First Methodist School Inc.

BARTOW, FLChild Care FacilityLicensed

3.1based on state inspection data
Capacity100
HoursMon 7:00AM to 5:30PM; Tue 7:00AM to 5:30PM; Wed 7:00AM to 5:30PM; Thu 7:00AM to 5:30PM; Fri 7:00AM to 5:30PM
Est. price$1,009/mo

Contact information

Address455 S Broadway Ave, Bartow FL, 33830

CityBARTOW, FL 33830

CountyPOLK

Phone8635330905

Operating details

HoursMon 7:00AM to 5:30PM; Tue 7:00AM to 5:30PM; Wed 7:00AM to 5:30PM; Thu 7:00AM to 5:30PM; Fri 7:00AM to 5:30PM

Capacity100

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 6/4/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High8
  • Medium-High4
  • Medium10
  • Medium-Low3
  • Low0

Join the waitlist

Not ready to tour? Get on the waitlist and we'll notify the center you're interested.

Location

Using Address for Location

Exact coordinates aren't available, but you can view this location at:

455 S Broadway Ave, Bartow FL, 33830, BARTOW, FL 33830

Questions to ask on a tour

Chosen for this facility's inspection history and profile — bring them along on your visit.

  1. This facility has safety-related findings on its state record - ask how the cited hazards were corrected and when emergency drills were last run
  2. This facility has staffing or training findings on its state record - ask about background checks, required training completion, and staff turnover
  3. This facility has food-service findings on its state record - ask how meals are prepared and how allergies are handled
  4. Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses

Violation summary

Last 2 years · Last inspection: 6/4/2026

  • High8
  • Medium-High4
  • Medium10
  • Medium-Low3
  • Low0

2026

  1. Medium riskStandard 466/4/2026

    46. Daily Attendance CCF Handbook, Section 7.5 (46-03)

    Child care personnel failed to ensure arrival and departure times were complete and accurate at the time of arrival or departure. CCF Handbook, Section 7.5, B Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed several children arrival and departure times not documented on the forms. Technical assistance was provided that the custodial parent or guardian may document the time when his/her child enters and departs the child care facility or program. However, child care facility personnel are responsible for ensuring that attendance records are complete and accurate. This standard was brought back into compliance. • ENFORCEMENT Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-06-04. View official inspection document (report fc6f2e65-8bcf-45a7-b462-ad88f17353b8)

    Corrected at inspection
  2. Medium-High riskStandard 236/4/2026

    23. Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness CCF Handbook, Section 3.8 (23-02)

    The facility did not have a current and approved annual fire safety inspection by the local fire authority. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.2, A Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the facility fire inspection was completed on 4/3/25 and on 4/7/26 this year. Technical assistance was provided that a current and approved annual fire inspection report must be completed certified fire inspector. This standard is back into compliance when the fire inspection was completed on 4/7/26. • Fire drills were conducted on 7/16/25, 8/29/25, 9/25/25, 10/30/25, 11/10/25, 12/5/25, 1/15/26, 2/23/26, 3/30/26, 4/29/26, and 5/28/26. • A fire drill was conducted today in the presence of the licensing authority using the approved fire alarm system which made an audible sound. • Emergency Preparedness drill was conducted on 8/20/25 (lock down), 1/30/26 (inclement weather), 3/20/26 (lock down), and 4/30/26 (lock down). • Fire inspection completed on 4/7/26. • Fire extinguisher serviced April 2026. • FOOD AND NUTRITION Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-06-04. View official inspection document (report fc6f2e65-8bcf-45a7-b462-ad88f17353b8)

    Corrected at inspection
  3. High riskStandard 136/4/2026

    13. Toxic Substances, Hazardous Materials and Weapons CCF Handbook, Section 3.2 (13-01)

    A potentially harmful item, [cleaning chemicals], was not labeled as required. CCF Handbook, Section 3.2, B Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed two spray bottles in the classrooms and kitchen with unknown cleaning chemicals that were not labeled. It was later determined the spray bottle contained cleaning solution. Technical assistance was provided to ensure all harmful chemicals are labeled. This standard was brought back when the spray bottle was labeled. • Compliance Comments At the time of the inspection, the lighting throughout the facility was checked: Room 1 (capacity 19) measured between 20.1 to 65.7 candle foot. Room 2 (capacity 28) measured between 20.5 to 60.9 candle foot. Room 3 (capacity 27) measured between 21.6 to 84.4 candle foot. Room 4 (capacity 19) measured between 20.8 to 81.6 candle foot. Room 5 (capacity 16) measured between 21.9 to 56.9 candle foot. Technical assistance was provided to monitor the lighting as some classrooms barely met the minimum lighting required. Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-06-04. View official inspection document (report fc6f2e65-8bcf-45a7-b462-ad88f17353b8)

