Step Forward Learning Center
BROOKSVILLE, FL·Child Care FacilityLicensed
Contact information
Address1351 E Jefferson St, Brooksville FL, 34601
CountyHERNANDO
Phone8134660776
Operating details
HoursMon 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Tue 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Wed 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Thu 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Fri 6:30AM to 6:00PM
Capacity29
Compliance snapshot
Last inspection: 3/31/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.
- High1
- Medium-High17
- Medium0
- Medium-Low0
- Low0
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Location
Using Address for Location
Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:
1351 E Jefferson St, Brooksville FL, 34601, BROOKSVILLE, FL 34601
Questions to ask on a tour
Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.
- This facility has staffing or training findings on its state record - ask about background checks, required training completion, and staff turnover
- Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses
- Ask about teacher-to-child ratios and how supervision is maintained through the day
- Ask about their illness policy and which symptoms require a child to stay home
Violation summary
Last 2 years · Last inspection: 3/31/2026
- High1
- Medium-High17
- Medium0
- Medium-Low0
- Low0
2026
- Medium-High riskStandard 453/31/2026
45. (45-02)
Documentation of Level 2 Clearinghouse screening clearance was missing for child care personnel. CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1,C (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR] Comments: At time of inspection, Specialist observed the staff listed on the supplemental did not have Documentation of Level 2 Clearinghouse screening clearance on file. Technical assistance provided that all childcare personnel must have documentation of Level 2 Clearinghouse screening clearance. Staff in Charge resolved at time of inspection by printing the Level 2 Clearinghouse screening clearance and adding to the personnel file. Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-31. View official inspection document (report c28fd1d1-c733-4692-bd13-fd0ab018c2f5)
Corrected at inspection - High riskStandard 453/31/2026
45. (45-01)
A complete CF-FSP Form 5131, Background Screening and Personnel File Requirements, was not on file for all employees. CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1, A (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR] Comments: At time of inspection, Specialist observed the staff listed on the supplemental did not have a Form 5131 on file. Technical assistance provided that all staff must have a complete CF-FSP Form 5131, Background Screening and Personnel File Requirements form on file. Staff in Charge resolved at time of inspection by completing the CF-FSP Form 5131, Background Screening and Personnel File Requirements for the employee. Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-31. View official inspection document (report c28fd1d1-c733-4692-bd13-fd0ab018c2f5)
Corrected at inspection - Medium-High riskStandard 413/31/2026
41. (41-01)
Child(ren) did not have a Florida Certification of Immunization (DH Form 680) or a Religious Exemption from Immunization (DH Form 681), on file within 30 days of enrollment. CCF Handbook, Section 7.1, B (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR] Comments: At time of inspection, Specialist observed the child listed on the supplemental did not have a Florida Certification of Immunization (DH Form 680) or a Religious Exemption from Immunization (DH Form 681), on file within 30 days of enrollment. Technical assistance provided that all children must have a Florida Certification of Immunization (DH Form 680) or a Religious Exemption from Immunization (DH Form 681), on file within 30 days of enrollment. CCF Handbook, Section 7.1, B (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) 42. Student Health and Records CCF Handbook, Section 7.2 CCF Handbook, Section 7.2 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Compliance Compliance Comments Counselor reviewed all 14 children files. 43. Enrollment Information CCF Handbook, Section 7.3 & s. 402.3054(2), F.S. CCF Handbook, Section 7.3 & s. 402.3054(2), F.S. (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Compliance Due: 4/21/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-31. View official inspection document (report c28fd1d1-c733-4692-bd13-fd0ab018c2f5)
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 393/31/2026
39. (39-04)
Child care personnel failed to share the accident/incident form with the custodial parent/ legal guardian or the individual authorized to pick up child on the day that the incident occurred. CCF Handbook, Section 6.4, B & D (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Health Requirements [SR] Comments: At time of inspection, Specialist observed an incident report was not given the day of the incident for the child listed on the supplemental. Technical assistance provided that childcare personnel must share the accident / incident form with the custodial parent / legal guardian or the individual authorized to pick up child on the day that the incident occurred. Not Monitored Comments No children on medication at time of inspection. 40. Medication CCF Handbook, Section 6.5 CCF Handbook, Section 6.5 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Not Monitored RECORD KEEPING 41. Immunization Records CCF Handbook, Section 7.1 CCF Handbook, Section 7.1 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Noncompliance Due: 4/21/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-31. View official inspection document (report c28fd1d1-c733-4692-bd13-fd0ab018c2f5)
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 333/31/2026
33. Training Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4 CCF Handbook, Section 4 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) (33-01)
Child care personnel including volunteers who work 10 hours or more per month did not complete the 40 hour Introductory Child Care Training requirement. CCF Handbook Section 4.2.1 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Comments: At time of inspection, Specialist observed the staff listed on the supplemental did not complete the 40 hour Introductory Child Care Training requirement. Technical assistance provided that all child care personnel including volunteers who work 10 hours or more per month must complete the 40 hour Introductory Child Care Training requirement. CCF Handbook Section 4.2.1 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3). Due: 4/21/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-31. View official inspection document (report c28fd1d1-c733-4692-bd13-fd0ab018c2f5)
Not corrected
2025
- Medium-High riskStandard 128/5/2025
12. (12-18)
