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Little Footsteps Academy
4718 Old Road 37, Lakeland FL 33813 · License #C10PO0407 · Child Care Facility
Contact
- Phone
- (863) 646-8400
- Website
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- Address
- 4718 Old Road 37, Lakeland FL 33813 · Directions
Hours
Care & schedule
When they operate
Ages served
Ages not published.
- Accepts School Readiness subsidy
- Licensed for 146 children
How this facility compares
Violations per inspection, 3-yrInspection history & violations
Source: Florida DCF, Office of Child Care Regulation- Class 3
09-07 · Planned Activities
At the time of inspection, the Licensing specialist observed some four year old as well as aged children in the middle classroom typically used for the second VPK classroom watching Bluey. The specialist advised the staff that the cartoon was not educational and asked if a different program can be turned on in replace of Bluey. The counselor suggested Blippi or the magic school bus. The staff immediately turned on the magic school bus for the children at time of inspection. TA was provided to ensure that children in care are offered media that is used for educational purposes
Corrected by May 29, 2025
- Class 3
12-03 · Facility Environment
At the time of inspection, the Licensing specialist observed in the main hallway of classes two mop bucket filled with water and chemical being stored in the hallway unsupervised. At that time parents were picking children up and the specialist observed the three year old children coming back into their classroom from the playground; the first mop bucket was stored directly in front of their classroom door. The other mop bucket was stored outside of the classroom with school aged children across from a two year old classroom. The provider explained that around 3pm they close some classrooms and the teacher clean the classrooms to include mopping the floors. The specialist asked the provider how long the mop bucket was stored unattended. The provider responded near the hour or within 15 mins after the hour. The specialist suggested that mop buckets are prepared at time of use and discarded immediately after use to avoid a potential health hazard. The specialist reiterated that there should be no standing water left unattended or stored with no supervision. The specialist asked the provider to have the mop buckets removed from the hallway and staff removed them at time of inspection. TA was provided to ensure that children have no access to low potential hazards while in care
Corrected by May 29, 2025
- Class 3
12-02 · Facility Environment
At the time of inspection, the Licensing specialist observed a few floor tiles chipped and missing pieces in the restroom of the first VPK classroom near infants as well as the three year old classroom across from the first VPK classroom near the sink with cabinets and drawers. Also, the specialist observed some paint chipping on the walls in the one year old classroom near the office in reach of children on the wall near the light switch. The provider is encouraged to paint the areas of the wall that paint is chipped as soon as the facility is made aware. TA was provided to ensure that the facility is in good repair by the due date
- Class 2
13-01 · Toxic Substances, Hazardous Materials and Weapons
At the time of inspection, the Licensing specialist observed the a spray bottle storing a clear solution on near the sink in the second VPK half day program classroom. The specialist asked the provider what the solution was and the staff replied, a disinfectant. The specialist asked the provider to label the bottle with the chemical name. The provider had the bottle labeled at time of inspection. TA was provided to ensure that toxic and hazardous material stored in spray bottles are labeled at all times
Corrected by Apr 24, 2025
- Class 3
17-03 · Outdoor Play Area/Fencing
At the time of inspection, the Licensing specialist observed both playgrounds for younger and older children with no shade. The provider advised that they removed the shade near the time of the last rain storm and are brainstorming a more durable material and post to use for shade. The specialist suggested that a temporary form of shade is added to the playgrounds as soon as possible as a requirement adequate shade must be present on the playgrounds. The provider advised that they will add temporary shade soon such as: a tent until a permanent form of shade is solidified. TA was provided to ensure that shade is added to both childrens playgrounds by the due date
- Class 3
26-01 · Meal and Snack Menus
At the time of inspection, the Licensing specialist observed the food preparation personnel serving breakfast to children in care. The specialist observed the plates with waffles, peaches sliced and milk. Later the specialist observed in the young two year old classroom the personnel delivered breakfast to the classroom which consisted of pancakes and diced pears and milk. The personnel advised that she ran out of certain food items as its towards the end of the week. The staff advised that she did add the substitution peaches to the menu posted in the lobby area, but the staff did not add pancakes as a substitution. Later in the inspection, the personnel fully noted all of the substitutions on the menu at time of inspection. TA was provided to ensure that the provider adds substitutions for food items that are changed to the current weekly menu posted
