child, and adult CPR through training approved by the Department. S1 (DOH 6/1/00), S2 (DOH 5/16/19), S3 (DOH 6/6/22), S4 (DOH 6/22/20), S5 (DOH 8/28/06), S6 (DOH 8/9/23), and S8 (DOH 3/27/17) failed to have the current certification. A class has been scheduled for 11/13/2024.”
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Pediatric First Aid
“1723.C. Based on record review at 10:45 a.m., S1 failed to have documentation that 7 of 7 staff on the premises and accessible to children have current certification in Pediatric First Aid through training approved by the Department. S1 (DOH 6/1/00), S2 (DOH 5/16/19), S3 (DOH 6/6/22), S4 (DOH 6/22/20), S5 (DOH 8/28/06), S6 (DOH 8/9/23), and S8 (DOH 3/27/17) failed to have the current certification. A class has been scheduled for 11/13/2024.”
Jul 11, 2024: annual Inspection2 deficiencies
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CPR and First Aid Certifications
“1723.A.B. Based on record review at 12:00 p.m., S1 failed to have documentation that 4 of 8 staff on the premises and accessible to children have current certification in infant, child, and adult CPR through training approved by the Department. S2 (DOH 5/16/19), S4 (DOH 6/22/20), S6 (DOH 8/9/23), and S7 (DOH 2/7/22) failed to have the current certification.”
-
Pediatric First Aid
“1723.C. Based on record review at 12:00 p.m., S1 failed to have documentation that 4 of 8 staff on the premises and accessible to children have current certification in Pediatric First Aid through training approved by the Department. S2 (DOH 5/16/19), S4 (DOH 6/22/20), S6 (DOH 8/9/23), and S7 (DOH 2/7/22) failed to have the current certification.”
All 17 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 30, 2026 | Follow Up To Follow Up To Annual | No deficiencies were cited on this date |
| Sep 18, 2026 | Follow Up To Annual | Deficiencies were cited on this date |
| Jul 7, 2026 | Follow Up To Annual | Deficiencies were cited on this date |
| Jun 9, 2026 | Annual Inspection | Deficiencies were cited on this date |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Compliance | No deficiencies were cited on this date |
| Jan 8, 2026 | Complaint Inspection | No deficiencies were cited on this date |
| Oct 6, 2025 | Follow Up To Follow Up To Annual | No deficiencies were cited on this date |
| Jul 31, 2025 | Follow Up To Follow Up To Annual | Deficiencies were cited on this date |
| Jul 15, 2025 | Follow Up To Annual | Deficiencies were cited on this date |
| May 15, 2025 | Annual Inspection | Deficiencies were cited on this date |
| Oct 29, 2024 | Follow Up To Annual | Deficiencies were cited on this date |
| Jul 11, 2024 | Annual Inspection | Deficiencies were cited on this date |
| Dec 13, 2023 | Follow-Up to Complaint | No deficiencies were cited on this date |
| Nov 15, 2023 | Follow-Up to Complaint | Deficiencies were cited on this date |
| Jun 7, 2023 | Complaint | Deficiencies were cited on this date |
| May 3, 2023 | Annual Survey | No deficiencies were cited on this date |
| May 3, 2023 | Complaint | Deficiencies were cited on this date |
Is it licensed?
- Licensed. License type: III. Licensed Center. Takes the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP).
- Ages served: Infant (Under 1)-PK (ages 3-4).
Louisiana Department of Education, Louisiana School Finder, early childhood profiles. Checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily.
Has Louisiana acted against it?
- Louisiana’s School Finder doesn’t show enforcement actions, such as fines or licence revocations, for individual providers.
Who does the caring?
- Louisiana’s School Finder doesn’t publish staffing levels for individual providers. State rules set staff-to-child ratios by age.
Who owns it?
- Louisiana’s School Finder doesn’t list owners.
How is it rated?
- Louisiana’s Early Childhood Performance Rating for 2024-2025: Proficient, with a site score of 4.57.
Louisiana Department of Education, Louisiana School Finder, early childhood profiles. Checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily.
How does it compare nearby?
- Providers aren’t compared with each other here: the Department’s file doesn’t grade its deficiencies by how serious they are.
Louisiana Department of Education, Louisiana School Finder, inspection visits. Checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily.
| Place | |
|---|---|
| A Child’s First Steps This child care provider | Not given |
What the record doesn’t say
- Each deficiency here is from the file of deficiencies the Department of Education sent in answer to a public records request, covering Jan 1, 2023 to Oct 19, 2026, as it wrote them. The file lists only deficiencies, so a visit that found none isn’t in it; the School Finder’s visits are listed below.
- The Department’s file doesn’t grade deficiencies by how serious they are. Its statements of deficiencies, the reports themselves, open from Louisiana’s own page for this provider.
- Louisiana lists only recent visits. In its words: “Inspection displayed on this page are the last 15 visits or last visits done within 3 years period of time.”
- Louisiana also says: “Inspections conducted before July 2024 that do not have deficiencies may not have an available Inspection Report.”
- Louisiana’s School Finder doesn’t show owners, staffing levels or enforcement actions for individual providers.
Sources
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Louisiana Department of Education, Louisiana School Finder, early childhood profiles.
Checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily. No licence stated: the School Finder shows no terms of use, licence or disclaimer (checked 2026-10-17).
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Louisiana Department of Education, Louisiana School Finder, inspection visits.
Checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily. No licence stated: the School Finder shows no terms of use, licence or disclaimer (checked 2026-10-17).
-
Louisiana Department of Education, Public records response of Oct 27, 2026: deficiencies cited at early learning centers and family child care homes, Jan 1, 2023 to Oct 19, 2026.
Released Oct 27, 2026 and checked Oct 29, 2026. Not updated on a schedule: the Department sent this file once, in answer to a public records request. No licence stated: the Department sent this file in answer to a public records request. Shown free, never sold.
If you believe something here is wrong, a correction starts with the agency whose record this copies: Louisiana Department of Education. Louisiana’s own record is on louisianaschools.com. If Hearth Record copied something wrongly, it will fix it and log the correction publicly, with its date: how corrections work.
This copy of the record was made on Nov 5, 2026.
From the provider
The public record above comes first. Anything the provider adds will appear here, below it, and say who wrote it.
Replies
None. Replies aren’t open yet. When they open, the provider will be able to answer any finding for free, and the reply will show beside that finding, unedited and dated.
Paid listing
None. Paid listings aren’t open yet. When they open, anything paid for will say “Paid by the provider”, and paying will never change a finding, a rating or the order of results.