Growing Hands Learning Center LLC

PALMETTO, FLChild Care FacilityLicensed

3.5based on state inspection data
Capacity146
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

Address6841 Buffalo Rd, Palmetto FL, 34221

CityPALMETTO, FL 34221

CountyMANATEE

Phone9418454873

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

Capacity146

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 3/5/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High2
  • Medium-High7
  • Medium8
  • Medium-Low0
  • Low0

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Location

Using Address for Location

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

6841 Buffalo Rd, Palmetto FL, 34221, PALMETTO, FL 34221

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: 3/5/2026

  • High2
  • Medium-High6
  • Medium8
  • Medium-Low0
  • Low0

2026

  1. Medium-High riskStandard 403/5/2026

    40. Medication CCF Handbook, Section 6.5 (40-17)

    Medication which had expired or is no longer being administered was not discarded or returned to the custodial parent or legal guardian. CCF Handbook, Section 6.5, H Comments: During the inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed medication which had expired or is no longer being administered was not discarded or returned to the custodial parent or legal guardian. The prescription medication is Triamcinolone. Expiration date: 8/2025. (The expiration 6/2026) This standard has been brought back into compliance in that a staff member discarded the expired medication in a trash receptacle that was outside of the facility and inaccessible to children. During the inspection, the Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook, Section 6.5, H: Medication: Childcare programs are not required to give medication; however, if a program chooses to do so, it must comply with the following requirements: H. Medication that has expired or that is no longer being dispensed must be returned to the custodial parent or legal guardian or discarded. RECORD KEEPING Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-05. View official inspection document (report 5af236f7-9e93-493a-a7a5-a0e83364ba37)

    Corrected at inspection
  2. Medium-High riskStandard 403/5/2026

    40. Medication CCF Handbook, Section 6.5 (40-15)

    Medication was not stored in either a locked area or inaccessible and out of a childs reach. CCF Handbook, Section 6.5, G Comments: During the inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed 2 non-prescription medication diaper creams, a triple paste container and a triple paste squeeze bottle that were not stored in either a locked area or inaccessible and out of a childs reach. The diaper creams were in an orange material bin/box that was located on the second shelf on the left side of the diaper changing table. This standard has been brought back into compliance in that a staff member moved the non-prescription medication diaper creams out of childrens reach. During the inspection, the Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook, Section 6.5, G: Medication: Childcare programs are not required to give medication; however, if a program chooses to do so, it must comply with the following requirements: G. All medication must have child resistant caps, if applicable, and must either be stored in a locked area or must be out of any childs reach. If medication is stored in the food preparation area, it must be stored in a manner to prevent contamination of food, food contact surfaces, or medication. Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-05. View official inspection document (report 5af236f7-9e93-493a-a7a5-a0e83364ba37)

    Corrected at inspection
  3. Medium riskStandard 333/5/2026

    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 [ safe sleep practices and shaken baby syndrome]. CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.3 and 4.2.5 Comments: During the inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed that the facility did not have documented proof that 2 childcare personnel were trained and knowledgeable within 30 days of date of hire in training regarding guidance on safe sleep practices, preventing shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma. This standard has been brought back into compliance in that the Operator informed the Licensing Specialist that as of 3/5/2026 the 2 staff members are no longer employed at the facility and removed them from the Clearinghouse Roster during the inspection. During the inspection, the Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.3 Safe Sleep/ Shaken Baby Syndrome Training: All child care personnel who work in a facility that offers care to infants must have training regarding guidance on safe sleep practices, preventing shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma; recognition of signs and symptoms of shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma; strategies for coping with crying, fussing, or distraught child and the development and vulnerabilities of the brain in infancy in early childhood within 30 days of hire at the facility. For childcare personnel to satisfy this requirement the training must be accomplished through one of following methods: Departments Health Safety and Nutrition course, Safe Sleep course, or the Early Learning Floridas Safe Sleep Practices. Documentation of training must be maintained on the Departments training transcript in the childcare personnel record. Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-05. View official inspection document (report 5af236f7-9e93-493a-a7a5-a0e83364ba37)