Corrected by Apr 24, 2025
- Class 3
31-05 · Indoor Equipment
At the time of inspection, the Licensing specialist observed plush and plastic toys in the first one year old classroom near the office as well as the older one year old classroom with toys that were heavily stained with stains and dirt/ debris build up on toys. In the older one year old classroom the specialist observed green and white plush soccer ball and stuffed brown dog. In the younger one year old classroom the specialist observed a black and white also plush soccer ball and the plastic walking push toys were observed with dirt/ debris build up. Also, in the infant classroom a boppy pillowcase was observed with milk stains and food stains on the cover. At the time of inspection, the specialist advised that these items and toys be removed from the classroom and cleaned. TA was provided to ensure that the toys and other items are cleaned and sanitized by the due date
- Class 3
24-09 · Food Preparation Area
At the of inspection, the provider stated that they have been preparing infant formula and breastmilk bottles in the infant classroom. The provider then expressed that the provider and owner were unclear and had additional questions on the standard. The provider and specialist discussed the non compliance and the specialist offered suggestions on how to remain in compliance for the standard as well as answered all of the questions the provider had at time of inspection. The provider and owner discussed the options for compliance and stated that for the remainder of the day as well as going forward infants bottles will be prepared in the food preparation area of the facility. The assistant director prepared a bottle for an infant in care at time of inspection and explained the preparation steps to the specialist which aligned with the provider preparing bottles in the food preparation area at time of inspection. TA was provided to ensure that the provider continues with the corrective action plan set at time of inspection on today's date to remain in compliance for this standard
Corrected by Jan 7, 2025
- Class 3
01-03 · License Displayed/Citation Posted/Advertising
At the time of inspection, the Licensing specialist observed an advertising sign in the parking lot facing the street Old Road 37 that did not include the facilitys license number on the sign. TA was provided to ensure that all advertising for the facility includes the facilitys license number
- Class 3
12-02 · Facility Environment
At the time of inspection, the Licensing specialist observed paint peeling on the corner of the wall and also drywall exposed across from the restroom in the two year old classroom. Also, paint peeling was observed in the restroom inside the three year old classroom, called giraffes. Both areas needing to be repainted were observed low to the wall accessible to children in care. TA was provided to ensure that the areas in the facility are repainted and in good repair by the due date
- Class 3
24-09 · Food Preparation Area
At the time of inspection, the Licensing specialist observed the infant classroom with formula in the classroom and staff stated that they prepare bottles in the classroom but no additional sink was present for food preparation. The specialist advised the provider that when bottles are prepared in the classroom a designated sink is required that must have hot water that reaches a minimum of 100 degrees. TA was provided to ensure that a sink or portable sink is added to the classroom that meet requirement by the due date
- Class 3
33-03 · Training Requirements
At the time of inspection, the Licensing specialist determined that the child care personnel listed on the supplemental did not start a DCF training course from part 1 or part 2 of introductory courses within 90 days of working in the industry. The staff did start a DCF course but late on 10/16/2024. The staff started at the facility and industry on 6/28/2024. TA was provided to ensure that child care personnel start a training course within 90 days of working in the industry
Corrected by Dec 5, 2024
- Class 3
12-03 · Facility Environment
At the time of inspection, the counselor observed the fire extinguisher in the vehicle used to transport not mounted and placed at the back of the van on the floor. The counselor advised the provider that the fire extinguisher should be mounted to eliminate a safety hazard. TA was provided to ensure that fire extinguisher is mounted or secured in place by the due date
- Class 3
25-02 · Meals and Snacks