    Corrected at inspection
  4. High riskStandard 056/4/2026

    05. Transportation CCF Handbook, Section 2.5 (05-02)

    The facility did not maintain a log for all children being transported in a vehicle. CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.2 A Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed the transportation log on 6/3/26 was missing the time off the van missing. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that the transportation logs are completed in its entirety. This standard was brought back into compliance. • 06. Driver's License, Physician Certification & First Aid/CPR Training CCF Handbook, Section 2.5 and CCF Handbook, Section 7.4 Compliance Compliance Comments Chevy bus alarm was working properly. Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-06-04. View official inspection document (report fc6f2e65-8bcf-45a7-b462-ad88f17353b8)

    Corrected at inspection
  5. Medium-High riskStandard 121/28/2026

    12. Facility Environment CCF Handbook, Section 3.1 (12-19)

    Indoor and outdoor play areas were not inspected daily for basic health and safety and/or any problems were not corrected before the play area is used by children and/or daily inspection logs were not maintained for 12 months. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1, A Comments: At the time of inspection, the facility failed to complete the facilitys daily indoor and outdoor checklist inspection. The provider was reminded that indoor and outdoor play areas must be inspected daily for basic health and safety and documented on a daily inspection log and any problems must be corrected before the play area is used by children. Due: 2/27/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-01-28. View official inspection document (report 666afd00-abde-4019-bea8-960f78b8e3ea)

    Not corrected
  6. Medium riskStandard 091/28/2026

    09. Planned Activities CCF Handbook, Section 2.6 (09-03)

    The facility's written plan of scheduled activities was not posted in a conspicuous place accessible to the custodial parents or legal guardians. CCF Handbook, Section 2.6 Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist did not observe the written plan of scheduled activities posted inside the 3-year-old classroom (capacity 16). Technical assistance was provided that each group or class must have a written and followed plan of scheduled activities posted in an easily seen location accessible to parents/guardians. This standard was brought back into compliance when Provider posted the classroom schedule. • Not Applicable Comments Director advised the facility only transport during summer for field trips. • Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-01-28. View official inspection document (report 666afd00-abde-4019-bea8-960f78b8e3ea)

    Corrected at inspection
  7. Medium riskStandard 121/28/2026

    12. Facility Environment CCF Handbook, Section 3.1 (12-01)

    Areas of the facility were found to be in need of cleaning. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1, A Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed vents inside the facility with a thick coat of dust. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that the ceiling vents are cleaned regularly. This standard was brought back into compliance when provider cleaned the vents. • Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-01-28. View official inspection document (report 666afd00-abde-4019-bea8-960f78b8e3ea)

    Corrected at inspection
  8. Medium riskStandard 181/28/2026

    18. Bedding and Linens CCF Handbook, Section 3.6 (18-06)

    The floor mats available for children in care were not covered with an impermeable surface. CCF Handbook, Section 3.6.1, D Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed several torn and ripped nap mats for the children in care. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that all nap mats are in good repair and with impermeable surface. Due: 2/27/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-01-28. View official inspection document (report 666afd00-abde-4019-bea8-960f78b8e3ea)

    Not corrected
  9. Medium riskStandard 271/28/2026

    27. Catered Food and Food Provided by Outside Sources CCF Handbook, Section 7 & Section 3.9.3 (27-06)

    Food Acceptance Log was not retained for 12 months. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.3, E.1. Comments: At the time of inspection, Provider failed to maintain the food acceptance log at the facility. Provider advised that the facility order food from Hungry Howies. Technical assistance was provided that a food acceptance log must be maintained for all prepared meals being transported into the facility. The log must be retained for a minimum of 12 months. The log must include the delivery date, time of arrival, quantity and types of food, verification by the recipient of adequate temperatures of food, and the name and signature of the recipient. Due: 2/27/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-01-28. View official inspection document (report 666afd00-abde-4019-bea8-960f78b8e3ea)

    Not corrected
  10. Medium-Low riskStandard 351/28/2026

    35. Communicable Disease Control CCF Handbook, Section 6.1 (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 Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the Child Care Personnel listed on the supplemental did not have a current exposure plan training on file. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that all Child Care Personnel have a current exposure plan on file. This standard was brought back into compliance when Provider trained the Child Care Personnel. • Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-01-28. View official inspection document (report 666afd00-abde-4019-bea8-960f78b8e3ea)

    Corrected at inspection
  11. Medium-High riskStandard 401/28/2026

    40. Medication CCF Handbook, Section 6.5 (40-01)

    A prescription or non-prescription medication, specifically [skin protectant], was dispensed without written authorization from the custodial parent or legal guardian. CCF Handbook, Section 6.5, A and K Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed medication (skin protectant) for the Child listed on the supplemental who did not have a parent authorization form on file. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that medication authorization must be on file. RECORD KEEPING Due: 2/27/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-01-28. View official inspection document (report 666afd00-abde-4019-bea8-960f78b8e3ea)

