Skip to main content
FAMILY HOME ✓ Licensed

Little Friends Learning Center

Dexter, MO · Stoddard County
COTTAGE LN, Dexter, MO 63841
Advertisement

Quick Facts

Capacity
10 children
Age Range
BIRTH - 12 YEARS
Subsidized Program
Does not participate
Food Program
Does not participate

Missing details such as transportation or rates? Suggest an update to help other families.

Contact Information

📞 (573) 625-1634
COTTAGE LN
Dexter, MO 63841
Get Directions →
✓ Licensed FAMILY HOME
Active License
License Number
001716521
Licensed Since
2011
License Issued
Aug 28, 2021
Issued By
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Licensor
TESSA SMITH
License Conditions: IF ONLY 4 CHILDREN PRESENT, ALL CHILDREN MAY BE UNDER AGE 2 WITH 1 ADULT CAREGIVER; UP TO 10 CHILDREN IN CARE NO MORE THAN 2 CHILDREN UNDER AGE 2 WITH 1 ADULT CAREGIVER; UP TO 10 CHILDREN IN CARE NO MORE THAN 4 CHILDREN UNDER AGE 2 WITH 2 ADULT CAREGIVERS; UP TO 6 CHILDREN IN CARE NO MORE THAN 3 CHILDREN UNDER AGE 2 WITH 1 ADULT CAREGIVER

Reviews

Write a Review

Be the first to review this childcare provider. Write a review about Little Friends Learning Center. Let other families know what's great, or what could be improved. Please read our brief review guidelines to make your review as helpful as possible.

Review Policy: ChildcareCenter.us does not actively screen or monitor user reviews, nor do we verify or edit content. Reviews reflect only the opinion of the writer. We ask that users follow our review guidelines. Providers are welcome to respond to parental reviews, however we ask that they identify themselves as the provider.

About the Provider

Advertisement
LITTLE FRIENDS LEARNING CENTER is a FAMILY HOME in DEXTER MO, with a maximum capacity of 10 children. The home-based daycare service helps with children in the age range of BIRTH - 12 YEARS. It is open Monday - Friday, 6:00 AM- 9:00 PM. The provider does not participate in a subsidized child care program.

Hours of Operation

  • Monday6:00 AM- 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday6:00 AM- 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday6:00 AM- 9:00 PM
  • Thursday6:00 AM- 9:00 PM
  • Friday6:00 AM- 9:00 PM
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed

Inspection/Report History

Where possible, ChildcareCenter provides inspection reports as a service to families. This information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. We encourage families to contact the daycare provider directly with any questions or concerns. Reports can also be verified with your local daycare licensing office.

Report Date Report Type Violations
2026-07-28 COMPLIANCE MONITORING 4 violations cited
Findings:

5 CSR 25-400.055 Annual Requirements

Violation: The Family Care Safety Registry check was not conducted for Stefannie Tjaarda & Pieter Tjaarda within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-400.055 Annual Requirements (2) (C) states: The child care provider shall conduct a Family Care Safety Registry check for all child care staff members within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date as printed on the license.

Correction Required: Required Family Care Safety Registry checks shall be conducted for all child care staff member(s) within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

5 CSR 25-400.085 Physical Requirements of the Family Day Care Home

Violation: The facility did not have a fenced outdoor play area that was on or adjoining the day care property and was accessible without hazard as evidenced by the fence was not in good condition in that the wooden fence post in the back right corner is split and hanging, causing sharp wood splintered edges..

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-400.085 Physical Requirements of the Family Day Care Home (3) (A) 1. states: An outdoor play area shall be available on or adjoining the day care property. The play area shall be located so it is convenient and the children can gain access to it without hazard. It shall be fenced when necessary for the protection of children from traffic, water or other hazards. For family day care homes initially licensed after the effective date of these rules, or for the installation of new fences in existing facilities, the fence shall be at least forty-two inches (42") high. Fences shall be constructed to prevent children from crawling or falling through or becoming entrapped.

Correction Required: The outdoor play area shall be accessible without hazard and provide a safe fence around the outdoor play area as required.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

5 CSR 25-400.105 The Child Care Provider and Other Child Care Personnel

Violation: The requirements for first aid and CPR certification were not met as evidenced by at least one caregiver certified in first aid/CPR was not on site.

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-400.105 The Child Care Provider and Other Child Care Personnel (1) (S) states: The provider shall have documentation on file at the home of current certification in age-appropriate first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. The training shall be certified by a nationally-recognized organization, such as the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or an equivalent certification, include an in-person skills assessment, and be approved by the department. At least one (1) caregiver with current certification in age-appropriate first aid and CPR must be on site at all times when children are present. First aid/CPR training may count toward the annual clock hour training requirement.

Correction Required: Required age-appropriate certification in first aid/CPR shall be on file, with at least one caregiver with certification on site.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

5 CSR 25-400.105 The Child Care Provider and Other Child Care Personnel

Violation: Safe sleep training was not completed within the past 3 years for the provider, Stefannie Tjaarda.

