Maple Valley · Licensed family home
Tiny Steps KiddoCare
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- Full-size family home, licensed for up to 12 children.
- Ages on the license: birth to 13 years.
What the state has found
The state cited rules at 3 of its 4 licensing inspections since August 2023. It lists no valid complaint about this home.
Of the 365 Seattle-area family homes with 4 licensing inspections, 27% had rules cited at 3 of them, as this home did. 30% had rules cited at all 4, 6% at none.
Licensing inspections
Aug 18, 20265 citations
“O1O6(12) The licensor observed that a staff member had an expired Food Worker Card/food handler certification. The licensor discussed with the provider the importance of ensuring that staff responsible for food preparation, handling, or service maintain current food safety training and required credentials. An expired certification may indicate that the staff member has not received current food safety guidance regarding proper food handling, hygiene, prevention of cross-contamination, and safe food temperatures, which may increase the risk of foodborne illness. The provider was advised to ensure the staff member completes the required food safety training and obtains a current Food Worker Card as applicable.”
WAC 110-300-0106(12)
“O166(3)(c) The licensor observed toys and outdoor equipment stored along a designated exit pathway, creating a potential obstruction to the safe movement of children and staff. The provider was advised to relocate the outdoor toys and equipment to an appropriate storage area where they can be safely maintained and remain readily accessible for use without creating a safety hazard. The licensor emphasized that exit pathways must remain clear and unobstructed at all times to allow for the safe and timely evacuation of children and staff during an emergency.”
WAC 110-300-0166(3)(c)
“O165(3)(b) The licensor observed a child car seat being stored directly on the ground outside. The licensor discussed concerns that storing the car seat outdoors and directly on the ground may expose the equipment to dirt, moisture, insects, and other contaminants and may contribute to deterioration of the materials. In addition, during periods of hot weather, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and high outdoor temperatures may cause the car seat and its components to become excessively hot, potentially affecting the comfort and safety of a child placed in the seat. The provider was advised to store the car seat in a clean, dry, shaded, and protected location when it is not in use.”
WAC 110-300-0165(3)(b)
“O26O(5) The licensor observed a mop bucket and wet mop stored in the bathroom. Although the licensor did not observe any water or cleaning solution in the bucket at the time of observation, storing a wet mop and mop bucket in an area accessible to children may create sanitation and safety concerns. A wet mop may harbor bacteria, develop an odor, or contribute to the spread of contaminants if it is not properly cleaned, disinfected, and allowed to dry after use. The mop and bucket may also create a potential tripping or access hazard if left in an area where children can reach them. The provider was advised to store cleaning equipment in a designated, secure location that is inaccessible to children when not in use and to ensure that mops are properly cleaned, disinfected, and dried after each use. The provider should also ensure mop buckets are emptied, cleaned, and stored appropriately to maintain a clean and sanitary environment and prevent children from accessing cleaning equipment.”
WAC 110-300-0260(5)
1 more from this inspection
“O145(11) The licensor observed that the self-latching mechanism on the exit gate could not be readily accessed or operated from the inside because the latch was positioned on the exterior side of the gate. The licensor attempted numerous times to reach and operate the self-latching mechanism but was unable to gain access to open the gate. The condition created a significant safety concern because the gate could obstruct or delay staff and children from exiting the premises during an emergency evacuation. The provider was advised to ensure that the exit gate can be readily opened from the inside without requiring staff or children to reach through, around, or over the gate to access the latch. The provider should have the gate and self-latching mechanism evaluated and corrected as necessary to ensure it functions properly and allows for safe, immediate, and unobstructed evacuation.”
WAC 110-300-0145(11)
Jul 10, 20245 citations
“Licensor observed a lifesaving medication (Epi Pen) was stored in the child's cubby accessible to children. Immediate correction made and Epi Pen was placed in the kitchen cabinet inaccessible to children.”
WAC 110-300-0215(3)(c)
“Licensor observed the emergency exit was partially blocked by trash bins stored in the exit pathway.”
WAC 110-300-0166(3)(c)
“Licensor observed a 7-month old infant lying awake on a sleep mat near learning materials that may pose a risk of choking. 0165 (3a) Licensor observed a rose bush with protruding thorn branches in the outdoor play area.”
WAC 110-300-0165(2)(a)
“Licensor observed a gallon of dishwashing liquid was stored on the floor near the bathroom sink accessible to children. Immediate corrections made removal of dishsoap. 0260 (1b) Licensor observed a container of Clorox wipes stored on top of the bathroom sink accessible to children. Immediate corrections made removal of Clorox wipes.”