The facility did not have electrical outlet covers or the outlet covers were not in place. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1, I (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR] Comments: At time of inspection, Counselor observed outlets did not have outlet covers in place. Technical Assistance provided that all outlet covers need to be in place. 13. Toxic Substances, Hazardous Materials and Weapons CCF Handbook, Section 3.2 CCF Handbook, Section 3.2 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Compliance 14. Lighting, Temperature, and Ventilation CCF Handbook, Section 3.3 CCF Handbook, Section 3.3 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Compliance 15. Licensed Capacity CCF Handbook , Section 3.4 CCF Handbook , Section 3.4 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Compliance Due: 8/22/2025 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-08-05. View official inspection document (report 5694a718-2aa0-4016-8db8-397950752c77)
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 448/5/2025
44. Personnel Records CCF Handbook, Section 7.4 CCF Handbook, Section 7.4 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) (44-01)
Personnel records or copies of records were not being maintained at the facility and available for review by the licensing authority. CCF Handbook, Section 7.4 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR] Comments: At time of inspection, Staff listed on supplemental did not have a personnel record to review. Technical Assistance provided that all employees must have a personnel record on file that is maintained and readily available for review by the licensing authority. 45. Background Screening Documents CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1 CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Compliance Due: 8/22/2025 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-08-05. View official inspection document (report 5694a718-2aa0-4016-8db8-397950752c77)
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 238/5/2025
23. (23-06)
During the facilitys licensure year, fire drills utilizing the approved alarm system were not conducted monthly at various dates and times when children were in care [fire drill was not conducted for the month of July. ]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.4, A (Section 2.1 - Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR] Comments: At time of inspection, Counselor observed that the fire drill was not conducted for the month of July. Technical Assistance provided that fire drills need to be conducted monthly at various dates and times when children are in care. FOOD AND NUTRITION 24. Food Preparation Area CCF Handbook, Section 3.9 CCF Handbook, Section 3.9 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Compliance Due: 8/22/2025 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-08-05. View official inspection document (report 5694a718-2aa0-4016-8db8-397950752c77)
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 178/5/2025
17. (17-01)
The facilitys outdoor play area contained litter, nails, glass or other hazards that posed a low potential for harm to children. CCF Handbook, Section 3.5, A (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR] Comments: At time of inspection, Counselor observed water bottles and trash in the play area and a board leaning up against the building. Technical Assistance provided to make sure the play area is clean every day before use and to ensure all boards and supplies are stored away from where children play. Staff resolved at the time of inspection by cleaning up the litter and removing the board from the play area. Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-08-05. View official inspection document (report 5694a718-2aa0-4016-8db8-397950752c77)
Corrected at inspection - Medium-High riskStandard 154/15/2025
15. (15-05)
The facility failed to post the room capacity in each room. CCF Handbook, Section 3.4.1, A (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR] Comments: Room capacity for infant and mix age room. Owner posted at time of inspection. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-04-15. View official inspection document (report e2b7daae-544c-4b9c-bf1b-c3ff83e184ae)
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 354/15/2025
35. (35-12)
The facility does not have documentation for all child care personnel on required annual refresher education of the facilitys exposure plan. CCF Handbook, Section 6 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Health Requirements [SR] Comments: Employees listed on supplement did not complete the annual refresher training of the blood exposure. 36. CPR Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.4 CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.4 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Compliance 37. First Aid Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.4 and 6.2 CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.4 and 6.2 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Compliance 38. Emergency Telephone Numbers CCF Handbook, Section 6.3 CCF Handbook, Section 6.3 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Compliance 39. Accident/ Incident Notification and Documentation CCF Handbook, Section 6.3 & 6.4 CCF Handbook, Section 6.3 & 6.4 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Compliance Not Monitored Comments No children on medication at time of inspection. 40. Medication CCF Handbook, Section 6.5 CCF Handbook, Section 6.5 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Not Monitored RECORD KEEPING Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-04-15. View official inspection document (report e2b7daae-544c-4b9c-bf1b-c3ff83e184ae)
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 354/15/2025
35. (35-11)
The facility did not have a written exposure plan regarding safety precautions for exposure to blood and potentially infectious fluids. CCF Handbook, Section 6 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Health Requirements [SR] Comments: Owner did not have a written exposure plan. Owner completed a written exposure plan at time of inspection. Due: 5/5/2025 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-04-15. View official inspection document (report e2b7daae-544c-4b9c-bf1b-c3ff83e184ae)
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 334/15/2025
33. Training Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4 CCF Handbook, Section 4 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) (33-09)
The facility did not have documented proof that all child care personnel were trained and knowledgeable within 30 days of date of hire in [ the use of fire extinguishers]. CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.3 and 4.2.5 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Training [SR] Comments: Staff listed on supplement did not complete fire extinguisher training within 30 days of hire. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-04-15. View official inspection document (report e2b7daae-544c-4b9c-bf1b-c3ff83e184ae)
