Early Start Learning Center

591-1-1-.26(4) · Rule 591-1-1-.26(4) requires that playgrounds be protected from traffic or other hazards by a (4) four foot high fence or other barrier approved by this Department. Fencing material shall not present a hazard to children and shall be maintained so as to prevent children from leaving the playground area by any means other than through an approved access route. Fence gates shall be kept closed except when persons are entering or exiting the area.

During a Complaint Investigation & Licensing Study conducted on March 6, 2025 ; It was determined based on observation that a four inch gap was observed at the right fence near the road. It was further determined that a five inch gap was observed in the corner of the back right fence.

View state record

591-1-1-.26(4) · Rule 591-1-1-.26(4) requires that playgrounds be protected from traffic or other hazards by a (4) four foot high fence or other barrier approved by this Department. Fencing material shall not present a hazard to children and shall be maintained so as to prevent children from leaving the playground area by any means other than through an approved access route. Fence gates shall be kept closed except when persons are entering or exiting the area.

During a Complaint Investigation Follow Up conducted on April 1, 2025 ; It was determined based on observation that a nine inch gap was observed at the top right fence near the road. It was further determined that a five inch gap was observed in the corner of the back right fence.

View state record

591-1-1-.26(6) · Rule 591-1-1-.26(6) requires that playground equipment provide an opportunity for the children to engage in a variety of experiences and shall be age-appropriate. For example, toddlers shall not be permitted to swing in swings designed for School-age Children. The outdoor equipment shall be free of lead-based paint, sharp corners and shall be regularly maintained in such a way as to be free of rust and splinters that could pose significant safety hazard to the children. All equipment shall be arranged so as not to obstruct supervision of children.

During a Complaint Investigation & Licensing Study conducted on March 6, 2025 ; It was determined, based on observation, that chipping paint was observed on the red truck on this date. It was further determined that the swing chains were twisted and had rust throughout. It was also determined that a red and silver tricycle had rust throughout.

View state record

591-1-1-.26(6) · Rule 591-1-1-.26(6) requires that playground equipment provide an opportunity for the children to engage in a variety of experiences and shall be age-appropriate. For example, toddlers shall not be permitted to swing in swings designed for School-age Children. The outdoor equipment shall be free of lead-based paint, sharp corners and shall be regularly maintained in such a way as to be free of rust and splinters that could pose significant safety hazard to the children. All equipment shall be arranged so as not to obstruct supervision of children.

During a Complaint Investigation Follow Up conducted on April 1, 2025 ; It was determined based on observation that chipping paint was observed on the red truck on this date. It was further determined that the swing chains were twisted and had rust throughout. It was also determined that the red truck had a broken tire and a protruding nail on the left side on this date.

View state record

591-1-1-.36(4)(b) · Rule 591-1-1-.36(4)(b) requires that the interior of a transportation vehicle be clean, in safe repair and free of hazardous items, objects and/or other non-essential items which could cause injury.

During a Complaint Investigation & Licensing Study conducted on March 6, 2025 ; It was determined based on observation that there was a broken seat belt cover on the back second row in the vehicle with tag # DAJ1604. It was further determined that there were broken and missing seat belts in the vehicle with tag # AFJ8814.

View state record

591-1-1-.36(4)(b) · Rule 591-1-1-.36(4)(b) requires that the interior of a transportation vehicle be clean, in safe repair and free of hazardous items, objects and/or other non-essential items which could cause injury.

During a Complaint Investigation Follow Up conducted on April 1, 2025 ; It was determined based on observation that there were broken and missing seat belts in the vehicle with tag # AFJ8814.

View state record

591-1-1-.36(4)(f)1. · Rule 591-1-1-.36(4)(f)1. requires that all transported children be secured in a child passenger restraining system or seat safety belt in accordance with current state and federal laws and regulations and according to manufacturer's directions.

During a Complaint Investigation & Licensing Study conducted on March 6, 2025 ; It was determined based on observation that the center did not have any car seats in the vehicle with tag # DAJ1604, when children under eight-years-old were transported.

View state record

591-1-1-.36(4)(f)1. · Rule 591-1-1-.36(4)(f)1. requires that all transported children be secured in a child passenger restraining system or seat safety belt in accordance with current state and federal laws and regulations and according to manufacturer's directions.

During a Complaint Investigation Follow Up conducted on April 1, 2025 ; It was determined based on observation that the center did not have any car seats in the vehicle with tag # DAJ1604, when children under eight-years-old were transported. Exhibit "A"

View state record

591-1-1-.32(7) · Rule 591-1-1-.32(7) requires that children be supervised at all times appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child. Such supervision must include, but not be limited to, indoor and outdoor activities, mealtimes, naptime, transportation, field trips, and transitions between activities. "Supervision" means that the appropriate number of Staff members are physically present in the area where children are being cared for and are providing watchful oversight to the children, volunteers and Students-in-Training. The persons supervising in the child care area must be alert, positioned to maximize their ability to hear and see the children at all times, and able to respond promptly to the needs and actions of the children being supervised, as well as the actions of the volunteers and Students-in-Training, and provide timely attention to the children's actions and needs. Staff shall be attentive and participating with all children during mealtimes and shall be seated within an arm¶s length away from children thirty- six (36) months of age and younger.

