YMCA Early Learning Center At McLaughlin Middle High

LAKE WALES, FLChild Care FacilityLicensed

3.1based on state inspection data
Capacity105
HoursMon 7:30AM to 5:30PM; Tue 7:30AM to 5:30PM; Wed 7:30AM to 5:30PM; Thu 7:30AM to 5:30PM; Fri 7:30AM to 5:30PM
Est. price$1,009/mo

Contact information

Address250 E Grove Ave, Lake Wales FL, 33853

CityLAKE WALES, FL 33853

CountyPOLK

Phone8636769441

Operating details

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

Capacity105

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 4/29/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High1
  • Medium-High9
  • Medium3
  • Medium-Low2
  • Low0

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Location

Using Address for Location

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

250 E Grove Ave, Lake Wales FL, 33853, LAKE WALES, FL 33853

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. Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses
  4. This is a large program - ask how children are grouped, how ratios are kept in each room, and how staff cover breaks

Violation summary

Last 2 years · Last inspection: 4/29/2026

  • High1
  • Medium-High9
  • Medium3
  • Medium-Low2
  • Low0

2026

  1. Medium riskStandard 324/29/2026

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

    The ground cover or other protective surface under the [stationary equipment] was not maintained. CCF Handbook, Section 3.12, D Comments: At the time of reinspection, Licensing Specialist observed the stationary equipment with less than 6 inches of ground cover or protective surface in the fall zone area. Technical assistance was provided that 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. TRAINING Due: 5/29/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-04-29. View official inspection document (report ab1de8ee-38f2-4139-acba-d80782babd1d)

    Not corrected
  2. Medium-High riskStandard 414/29/2026

    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 inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the child listed on the supplemental had expired immunization forms on file. Technical assistance was given to the provider to obtain a current form from the parent/guardian prior to the due date. Additional technical assistance was given regarding FL shots. The provider was given the link to their website and how to register to view FL shot records. The link given was: www.flshotsusers.com and the provider was reminded to go to the bottom of page under schools & licensed child care providers to register. 42. Student Health and Records CCF Handbook, Section 7.2 Not Monitored 43. Enrollment Information CCF Handbook, Section 7.3 & s. 402.3054(2), F.S. Not Monitored 44. Personnel Records CCF Handbook, Section 7.4 Not Monitored 45. Background Screening Documents CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1 Not Monitored 46. Daily Attendance CCF Handbook, Section 7.5 Not Monitored ENFORCEMENT 47. Access/Child Safety CCF Handbook, Section 8 Not Monitored Due: 5/29/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-04-29. View official inspection document (report 288a22ae-20d2-4d9c-810e-2d1188d0fc18)

    Not corrected
  3. Medium-High riskStandard 173/24/2026

    17. Outdoor Play Area/Fencing CCF Handbook, Section 3.5 (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 Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed wasp nest with active wasp on the large multi-color climbing structure on the playground. Technical assistance was provided that the outdoor play area must be clean and free from litter, nails, glass and other hazards. Due: 4/23/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-24. View official inspection document (report 0439886d-863f-49ab-becb-475fe0b22851)

    Not corrected
  4. Medium riskStandard 323/24/2026

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

    The ground cover or other protective surface under the [stationary equipment] was not maintained. CCF Handbook, Section 3.12, D Comments: At the time of reinspection, Licensing Specialist observed the stationary equipment with less than 6 inches of ground cover or protective surface in the fall zone area. Technical assistance was provided that 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. TRAINING Due: 4/23/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-24. View official inspection document (report 0439886d-863f-49ab-becb-475fe0b22851)

    Not corrected
  5. Medium-High riskStandard 413/24/2026

    41. Immunization Records CCF Handbook, Section 7.1 (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 Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the child listed on the supplemental did not have current immunization forms on file. Technical assistance was given to the provider to obtain a current form from the parent/guardian prior to the due date. Additional technical assistance was given regarding FL shots. The provider was given the link to their website and how to register to view FL shot records. The link given was: www.flshotsusers.com and the provider was reminded to go to the bottom of page under schools & licensed child care providers to register. Due: 4/23/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-24. View official inspection document (report 0439886d-863f-49ab-becb-475fe0b22851)

