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Child care center 

Stepping Stones Academy

520 Lauren Drive, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
licensed capacity
82
open each week
5 days
a week, county median
$195

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Licensed by the stateInspection record

About

About Stepping Stones Academy

Stepping Stones Academy is a licensed child care center in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. It is licensed by the state, for up to 82 children, serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

It is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services made 6 visits in the last 3 years and cited 22 rules across 3 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.

InfantsSchool-ageAccepts child care subsidy

Ages served: infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children

From the state license
Ask when you call: rates, current openings, staff-to-child ratio and teacher qualifications.
Type
Child care center
Ages
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
Hours today
7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Licensed capacity
82 children

Hours

Hours

MondayToday7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Tuesday7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Friday7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
SaturdayNot listed
SundayNot listed

Programs

Programs and care

AgesInfants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age childrenFrom the state license
Child care subsidyAccepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license
Licensed capacity82 childrenFrom the state license

Cost

Tuition and costs

Stepping Stones Academy has not listed its tuition. For comparison, full-time infant care at a child care center in Mercer County has a median price of $195 a week (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022).

Ask the daycare for its ratesIt has not listed its tuition. The county medians below are a starting point.
Mercer County medians, full time, per week

Infant

Center$195
Home daycare$149

Toddler

Center$167
Home daycare$154

Preschool

Center$167
Home daycare$154

School age

Center$145
Home daycare$127

County median full-time prices at centers and home daycares, U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices, 2022 (the latest year). Not this daycare's rates; prices have risen since.

State record

Inspection reports for Stepping Stones Academy

License

Status
Licensed and operating
License type
Licensed child care center
Capacity
82 children
Ages
Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
License number
#L383913
See the state's record

Summary

6 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit May 4, 2026: 11 rules cited

Rules cited on 3 of 6 visits · 22 rules in all

  • Building, equipment and play areas 7
  • Staff training and qualifications 6
  • Health, medication and illness 4
  • Supervision and ratios 2
  • Records and paperwork 2
  • Safety and hazards 1

For comparison: 92% of Kentucky daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 11.

A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.

Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record

See all 8 visits
  1. May 4, 2026Inspection11 rules cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      800 - Protective Surface (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)

      “922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (21) A protective surface shall: (a) Be provided for outdoor play equipment used to: 1. Climb; 2. Swing; and 3. Slide; and (b) Have a fall zone equal to the height of the equipment.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      795 - Playground Conditions (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)

      “922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (20) An outdoor play area shall have constant and active supervision and shall be: (d) Safe from foreseeable hazard; (e) Well drained; (f) Well maintained; (g) In good repair; (h) Visible to staff at all times; and (i) Protected by physical or natural barriers from: 1. Traffic; 2. Gullies; and 3. Other hazards.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      775 - Medication (922 KAR 2:120 Section 7)

      “922 KAR 2:120. Section 7. First Aid and Medicine. (6) Medication, including refrigerated medication, shall be: (a) Stored in a separate and locked place, out of the reach of a child unless the medication is: 1. A first aid supply and is maintained in accordance with subsection (1) of this section; 2. Diaper cream, sunscreen, or toothpaste. Diaper cream, sunscreen, or toothpaste shall be inaccessible to a child; 3. An epinephrine auto-injector. A licensed child-care center shall comply with KRS 199.8951 and 311.646, including: a. An epinephrine auto-injector shall be inaccessible to a child; b. A child-care center shall have at least one (1) person onsite who has received training on the administration of an epinephrine auto-injector if the child-care center maintains an epinephrine auto-injector; c. A child-care center shall seek emergency medical care for a child if an auto-injector is administered to the child; and d. A child-care center shall report to the child's parent and the cabinet in accordance with 922 KAR 2:090, Section 13(1)(b) if an epinephrine auto-injector is administered to a child; or 4. An emergency or rescue medication for a child in care, such as medication to respond to diabetic or asthmatic condition, as prescribed by the child's physician. Emergency or rescue medication shall be inaccessible to a child in care; (b) Kept in the original bottle; and (c) Properly labeled. (7) Medication shall not be given to a child if the medication's expiration date has passed.”
    • Safety and hazards

