Stair Step Villa Nurs.& Kindergarten Inc…
Day Care Center · Pending renewal application · Licensed since 1994
GoldiCheck · State record
20 safety violations (407110 +19 more) in the last 3 year(s) — 14 corrected, 6 corrective plan in progress; 134 administrative violations in the last 3 year(s)
Category check
No serious safety issues right now; some safety areas have past or minor findings.
Safety
can be flagged seriousKey findings
Most recent or most severe violations based on your filters.
Background check NOT completed or documented for personnel (or probationary employee left unsupervised with children)
This citation applies when required background-check documentation is missing or incomplete for personnel, or when a probationary employee is documented unsupervised with children. DCFS classifies background-check compliance as a critical safety standard, which is why this category is treated as high-risk.
Discipline violation (review sub-code for severity)
This citation family covers discipline violations. Severity depends on the sub-code — some cover prohibited physical punishment. Check the full citation code and the status shown with this finding.
WATER SAFETY violation — required certified lifeguard, fencing, or supervision not in place
All violations
154 violations shown (158 outside lookback window)
Background checks(13)
Background check NOT completed or documented for personnel (or probationary employee left unsupervised with children)
This citation applies when required background-check documentation is missing or incomplete for personnel, or when a probationary employee is documented unsupervised with children. DCFS classifies background-check compliance as a critical safety standard, which is why this category is treated as high-risk.
Staff member working WITHOUT a completed background check (Child Care Act §7(a))
Illinois law (Child Care Act §7(a)) requires daycare employees to pass a criminal history check before working with children. This citation is recorded when that screening is incomplete or not documented for someone in the facility's personnel records. DCFS typically pairs it with a corrective plan requiring the screening be completed.
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Staff member with NON-WAIVABLE disqualifying criminal record working with children (Health Care Worker Background Check Act §25-I)
This citation category applies when a background check identifies a Category I record — the offense classes Illinois never permits a waiver for. Under the Act, a person with such a record cannot work with children. Check the status shown with this finding: a Category I citation most often reflects the screening system doing its job — the check surfaced a record and the facility acted on it — rather than a continuing situation.
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Staff member with disqualifying criminal record working with children (Health Care Worker Background Check Act §25-II)
This citation category applies under Illinois' Health Care Worker Background Check Act when a background check identifies a Category II record — offenses such as certain drug felonies, robbery, or aggravated assault. These are presumptively disqualifying, though DCFS may grant a formal waiver under specific conditions. Check the status shown with this finding: these are commonly recorded once screening has surfaced the record and the facility has responded.
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Background check NOT completed or documented for personnel (or probationary employee left unsupervised with children)
This citation applies when required background-check documentation is missing or incomplete for personnel, or when a probationary employee is documented unsupervised with children. DCFS classifies background-check compliance as a critical safety standard, which is why this category is treated as high-risk.
Background check NOT completed or documented for personnel (or probationary employee left unsupervised with children)
This citation applies when required background-check documentation is missing or incomplete for personnel, or when a probationary employee is documented unsupervised with children. DCFS classifies background-check compliance as a critical safety standard, which is why this category is treated as high-risk.
Staff member with NON-WAIVABLE disqualifying criminal record working with children (Health Care Worker Background Check Act §25-I)
This citation category applies when a background check identifies a Category I record — the offense classes Illinois never permits a waiver for. Under the Act, a person with such a record cannot work with children. Check the status shown with this finding: a Category I citation most often reflects the screening system doing its job — the check surfaced a record and the facility acted on it — rather than a continuing situation.
Staff member with disqualifying criminal record working with children (Health Care Worker Background Check Act §25-II)
This citation category applies under Illinois' Health Care Worker Background Check Act when a background check identifies a Category II record — offenses such as certain drug felonies, robbery, or aggravated assault. These are presumptively disqualifying, though DCFS may grant a formal waiver under specific conditions. Check the status shown with this finding: these are commonly recorded once screening has surfaced the record and the facility has responded.
Staff member working WITHOUT a completed background check (Child Care Act §7(a))
Illinois law (Child Care Act §7(a)) requires daycare employees to pass a criminal history check before working with children. This citation is recorded when that screening is incomplete or not documented for someone in the facility's personnel records. DCFS typically pairs it with a corrective plan requiring the screening be completed.
