Hope Early Learning Programs

17. Outdoor Play Area/Fencing CCF Handbook, Section 3.5 (17-07)

The base of the fence in the outdoor play area was not at ground level and could allow inside or outside access by children or animals. CCF Handbook, Section 3.5, F Comments: During the inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed that the fence by the parking lot area on the large playground was no longer meeting the ground. The fence will need to be repaired. The Child Care Facility Handbook states on page 24 that: 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 build up 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. Due: 7/6/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-06-17. View official inspection document (report 8c6cd674-2713-4770-b98c-7c4dfc533b29)

32. Outdoor Equipment CCF Handbook, Section 3.12 (32-07)

The ground cover or other protective surface under the [large play structure with slide and anchored in play car] was not maintained. CCF Handbook, Section 3.12, D Comments: During the playground inspection, the mulch around the large playground piece with the slide attached and the anchored in play car had been washed away by the recent weather. Several areas were just the ground and were not meeting the fall zone requirements. The mulch will have to be replaced. The Child Care Facility Handbook states on pages 38-39 that: D. Permanent or stationary playground equipment must have a fall/use zone that extends a minimum of 6 feet in all directions from the perimeter of the equipment. All types of ground cover must be maintained to provide resilience and reduce the incidence of injuries to children in the event of falls. 1. If the ground cover in place is loose ground cover (such as, but not limited to: mulch, shredded rubber chips, or sand) a minimum of 6 inches in depth is required in the use zone. Asphalt, concrete, hard packed dirt, hay, grass or leaves are unsuitable for use in the use zone area. TRAINING Due: 7/6/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-06-17. View official inspection document (report 8c6cd674-2713-4770-b98c-7c4dfc533b29)

33. Training Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4 [SR] (33-05)

Child Care personnel, who were not in compliance with training requirements when they left the industry, did not complete required training and any new mandated training before returning to the industry. CCF Handbook, Section 4.3, B (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Comments: There are currently 12 employees. All 12 employee records were reviewed. One employee, CR, left the childcare industry without completing the required training. CR returned to childcare and was hired by the facility without the completion of the training. CR did complete the training while employed at the facility. The Child Care Facility Handbook states on page 43 that: 4.3 Break in Service A. In the event an individual leaves the child care industry in compliance with training requirements and returns to the industry either at the same or a different child care facility, he or she will be given 90 days to comply with any new training requirements established during the gap in employment in the child care industry. B. In the event an individual leaves the child care industry not in compliance with the training requirements and returns to the industry either at the same or a different child care facility, he or she must comply with the training requirements described in this section, as well as any new training requirements that may have been added during the gap in employment in the child care industry prior to re-employment. Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-07-14. View official inspection document (report d5412fad-4aad-4813-82e9-328e73699786)

33. Training Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4 [SR] (33-06)

The facility did not have documentation to show completion of a Department approved five-hour early literacy and language development course for child care personnel within 12 months of date of employment in child care industry and/or the early literacy course documentation was not uploaded in the Florida Pathways/Registry. CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.2 and 4.5, C (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Comments: There are currently 12 employees. All 12 employee records were reviewed. Two employees', CR and LML, left the childcare industry without completing the required Early Literacy training. CR and LML returned to childcare and were hired by the facility without the completion of the training. CR and LML did complete the training while employed at the facility. The Child Care Facility Handbook states on page 40 that: 4.2.2 Early Literacy Training Pursuant to Section 402.305(2)(e)5., F.S., all child care personnel must complete a single course of training in early literacy and language development of children ages birth through five years that is a minimum of five clock hours or .5 CEUs. Early literacy training must be completed within 12 months of date of employment in the child care industry. Proof of completion may be documented on a certificate of course completion, classroom transcript, or diploma. C Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-07-14. View official inspection document (report d5412fad-4aad-4813-82e9-328e73699786)

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

A ratio of [one] child care personnel for [six] children is required. A ratio of [one] child care personnel for [7] children was observed. s.402.305(4), F.S. (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Comments: During the inspection, the ratio observed was: Three/Four/Five's 13:3 Two/Three's 7:2 Three/Four/Five's 15:2 Three/Four/Five's 15:2 One/Two's 7:1 Plus, two additional staff persons including the Director. During the walk through of the classrooms, the Licensing Specialist observed 7 children in the one/two-year-old classroom with one teacher. It was reported that there was 1 one-year old and 6 two-year-olds present. The Licensing Specialist was informed that the teacher had to use the restroom. The other teacher came back into the classroom around 5 minutes after the Licensing Specialist arrived. The ratio was brought back into compliance at that time. There were now 7 one/two years old with 2 teachers. The Child Care Facility Handbook states on page 12 that: 2.3 Ratios The staff-to-child ratio, as established in Section 402.305(4), F.S., is based on primary responsibility for the direct supervision of children and applies at all times while children are in care. 2.3.1 Mixed Age Groups A. In groups of mixed age ranges, where children under one year of age are included, one child care personnel must be responsible for no more than four children of any age group, at all times. B. In groups of mixed age ranges, where children one year of age but under two years of age are included, one child care personnel must be responsible for no more than six children of any age group, at all times Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-02-24. View official inspection document (report 632c9523-a624-4148-9e55-f014c0f713da)

33. Training Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4 [SR] (33-13)

Child care personnel did not complete preservice training requirements prior to unsupervised contact with or care of children or, if supervised, within 90 days of beginning employment or service with the provider. (Section 3.1 and 3.2 Training Requirements, Page 7) Comments: There are currently 12 employees. One employee, JA, has been at the facility for over 90 days and has not completed the SR preservice training requirements. The School Readiness Program Health and Safety Standards Handbook states on page 9 that: 3.1 Preservice Child care personnel must successfully complete the preservice training coursework described in this section, as applicable. All child care personnel must complete these preservice training requirements within 90 days of initial employment with any School Readiness provider. This timeframe does not start over if personnel change employment to another School Readiness provider within this initial 90 days. Personnel who have not completed all preservice training requirements are not allowed any unsupervised contact with or care of children in a School Readiness program Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-02-24. View official inspection document (report 632c9523-a624-4148-9e55-f014c0f713da)

17. Outdoor Play Area/Fencing CCF Handbook, Section 3.5 (17-07)

The base of the fence in the outdoor play area was not at ground level and could allow inside or outside access by children or animals. CCF Handbook, Section 3.5, F Comments: During the playground inspection of the large playground, two sides of the fence were observed to not be at ground level. The Child Care Facility Handbook states on page 24 that: 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 build up 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. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2024-11-19. View official inspection document (report 4fd1262d-2bf5-4f5a-878c-5eb174925fc3)