      565 - Inaccessible Items (922 KAR 2:120 Section 3)

      “922 KAR 2:120. Section 3. General Requirements. (7) The following shall be inaccessible to a child in care: (a) Toxic cleaning supplies, poisons, and insecticides; (b) Matches, cigarettes, lighters, and flammable liquids; and (c) Personal belongings and medications of staff.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      435 - Training (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)

      “922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (16) In accordance with KRS 199.896(15) and (16), a staff person with supervisory authority over a child shall complete the following: (a) Six (6) hours of cabinet-approved orientation completed within the first three (3) months of employment in a child-care program covering the following topics: 1. Federal minimum health and safety requirements established in 45 C.F.R. 98.41 related to: a. Prevention and control of infectious diseases, including immunization; b. Prevention of sudden infant death syndrome and use of safe sleeping practices; c. Administration of medication, consistent with standards for parental consent; d. Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions; e. Building and physical premises safety, including identification of and protection from hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic; f. Prevention of shaken baby syndrome, abusive head trauma, and child maltreatment; g. Emergency preparedness and response planning for emergencies resulting from a natural disaster or a human-caused event; h. Handling and storage of hazardous materials and the appropriate disposal of biological contaminants; and i. Precautions in transporting children; 2. Recognizing and reporting child abuse; and 3. Developmentally appropriate practices; (b) Nine (9) hours of cabinet-approved early care and education training within the first year of employment in a child care program, including one and one-half (1 ½) hours of cabinet-approved pediatric abusive head trauma training; and (c) Fifteen (15) hours of cabinet-approved early care and education training completed between July 1 and the following June 30 of each subsequent year of employment in a child care program, including one and one-half (1 ½) hours of cabinet-approved pediatric abusive head trauma training completed once every five (5) years. (17) A staff person's compliance with training requirements of this section shall be verified through the cabinet-designated database maintained pursuant to 922 KAR 2:240.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      405 - TB Verification (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)

      “922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (1) Child-care center staff: (b) Shall provide, prior to employment and every two (2) years thereafter: 1. A statement from a health professional that the individual is free of active tuberculosis; or 2. A copy of negative tuberculin results.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      400 - Educational Requirements (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)

      “922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (1) Child-care center staff: (a) Hired after January 1, 2009, who have supervisory power over a minor and are not enrolled in secondary education, shall have a: 1. High school diploma: 2. GED or qualifying documentation from a comparable educational entity; or 3. Commonwealth Child Care Credential as described in 922 KAR 2:250;”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      360 - Staff Evaluation (922 KAR 2:090 Section 10)

      “922 KAR 2:090. Section 10. Director Requirements and Responsibilities. (1) A director shall: (j) Assess each staff person's interaction with children in care and classroom performance through an annual written performance evaluation;”
    • Supervision and ratios

      137 - Written Procedure to Maintain Supervision/Ratio/Group Size (922 KAR 2:120 Section 2)

      “922 KAR 2:120. Section 2. Child Care Services. (2) For an operating child-care center, minimum staff-to-child ratios and group size shall be maintained as established in the table established in this subsection. (e) A child-care center shall develop a written procedure to always maintain supervision, ratios, and group size including during: 1. The beginning of the day; 2. Staff breaks; and 3. Movement from the classroom to another location.”
    • Records and paperwork

      1310 - Posting Requirements (922 KAR 2:090 Section 8)

      “922 KAR 2:090. Section 8. General. (6) In addition to the posting requirement of KRS 199.898(3), a child-care center shall post the following in a conspicuous place and make available for public inspection: (a) The provider's preliminary or regular license; (b) Each statement of deficiency and civil penalty notice issued by the cabinet during the current licensure year; (c) Each plan of correction submitted by the child-care center to the cabinet during the current licensure year; (d) Information on the Kentucky Consumer Product Safety Program and the program's Web site as specified in KRS 199.897; (e) A description of services provided by the child-care center, including: 1. Current rates for child care; and 2. Each service charged separately and in addition to the basic rate for child care; (f) Minimum staff-to-child ratios and group size established in 922 KAR 2:120; and (g) Daily planned program.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      1280 - Professional Development (922 KAR 2:090 Section 9)