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 264/15/2025
26. (26-01)
The facility's menu was not [ was not posted at the beginning of each week in an easily seen place]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.3, H (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Food and Nutrition [SR] Comments: Provider stated that night care snacks are only what is served at this time. Counselor observed that snack menus were not prepared or posted. Provider completed menus at time of inspection. Not Applicable Comments Catered foods are not provided. 27. Catered Food and Food Provided by Outside Sources CCF Handbook, Section 7 & Section 3.9.3 CCF Handbook, Section 7 & Section 3.9.3 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Not Applicable 28. Bottles, Breastmilk, Formula and Infant Food CCF Handbook, Section 3.9 CCF Handbook, Section 3.9 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Compliance SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT 29. Health and Sanitation CCF Handbook, Section 3.6, 3.9, and 3.10 CCF Handbook, Section 3.6, 3.9, and 3.10 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Compliance Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-04-15. View official inspection document (report e2b7daae-544c-4b9c-bf1b-c3ff83e184ae)
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 234/15/2025
23. (23-06)
During the facilitys licensure year, fire drills utilizing the approved alarm system were not conducted monthly at various dates and times when children were in care [no fire drill in March]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.4, A (Section 2.1 - Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR] Comments: Counselor observed that children was enrolled on 3/7/2025, no fire drill was conducted in March. Counselor conducted a fire drill with Owner at time of inspection. During the facilitys license year, fire drills utilizing the alarm system, approved by the local fire authority, must be conducted monthly at various dates and times when children are in care. Each fire drill record must be maintained for a minimum of 12 months from the date of the fire drill. The fire drills conducted must include, at a minimum: 1. One fire drill using an alternate evacuation route, 2. One fire drill during napping/sleeping times, and 3. One fire drill in the presence and at the request of the licensing authority. This drill will be coordinated with the operator or designee. No drill was conducted in March 2025. Fire Drill using alternate route was conducted on today 4/15/2025. Fire Drill during naptime is required during this licensure year. Fire Drill with Counselor present was conducted on today 4/15/2025. Emergency drill for lockdown is required during this licensure year. Emergency drill for storm/tornado is required during this licensure year. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-04-15. View official inspection document (report e2b7daae-544c-4b9c-bf1b-c3ff83e184ae)
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 184/15/2025
18. Bedding and Linens CCF Handbook, Section 3.6 CCF Handbook, Section 3.6 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) (18-01)
A cot, bed, crib, mattress, playpen or floor mat was not available for all children who napped or slept. CCF Handbook, Section 3.6.1 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR] Comments: Counselor advised that children arrive at 6:30PM - 2AM. Counselor observed that there were no beds or crib mattresses. 3.6.1 Bedding and Linens Each child in care must be provided safe and sanitary bedding to be used when napping or sleeping. Nap bedding is not required for school-age children; however, the program must provide an area for children that choose to rest. A. Sleep bedding includes beds, cribs, or mattresses. Air and foam mattresses are prohibited. 19. Nap/Sleep Space Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 3.6.2 CCF Handbook, Section 3.6.2 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Compliance Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-04-15. View official inspection document (report e2b7daae-544c-4b9c-bf1b-c3ff83e184ae)
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 174/15/2025
17. (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 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR] Comments: Opening under building inside of the gate. Child could crawl under and be directly in the parking lot. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-04-15. View official inspection document (report e2b7daae-544c-4b9c-bf1b-c3ff83e184ae)
Not corrected - Medium-High riskStandard 174/15/2025
17. (17-02)
The facility's outdoor play area contained litter, nails, glass or other hazards that posed a threat to the health, safety or well-being of the children. CCF Handbook, Section 3.5, A (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR] Comments: Razor in play area near platform of tree bench- Remove at time of inspection Tether on side of building needs to be covered as its metal and a child could fall on it. Opening under porch needs to be covered as children can crawl under it. The red, green, blue and orange climber needs to be cleaned due to dirt that falls from the trees. Wooden border needs to be fixed as board is misplaced and another section has broken wood with sharp edges exposed. Photos taken and forwarded to the facility. Due: 5/15/2025 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-04-15. View official inspection document (report e2b7daae-544c-4b9c-bf1b-c3ff83e184ae)
Not corrected
Safety & Compliance Analysis
This daycare has multiple recorded violations. Review the details to make an informed decision.
(Past 6 Months)
Parent Recommendations
Based on the violation data, here are some recommendations:
- Review the detailed violations listed above.
- Ask the daycare about their response to these violations.
- Look at the correction status to see how quickly issues were addressed.
- Schedule a visit during regular hours to observe daily operations.
Note: This analysis is based on publicly available violation data and is intended as a tool to help parents make informed decisions. Always visit a daycare in person and ask specific questions about areas of concern.
Estimated monthly cost
$1,024/month
This is a modeled estimate — based on location, ages served, and program data — not the provider's actual tuition. Real prices vary by age group and services. Contact the daycare for current rates, fees, and availability.
Typical prices in Florida run about $904/month for infant care at a center (federal median) — see daycare costs in Florida by age group.
About this daycare
- Location: BROOKSVILLE, HERNANDO County
- Capacity: 29
- Type: Child Care Facility
What parents actually pay
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