Hickory Grove Early Learning Center

2026

1. Medium riskStandard 114/30/2026

   11. Child Discipline CCF Handbook, Section 2.8 (11-03)

   Child care personnel did not comply with the facility's written disciplinary and expulsion policies. CCF Handbook, Section 2.8, B General Requirements [SR] Comments: An inappropriate method of discipline was used by a teacher in the two-year-old classroom. The teacher told a child if he did not correct his behavior, he would get a Jesus Spanking. Technical assistance provided from the CCF Handbook: 2.8 Child Discipline B. The child care facility operators, employees, and volunteers must comply with written disciplinary and expulsion policies. Corrective Action: Teacher stated she meant no harm and would never put her hands to spank or hit anyones child. Teacher signed another discipline policy and wrote an apology to the parent acknowledging her wrong choice of words. Director reviewed the cameras and verified no child were spanked or touch and offered the parent access to review cameras. Director wrote an incident report and put in both the teacher and childs file. This standard is in compliance. PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 12. Facility Environment CCF Handbook, Section 3.1 Not Monitored 13. Toxic Substances, Hazardous Materials and Weapons CCF Handbook, Section 3.2 Not Monitored 14. Lighting, Temperature, and Ventilation CCF Handbook, Section 3.3 Not Monitored 15. Licensed Capacity CCF Handbook , Section 3.4 Not Monitored 16. Indoor Floor Space CCF Handbook, Section 3.4 Not Monitored 17. Outdoor Play Area/Fencing CCF Handbook, Section 3.5 Not Monitored 18. Bedding and Linens CCF Handbook, Section 3.6 Not Monitored 19. Nap/Sleep Space Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 3.6.2 Not Monitored 20. Crib Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 3.6 Not Monitored 21. Restrooms and Bath Facilities CCF Handbook, Section 3.7 Not Monitored 22. Operable Phone CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.1 Not Monitored 23. Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness CCF Handbook, Section 3.8 Not Monitored FOOD AND NUTRITION 24. Food Preparation Area CCF Handbook, Section 3.9 Not Monitored Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-04-30. View official inspection document (report 61e3b216-5144-41fd-986a-fd588adf00b5)

   Corrected at inspection
2. High riskStandard 033/30/2026

   03. Ratio Sufficient CCF Handbook, Section 2.3 (03-01)

   A ratio of [1] child care personnel for [4] children is required. A ratio of [0] child care personnel for [3] children was observed. s.402.305(4), F.S. General Requirements [SR] Comments: Licensing Specialist observed the following ratios: VPK A: 8 children to 2 staff VPK B: 6 children to 2 staff VPK C: 10 children to 1 staff Infants A: 3 children to 1 staff Infants B: 4 children to 1 staff Ones: 9 children to 2 staff Twos: 15 children to 2 staff Threes A: 8 children to 2 staff Threes B: 10 children to 1 staff Additional staff present Licensing Specialist observed Infant Classroom A with three children left alone in cribs with no teacher. The infant classroom is divided into two classrooms by a partition and a half door. Licensing Specialist observed both infant teachers talking in Classroom B. Director had one teacher move to Classroom A to supervise the infants. Technical assistance provided from the CCF Handbook: S402.305(4)F.S. (4) STAFF-TO-CHILDREN RATIO (a) Minimum standards for the care of children in a licensed child care facility as established by rule of the department must include: 1. For children from birth through 1 year of age, there must be one child care personnel for every four children. 2. For children 1 year of age or older, but under 2 years of age, there must be one child care personnel for every six children. 3. For children 2 years of age or older, but under 3 years of age, there must be one child care personnel for every 11 children. 4. For children 3 years of age or older, but under 4 years of age, there must be one child care personnel for every 15 children. 5. For children 4 years of age or older, but under 5 years of age, there must be one child care personnel for every 20 children. 6. For children 5 years of age or older, there must be one child care personnel for every 25 children. 7. When children 2 years of age and older are in care, the staff-to-children ratio shall be based on the age group with the largest number of children within the group. Corrective Action: Director had one of the teachers in Classroom B move into Classroom A. The standard was brought into compliance. Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-30. View official inspection document (report 683679a7-fec4-477e-8e86-983422c0fff9)