      “922 KAR 2:090. Section 9. Records. (1) A child-care center shall maintain: (f) A written annual plan for child-care staff professional development;”
  2. Feb 4, 2026VisitNo rules cited
  3. Dec 11, 2025VisitNo rules cited
  4. Sep 19, 2025Inspection7 rules cited
    • Supervision and ratios

      90 - Children Supervised (922 KAR 2:120 Section 2)

      “922 KAR 2:120. Section 2. Child Care Services. (3)(a) Each center shall maintain a child-care program that ensures each child shall be: 1. Provided with adequate supervision at all times by a qualified staff person who ensures the child is: a. Within scope of vision and range of voice; b. For a school-age child, within scope of vision or range of voice; and c. Accounted for during movement from one (1) location to another using name-to-face recognition by visually identifying each child;”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      800 - Protective Surface (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)

      “922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (21) A protective surface shall: (a) Be provided for outdoor play equipment used to: 1. Climb; 2. Swing; and 3. Slide; and (b) Have a fall zone equal to the height of the equipment.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      795 - Playground Conditions (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)

      “922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (20) An outdoor play area shall have constant and active supervision and shall be: (d) Safe from foreseeable hazard; (e) Well drained; (f) Well maintained; (g) In good repair; (h) Visible to staff at all times; and (i) Protected by physical or natural barriers from: 1. Traffic; 2. Gullies; and 3. Other hazards.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      605 - Building Requirements (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)

      “922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (5) The building shall be constructed to ensure the: (a) Building is: 1. Dry; 2. Ventilated; and 3. Well lit, including clean light fixtures that are: a. In good repair in all areas; and b. Shielded or have shatter-proof bulbs installed; and (b) Following are protected: 1. Windows; 2. Doors; 3. Stoves; 4. Heaters; 5. Furnaces; 6. Pipes; and 7. Stairs.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      405 - TB Verification (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)

      “922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (1) Child-care center staff: (b) Shall provide, prior to employment and every two (2) years thereafter: 1. A statement from a health professional that the individual is free of active tuberculosis; or 2. A copy of negative tuberculin results.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      400 - Educational Requirements (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)

      “922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (1) Child-care center staff: (a) Hired after January 1, 2009, who have supervisory power over a minor and are not enrolled in secondary education, shall have a: 1. High school diploma: 2. GED or qualifying documentation from a comparable educational entity; or 3. Commonwealth Child Care Credential as described in 922 KAR 2:250;”
    • Records and paperwork

      1250 - Enrollment Information (922 KAR 2:090 Section 9)

      “922 KAR 2:090. Section 9. Records. (1) A child-care center shall maintain: (b) A written record for each child: 1. Completed and signed by the child’s parent; 2. Retained on file on the first day the child attends the child-care center; and 3. To contain: a. Identifying information about the child, which includes, at a minimum, the child’s name, address, and date of birth; b. Contact information to enable a person in charge to contact the child’s: (i) Parent at the parent’s home or place of employment; (ii) Family physician; and (iii) Preferred hospital; c. The name of each person who is designated in writing to pick-up the child; d. The child’s general health status and medical history including, if applicable: (i) Allergies; (ii) Restriction on the child’s participation in activities with specific instructions from the child’s parent or health professional; and (iii) Permission from the parent for third-party professional services in the child-care center; e. The name and phone number of each person to be contacted in an emergency involving or impacting the child; f. Authorization by the parent for the child-care center to seek emergency medical care for the child in the parent’s absence;”
  5. Nov 13, 2024Inspection4 rules cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      795 - Playground Conditions (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)

      “922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (20) An outdoor play area shall be: (d) Safe from foreseeable hazard; (e) Well drained; (f) Well maintained; (g) In good repair; and (h) Visible to staff at all times.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      625 - Floors, Walls, Ceilings (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)