    Not corrected
  12. High riskStandard 451/28/2026

    45. Background Screening Documents CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1 (45-05)

    Employment history check did not include all required information including applicants, job title, description of regular duties, confirmation of employment dates, and level of job performance. CCF Handbook, Section 5.1, D Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined the Child Care Personnel listed on the supplemental had an incomplete 5-year work history in their file (no verifications completed and/or not a full 5-years' worth of employment). Technical assistance was given to the provider to complete prior to the due date. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that all Child Care Personnel signed updated Attestation of Good Moral Character (July 2024). • Due: 2/27/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-01-28. View official inspection document (report 666afd00-abde-4019-bea8-960f78b8e3ea)

    Not corrected
  13. High riskStandard 451/28/2026

    45. Background Screening Documents CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1 (45-09)

    The facility failed to maintain a current Employee/Contractor Roster for all child care personnel in the Clearinghouse. CCF Handbook, Section 5.1, K Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the Provider failed to update the facilitys clearinghouse roster. Technical assistance was provided to update (add/remove) Child Care Personnel to the Employee/Contractor Roster in the Clearinghouse within 5 days. Due: 2/27/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-01-28. View official inspection document (report 666afd00-abde-4019-bea8-960f78b8e3ea)

    Not corrected

2025

  1. Medium riskStandard 339/19/2025

    33. Training Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4 (33-08)

    Documentation of in-service training was not recorded on CF-FSP Form 5268, Child Care In-service Training Record. CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.7, B Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the Child Care Personnel listed on the supplemental did not have documented proof of in-service hours on CF-FSP Form 5268, Child Care In-Service Training Record. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that in-service training is documented on CF-FSP Form 5268, Child Care In-Service Training Record. This standard was brought back into compliance when provider completed the CF-FSP Form 5268, Child Care In-Service Training Record log. • Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-09-19. View official inspection document (report fcaa4443-ad0f-48e7-aa88-600846ecfe8c)

    Corrected at inspection
  2. High riskStandard 447/17/2025

    44. Personnel Records CCF Handbook, Section 7.4 (44-04)

    The personnel/ volunteer (ten hours or more per month) record did not include a CF-FSP 5337 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements form signed annually. CCF Handbook, Section 7.4, C Comments: At the time of inspection personnel named on supplement did not have an updated CAN form on file. The provider advised to have all staff resign within the 12 months of signed date on form to maintain compliance of this form. Due: 8/15/2025 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-07-17. View official inspection document (report 7951d1a6-5ba8-4f7d-b9eb-9f040d66cdfc)

    Not corrected
  3. Medium-Low riskStandard 357/17/2025

    35. Communicable Disease Control CCF Handbook, Section 6.1 (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 Comments: At the time of the inspection, the training for blood borne pathogens/exposure refresher was not completed by the employee(s) named on supplemental page. The provider was advised to ensure these are done annually to maintain compliance of this standard. 36. CPR Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.4 Not Monitored 37. First Aid Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.4 and 6.2 Not Monitored 38. Emergency Telephone Numbers CCF Handbook, Section 6.3 Not Monitored 39. Accident/ Incident Notification and Documentation CCF Handbook, Section 6.3 & 6.4 Not Monitored 40. Medication CCF Handbook, Section 6.5 Not Monitored RECORD KEEPING Compliance Comments The child with an expired immunization has an updated form with a nonexpired date of acceptance. Due: 8/15/2025 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-07-17. View official inspection document (report 7951d1a6-5ba8-4f7d-b9eb-9f040d66cdfc)

    Not corrected
  4. Medium riskStandard 126/17/2025

    12. Facility Environment CCF Handbook, Section 3.1 (12-01)

    Areas of the facility were found to be in need of cleaning. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1, A Comments: At the time of the inspection, 2 year old licensed classroom, was not clean or accessible in the event that children in care needed to use. The director stated that they were in transition to change the classroom around for the next school year. It was explained that due to it being on the license, it must be maintained to the standard of use in the event that it must be used in an emergency (examples were blood borne pathogens incident, ceiling tile leaks/collapse, vomit etc). Trash was strewn on the floor, classroom table tops were filled with classroom materials/books, posters. The provider cleaned the classroom to resolve the noncompliance. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-06-17. View official inspection document (report aae2d2d3-f25f-4ff8-8655-9bb19c7ea32d)

    Not corrected
  5. High riskStandard 456/17/2025

    45. Background Screening Documents CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1 (45-09)

    The facility failed to maintain a current Employee/Contractor Roster for all child care personnel in the Clearinghouse. CCF Handbook, Section 5.1, K Comments: At the time of the inspection staff named on the supplemental were not added to their clearinghouse roster at their time of employment or termination. The provider was advised to ensure all staff is added/removed to their roster to maintain compliance of this standard. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-06-17. View official inspection document (report aae2d2d3-f25f-4ff8-8655-9bb19c7ea32d)