    Not corrected
  6. Medium-High riskStandard 121/7/2026

    12. Facility Environment CCF Handbook, Section 3.1 (12-06)

    A safety deficiency having a low potential for harm to the children in care was observed. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1 Comments: At the time of the reinspection, the licensing specialist observed the fire extinguisher in the facility's transportation vans still was not secured or mounted permanently. Technical assistance was given to the provider to ensure the fire extinguisher is mounted permanently prior to the due date 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 25. Meals and Snacks CCF Handbook, Section 3.9 Not Monitored 26. Meal and Snack Menus CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.3 & Section 7 Not Monitored 27. Catered Food and Food Provided by Outside Sources CCF Handbook, Section 7 & Section 3.9.3 Not Monitored 28. Bottles, Breastmilk, Formula and Infant Food CCF Handbook, Section 3.9 Not Monitored SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT 29. Health and Sanitation CCF Handbook, Section 3.6, 3.9, and 3.10 Not Monitored 30. Diapering CCF Handbook, Section 3.10 Not Monitored Due: 2/6/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-01-07. View official inspection document (report c01055f0-2f23-4d68-be71-2f47211f942e)

    Not corrected

2025

  1. Medium riskStandard 1212/5/2025

    12. Facility Environment CCF Handbook, Section 3.1 (12-02)

    An area(s) of the facility was observed to not be in good repair. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1, A Comments: At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist observed the inner door handle on the facility's van was broken and you cannot open the door from the inside. Technical assistance was given to the provider to repair the door handle prior to the due date. Due: 1/4/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-12-05. View official inspection document (report ff64d0e1-4338-41c4-bcde-ef56911b6d0a)

    Not corrected
  2. Medium-High riskStandard 1212/5/2025

    12. Facility Environment CCF Handbook, Section 3.1 (12-06)

    A safety deficiency having a low potential for harm to the children in care was observed. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1 Comments: At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist observed the fire extinguisher in the facility's transportation vans were not secured/ mounted permanently. Technical assistance was given to the provider to permanently mount the fire extinguisher prior to the due date. Due: 1/4/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-12-05. View official inspection document (report ff64d0e1-4338-41c4-bcde-ef56911b6d0a)

    Not corrected
  3. Medium-High riskStandard 2312/5/2025

    23. Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness CCF Handbook, Section 3.8 (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 [during the month of October 2025.]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.4, A Comments: At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist reviewed the facility's fire drill log and observed the facility failed to conduct a fire drill during the month of October 2025. The facility's first attendance record was dated for the week of 10/27/25 - 10/31/25. Technical assistance was given to the provider as a reminder that fire drills must be completed monthly while children are in care. The last fire drill was conducted on 11/7/25 and no emergency preparedness drills have been conducted yet this licensing year. The fire extinguisher(s) were last tagged in April 2025. While during the inspection, the director mentioned the facility's November fire drill was a result of the nearby school activating the fire alarm as the buildings are connected for fire drills. Technical assistance was given to the provider to ensure the facility is aware and knowledgeable how to operate the fire system. FOOD AND NUTRITION Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-12-05. View official inspection document (report ff64d0e1-4338-41c4-bcde-ef56911b6d0a)

    Corrected at inspection
  4. Medium-High riskStandard 3312/5/2025

    33. Training Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4 (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 Comments: At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist reviewed all staff files and determined that the staff listed on the supplemental did not have documentation of fire extinguisher training in their file and had been employed more than 30 days. Technical assistance was given to the provider to have the staff complete prior to the due date. Additional technical assistance was given to the provider as a reminder that all childcare personnel shall be trained in the use and operation of a fire extinguisher, at each facility they are employed, within 30 days of date of hire. Due: 1/4/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-12-05. View official inspection document (report ff64d0e1-4338-41c4-bcde-ef56911b6d0a)