      “922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (9) Floors, walls, and ceilings shall be smooth, in good repair, and constructed to be easily cleaned.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      435 - Training (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)

      “922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (16) In accordance with KRS 199.896(15) and (16), a staff person with supervisory authority over a child shall complete the following: (a) Six (6) hours of cabinet-approved orientation completed within the first three (3) months of employment in a child-care program; (b) Nine (9) hours of cabinet-approved early care and education training within the first year of employment in a child care program, including one and one-half (1 ½) hours of cabinet-approved pediatric abusive head trauma training; and (c) Fifteen (15) hours of cabinet-approved early care and education training completed between July 1 and the following June 30 of each subsequent year of employment in a child care program, including one and one-half (1 ½) hours of cabinet-approved pediatric abusive head trauma training completed once every five (5) years. (17) A staff person's compliance with training requirements of this section shall be verified through the cabinet-designated database maintained pursuant to 922 KAR 2:240.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      1245 - Immunization (922 KAR 2:090 Section 9)

      “922 KAR 2:090. Section 9. Records. (1) A child-care center shall maintain: (a) A current immunization certificate for each child in care within thirty (30) days of the child’s enrollment, unless an attending physician or the child’s parent objects to the immunization of the child pursuant to KRS 214.036;”
  6. Mar 14, 2024VisitNo rules cited
  7. Jul 5, 2023VisitNo rules cited
  8. Feb 13, 2023Inspection10 rules cited
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      795 - Playground Conditions (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)

      “922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (20) An outdoor play area shall be: (d) Safe from foreseeable hazard; (e) Well drained; (f) Well maintained; (g) In good repair; and (h) Visible to staff at all times.”
    • Building, equipment and play areas

      605 - Building Requirements (922 KAR 2:120 Section 4)

      “922 KAR 2:120. Section 4. Premises Requirements. (5) The building shall be constructed to ensure the: (a) Building is: 1. Dry; 2. Ventilated; and 3. Well lit, including clean light fixtures that are: a. In good repair in all areas; and b. Shielded or have shatter-proof bulbs installed; and (b) Following are protected: 1. Windows; 2. Doors; 3. Stoves; 4. Heaters; 5. Furnaces; 6. Pipes; and 7. Stairs.”
    • Safety and hazards

      565 - Inaccessible Items (922 KAR 2:120 Section 3)

      “922 KAR 2:120. Section 3. General Requirements. (7) The following shall be inaccessible to a child in care: (a) Toxic cleaning supplies, poisons, and insecticides; (b) Matches, cigarettes, lighters, and flammable liquids; and (c) Personal belongings and medications of staff.”
    • Safe sleep

      540 - Bedding/Toys in Crib (922 KAR 2:120 Section 6)

      “922 KAR 2:120. Section 6. Sleeping and Napping Requirements. (3) Rest time shall occur in an adequate space according to the child’s age as follows: (a) For an infant: 3. No bedding other than a clean tight-fitted sheet; and 4. No toys or other items except the infant’s pacifier;”
    • Discipline and child guidance

      490 - Discipline (922 KAR 2:120 Section 2)

      “922 KAR 2:120. Section 2. Child Care Services. (11) A child shall not be subjected to: (a) Corporal physical discipline pursuant to KRS 199.896(18); (b) Loud, profane, threatening, frightening, humiliating, or abusive language; or (c) Discipline that is associated with: 1. Rest; 2. Toileting; 3. Play time; or 4. Food.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      435 - Training (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)

      “922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (16) In accordance with KRS 199.896(15) and (16), a staff person with supervisory authority over a child shall complete the following: (a) Six (6) hours of cabinet-approved orientation completed within the first three (3) months of employment in a child-care program; (b) Nine (9) hours of cabinet-approved early care and education training within the first year of employment in a child care program, including one and one-half (1 ½) hours of cabinet-approved pediatric abusive head trauma training; and (c) Fifteen (15) hours of cabinet-approved early care and education training completed between July 1 and the following June 30 of each subsequent year of employment in a child care program, including one and one-half (1 ½) hours of cabinet-approved pediatric abusive head trauma training completed once every five (5) years. (17) A staff person's compliance with training requirements of this section shall be verified through the cabinet-designated database maintained pursuant to 922 KAR 2:240.”
    • Health, medication and illness