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Background check NOT completed or documented for personnel (or probationary employee left unsupervised with children)
This citation applies when required background-check documentation is missing or incomplete for personnel, or when a probationary employee is documented unsupervised with children. DCFS classifies background-check compliance as a critical safety standard, which is why this category is treated as high-risk.
Background check not completed for a household or non-staff member
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Background check NOT completed or documented for personnel (or probationary employee left unsupervised with children)
This citation applies when required background-check documentation is missing or incomplete for personnel, or when a probationary employee is documented unsupervised with children. DCFS classifies background-check compliance as a critical safety standard, which is why this category is treated as high-risk.
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Staff member working without a required background check clearance
This citation family covers Illinois background-check requirements for people working with children in licensed care. Check the sub-code and the status shown with this finding for what specifically was cited and where it stands.
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Discipline(4)
Discipline violation (review sub-code for severity)
This citation family covers discipline violations. Severity depends on the sub-code — some cover prohibited physical punishment. Check the full citation code and the status shown with this finding.
Discipline violation (review sub-code for severity)
This citation family covers discipline violations. Severity depends on the sub-code — some cover prohibited physical punishment. Check the full citation code and the status shown with this finding.
DISCIPLINE — rules on treatment of children not followed
This citation family covers discipline violations. Severity depends on the sub-code — some cover prohibited physical punishment. Check the full citation code and the status shown with this finding.
Discipline violation (review sub-code for severity)
This citation family covers discipline violations. Severity depends on the sub-code — some cover prohibited physical punishment. Check the full citation code and the status shown with this finding.
Health & sanitation(27)
Nutrition or meal service requirement not met
Nutrition or meal service requirement not met
Animal in facility — health or safety requirement not met
Child health record or immunization requirement not met
Hand washing or hygiene requirement not met
Nutrition or meal service requirement not met
Diapering or toileting requirement not met
Safe sleep practice requirement not met
Medication handling requirement not met
Diapering or toileting requirement not met
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Animal in facility — health or safety requirement not met
Child health record or immunization requirement not met
Hand washing or hygiene requirement not met
Nutrition or meal service requirement not met
Diapering or toileting requirement not met
Safe sleep practice requirement not met
Medication handling requirement not met
Nutrition or meal service requirement not met
Diapering or toileting requirement not met
Soft bedding or prohibited objects in infant sleep area (suffocation/SIDS risk)
Illinois requires infants to sleep on a firm, flat, bare surface. This citation is recorded when soft objects — pillows, bumper pads, stuffed animals, or loose blankets — are documented in an infant's sleep space. The rule exists because such objects raise the risk of suffocation and SIDS.
Animal in facility — health or safety requirement not met
Child health record or immunization requirement not met
Hand washing or hygiene requirement not met
Nutrition or meal service requirement not met
Diapering or toileting requirement not met
Safe sleep practice requirement not met
Medication handling requirement not met
Building safety(21)
Transportation safety requirement not met
WATER SAFETY violation — required certified lifeguard, fencing, or supervision not in place
Indoor facility or space safety requirement not met
Equipment or toy safety requirement not met
Outdoor playground safety requirement not met
Transportation safety requirement not met
WATER SAFETY violation — required certified lifeguard, fencing, or supervision not in place
Indoor facility or space safety requirement not met
Equipment or toy safety requirement not met
Outdoor playground safety requirement not met
Indoor facility or space safety requirement not met
Indoor facility or space safety requirement not met
Indoor facility or space safety requirement not met
Equipment or toy safety requirement not met
Equipment or toy safety requirement not met
Transportation safety requirement not met
WATER SAFETY violation — required certified lifeguard, fencing, or supervision not in place
Indoor facility or space safety requirement not met
Equipment or toy safety requirement not met
Outdoor playground safety requirement not met
Indoor facility or space safety requirement not met
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Staff-to-child ratios(4)
Required staff-to-child ratio was not maintained
Required staff-to-child ratio was not maintained
Required staff-to-child ratio was not maintained
Required staff-to-child ratio was not maintained
Staff training(31)
Organization and administration requirement not met (§407.70 general)
Staff qualification or training requirement not met
Child care director qualification requirement not met
Early childhood teacher qualification not met
Early childhood assistant qualification not met
Student or youth aide requirement not met