    Not corrected
  5. Medium-Low riskStandard 3512/5/2025

    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 licensing specialist reviewed all staff files and observed the staff listed on the supplemental did not have documentation of training on the facilitys exposure plan. Technical assistance was given to the provider to review with the staff and document the training prior to the due date. Also, the provider was reminded that a refresher education of the facilitys exposure plan must be conducted with all staff annually. Lastly, the provider was reminded that the exposure plan must be the facility's plan, not an online course. Due: 1/4/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-12-05. View official inspection document (report ff64d0e1-4338-41c4-bcde-ef56911b6d0a)

    Not corrected
  6. Medium-High riskStandard 3612/5/2025

    36. CPR Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.4 (36-03)

    The facility had an inadequate number of child care personnel appropriately trained in CPR to maintain coverage both on-site and on field trips. CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.4, B Comments: At the time of the reinspection, the licensing specialist observed only 1 staff was onsite with current/valid CPR. Technical assistance was given to the provider that for 0 -25 staff, a minimum of 3 staff must be on hand and in direct supervision of the children with valid CPR while children are in care and to have sufficient number of staff complete the training prior to the due date to ensure compliance at all times children are in care. Due: 12/15/2025 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-12-05. View official inspection document (report ff64d0e1-4338-41c4-bcde-ef56911b6d0a)

    Not corrected
  7. Medium-High riskStandard 3712/5/2025

    37. First Aid Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.4 and 6.2 (37-02)

    The facility did not have an adequate number of child care personnel appropriately trained in first aid to maintain coverage both on- site and on field trips. CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.4, B Comments: At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist observed only 1 staff was onsite with current/valid First Aid. Technical assistance was given to the provider that a minimum of 3 staff for a facility with 25 staff or less and in direct supervision of the children must be on hand with valid First Aid while children are in care. Technical assistance was given to the provider to have sufficient number of staff complete the training prior to the due date to ensure compliance at all times children are in care. Due: 12/15/2025 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-12-05. View official inspection document (report ff64d0e1-4338-41c4-bcde-ef56911b6d0a)

    Not corrected
  8. Medium-Low riskStandard 4312/5/2025

    43. Enrollment Information CCF Handbook, Section 7.3 & s. 402.3054(2), F.S. (43-02)

    The facility did not have a fully-completed enrollment form (CF-FSP Form 5219) or equivalent form for the child(ren) in care. CCF Handbook, Section 7.3 Comments: At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist observed the children listed on the supplemental were missing enrollment dates on their application/registration form. Technical assistance was given to the provider to complete prior to the due date. The provider was also encouraged to review all children's files to ensure each file is complete and has an enrollment date. Compliance Comments At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist reviewed all 4 staff files and found to be in compliance. Due: 1/4/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-12-05. View official inspection document (report ff64d0e1-4338-41c4-bcde-ef56911b6d0a)

    Not corrected
  9. High riskStandard 4512/5/2025

    45. Background Screening Documents CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1 (45-04)

    An employment history verification was not documented and on file. CCF Handbook, Section 5.1, D Comments: At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist reviewed all staff files and determined the staff 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. The provider was reminded that 5-year employment history's must include the following: a. (3) attempts must be made and documented and failed attempts to obtain employment history must be documented in the personnel file and include date, time, and the reason the information was not obtained b. A complete 5 years' worth of prior employment must be documented and verified c. The documentation must include the applicants job title and description of his/her regular duties, confirmation of employment dates, and level of job performance Due: 1/4/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-12-05. View official inspection document (report ff64d0e1-4338-41c4-bcde-ef56911b6d0a)

    Not corrected

Safety & Compliance Analysis

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

15Total Violations
5Recent 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: LAKE WALES, POLK County
  • Capacity: 105
  • Type: Child Care Facility

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