      405 - TB Verification (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)

      “922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (1) Child-care center staff: (b) Shall provide, prior to employment and every two (2) years thereafter: 1. A statement from a health professional that the individual is free of active tuberculosis; or 2. A copy of negative tuberculin results.”
    • Staff training and qualifications

      400 - Educational Requirements (922 KAR 2:090 Section 11)

      “922 KAR 2:090. Section 11. Staff Requirements. (1) Child-care center staff: (a) Hired after January 1, 2009, who have supervisory power over a minor and are not enrolled in secondary education, shall have a: 1. High school diploma: 2. GED or qualifying documentation from a comparable educational entity; or 3. Commonwealth Child Care Credential as described in 922 KAR 2:250;”
    • Records and paperwork

      1310 - Posting Requirements (922 KAR 2:090 Section 8)

      “922 KAR 2:090. Section 8. General. (6) In addition to the posting requirement of KRS 199.898(3), a child-care center shall post the following in a conspicuous place and make available for public inspection: (a) The provider's preliminary or regular license; (b) Each statement of deficiency and civil penalty notice issued by the cabinet during the current licensure year; (c) Each plan of correction submitted by the child-care center to the cabinet during the current licensure year; (d) Information on the Kentucky Consumer Product Safety Program and the program's Web site as specified in KRS 199.897; (e) A description of services provided by the child-care center, including: 1. Current rates for child care; and 2. Each service charged separately and in addition to the basic rate for child care; (f) Minimum staff-to-child ratios and group size established in 922 KAR 2:120; and (g) Daily planned program.”
    • Records and paperwork

      1250 - Enrollment Information (922 KAR 2:090 Section 9)

      “922 KAR 2:090. Section 9. Records. (1) A child-care center shall maintain: (b) A written record for each child: 1. Completed and signed by the child’s parent; 2. Retained on file on the first day the child attends the child-care center; and 3. To contain: a. Identifying information about the child, which includes, at a minimum, the child’s name, address, and date of birth; b. Contact information to enable a person in charge to contact the child’s: (i) Parent at the parent’s home or place of employment; (ii) Family physician; and (iii) Preferred hospital; c. The name of each person who is designated in writing to pick-up the child; d. The child’s general health status and medical history including, if applicable: (i) Allergies; (ii) Restriction on the child’s participation in activities with specific instructions from the child’s parent or health professional; and (iii) Permission from the parent for third-party professional services in the child-care center; e. The name and phone number of each person to be contacted in an emergency involving or impacting the child; f. Authorization by the parent for the child-care center to seek emergency medical care for the child in the parent’s absence;”

Copied from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services on October 4, 2026; the state's records start around Jan 2023. Rule wording, severity and dates are the state's.

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FAQ

Questions about Stepping Stones Academy

Is Stepping Stones Academy licensed?

Yes. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services lists it as licensed and operating.

When was Stepping Stones Academy last inspected?

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services lists the most recent visit on May 4, 2026, with 11 rules cited. It lists 6 visits in the last 3 years.

Has Stepping Stones Academy had rules cited by the state?

Yes. Inspectors cited 22 rules across 3 of 6 visits in the last 3 years. For comparison: 92% of Kentucky daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 11. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.

How many children can Stepping Stones Academy care for?

82, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.

Does Stepping Stones Academy accept child care subsidies?

Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.

What are Stepping Stones Academy's hours?

Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Holiday hours can differ.

How much does Stepping Stones Academy cost?

It has not listed its tuition. Call (859) 734-4801 to ask.

What is Stepping Stones Academy's phone number?

(859) 734-4801.

Where is Stepping Stones Academy?

520 Lauren Drive, Harrodsburg, KY 40330. The nearest other daycare we list is God's Tree House Academy, 1.2 miles away.

Sources: The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (license and visits) · U.S. Department of Labor, 2022 (county prices).