Organization and administration requirement not met (§407.70 general)
Staff qualification or training requirement not met
Child care director qualification requirement not met
Early childhood teacher qualification not met
Early childhood assistant qualification not met
Student or youth aide requirement not met
Organization and administration requirement not met (§407.70 general)
Pre-employment physical exam or TB screening missing
Staff orientation — required document reviews not recorded in personnel files
Organization and administration requirement not met (§407.70 general)
Pre-employment physical exam or TB screening missing
Staff qualification or training requirement not met
Organization and administration requirement not met (§407.70 general)
Staff qualification or training requirement not met
Child care director qualification requirement not met
Early childhood teacher qualification not met
Early childhood assistant qualification not met
Student or youth aide requirement not met
Organization and administration requirement not met (§407.70 general)
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Annual 15-clock-hour in-service training requirement not met
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Annual 15-hour in-service training not completed
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Biennial staff physical re-examination not completed
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Lead safety training certificate not submitted to local licensing office
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Staff qualification or training requirement not met
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Director missing required disability-inclusion training certificate (6+ clock hours, within 36 months of appointment)
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Paperwork / records(13)
Confidentiality of records requirement not met
Personnel records or documentation requirement not met
Enrollment or discharge procedure not followed
Daily arrival or departure procedure not followed
Confidentiality of records requirement not met
Personnel records or documentation requirement not met
Enrollment or discharge procedure not followed
Daily arrival or departure procedure not followed
Confidentiality of records requirement not met
Personnel records or documentation requirement not met
Enrollment or discharge procedure not followed
Daily arrival or departure procedure not followed
Personnel records or documentation requirement not met
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
Operations(41)
Radon testing proof missing for license renewal (IEMA-licensed tester required every 3 years)
License application requirement not met
License renewal application requirement not met
License provision not met
Day care center permit provision not met
Staffing structure requirement not met (director oversight or on-site presence)
Substitute staff requirement not met
Volunteer requirement not met
Program operations requirement not met
Infant & toddler special requirement not met
School-age program requirement not met
Intergenerational program requirement not met
Evening/night/weekend/holiday care requirement not met
Radon testing proof missing for license renewal (IEMA-licensed tester required every 3 years)
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
License application requirement not met
License renewal application requirement not met
License provision not met
Day care center permit provision not met
Staffing structure requirement not met (director oversight or on-site presence)
Substitute staff requirement not met
Volunteer requirement not met
Program operations requirement not met
Infant & toddler special requirement not met
School-age program requirement not met
Intergenerational program requirement not met
Evening/night/weekend/holiday care requirement not met
Program operations requirement not met
Program operations requirement not met
License application requirement not met
License renewal application requirement not met
License provision not met
Day care center permit provision not met
Staffing structure requirement not met (director oversight or on-site presence)
Substitute staff requirement not met
Volunteer requirement not met
Program operations requirement not met
Infant & toddler special requirement not met
School-age program requirement not met
Intergenerational program requirement not met
Evening/night/weekend/holiday care requirement not met
License application requirement not met
DCFS has not recorded a verified correction. The facility may have fixed this independently — ask for the inspector sign-off.
How we rate this daycareIllinois DCFS records›
DCFS doesn't grade violations, so we classify each citation by the rule it cites: rules tied to immediate child safety (supervision, background checks, discipline, and the higher-risk building and health rules) are red; administrative rules (ratios, training, paperwork) are yellow. Classification is per citation, so two findings in the same category can differ.
🔴 Serious concerns — any of:
- A child-safety (red) violation is still unresolved — past its correction deadline, or cited again as a repeat
- DCFS issued a Protective Plan — a formal finding of an active risk to a child
- 2 or more violations are past their correction deadline
🟡 Watch carefully — any of:
- A child-safety (red) violation was corrected or is being corrected
- 3 or more administrative (yellow) violations
- 1 violation is past its correction deadline
- An active corrective plan — DCFS formally required a fix
🟢 Clean
Actively licensed, with no violations (or only minor, corrected ones) in your lookback window.
Data sourced from Illinois DCFS (DCFS Sunshine). Last updated: Aug 7, 2026. GoldiCheck is not affiliated with DCFS. Always verify with the DCFS Sunshine record (search Provider #019527).