Little Highlander Academy

LAKE WALES, FLChild Care FacilityLicensed

4.5based on state inspection data
Capacity50
HoursMon 7:00AM to 5:00PM; Tue 7:00AM to 5:00PM; Wed 7:00AM to 5:00PM; Thu 7:00AM to 5:00PM; Fri 7:00AM to 5:00PM
Est. price$1,065/mo

Contact information

Address1 Highlander Way, Lake Wales FL, 33853

CityLAKE WALES, FL 33853

CountyPOLK

Phone8636784222

Operating details

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

Capacity50

Compliance snapshot

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

  • High0
  • Medium-High12
  • Medium2
  • Medium-Low1
  • Low0

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Location

Using Address for Location

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

1 Highlander Way, 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 food-service findings on its state record - ask how meals are prepared and how allergies are handled
  3. Ask how they keep enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records current - their state findings include documentation lapses
  4. Ask about teacher-to-child ratios and how supervision is maintained through the day

Violation summary

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

  • High0
  • Medium-High11
  • Medium1
  • Medium-Low0
  • Low0

2026

  1. Medium-High riskStandard 304/29/2026

    30. Diapering CCF Handbook, Section 3.10 CCF Handbook, Section 3.10 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) (30-07)

    Items unrelated to diaper changing were stored in the diaper changing area or placed on the diaper changing table/surface. CCF Handbook, Section 3.10.2, G (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Sanitation and Equipment [SR] Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed miscellaneous items (blankets) stored on/under changing inside the infant classroom. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that only items related to diapering should be on the table changing table. This standard was brought back into compliance when the items were removed. • Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-04-29. View official inspection document (report 06d96a14-2d6b-476c-8162-0f076a9163aa)

    Corrected at inspection
  2. Medium-High riskStandard 324/29/2026

    32. (32-03)

    The play equipment was not maintained in a safe or sanitary condition for the children to use in that [the tricyle was broken]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.12, B and F (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Sanitation and Equipment [SR] Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed a tricycle seat broken and a screw missing. The tricycle was not in good repair. Technical assistance was provided that equipment, materials, furnishings, and play areas should be sturdy, safe, and in good repair. Also, toys, equipment, and furnishings must be safe and maintained in a sanitary condition following a routine schedule of cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting. This standard was brought back into compliance when the tricycle was removed from the playground. • TRAINING Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-04-29. View official inspection document (report 06d96a14-2d6b-476c-8162-0f076a9163aa)

    Corrected at inspection
  3. Medium-High riskStandard 414/29/2026

    41. (41-02)

    The Florida Certificate of immunization was not acceptable in that: [ The form was not current (expired)]. CCF Handbook, Section 7.1 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR] Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the child listed on the supplemental had expired immunization form 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. Provider was given short due date, due to the end of school is on 5/28/26. • 42. Student Health and Records CCF Handbook, Section 7.2 CCF Handbook, Section 7.2 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Noncompliance Due: 5/14/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-04-29. View official inspection document (report 06d96a14-2d6b-476c-8162-0f076a9163aa)

    Not corrected
  4. Medium-High riskStandard 424/29/2026

    42. (42-02)

    The Student Health Examination or equivalent health statement was not acceptable in that: [ It was not current (over two years old)]. CCF Handbook, Section 7.2 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR] Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the child listed on the supplemental had an expired Student Health Examination on file. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that all children have current Student Health Examination form on file. Provider was given short due date, due to the end of school is on 5/28/26. • Compliance Comments At the time of inspection, Provider advised that 41 children are enrolled, Licensing Specialist reviewed 21 childrens files (infant 2-year-old). 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 Compliance Comments At the time of inspection, Provider advised that 10 Child Care Personnel are employed, Licensing Specialist reviewed all Child Care Personnel files. Due: 5/14/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-04-29. View official inspection document (report 06d96a14-2d6b-476c-8162-0f076a9163aa)

    Not corrected

2025

  1. Medium riskStandard 2812/18/2025

    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: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed two bags of breast milk inside the refrigerator inside the 1-year-old classroom without a label with the childs first and last name. Technical assistance was provided that 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. This standard was brought back into compliance when the Child Care Personnel labeled the breast milk. • SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-12-18. View official inspection document (report 82414545-9747-4b01-8eb3-a7de905346d0)

    Corrected at inspection
  2. Medium-High riskStandard 239/8/2025

    23. Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness CCF Handbook, Section 3.8 (23-05)

