Children's Ark Early Learning Center

VALRICO, FLChild Care FacilityLicensed

4.5based on state inspection data
Capacity150
HoursMon 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Tue 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Wed 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Thu 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Fri 6:30AM to 6:00PM
Est. price$922/mo

Contact information

Address950 S Mulrennan Rd, Valrico FL, 33594

CityVALRICO, FL 33594

CountyHILLSBOROUGH

Phone8136549500

Operating details

HoursMon 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Tue 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Wed 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Thu 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Fri 6:30AM to 6:00PM

Capacity150

Compliance snapshot

Last inspection: 6/30/2026 · Counts cover the full published inspection history; search results show the past 2 years.

  • High2
  • Medium-High4
  • Medium5
  • Medium-Low0
  • 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:

950 S Mulrennan Rd, Valrico FL, 33594, VALRICO, FL 33594

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: 6/30/2026

  • High1
  • Medium-High3
  • Medium4
  • Medium-Low0
  • Low0

2026

  1. Medium-High riskStandard 176/30/2026

    17. (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 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR] Comments: During the renewal inspection the licensing specialist observed that there was some outdoor equipment that was rusty. Licensing specialist observed that there was an outdoor fence that needs to be fixed. According to the DCF CCF Handbook Section 2.1 The outdoor play area must be clean and free from litter, nails, glass and other hazards. Due: 7/31/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-06-30. View official inspection document (report e49abacf-6375-45bd-9034-3d9760445234)

    Not corrected
  2. High riskStandard 246/30/2026

    24. (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 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Food and Nutrition [SR] Comments: During the renewal inspection the licensing specialist observed that there was food that was expired. According to the DCF CCF Handbook Section 3.9.2 B Section 2.1 B. Stored food must be consumed or discarded on or before the expiration date listed by the manufacturer. Compliance Comments During the inspection, the Operator advised that the facility provide snacks to the children during summertime. The facility provides meals and snacks during the school year. Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-06-30. View official inspection document (report e49abacf-6375-45bd-9034-3d9760445234)

    Corrected at inspection
  3. Medium-High riskStandard 326/30/2026

    32. (32-07)

    The ground cover or other protective surface under the [playground equipment] was not maintained. CCF Handbook, Section 3.12, D (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Sanitation and Equipment [SR] Comments: During the renewal inspection the licensing specialist observed that the mulch on the fall zone was not maintained with a minimum of 6 inches in depth. According to the DCF CCF Handbook Section 3.12 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. Due: 7/30/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-06-30. View official inspection document (report e49abacf-6375-45bd-9034-3d9760445234)

    Not corrected
  4. Medium riskStandard 123/31/2026

    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 Physical Environment [SR] Comments: During the time of the inspection the Licensing Specialist monitored the childrens classrooms and observed that in the One years old classroom the window edge was broken (left corner). In the Two years old classroom it was observed that the bathroom wall paint was peeling off and the bottom of the wall next to the toilet was coming off. According to the CCF Handbook, Section 3.1. General Health and Safety Requirements A. All child care facilities must be clean, in good repair, free from health and safety hazards and from evidence of, or presence of, vermin infestation. Indoor play areas must be inspected daily for basic health and safety and documented on a daily inspection log. Outdoor play areas must be inspected daily for basic health and safety. Any problems must be corrected before the play area is used by children. Due: 4/30/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-31. View official inspection document (report 6f6cee78-21df-43a1-b048-67e5f7cb3c17)

    Not corrected
  5. Medium-High riskStandard 233/31/2026

    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 [Fire Drill missing for February 2026]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.4, A Physical Environment [SR] Comments: During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist monitored the fire drill log and observed that the last fire drill conducted for this facility was dated 1/20/26. During the time of the inspection, this standard was back in compliance by Director conducting a fire drill in the presence of the Licensing Specialist. The last approved fire inspection for this facility was dated 8/11/25. The fire extinguisher certifications are valid until June 2026 (tagged June 2025). According to the CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.4 Fire Drills A. During the facilitys license year, fire drills utilizing the alarm system, approved by the local fire authority, must be conducted monthly at various dates and times when children are in care. FOOD AND NUTRITION Due: Completed at time of inspection Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-03-31. View official inspection document (report 6f6cee78-21df-43a1-b048-67e5f7cb3c17)

    Corrected at inspection

2025

  1. Medium riskStandard 333/28/2025

    33. Training Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 4 (33-02)

    The facility did not have documentation of child care personnel's completion of required training on the training transcript in that [Preservice School Readiness required training]. CCF Handbook, Section 4.5 Training [SR] Comments: During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist monitored childcare personnel trainings and observed (1) childcare personnel did not complete the required preservice School Readiness training. According to the School Readiness Handbook, Section 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. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-03-28. View official inspection document (report 998e5f9a-898b-4ae9-bfed-03789aa89e64)

    Not corrected
  2. Medium riskStandard 071/31/2025

    07. Vehicle Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.4 (07-06)

    The vehicle alarm installed was not in working condition. CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.4 General Requirements [SR] Comments: During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist monitored the (2) vehicles transportation utilized to transport the children that are in care. During the time of the inspection, the (2) vehicle's alarm was not audible from a distance of 500 feet. Technical assistance was provided. According to the CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.4 Vehicle Requirements. F. By January 1, 2022, all vehicles used by child care facilities to transport children must be equipped with a reliable alarm system approved by the Department which prompts the driver to inspect the vehicle for children before exiting the vehicle. 1. Approved alarm systems must meet the following criteria: a. The alarm system must be armed or activated automatically when the vehicles ignition is turned on. b. The alarm system must be designed and installed so that the vehicle horn, siren or other type of audio alarm will sound if the driver/staff member does not walk to the rear or, in the case of a passenger van, the side entry point of the vehicle, to manually shut off or deactivate the alarm. c. The time delay from the time the ignition is turned off after activation of the alarm system until the alarm sounds shall be no longer than one minute. d. The alarm must be audible from the distance of 500 feet from the vehicle. e. The alarm system must be installed so that the driver must walk to the back of the vehicle to reach the deactivation mechanism. Deactivation mechanisms installed in locations that do not require the driver to walk to the back of the vehicle and view all seating areas will not be acceptable. 08. Seat Belts/Child Restraints CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.4 and CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.5 Not Monitored 09. Planned Activities CCF Handbook, Section 2.6 Not Monitored 10. Field Trip Permission CCF Handbook, Section 2.7 Not Monitored 11. Child Discipline CCF Handbook, Section 2.8 Not Monitored PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 12. Facility Environment CCF Handbook, Section 3.1 Not Monitored 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 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-01-31. View official inspection document (report 2964e225-b110-458c-96cd-d206760252da)

    Not corrected

2024

  1. Medium riskStandard 0710/25/2024

    07. Vehicle Requirements CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.4 (07-06)

    The vehicle alarm installed was not in working condition. CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.4 General Requirements [SR] Comments: During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist monitored the vehicle transportation utilized to transport the children that are in care. During the time of the inspection, the vehicle alarm was not working properly and was not audible from a distance of 500 feet. During the time of the inspection. the Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance. According to the CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.4 Vehicle Requirements d. The alarm must be audible from the distance of 500 feet from the vehicle. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2024-10-25. View official inspection document (report d482e253-8716-414b-b79f-7a96df18bf80)

    Not corrected

Safety & Compliance Analysis

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

11Total 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

$922/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: VALRICO, HILLSBOROUGH County
  • Capacity: 150
  • 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 VALRICO, FL