    Corrected at inspection
  4. Medium riskStandard 333/5/2026

    33. Training Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4 (33-03)

    The facility did not have documentation to show child care personnel had begun the introductory training within 90 days of employment in the child care industry. CCF Handbook, Section 4.1 Comments: During the inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed the facility did not have documentation to show 1 childcare personnel had begun the introductory training within 90 days of employment in the childcare industry. This standard has been brought back into compliance in that the Operator informed the Licensing Specialist that as of 3/5/2026 that staff member is no longer employed at the facility and removed them from the Clearinghouse Roster during the inspection. During the inspection, the Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook, Section 4.1: Beginning Training: Childcare personnel including volunteers who work 10 hours or more per month must begin training within 90 days of employment in the childcare industry and successfully complete Departments training within 12 months from the date training begins. Training taken prior to employment in the childcare industry does not constitute begin training. The begin training timeframes begin at the time of employment in the childcare industry. Training completion may not exceed 15 months from the date of employment in the childcare industry in any licensed Florida childcare facility. This may be accomplished by classroom attendance in a department-approved training course, acquiring an educational exemption from a department-approved training course, beginning a department-approved online childcare training course, or by receiving results from a department-approved competency examination. The childcare program is responsible for obtaining training documentation from childcare personnel. Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-05. View official inspection document (report 5af236f7-9e93-493a-a7a5-a0e83364ba37)

    Corrected at inspection
  5. Medium riskStandard 283/5/2026

    28. Bottles, Breastmilk, Formula and Infant Food CCF Handbook, Section 3.9 (28-10)

    Bottle warming devices were accessible to children. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.7, A Comments: During the inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed 3 bottle warming devices that contained hot water that were accessible to children located on a shelf to the left of the diaper changing area. 2 of the devices were not covered, 1 was covered. This standard has been brought back into compliance in that a staff member removed the water from the bottle warming devices and moved the devices out of reach of children. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.7 Bottle Warming: For optimum digestion, breastmilk and infant formula should be served at body temperature. A. Bottle warming devices and crock pots, including cords, must be kept inaccessible to children at all times. SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-05. View official inspection document (report 5af236f7-9e93-493a-a7a5-a0e83364ba37)

    Corrected at inspection
  6. Medium riskStandard 183/5/2026

    18. Bedding and Linens CCF Handbook, Section 3.6 (18-12)

    Bedding and/or linens were not stored in a sanitary manner. CCF Handbook, Section 3.6.1, G & H Comments: During the inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed the bedding and/or linens were not stored in a sanitary manner in that there were cots stored in the bathroom of the one-year-old classroom. This standard has been brought back into compliance in that a staff member removed the cots from the bathroom. During the inspection, the Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook, Section 3.6.1, G & H: 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. G. Bedding and linens, when not in use, must be stored in a sanitary manner which prevents the spread of germs or lice from other linens. All bedding and linens must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized at least once a week, and before use by another child. H. Bedding and linens shall not be stored in the bathroom, unless stored in cabinets. Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-05. View official inspection document (report 5af236f7-9e93-493a-a7a5-a0e83364ba37)

    Corrected at inspection

2025

  1. Medium-High riskStandard 4010/24/2025

    40. Medication CCF Handbook, Section 6.5 (40-12)

    The facilitys record for a child receiving medication was incomplete in that it did not include [the name of the medication to be given, and date, time and amount of the correct dosage to be given.]. CCF Handbook, Section 6.5, F Comments: During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed the facilitys record for all children receiving medication was incomplete in that it did not include the name of the medication to be given, and date, time and amount of the correct dosage to be given. The provider has been given until 11/24/2025 to bring this standard back into compliance. CCF Handbook, Section 6.5, F The facility must maintain a record for each child receiving any medications that documents the full name of the child, the name of the medication, the date and time the medication was given, the amount and dosage, and the name and signature of the person who gave the medication. This record must be initialed or signed by the program personnel who gave the medication. The record must be maintained for a minimum of 12 months after the last day the child received the dosage. CCF Handbook, Section 6.5, A The child care program must have written authorization from the custodial parent or legal guardian to give prescription and non-prescription medications. This authorization must be dated and signed by the custodial parent or legal guardian and contain the childs name; the name of the medication to be given; and date, time and amount of the correct dosage to be given. Prescription and non-prescription medications that are used on an as needed basis require the parent/ legal guardian to provide additional documentation on the authorization form to describe symptoms that would require the medication to be given. The child care provider must never administer a medication that is prescribed for one child to another child. Due: 11/24/2025 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-10-24. View official inspection document (report e356ab00-9cf7-4761-96f5-f8a308d8258e)

    Not corrected
  2. Medium riskStandard 337/11/2025

    33. Training Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4 (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 Comments: During the time of inspection, the Operator advised the Licensing Specialist that there 27 employees. During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist monitored 27 of the 27 employee records. REMINDER: In-service training for 2025/2026 fiscal year must be completed before July 1, 2026. Specialist reviewed 10 hours of annual in-service, completed, for all child care personnel for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. When the Licensing Specialist was reviewing the files the Licensing Specialist observed 2 personnel did not finish their 5 hours Early Literacy training. The director was given until August 11, 2025, to come into compliance with this standard. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.2 Early Literacy Training Pursuant to Section 402.305(2)(e)5., F.S., all childcare 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 childcare industry. Proof of completion may be documented on a certificate of course completion, classroom transcript, or diploma. Childcare personnel must complete one of the following: A. One of the Departments online literacy courses available on the Departments website. B. One of the Departments approved literacy courses. A list of these courses can be obtained from the Departments website. (No additional courses will be approved by the Department.) C. One college level early literacy course (for credit or non-credit) if taken within the last five years. Due: 8/11/2025 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-07-11. View official inspection document (report b4161800-4a7b-4737-8549-2cd24448a08d)