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-400.105 The Child Care Provider and Other Child Care Personnel (5) (A) . states: Every three (3) years the provider, assistant(s), and volunteers in a family child care home licensed to provide care for infants less than one (1) year of age shall successfully complete department-approved training regarding the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) safe sleep recommendations contained in the American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on sleep-related infant deaths. The Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment, July 2022, is incorporated by reference in this rule, as published by the American Academy of Pediatrics and available at https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057990/188304/Sleep-Related-Infant-Deaths-Updated-2022 or as published in PEDIATRICS Volume 150, Issue 1, July 2022. A copy can also be obtained from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Childhood, 205 Jefferson Street, PO Box 480, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480 and at https://dese.mo.gov/governmental-affairs dese-administrativerules/incorporated-reference-materials. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions.

Correction Required: The child care provider and assistant(s) shall complete department-approved safe sleep training as required.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

2026-02-03 COMPLIANCE MONITORING No violations cited
2025-11-19 COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION 2 violations cited
Findings:

5 CSR 25-400.055 Annual Requirements

Violation: The annual sanitation inspection was not conducted.

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-400.055 Annual Requirements (2) (B) states: Evidence of compliance with local, state, or both, sanitation requirements.

Correction Required: The facility shall submit evidence of compliance with annual sanitation requirements.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

Compliance Date: 11/19/2025

5 CSR 25-400.055 Annual Requirements

Violation: The Family Care Safety Registry check was not conducted for Stefannie Tjaarda, Megan Taylor and Peter Tjaarda within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-400.055 Annual Requirements (2) (C) states: The child care provider shall conduct a Family Care Safety Registry check for all child care staff members within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date as printed on the license.

Correction Required: Required Family Care Safety Registry checks shall be conducted for all child care staff member(s) within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

Compliance Date: 7/28/2025

2025-07-23 COMPLIANCE MONITORING 2 violations cited
Findings:

5 CSR 25-400.055 Annual Requirements

Violation: The annual sanitation inspection was not conducted.

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-400.055 Annual Requirements (2) (B) states: Evidence of compliance with local, state, or both, sanitation requirements.

Correction Required: The facility shall submit evidence of compliance with annual sanitation requirements.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

5 CSR 25-400.055 Annual Requirements

Violation: The Family Care Safety Registry check was not conducted for Stefannie Tjaarda, Megan Taylor and Peter Tjaarda within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-400.055 Annual Requirements (2) (C) states: The child care provider shall conduct a Family Care Safety Registry check for all child care staff members within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date as printed on the license.

Correction Required: Required Family Care Safety Registry checks shall be conducted for all child care staff member(s) within thirty (30) days prior to the anniversary date.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

2025-02-25 COMPLIANCE MONITORING No violations cited
2024-11-22 COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION 2 violations cited
Findings:

5 CSR 25-400.105 The Child Care Provider and Other Child Care Personnel

Violation: The requirements for obtaining 12 clock hours each calendar year were not met. For the calendar year of 2023, the staff listed need the following information: Megan Taylor needs 12 hours.

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-400.105 The Child Care Provider and Other Child Care Personnel (4) (A) states: The provider shall obtain at least twelve (12) clock hours of child care-related training during each calendar year. Any assistant who works or volunteers more than five (5) hours per week shall meet the same training requirements. Clock hour training shall be approved by the department.

Correction Required: Required training hours shall be documented for each caregiver.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

Compliance Date: 11/20/2024

5 CSR 25-400.105 The Child Care Provider and Other Child Care Personnel

Violation: The requirements for obtaining 12 clock hours each calendar year were not met. For the calendar year of 2022, the staff listed need the following information: Megan Taylor needs 7 hours.

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-400.105 The Child Care Provider and Other Child Care Personnel (4) (A) states: The provider shall obtain at least twelve (12) clock hours of child care-related training during each calendar year. Any assistant who works or volunteers more than five (5) hours per week shall meet the same training requirements. Clock hour training shall be approved by the department.

Correction Required: Required training hours shall be documented for each caregiver.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

Compliance Date: 11/14/2024

2024-10-31 SUPPLEMENTAL 4 violations cited
Findings:

5 CSR 25-400.105 The Child Care Provider and Other Child Care Personnel

Violation: The requirements for obtaining 12 clock hours each calendar year were not met. For the calendar year of 2022, the staff listed need the following information: Megan Taylor needs 7 hours.

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-400.105 The Child Care Provider and Other Child Care Personnel (4) (A) states: The provider shall obtain at least twelve (12) clock hours of child care-related training during each calendar year. Any assistant who works or volunteers more than five (5) hours per week shall meet the same training requirements. Clock hour training shall be approved by the department.

Correction Required: Required training hours shall be documented for each caregiver.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

5 CSR 25-400.105 The Child Care Provider and Other Child Care Personnel

Violation: The requirements for obtaining 12 clock hours each calendar year were not met. For the calendar year of 2023, the staff listed need the following information: Megan Taylor needs 12 hours.

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-400.105 The Child Care Provider and Other Child Care Personnel (4) (A) states: The provider shall obtain at least twelve (12) clock hours of child care-related training during each calendar year. Any assistant who works or volunteers more than five (5) hours per week shall meet the same training requirements. Clock hour training shall be approved by the department.