During a Complaint Closure conducted on December 20, 2022 ; It was determined based on investigative findings which included staff statements and staff and children's interviews, that during an incident on December 12, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. two children, ages five and seven-years-old, were left unsupervised on the child care bus, while the driver went into the Wesley Chapel Post Office for approximately two minutes. An adverse action was previously issued for this rule violation. This rule violation is no longer appealable. No fine is being issued at this time.

View state record

591-1-1-.32(7) · Rule 591-1-1-.32(7) requires that children be supervised at all times appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child. Such supervision must include, but not be limited to, indoor and outdoor activities, mealtimes, naptime, transportation, field trips, and transitions between activities. "Supervision" means that the appropriate number of Staff members are physically present in the area where children are being cared for and are providing watchful oversight to the children, volunteers and Students-in-Training. The persons supervising in the child care area must be alert, positioned to maximize their ability to hear and see the children at all times, and able to respond promptly to the needs and actions of the children being supervised, as well as the actions of the volunteers and Students-in-Training, and provide timely attention to the children's actions and needs. Staff shall be attentive and participating with all children during mealtimes and shall be seated within an arm¶s length away from children thirty- six (36) months of age and younger.

During an Incident Investigation Closure conducted on February 16, 2023 ; It was determined that on January 24, 2023, at 3:42 p.m. children were not being properly supervised when a student pulled down the pants of a four-year-old child, while on the playground in the playhouse. No medical care was required for the small scratch that was sustained to the buttocks. The four-year-old child did receive a small scratch to the buttocks when he was pushed to the ground, and his pants were pulled down by another child in the little house in the outdoor play area. It was further determined that staff members were assisting other children on the play equipment, and were not located where they could provide watchful oversight. An adverse action was previously issued for this rule violation. This rule violation is no longer appealable. No fine is being issued at this time.

View state record

591-1-1-.32(7) · Rule 591-1-1-.32(7) requires that children be supervised at all times appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child. Such supervision must include, but not be limited to, indoor and outdoor activities, mealtimes, naptime, transportation, field trips, and transitions between activities. "Supervision" means that the appropriate number of Staff members are physically present in the area where children are being cared for and are providing watchful oversight to the children, volunteers and Students-in-Training. The persons supervising in the child care area must be alert, positioned to maximize their ability to hear and see the children at all times, and able to respond promptly to the needs and actions of the children being supervised, as well as the actions of the volunteers and Students-in-Training, and provide timely attention to the children's actions and needs. Staff shall be attentive and participating with all children during mealtimes and shall be seated within an arm¶s length away from children thirty- six (36) months of age and younger.

During a Monitoring Visit conducted on July 18, 2023 ; It was determined based on observation that a school-age child was hiding behind a classroom door without staff supervision for approximately one to two minutes and two children enrolled in the program came from outside play and entered the building to use the restroom without staff supervision on this date. Exhibit "A"

View state record

591-1-1-.36(10) · Rule 591-1-1-.36(10) requires that a child never be left unattended in a vehicle. AND

View state record

591-1-1-.32(7) · Rule 591-1-1-.32(7) requires that children be supervised at all times appropriate to the individual age, needs and capabilities of each child. Such supervision must include, but not be limited to, indoor and outdoor activities, mealtimes, naptime, transportation, field trips, and transitions between activities. "Supervision" means that the appropriate number of Staff members are physically present in the area where children are being cared for and are providing watchful oversight to the children, volunteers and Students-in-Training. The persons supervising in the child care area must be alert, positioned to maximize their ability to hear and see the children at all times, and able to respond promptly to the needs and actions of the children being supervised, as well as the actions of the volunteers and Students-in-Training, and provide timely attention to the children's actions and needs. Staff shall be attentive and participating with all children during mealtimes and shall be seated within an arm’s length away from children thirty-six (36) months of age and younger.

It was determined based on investigative findings that on December 12, 2022, a driver of the child care vehicle left two children, aged five and seven years, unattended on the child care bus. The driver left the two children in the vehicle while they went into the Wesley Chapel Post Office, for approximately two minutes. No injuries were reported.

View state record

591-1-1-.36(3)(a-b) · Rule 591-1-1-.36(3)(a-b) requires any Center that provides any type of transportation to obtain two (2) hours of state approved or state-accepted transportation training, biannually, for the Director and for each person responsible for or who participates in the transportation of children. The training shall include, but is not limited to, a review of the transportation rules, a review of approved transportation forms and procedures, and instruction on the usage and completion of the forms and procedures. This training may be counted as part of the annual training requirements for Staff.

It was determined based on a review of records that staff member #9 had not obtained the two (2) hours of state- approved or state-accepted transportation training, biannually, before participating in the transportation of children as required. Staff #9 was observed to have completed the second check of the vehicle on December 12, 2022.

View state record