    Not corrected
  3. Medium riskStandard 337/11/2025

    33. Training Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4 (33-07)

    Child care personnel, including volunteers who work 10 hours or more per month did not complete the required in-service training during the states fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30. CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.7 Comments: During the time of inspection, the Operator advised the Licensing Specialist that there 27 employees. During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist monitored 27 of the 27 employee records. When the Licensing Specialist was reviewing the files the Licensing Specialist observed 2 personnel did not complete their 10 in service for 24-25 year. The director was given until August 11, 2025, to come into compliance with this standard. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.7 A-D Annual In-Service Training Upon successful completion of the 40-hour introductory training requirements, child care personnel must complete a minimum of 10 clock-hours or one CEU of in-service training annually during the states fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30.A. The annual 10 clock-hours or one CEU of in-service training concentration onchildren ages birth through 12 must be completed in one or more of thefollowing areas (college level courses will be accepted):1. Health and safety, including universal precautions, prevention of infectiousdiseases, sudden infant death syndrome, emergencies due to food and allergic reactions, shaken baby syndrome, use of safe sleep practices, administration of medicine, emergency preparedness, and handling of hazardous materials;2. Pediatric CPR;3. First Aid (may be taken to meet the in-service requirement only once every two years);4. Nutrition;5. Child development - typical and atypical;6. Child transportation and safety;7. Behavior management;8. Working with families; Child Care Facility Handbook Page | 439. Design and use of child-oriented space;10. Community, health and social service resources;11. Child abuse;12. Child care for multilingual children;13. Working with children with disabilities in child care;14. Safety in outdoor play;15. Literacy;16. Guidance and discipline;17. Computer technology;18. Leadership development/program management and child care personnelsupervision;19. Age-appropriate lesson planning;20. Homework assistance for school-age care;21. Food safety training;22. Developing special interest centers/spaces and environments;23. Other course areas relating to child care or child care management;24. Any of the online courses offered through the Departments child care website. B. Documentation of the in-service training requirement must be recorded on CFFSP Form 5268, Child Care In-Service Training Record, which is incorporated by reference in 65C-22.001(7)(i), F.A.C., and included in the child care facilitys personnel records. CF-FSP Form 5268 may be obtained from the Departments website at www.myflfamilies.com/childcare. A new in- service training record is required each fiscal year. The in-service training records for the previous two fiscal years must also be maintained at the child care facility for review by the licensing authority. C. All child care personnel employed in the industry beyond 15 months, who change employment from one child care program to another during the fiscal year must complete the annual in-service training requirement. D. Child care personnel not in compliance with the annual in-service training requirement described in this section must complete the remaining in-service training requirement within 30 days of the noncompliance finding by the licensing authority. These hours cannot be used to meet the current years in service training requirements. Due: 8/11/2025 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-07-11. View official inspection document (report b4161800-4a7b-4737-8549-2cd24448a08d)

    Not corrected
  4. Medium riskStandard 333/5/2025

    33. Training Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4 (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 Comments: During the time of inspection, the Operator advised the Licensing Specialist that there 28 employees. During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist monitored 28 of the 28 employee records. REMINDER: In-service training for 2024/2025 fiscal year must be completed before July 1, 2025. Specialist reviewed 10 hours of annual in-service, completed, for all child care personnel for the 2023/2024 fiscal year. When the Licensing Specialist was reviewing the files the Licensing Specialist observed 1 personnel that did not finish her 5 hours Early Literacy training. The director was given until April 7, 2025, to come into compliance with this standard. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.2 Early Literacy Training Pursuant to Section 402.305(2)(e)5., F.S., all childcare 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 childcare industry. Proof of completion may be documented on a certificate of course completion, classroom transcript, or diploma. Childcare personnel must complete one of the following: A. One of the Departments online literacy courses available on the Departments website. B. One of the Departments approved literacy courses. A list of these courses can be obtained from the Departments website. (No additional courses will be approved by the Department.) C. One college level early literacy course (for credit or non-credit) if taken within the last five years. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-03-05. View official inspection document (report 46daefc0-4382-41ed-ace7-4983a9ffa931)