Correction Required: Required training hours shall be documented for each caregiver.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

5 CSR 25-400.185 Health Care

Violation: Requirements for immunization reports on file were not met as evidenced by 1 immunization record(s) was/were not on file .

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-400.185 Health Care (4) (A) states: No child shall be permitted to enroll in or attend any day care facility caring for ten (10) or more children unless the child has been adequately immunized against vaccine preventable childhood illnesses specified by the department in accordance with recommendations of Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP). The parent or guardian of the child shall provide satisfactory evidence of the required immunizations. Satisfactory evidence means a statement, certificate or record from a physician or other recognized health facility or personnel, stating that the required immunizations have been given to the child and verifying the type of vaccine and the month, day and year of administration.

Correction Required: Child immunization requirements shall be completed and on file as required.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

Compliance Date: 8/6/2024

5 CSR 25-600.020 General Requirements

Violation: Criminal background check results were older than five (5) years for Stefannie Tjaarda, Megan Taylor, Peter Tjaarda.

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-600.020 General Requirements (5) states: Criminal background checks shall be completed for each child care staff member every five (5) years.

Correction Required: Required results of criminal background checks shall be on file.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

Compliance Date: 10/1/2024

2024-07-29 COMPLIANCE MONITORING 4 violations cited
Findings:

5 CSR 25-400.105 The Child Care Provider and Other Child Care Personnel

Violation: The requirements for obtaining 12 clock hours each calendar year were not met. For the calendar year of 2022, the staff listed need the following information: Megan Taylor needs 7 hours.

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-400.105 The Child Care Provider and Other Child Care Personnel (4) (A) states: The provider shall obtain at least twelve (12) clock hours of child care-related training during each calendar year. Any assistant who works or volunteers more than five (5) hours per week shall meet the same training requirements. Clock hour training shall be approved by the department.

Correction Required: Required training hours shall be documented for each caregiver.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

5 CSR 25-400.105 The Child Care Provider and Other Child Care Personnel

Violation: The requirements for obtaining 12 clock hours each calendar year were not met. For the calendar year of 2023, the staff listed need the following information: Megan Taylor needs 12 hours.

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-400.105 The Child Care Provider and Other Child Care Personnel (4) (A) states: The provider shall obtain at least twelve (12) clock hours of child care-related training during each calendar year. Any assistant who works or volunteers more than five (5) hours per week shall meet the same training requirements. Clock hour training shall be approved by the department.

Correction Required: Required training hours shall be documented for each caregiver.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

5 CSR 25-400.185 Health Care

Violation: Requirements for immunization reports on file were not met as evidenced by 1 immunization record(s) was/were not on file .

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-400.185 Health Care (4) (A) states: No child shall be permitted to enroll in or attend any day care facility caring for ten (10) or more children unless the child has been adequately immunized against vaccine preventable childhood illnesses specified by the department in accordance with recommendations of Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP). The parent or guardian of the child shall provide satisfactory evidence of the required immunizations. Satisfactory evidence means a statement, certificate or record from a physician or other recognized health facility or personnel, stating that the required immunizations have been given to the child and verifying the type of vaccine and the month, day and year of administration.

Correction Required: Child immunization requirements shall be completed and on file as required.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

5 CSR 25-600.020 General Requirements

Violation: Criminal background check results were older than five (5) years for Stefannie Tjaarda, Megan Taylor, Peter Tjaarda.

Rule Reference: 5 CSR 25-600.020 General Requirements (5) states: Criminal background checks shall be completed for each child care staff member every five (5) years.

Correction Required: Required results of criminal background checks shall be on file.

Correction Verification: Submit Documentation

2024-01-31 COMPLIANCE MONITORING No violations cited
2023-07-27 COMPLIANCE MONITORING
2023-01-04 COMPLIANCE MONITORING
2022-12-19 COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION
2022-12-13 SUPPLEMENTAL
2022-07-11 COMPLIANCE MONITORING
2022-05-11 COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION

If you are a provider and believe any information is incorrect, please contact us. We will research your concern and make corrections accordingly.

Advertisement

Common questions

The answers people ask us for most often.

How do I contact a provider I found here?

In most cases the provider’s direct number is included in their listing. When it is not, we list the number of the Child Care Licensing Program — you may call that number for more information, or search for the provider online.

Will ChildcareCenter pass a message on to a provider for me?

No. ChildcareCenter only provides information, so enrolment questions, tuition questions and job enquiries need to go to the provider directly using the contact details on their listing. We cannot forward them and we cannot share contact details a provider has not published.

I run a daycare — how do I correct or remove my listing?

Use suggest an update on your listing to correct any detail, or claim the listing to manage it yourself. If you have closed or no longer provide care, contact us and we will update the listing to show that.

See all frequently asked questions

Considering Home Daycare?

Helpful Resources

Home Daycare vs. Child Care Centers
Read article →
Questions to Ask During a Tour
Read article →
Licensing Guide
Read article →
Is this your listing? Keep it accurate for families searching nearby.
Suggest an Update
Advertisement