Betty And Marvin Zale Early Childhood Learning Center

66. Training Requirements (Articles VI and XV.D; 65C-22 F.A.C.) (66-03)

There are staff who failed to begin the Department's required 40-hour introductory child care training within 90 days of employment or complete the training within one year. Comments: Observed employees that did not begin or completed the DCF 40 hour trainings within the required time. Due: 7/31/2026 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2026-06-25. View official inspection document (report 9a335231-f3a2-4cd4-851b-fcf379b1e357)

17. Water Fountains Per Licensed Capacity (Article X.A) (17-01)

The facility did not provide adequate drinking fountains for the children in care. [11 water fountains or water dispensers ] were required and [water filters/spouts in the kitchenette sinks ] were provided. Comments: During the inspection, observed the children obtain water through their water bottles that are filled by staff through the classroom's kitchenette sink which contains a water filter system/spout. Technical assistance was provided that although the children have their water bottles filled, the Palm Beach Rules and Regulations state the following (Article X.A.48): 48. Each child care facility shall have at least one (1) approved drinking fountain for each thirty (30) children or provide a potable water supply with a dispenser and disposable cups. (a) Bubbler type fountains or any arrangement whereby water falls back on the mouthpiece shall not be used. (b) The water jet shall be adjusted so that water clears the mouthpiece but does not splash on floor or wall. (c) The drain from the fountain shall not have a direct physical connection to a waste pipe unless the drain is trapped. (d) All drinking fountains shall be cleaned at least daily with a germicidal or bacteriostatic cleaner containing no objectionable odor. (e) The mouthpiece, basin and exterior shall be effectively cleaned and sanitized at least daily. (f) The floor and wall adjacent to the fountain shall be kept dry and clean. (g) Disposable cups shall not be reused. Technical assistance was provided that with the facility's capacity of 319 children; 11 water fountains are required as 1 per 30 children. The facility can either install water fountain or use water dispensers with disposable cups. Compliance Comments Observed the facility was in good condition and clean/sanitary. Due: 11/28/2025 Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-10-29. View official inspection document (report 2fd44f7c-a887-457d-ac44-906146e33202)

31. Play Equipment (Article X.A, and H) (31-09)

The following equipment and/or toys were not safe: [playground slide ] as evidenced by [blue tarp with bungee cords covering the slide and orange plastic at the entrance of the slide ]. Comments: During the inspection, observed the facility's playground slide had blue tarp covering it with bungee cords holding the tarp down. The entrance to the slide was closed off with orange plastic wrap/string. Although the facility stated the slide overheats and that is why the tarp covering is there, children cannot be playing while the tarp is there with the bungee cords as it poses a hazard. Technical assistance was provided to either improve shading on the playground to prevent slide from overheating, or that the tarp cannot be on the playground with the cords while children are playing. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-10-29. View official inspection document (report 2fd44f7c-a887-457d-ac44-906146e33202)

36. Toxic/Hazardous Items (Article X.A) (36-07)

Staff purses or other personal items were observed accessible to children in the [two different classroom wooden cabinets ]. Comments: At the time of the inspection, the inspector checked cabinets throughout the classrooms. In two classrooms, wooden cabinets that were unlocked and accessible to children contained staff belongings/purse. Technical assistance was provided that cabinets/storage containing staff purses or other personal items must be locked or inaccessible to children. The assistant director during the inspection promptly removed the staff purses from the unlocked cabinet and moved them to be inaccessible to the children. Not Applicable Comments At the time of the inspection, no pets or animals were present. Source: FL DCF CARES inspection 2025-07-18. View official inspection document (report 83e29f1a-6890-4495-acaa-76d9f093b639)