   Corrected at inspection
3. High riskStandard 043/30/2026

   04. Supervision CCF Handbook, Section 2.4 (04-06)

   There were insufficient personnel readily accessible to meet ratio requirements during nap time. CCF Handbook, Section 2.4.2 General Requirements [SR] Comments: Licensing Specialist observed one of the one-year-old teachers in the office upon arrival. Licensing Specialist observed the one-year-old classroom with 1 teacher 9 children at naptime. Technical assistance provided from the CCF Handbook: 2.4.2 Nap time Supervision During nap time, child care personnel must be within sight and hearing of all the children. All other child care personnel required to meet the staff-to-child ratio must be within the building on the same floor and available to be summoned if needed to ensure the safety of the children. Nap time supervision does not apply to children up to 24 months of age, who must have direct supervision at all times. Corrective Action: Director had the staff member return to the classroom. This brought this standard into compliance. Compliance Comments Technical Assistance Statement Regarding Transportation and Vehicle Requirements for Child Care Facilities Prior to transporting children, the facility must be approved by the Department to offer transportation services. Transportation services will be approved if the conditions set forth in parts 2.5.1, 2.5.4., 2.5.5., and 4.2.6., of the Child Care Facility Handbook are met. Pursuant to 402.305(10)4(b), Florida Statutes, child care facilities are required to install an alarm system in each vehicle used by the facility or home to transport children by January 9, 2022. Alongside the alarm requirements, child care providers are required to continue conducting physical and visual sweeps of the vehicle and maintaining a log. Please visit the child care website at: www.myflfamilies.com/childcare then click on Child Care Alarms for Transportation for more information or contact your licensing counselor. Bus Alarm: Pursuant to Senate Bill 252, child care facilities and large family child care homes are required to install an alarm system in each vehicle used by the facility or home to transport children by Jan. 1, 2022. Alongside the alarm requirements, child care providers are required to continue conducting physical and visual sweeps of the vehicle and maintaining a log. Please visit the child care website at: www.myflfamilies.com/childcare then click on Child Care Alarms for Transportation for more information or contact your licensing specialist. Licensing Specialist reviewed transportation logs for the program. All necessary requirements were documented and are currently in compliance. Licensing Specialist reviewed the vehicle safety alarm for the vehicle(s) used to transport children. All alarm mechanisms were in proper working order and in accordance with the alarm requirements. Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-30. View official inspection document (report 683679a7-fec4-477e-8e86-983422c0fff9)

   Corrected at inspection
4. Medium riskStandard 173/30/2026

   17. Outdoor Play Area/Fencing CCF Handbook, Section 3.5 (17-06)

   The facilitys fencing walls or gate area had gaps that could allow children to exit the outdoor play area. CCF Handbook, Section 3.5, F Physical Environment [SR] Comments: Licensing Specialist observed the fence area on the playground to have gaps more than 3.5 inches at the entryway to play area and the double gates located to the rear of the play area. Technical assistance provided from the CCF Handbook: 3.5 Outdoor Play Area F. The outdoor play area must have adequate fencing or walls a minimum of 4 feet in height. Fencing, including gates, must be continuous and must not have gaps or opening larger than 3 inches that would allow children to exit the outdoor play area. The base of the fence must remain at ground level and be free from erosion or buildup to prevent inside and outside access by children or animals. These areas must have at least two exits, with at least one being remote from the buildings. If an outdoor play area was approved for usage by the Department prior to October 25, 2017, no new exits are required to be added to meet this standard. However, if outdoor play area fencing is changed then the standard would apply, and two exits must be provided. Corrective Action: Director is to have gate extended to meet building at the entryway to play area. Director is to remove existing railroad block and align to rear exit gates to prevent children from rolling under. Due: 4/13/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-30. View official inspection document (report 683679a7-fec4-477e-8e86-983422c0fff9)

   Not corrected
5. Medium riskStandard 283/30/2026

   28. Bottles, Breastmilk, Formula and Infant Food CCF Handbook, Section 3.9 (28-02)

   Bottles and/or sippy cups brought from home were not labeled with childs first and last name. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.5, B Food and Nutrition [SR] Comments: Licensing Specialist observed bottles and sippy cups not labeled in classrooms with childs first and last name. Technical assistance provided from the CCF Handbook: 3.9.6 Breastmilk, Infant Formula, and Food B. The provider must make sure all formula and food brought from home are labeled with the childs first and last name. The provider is responsible for the label; therefore, if the label is not completed by the parent, child care personnel must put the label on when the formula or food is received. Director provided markers for teachers add childrens names to bottles and sippy cups. Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-30. View official inspection document (report 683679a7-fec4-477e-8e86-983422c0fff9)

   Corrected at inspection
6. Medium riskStandard 283/30/2026

   28. Bottles, Breastmilk, Formula and Infant Food CCF Handbook, Section 3.9 (28-04)

   Formula and/or food brought from home was not labeled with the childs first and last name. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.6, B Food and Nutrition [SR] Comments: Licensing Specialist observed infant food and pouches in the refrigerator. Food was not labeled and teacher advised Licensing Specialist that she did not know what child it was for. Technical assistance provided from the CCF Handbook: 3.9.6 Breastmilk, Infant Formula, and Food B. The provider must make sure all formula and food brought from home are labeled with the childs first and last name. The provider is responsible for the label; therefore, if the label is not completed by the parent, child care personnel must put the label on when the formula or food is received. Director provided markers to staff and had the staff label the childs food brought from home. SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-30. View official inspection document (report 683679a7-fec4-477e-8e86-983422c0fff9)

   Corrected at inspection