Step Ahead Kindergarten & Preschool

BRAINTREE, MACenter-based CareLicensed

4.6based on state inspection data
Capacity45
Est. price$1,775/mo

Contact information

Address12 ELM STREET, Braintree, MA, 02184

CityBRAINTREE, MA 02184

Phone(781) 356-8318

Operating details

Capacity45

SubsidiesY

License dateNovember 7, 1991

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 1/23/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High5
  • Medium-High8
  • Medium0
  • Medium-Low0
  • Low0

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Location

Using Address for Location

Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:

12 ELM STREET, Braintree, MA, 02184, BRAINTREE, MA 02184

Questions to ask on a tour

Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.

  1. This facility has health or sanitation findings on its state record - ask about their current cleaning, diapering, and handwashing procedures
  2. This facility has staffing or training findings on its state record - ask about background checks, required training completion, and staff turnover
  3. Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses
  4. They accept child care subsidies - ask what the enrollment process looks like and whether there is a waitlist for subsidized spots

Violation summary

Last 2 years · Last inspection: 1/23/2026

  • High3
  • Medium-High3
  • Medium0
  • Medium-Low0
  • Low0

2026

  1. High riskStandard 7.041/23/2026

    7.04(05)(a), 7.04(05)(b), 7.04(05)(c), 7.09(09) — Staff Records

    Staff Records documentation that the employee has the qualifications required under 606 CMR 7.09, including, but not limited to, health records, as required by 606 CMR 7.09(11);, copies of licenses, certifications and registrations held, including, but not limited to, motor vehicle operator’s license (if the staff member transports children) and EEC educator qualification;, documentation of orientation, training and professional development, as required by 606 CMR 7.09(15)(d-f), 7.09(16)(c) and 7.09(17)(a), and 7.11(1), 7.09 (18)(d), and 7.09(19)(b),as applicable;, All educators must attend an orientation to early education and care approved by the Department. Domain: Administration. Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected
  2. Medium-High riskStandard 7.111/23/2026

    7.11(02)(l)(05), 7.11(02)(l)(04), 7.11(02)(l)(03), 7.11(02)(l)(02), 7.11(02)(l)(01) — Current consent for administered medications

    Current consent for administered medications Type of Medication: Topical, non-Prescription (not applied to open wounds or broken skin) Written Parental Consent Required: Yes, renewed annually Health Care Practitioner Authorization Required: No. Items not applied to open wounds or broken skin may be supplied by program with notification to parents of such, or parents may send in preferred brands of such items for their own child(ren)’s use. Logging Required: No for items not applied to open wounds or broken skin., Type of Medication: Topical, non-Prescription (when applied to open wounds or broken skin) Written Parental Consent Required: Yes, renewed annually Health Care Practitioner Authorization Required: No in FCC. Yes in Large and Small Group. Must be in original container with original label containing the name of the child affixed Logging Required: Yes, including name of child, dosage, date, time, & staff signature, Type of Medication: Unanticipated Non-Prescription for Mild Symptoms (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamines) Written Parental Consent Required: Yes, renewed annually Health Care Practitioner Authorization Required: No in FCC. Yes in Large and Small Group. Must be in original container with original label containing the name of the child affixed Logging Required: Yes, including name of child, dosage, date, time, & staff signature, Type of Medication: Oral Non-Prescription Written Parental Consent Required: Yes, renewed weekly with dosage, times, days and purpose Health Care Practitioner Authorization Required: No in FCC. Yes in Large and Small Group. Must be in original container with original label containing the name of the child affixed Logging Required: Yes, including name of child, dosage, date, time, & staff signature. Missed doses must also be noted along with the reason(s) why the dose was missed., Type of Medication: All Prescription Written Parental Consent Required: Yes Health Care Practitioner Authorization Required: Yes. Must be in original container with original label containing the name of the child affixed. Logging Required: Yes, including name of child, dosage, date, time, & staff signature. Missed doses must also be noted along with the reason(s) why the dose was missed. Domain: Medication. Monitoring Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected

2024

  1. High riskStandard 7.0412/5/2024

    7.04(07) — Children's records and checklist - R Apr 2025

    Children's records and checklist - R Apr 2025 Children’s Records. The licensee must maintain an individual written record for each child that includes: Domain: Administration. Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected
  2. High riskStandard 7.0412/5/2024

    7.04(05)(a), 7.04(05)(b), 7.04(05)(c), 7.09(09) — Staff Records - R Apr 2025

    Staff Records - R Apr 2025 documentation that the employee has the qualifications required under 606 CMR 7.09, including, but not limited to, health records, as required by 606 CMR 7.09(11);, copies of licenses, certifications and registrations held, including, but not limited to, motor vehicle operator’s license (if the staff member transports children) and EEC educator qualification;, documentation of orientation, training and professional development, as required by 606 CMR 7.09(15)(d-f), 7.09(16)(c) and 7.09(17)(a), and 7.11(1), 7.09 (18)(d), and 7.09(19)(b),as applicable;, All educators must attend an orientation to early education and care approved by the Department. Domain: Administration. Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected
  3. Medium-High riskStandard 7.1112/5/2024

    7.11(05)(e) — First Aid Kit (SLGSA)

    First Aid Kit (SLGSA) The licensee must maintain adequate first aid supplies, including, but not limited to: adhesive tape, band aids, gauze pads, gauze roller bandage, disposable non-latex gloves, instant cold pack, scissors, tweezers, thermometer, and CPR mouth guard. Domain: Emergency Preparedness. Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected
  4. Medium-High riskStandard 7.1112/5/2024

    7.11(02)(e), 7.11(02)(c) — Medication Storage; Medication Container/Label

    Medication Storage; Medication Container/Label Unless otherwise specified in a child’s individual health care plan, the educator must store all medications out of the reach of children and under proper conditions for sanitation, preservation, security and safety during the time the children are in care and during the transportation of children., All prescription medications must be in the containers in which they were originally dispensed and with their original labels affixed. Over-the-counter medications must be in the original manufacturer’s packaging. Domain: Health. Renewal - Full Review Visit. Source: MA EEC child care provider record (childcare.mass.gov).

    Not corrected

Safety & Compliance Analysis

This daycare has multiple recorded violations. Review the details to make an informed decision.

13Total Violations
0Recent Violations
(Past 6 Months)

Parent Recommendations

Based on the violation data, here are some recommendations:

  • Review the detailed violations listed above.
  • Ask the daycare about their response to these violations.
  • Look at the correction status to see how quickly issues were addressed.
  • Schedule a visit during regular hours to observe daily operations.

Note: This analysis is based on publicly available violation data and is intended as a tool to help parents make informed decisions. Always visit a daycare in person and ask specific questions about areas of concern.

Estimated monthly cost

$1,775/month

This is a modeled estimate — based on location, ages served, and program data — not the provider's actual tuition. Real prices vary by age group and services. Contact the daycare for current rates, fees, and availability.

Typical prices in Massachusetts run about $1,933/month for infant care at a center (federal median)see daycare costs in Massachusetts by age group.

About this daycare

  • Location: BRAINTREE
  • Capacity: 45
  • Type: Center-based Care
  • Years in operation: 35

What parents actually pay

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