    Not corrected
  6. High riskStandard 446/17/2025

    44. Personnel Records CCF Handbook, Section 7.4 (44-04)

    The personnel/ volunteer (ten hours or more per month) record did not include a CF-FSP 5337 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements form signed annually. CCF Handbook, Section 7.4, C Comments: At the time of the inspection, all staff files did not have a CAB form signed annually. The provider was advised to ensure all staff have these files filled out annually to maintain compliance of this standard. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-06-17. View official inspection document (report aae2d2d3-f25f-4ff8-8655-9bb19c7ea32d)

    Not corrected
  7. Medium-High riskStandard 416/17/2025

    41. Immunization Records CCF Handbook, Section 7.1 (41-02)

    The Florida Certificate of immunization was not acceptable in that: [ The form was not current (expired)]. CCF Handbook, Section 7.1 Comments: At the time of the inspection, the specialist observed a child named on the inspection to have an expired immunization record. The facility was advised to ensure all children enrolled have a current form on file to maintain compliance of this standard. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-06-17. View official inspection document (report aae2d2d3-f25f-4ff8-8655-9bb19c7ea32d)

    Not corrected
  8. Medium-Low riskStandard 356/17/2025

    35. Communicable Disease Control CCF Handbook, Section 6.1 (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 Comments: Durin the inspection, no file had an updated annual refresher for exposure plan. The provider stated she was unaware that was necessary. The provider was advised to ensure that all staff is given an updated annual refresher course or materials to maintain compliance of this standard. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-06-17. View official inspection document (report aae2d2d3-f25f-4ff8-8655-9bb19c7ea32d)

    Not corrected
  9. Medium riskStandard 286/17/2025

    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 Comments: At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist observed 2 sippy cups in the same classroom that did not have first and last names on the contents. The provider was advised to ensure all cups have first and last names on them to maintain compliance of this standard. SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-06-17. View official inspection document (report aae2d2d3-f25f-4ff8-8655-9bb19c7ea32d)

    Not corrected
  10. Medium riskStandard 146/17/2025

    14. Lighting, Temperature, and Ventilation CCF Handbook, Section 3.3 (14-02)

    All reading, painting and other close work areas did not have lighting equivalent to 50 foot candles on the work surface. CCF Handbook, Section 3.3.1, B Comments: At the time of the inspection, in separate classrooms, the FC read 17.43 where children read, and have circle time. In an additional classroom, on the table where they do their work, crafts, etc. the FC read 30.2. The provider was advised to have the light bulbs changed or replaced to read the proper FC in work surfaces to maintain compliance of this standard. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-06-17. View official inspection document (report aae2d2d3-f25f-4ff8-8655-9bb19c7ea32d)

    Not corrected
  11. High riskStandard 452/25/2025

    45. Background Screening Documents CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1 (45-07)

    Background screening was not completed: [ after a 90-day break in service.] CCF Handbook, Section 5.2 Comments: At the time of the inspection, the staff that is listed in the supplemental worked at this facility June 2022- 4/22/23 and returned 2/12/24 with more than a 90-day break in service. The provider should have completed a re-submit before the staff returned. TA was provided to conduct a re-submit in the Clearing House for the staff. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-02-25. View official inspection document (report b9fba6cf-a3ce-4da6-92c0-c0269f7eccd5)

    Not corrected
  12. Medium riskStandard 322/25/2025

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

    The ground cover or other protective surface under the [swings and blue and red climbing bars on the small playground and the large stationary playequipment with slides, the swing set, the slide, the yellow climber and the climber to the far back right] was not maintained. CCF Handbook, Section 3.12, D Comments: At the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed only 2-4 inches of mulch under the swings, blue and red climbing bars on the small playground and the large stationary play equipment with slides, the swing set, the slide, the yellow climber and the climber to the far back right on the large playground. TA was provided that the provider will need to add more mulch to meet the requirement of 6" in depth 6 ft out and around of resilient surface. TRAINING Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-02-25. View official inspection document (report b9fba6cf-a3ce-4da6-92c0-c0269f7eccd5)

    Not corrected

Showing the 25 most recent of 46 records on file; the full history loads with the interactive view.

Safety & Compliance Analysis

This daycare has multiple recorded violations. Review the details to make an informed decision.

25Total Violations
4Recent Violations
(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

$1,009/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: BARTOW, POLK County
  • Capacity: 100
  • Type: Child Care Facility

What parents actually pay

No parent-reported prices yet. If your child attends here, you can be the first to add one.

Add what you pay

Anonymous. One report per family. It helps other parents budget honestly.

Parent Reviews

More daycares in BARTOW, FL