WAC 110-300-0260(1)(a), WAC 110-300-0260(1)(b)
1 more from this inspection
“Licensor observed the parental medication training was not conducted for a child with a known food allergy.”
WAC 110-300-0186(2)
Aug 16, 20233 citations
“Licensor observed one or more staff needing updated CPR, First Aid, BBP, Safe Sleep or Food Handlers that is in a Lead or Assist role.”
WAC 110-300-0106(12)
“Licensor observed handsanitizer, cleaning products and oiled air freshners in childcare accessible to children during site visit. Licensor observed power tools, janitorial outdoor equiptment on pathway to outdoor area.”
WAC 110-300-0260(1)(a), WAC 110-300-0260(5)
“Licensor observed corded items near front entry and inside main childcare space that were capable of forming a loop, that needed to be secured. Licensor observed 1 bagged item outdoor on pathway to playground.”
WAC 110-300-0165(2)(d)
Read every record and the state’s reports
State record — Washington DCYF
- Last visit
- August 18, 2026
- On file
- 4 visits since August 2023 — 1 cited nothing
- Most serious
- Serious —
O1O6(12) The licensor observed that a staff member had an expired Food Worker Card/food handler certification. The licensor discussed with the provider the importance of ensuring that staff responsible for food preparation, handling, or service maintain current food safety training and required credentials. An expired certification may indicate that the staff member has not received current food safety guidance regarding proper food handling, hygiene, prevention of cross-contamination, and safe food temperatures, which may increase the risk of foodborne illness. The provider was advised to ensure the staff member completes the required food safety training and obtains a current Food Worker Card as applicable.
· August 18, 2026
Washington DCYF publishes the licensor’s own observation and a risk level for every citation it issues at a licensing visit, with the inspection report attached as a PDF.
Aug 2026 Licensing visit 5 findings
Licensing visit · August 18, 2026
WAC 110-300-0106(12) · Serious
O1O6(12) The licensor observed that a staff member had an expired Food Worker Card/food handler certification. The licensor discussed with the provider the importance of ensuring that staff responsible for food preparation, handling, or service maintain current food safety training and required credentials. An expired certification may indicate that the staff member has not received current food safety guidance regarding proper food handling, hygiene, prevention of cross-contamination, and safe food temperatures, which may increase the risk of foodborne illness. The provider was advised to ensure the staff member completes the required food safety training and obtains a current Food Worker Card as applicable.
Outdoor early learning program space
WAC 110-300-0145(11) · Short Term
O145(11) The licensor observed that the self-latching mechanism on the exit gate could not be readily accessed or operated from the inside because the latch was positioned on the exterior side of the gate. The licensor attempted numerous times to reach and operate the self-latching mechanism but was unable to gain access to open the gate. The condition created a significant safety concern because the gate could obstruct or delay staff and children from exiting the premises during an emergency evacuation. The provider was advised to ensure that the exit gate can be readily opened from the inside without requiring staff or children to reach through, around, or over the gate to access the latch. The provider should have the gate and self-latching mechanism evaluated and corrected as necessary to ensure it functions properly and allows for safe, immediate, and unobstructed evacuation.
Emergency preparation and exiting
WAC 110-300-0166(3)(c) · Serious
O166(3)(c) The licensor observed toys and outdoor equipment stored along a designated exit pathway, creating a potential obstruction to the safe movement of children and staff. The provider was advised to relocate the outdoor toys and equipment to an appropriate storage area where they can be safely maintained and remain readily accessible for use without creating a safety hazard. The licensor emphasized that exit pathways must remain clear and unobstructed at all times to allow for the safe and timely evacuation of children and staff during an emergency.
WAC 110-300-0165(3)(b) · Serious
O165(3)(b) The licensor observed a child car seat being stored directly on the ground outside. The licensor discussed concerns that storing the car seat outdoors and directly on the ground may expose the equipment to dirt, moisture, insects, and other contaminants and may contribute to deterioration of the materials. In addition, during periods of hot weather, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and high outdoor temperatures may cause the car seat and its components to become excessively hot, potentially affecting the comfort and safety of a child placed in the seat. The provider was advised to store the car seat in a clean, dry, shaded, and protected location when it is not in use.