    The facility did not have documentation of a fire extinguisher being properly maintained to include being serviced and retagged timely, and/or with a current certificate. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.2, B Physical Environment [SR] Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the facility failed to have the fire extinguisher served/retagged annually. The fire extinguisher was lasted serviced and tagged in August 2024. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that fire extinguishers are being properly maintained to include being serviced and retagged timely, and/or with a current certificate. The facility is closed during summer. • Emergency preparedness drills conducted 8/12/25 (lock down). • Fire extinguisher serviced August 2024. • Fire inspection conducted 3/31/25. • Technical assistance was provided to ensure that emergency evacuation plan including a diagram of safe routes are posted in each room. • FOOD AND NUTRITION Compliance Comments The program does provide morning snacks for the children in care that meets the nutritional guideline recommendations of USDA. However, meals and afternoon snacks are provided by parents/legal guardians • Due: 10/8/2025 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-09-08. View official inspection document (report f331ee20-edad-48cd-b49b-f7bcab611641)

    Not corrected
  3. Medium-High riskStandard 309/8/2025

    30. Diapering CCF Handbook, Section 3.10 (30-07)

    Items unrelated to diaper changing were stored in the diaper changing area or placed on the diaper changing table/surface. CCF Handbook, Section 3.10.2, G Sanitation and Equipment [SR] Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed nap mats and other items on the changing table in the 1-year-old classroom. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that only items related to diapering should be on the table changing table. This standard was brought back into compliance when the items was removed from the diaper changing table. • Technical assistance was provided to ensure that diaper changing procedure are reposted after the classroom are redecorated/rearranged. • Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-09-08. View official inspection document (report f331ee20-edad-48cd-b49b-f7bcab611641)

    Corrected at inspection
  4. Medium-High riskStandard 134/17/2025

    13. (13-01)

    A potentially harmful item, [cleaning chemicals], was not labeled as required. CCF Handbook, Section 3.2, B (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR] Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed spray bottle in the 1-year-old classroom with unknown cleaning chemical that was 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 into compliance when Provider labeled the spray bottle. • 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 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-04-17. View official inspection document (report 4cff8ac2-31b2-4480-b439-c26f1c04fd88)

    Not corrected
  5. Medium-High riskStandard 184/17/2025

    18. Bedding and Linens CCF Handbook, Section 3.6 CCF Handbook, Section 3.6 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) (18-06)

    The floor mats available for children in care were not covered with an impermeable surface. CCF Handbook, Section 3.6.1, D (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR] 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. 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 2025-04-17. View official inspection document (report 4cff8ac2-31b2-4480-b439-c26f1c04fd88)

    Not corrected
  6. Medium-High riskStandard 254/17/2025

    25. Meals and Snacks CCF Handbook, Section 3.9 CCF Handbook, Section 3.9 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) (25-02)

    Children were provided food that was not age appropriate and/or posed a choking hazard. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.3, B & C (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Food and Nutrition [SR] Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed 1-year-old classroom eating a whole slice of pizza. The pizza was not cut up or in cut in half. Technical assistance was provided that infant and 1-year-old food must cut in 1/2 inch or smaller to prevent choking. This standard was brought back into compliance when Provider cut up the slice of pizza. • The program does provide morning snacks for the children in care that meets the nutritional guideline recommendations of USDA. However, meals and afternoon snacks are provided by parents/legal guardians. • Compliance Comments The program does provide morning snacks for the children in care that meets the nutritional guideline recommendations of USDA. However, meals and afternoon snacks are provided by parents/legal guardians. • 26. Meal and Snack Menus CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.3 & Section 7 CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.3 & Section 7 (Form DEL-SR-6200A) Compliance 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) Compliance 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 2025-04-17. View official inspection document (report 4cff8ac2-31b2-4480-b439-c26f1c04fd88)

    Not corrected
  7. Medium-High riskStandard 424/17/2025

    42. (42-02)

    The Student Health Examination or equivalent health statement was not acceptable in that: [ It was not current (over two years old)]. CCF Handbook, Section 7.2 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR] Comments: At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the child listed on the supplement had expired Student Health Examination or equivalent health statement on file. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that all children have current physical on file. Compliance Comments At the time of inspection, Provider advised that 41 children are enrolled, Licensing Specialist reviewed 20 childrens files (3-year-old 4-year-old). • 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 Compliance Comments At the time of inspection, Provider advised that10 Child Care Personnel are employed, Licensing Specialist reviewed all Child Care Personnel files. • Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-04-17. View official inspection document (report 4cff8ac2-31b2-4480-b439-c26f1c04fd88)

    Not corrected
  8. Medium-High riskStandard 421/24/2025

    42. (42-02)

    The Student Health Examination or equivalent health statement was not acceptable in that: [ It was not current (over two years old)]. CCF Handbook, Section 7.2 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR] Comments: At the time of the inspection, a child's student health record expired 1/20/25. TA: The provider will need to receive from the parent a current student health record by the due date on the inspection. Compliance Comments At the time of the inspection, the provider stated there were 41 children enrolled and 15 files were checked (Ones-Twos). 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 Compliance Comments At the time of the inspection, there were 10 staff and all their files were checked. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-01-24. View official inspection document (report c2ec9394-89eb-407d-8fb8-7b8aef3f437e)

    Not corrected

Safety & Compliance Analysis

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

15Total 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

$1,065/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: 50
  • Type: Child Care Facility

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