    Not corrected
  5. Medium riskStandard 303/5/2025

    30. Diapering CCF Handbook, Section 3.10 (30-06)

    Diaper changing occurred on a surface that was not impermeable. CCF Handbook, Section 3.10.2, E Comments: During the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed in the Lullaby Lane classrooms that the changing mats were ripped exposing the foam. The director was given until April 7, 2025, to come into compliance with this standard. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook, Section 3.10.2, E Diapering Requirements - E. When children in diapers are in care, there must be a diaper changing area with an impermeable surface that is cleaned and sanitized or disinfected after each use. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-03-05. View official inspection document (report 46daefc0-4382-41ed-ace7-4983a9ffa931)

    Not corrected
  6. High riskStandard 243/5/2025

    24. Food Preparation Area CCF Handbook, Section 3.9 (24-18)

    Stored food was not consumed or discarded on or before the expiration date listed by the manufacturer. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.2, B Comments: During the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed loaves of bread that was expired. The bread expired on 1/25/25. The director brought this standard back in compliance at the time of inspection by throwing away the bread. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Hand book, Section 3.9.2, B Food Storage B. Stored food must be consumed or discarded on or before the expiration dates listed by the manufacturer. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-03-05. View official inspection document (report 46daefc0-4382-41ed-ace7-4983a9ffa931)

    Not corrected
  7. Medium-High riskStandard 173/5/2025

    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: During the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed on the playground the white house the wood is cracked the side by the mail box and the lid to the blue bin was cracked and broken. The director was given until April 7, 2025, to come into compliance with this standard. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook Section 3.5 A- Outdoor Play Area. A. The outdoor play area must be clean and free from litter, nails, glass and other hazards. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-03-05. View official inspection document (report 46daefc0-4382-41ed-ace7-4983a9ffa931)

    Not corrected
  8. High riskStandard 133/5/2025

    13. Toxic Substances, Hazardous Materials and Weapons CCF Handbook, Section 3.2 (13-02)

    The facilitys storage of harmful items including cleaning supplies, flammable products, and poisonous, toxic and hazardous materials allowed access by children in care. CCF Handbook, Section 3.2, B Comments: During the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed that the entrance to the kitchen is open where the children has access to the kitchen and the licensing specialist observed there was hand sanitizer on the table, the cook was washing dishes and there was food scissors that were just washed sitting out to dry and the drawer that the knifes were in did not have a lock. In the star bright classroom there was adult scissors, tape dispenser, stapler on the teachers desk. The director brought this standard back in compliance at the time of inspection by putting the items out of the reach of the children or in a locked drawer. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook Section 3.2 B Toxic/Hazardous Material/Firearms/Weapons. B. All potentially harmful items, including cleaning supplies, flammable products, poisonous, toxic, and hazardous materials, must be labeled and used according to manufacturers recommendation. These items, as well as knives, sharp tools, and other potentially dangerous hazards, must be stored in a locked area or must be inaccessible and out of a childs reach at all times. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-03-05. View official inspection document (report 46daefc0-4382-41ed-ace7-4983a9ffa931)

    Not corrected
  9. Medium-High riskStandard 123/5/2025

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

    A fire hazard, [dust build up on the vents in the bathrooms], was observed in the facility. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1, B Comments: During the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed a buildup of dust on the vents in the bathrooms in the following classrooms Star Bright Room and Star Bright Street Room. The director brought this standard back in compliance at the time of inspection by cleaning the vents. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook Section 3.1 B.- General Health and Safety Requirements. B. It is the responsibility of the director/operator to ensure all areas and equipment of the facility are free from fire hazards, such as lint build up in heating and air vents, filters, exhaust fans, ceiling fans, and dryer vents. This includes grease build-up in ovens, stoves and food equipment. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-03-05. View official inspection document (report 46daefc0-4382-41ed-ace7-4983a9ffa931)

    Not corrected
  10. Medium-High riskStandard 123/5/2025

    12. Facility Environment CCF Handbook, Section 3.1 (12-07)

    A safety deficiency having a moderate potential for harm to the children in care was observed. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1 Comments: During the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed cords hanging down by a child's head during the nap and or in the reach of the children in the following rooms Star Bright, Huggable Hills, Little Moon Way and VPK Crossing classrooms. The director brought this standard back in compliance at the time of inspection by removing the cords and putting the cords out of the reach of the children. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook Section 3.1 D.- General Health and Safety Requirements. D. Strangulation hazards, strings, and cords long enough to encircle a childs neck such as those on toys and window coverings must not be accessible to children in care. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-03-05. View official inspection document (report 46daefc0-4382-41ed-ace7-4983a9ffa931)

    Not corrected

Safety & Compliance Analysis

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

17Total Violations
0Recent 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: PALMETTO, MANATEE County
  • Capacity: 146
  • Type: Child Care Facility

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