Storage of hazardous and maintenance supplies
WAC 110-300-0260(5) · Serious
O26O(5) The licensor observed a mop bucket and wet mop stored in the bathroom. Although the licensor did not observe any water or cleaning solution in the bucket at the time of observation, storing a wet mop and mop bucket in an area accessible to children may create sanitation and safety concerns. A wet mop may harbor bacteria, develop an odor, or contribute to the spread of contaminants if it is not properly cleaned, disinfected, and allowed to dry after use. The mop and bucket may also create a potential tripping or access hazard if left in an area where children can reach them. The provider was advised to store cleaning equipment in a designated, secure location that is inaccessible to children when not in use and to ensure that mops are properly cleaned, disinfected, and dried after each use. The provider should also ensure mop buckets are emptied, cleaned, and stored appropriately to maintain a clean and sanitary environment and prevent children from accessing cleaning equipment.
Jul 2024 Licensing visit 5 findings
Licensing visit · July 10, 2024
WAC 110-300-0215(3)(c) · Serious
Licensor observed a lifesaving medication (Epi Pen) was stored in the child's cubby accessible to children. Immediate correction made and Epi Pen was placed in the kitchen cabinet inaccessible to children.
Emergency preparation and exiting
WAC 110-300-0166(3)(c) · Serious
Licensor observed the emergency exit was partially blocked by trash bins stored in the exit pathway.
WAC 110-300-0165(2)(a) · Serious
Licensor observed a 7-month old infant lying awake on a sleep mat near learning materials that may pose a risk of choking. 0165 (3a) Licensor observed a rose bush with protruding thorn branches in the outdoor play area.
Storage of hazardous and maintenance supplies
WAC 110-300-0260(1)(a) / 110-300-0260(1)(b) · Serious
Licensor observed a gallon of dishwashing liquid was stored on the floor near the bathroom sink accessible to children. Immediate corrections made removal of dishsoap. 0260 (1b) Licensor observed a container of Clorox wipes stored on top of the bathroom sink accessible to children. Immediate corrections made removal of Clorox wipes.
Food allergies and special dietary needs
WAC 110-300-0186(2) · Serious
Licensor observed the parental medication training was not conducted for a child with a known food allergy.
Aug 2023 Licensing visit 3 findings
Licensing visit · August 16, 2023
WAC 110-300-0106(12) · Serious · No longer on the state’s site as of August 28, 2026
Licensor observed one or more staff needing updated CPR, First Aid, BBP, Safe Sleep or Food Handlers that is in a Lead or Assist role.
Storage of hazardous and maintenance supplies
WAC 110-300-0260(1)(a) / 110-300-0260(5) · Serious · No longer on the state’s site as of August 28, 2026
Licensor observed handsanitizer, cleaning products and oiled air freshners in childcare accessible to children during site visit. Licensor observed power tools, janitorial outdoor equiptment on pathway to outdoor area.
WAC 110-300-0165(2)(d) · Serious · No longer on the state’s site as of August 28, 2026
Licensor observed corded items near front entry and inside main childcare space that were capable of forming a loop, that needed to be secured. Licensor observed 1 bagged item outdoor on pathway to playground.
Shortlist replaces people’s names in the state’s text with initials. This is done by rule, not by hand, so it can miss a name or shorten a word that isn’t one. The state’s report, linked on each row, has the original.
Openings, Working Connections subsidy, cost, hours and late pickup, teaching approach, ratios and staff, a typical day, and sick and biting policies aren’t on this page.
Details
- Website
- tinystepsmv.com
- Address
- 27422 237th Ave SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038
- License
- PL-80784, active
- Quality program
- Early Achievers Enrolled
Nearby
Programs in Maple Valley on the Seattle guideRun Tiny Steps KiddoCare? Correct or add anything here, free.
Add what is missingSources and dates
Where every fact on this page came from, and when Shortlist last checked it against that source. Anything Shortlist could not source is named here rather than left blank.
State record
From Washington DCYF’s published reports, last checked October 10, 2026.
Details
- Phone, Ages on the license, Address — Checked September 2026 findchildcarewa.org
- Website, License, Quality program — Checked July 2026 findchildcarewa.org
Full-size means licensed for 12 children, the most any Seattle-area family home holds; 735 of Seattle-area’s 1,532 licensed family homes are. Small is 3 to 6; mid-size is 7 to 11.
The ages on the license are what the state licenses it to care for, which can be wider than the ages it takes.