At the time of inspection, the counselor observed the one year old classroom near the front office eating breakfast and the children were offered whole sliced peaches. The counselor advised the provider that the peaches must be cut up for the toddlers into size or smaller to prevent a choking hazard. The counselor asked the staff to cut the peaches to smaller size and the staff immediately cut the peaches for the children to eat at time of inspection. TA was provided to ensure that food provided to infants and toddlers are the appropriate size to prevent a choking hazard
Corrected by Aug 15, 2024
- Class 3
29-16 · Health and Sanitation
At the time of inspection, the counselor observed in the three year old classroom in the restroom the hand washing sink did not include situational times of when to wash your hands posted. The provider immediately placed a hand washing sign near the hand washing sink that included both when and how to wash hands at time of inspection. TA was provided to ensure that hand washing procedures are posted near all hand washing stations that include both how and when to wash hands
Corrected by Aug 15, 2024
- Class 3
30-14 · Diapering
At the time of inspection, the counselor observed the staff in both one year old classrooms as well as the three year old classroom change a childs diaper and not follow all steps, specifically washing the childs hands after diapering. Also, in the three year old classroom the staff was observed changing a childs diaper, then changing gloves and grabbing the next child to change. The counselor immediately advised the staff that she should sanitize the surface in between diaper changes, wash her hands as well as the childs hands and then change gloves to diaper the next child. The staff washed her hands, the child's hands as well as sanitized the diapering surface at time of inspection. TA was provided to ensure that child care personnel follows diapering procedures after every diaper change
Corrected by Aug 15, 2024
- Class 3
33-09 · Training Requirements
At the time of inspection, the counselor determined that the child care personnel listed on the supplemental failed to complete and document completion of fire extinguisher training and place on file for Licensing to review within 30 days of employment at the facility. TA was provided to ensure that the staff completes the fire extinguisher training by the due date
- Class 3
37-06 · First Aid Requirements
At the time of inspection, the counselor observed the first aid kit in the vehicle missing soap. The provider immediately added a bar of soap to the first aid kit at time of inspection. TA was provided to ensure that first aid kits are complete with all required items
Corrected by Aug 15, 2024
- Class 3
42-01 · Student Health and Records
At the time of inspection, the counselor determined that the child listed on the supplemental did not have a Medical physical form on file within 30 days of enrollment. The childs enrollment date was 6/24/2024. TA was provided to ensure that the child has a current medical physical on file by the due date
- Class 2
03-01 · Ratio Sufficient
Initial 2 staff; 11 children ages three and four years old 2 staff; 11 children ages two and three years old 3 staff; 13 children ages one year old 1 staff; 3 infants 2 other staff At time of inspection the counselor conducted multiple checks on ratio after the initial ratio at time of arrival at the facility. During one of the multiple times counselor visually checked ratio she observed the two year old classroom with 1 staff and 12 children ages two years old. The counselor advised the staff that she was over ratio. The staff replied that she knew and that she called to the staff in charge over the walkie. The counselor advised that the other open two year old classroom of the staff that was previously in the classroom with the teacher only had 3 children. Counselor asked the staff who the oldest child was at that time and was preparing to remove the child and add them to the other classroom that held 3 children at the time. During that time a parent was dropping off another 2 year old child that would put the ratio at 1 staff; 13 children ages two years old. The staff asked the parent to hold the child while they figured out the ratio. The staff in charge sent an additional staff who just arrived to open another classroom of two year olds. This allowed for both classrooms to be in ratio at time of inspection. TA was provided to staff to ensure that she recognizes when she is over ratio and communicates that as well as advise parents that she can not accept another child if the staff will not be in ratio. Ending ratio 1 staff; 8 children ages three and four years old 2 staff; 8 children ages two years old 2 staff; 15 children ages three years old 2 staff; 11 children ages two years old 2 staff; 14 children ages VPK 2 staff; 12 children age one year old 2 staff; 10 children ages two and three years old 3 staff; 9 children ages one year old 2 staff; 11 children age one year old 6 other staff
Corrected by Apr 25, 2024
- Class 2
06-01 · Driver's License, Physician Certification
At the time of inspection, the counselor determined that the facilitys driver did not have a current medical drivers physical granting approval to drive. The staffs last medical physical was dated on 3/16/2023 and is valid for one year. The counselor reviewed transportation logs for the last several weeks and observed the driver listed on the supplemental transported children in care. The provider sent the staff to complete a physical at time of inspection. TA was provided to ensure that the driver has a current medical physicals completed annually
Corrected by Apr 25, 2024
- Class 3
09-07 · Planned Activities
At the time of inspection, the counselor observed the three and four year old classroom watching Bluey on the television. The counselor reminded the staff that media must be used for educational purposes. The staff replied that she turns on the shows that the children ask for. The counselor advised the staff that during hours of care children must have educational options offered if media is being used. The provider turned the program off and turned the television off at time of inspection. TA was provided to ensure that the television is used for educational purposes if media is offered to children in care
Corrected by Apr 25, 2024
- Class 3
12-01 · Facility Environment
At the time of inspection, the counselor observed the upright refrigerator, freezer combos in the kitchen in need of cleaning. The refrigerator on the left had a sticky substance spilled in the drawer at the bottom of the refrigerator. The refrigerator to the right had milk residue and other stains at the bottom of the refrigerator. The counselor also observed the shared restroom near the VPK classrooms in need of cleaning the toilet was stained with urine on the seat and at the base of the toilet in need of cleaning. The provider had staff to clean the areas at time of inspection. TA was provided to ensure that the areas of facility are clean and maintained
Corrected by Apr 25, 2024
- Class 3
28-02 · Bottles, Breastmilk, Formula and Infant Food
At the time of inspection, the counselor observed a childs bottle or sippy cups sent from home that was not labeled with the childs first and last name. The counselor advised staff that the childs full name must be labeled on the bottle. The staff immediately labeled the bottle with the childs name at time of inspection. TA was provided to ensure that all childrens bottles or cups sent from home are labeled with the childrens first and last names
Corrected by Apr 25, 2024
- Class 3
33-01 · Training Requirements
At the time of inspection, the counselor determined that the child care personnel listed on the supplemental did not complete required DCF introductory training within 12 months of working in the industry. Staff 1 started in the industry on 4/1/2019. The staff completed 40 hour required training but late. Staff 2 started in the industry on 11/8/2016. TA was provided to ensure that staff completes required training by the due date
- Class 3
35-12 · Communicable Disease Control
At the time of inspection, the counselor determined that the child care personnel listed on the supplemental listed on the supplemental did not complete exposure plan training annually. The last training staff completed was on 3/13/2023. TA was provided to ensure that the exposure plan training is completed by the due date
- Class 3
45-11 · Background Screening Documents
At the time of inspection, the counselor determined that the child care personnel listed on the supplemental did not have a search initiated from the additional state that the staff lived in within the past five years. The provider completed a out of state sexual offender search but failed to initiate a search for child abuse and neglect registry for out of state for Puerto Rico. Provider reached out the Puerto Rico by email to initiate a search for staff at time of inspection. TA was provided to ensure that the provider initiates a search for child care personnel for a check child abuse and neglect registry for out of state
Corrected by Apr 25, 2024
- Class 2
At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed infant classroom with 5 infants with 1 Child Care Personnel and the 2-year-old classroom with 12 children with 1 Child Care Personnel
Corrected by Mar 27, 2024
Questions to ask on your tour
Generated from this facility's specific inspection record
- 1The May 29, 2025 inspection noted: “At the time of inspection, the Licensing specialist observed some four year old as well as aged children in the middle classroom typically used for the second V…” — what has changed since then?
- 2The May 29, 2025 inspection noted: “At the time of inspection, the Licensing specialist observed in the main hallway of classes two mop bucket filled with water and chemical being stored in the ha…” — what has changed since then?
- 3The Apr 24, 2025 inspection noted: “At the time of inspection, the Licensing specialist observed a few floor tiles chipped and missing pieces in the restroom of the first VPK classroom near infant…” — what has changed since then?
Data synced from Florida DCF, Office of Child Care Regulation · Source records · Report an error