Recorded violations per inspection
- This provider
- 0.31
- Local median
- 0.33
Tri-County Head Start Center
268 S Davis Ln, Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
- License:
- C01WA0008
- Type:
- Child Care Facility
- Status:
- Licensed
- Records checked:
- July 14, 2026
Additional info
- Programs and services:
- Head Start, Food Served, Full Day, Transportation
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 8:00AM to 2:00PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
- Capacity:
- 101
- License expiration:
- March 31, 2027
Typical cost: $1,105 (Under 1)
Child’s age
$1,105/mo
Median daily rate: $51.00 (non-Gold Seal only)
Official Florida Division of Early Learning Walton County data.
Not this provider’s price.
Inspection snapshot
Questions worth asking
The available records raise questions worth asking before enrolling.
Next: Review the inspection history below and ask the provider what the records mean and what changed afterward.
Latest inspectionJune 18, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsJune 18, 2026
Summary
This summary covers 16 available inspections for Tri-County Head Start Center from March 2, 2023 through June 18, 2026.
Four inspections recorded violations, with five recorded violations in total.
The most recent recorded violation was on October 24, 2025 and involved equipment or readiness.
Supervision was a higher-concern topic that showed up in one inspection.
Three later inspections, from December 2, 2025 through June 18, 2026, showed no recorded violations, but the records do not say whether they were formal follow-ups.
At a glance
- Total inspections
- 16
- Recorded violations
- 5
- Higher-concern violations
- 2
- Repeated topics
- 0
4 in last 12 months
2 in last 12 months
0 in last 12 months
Last 36 months
Local comparison
16 total inspections vs 14 local median in 32435
Compared to 10 local facilities
Inspections with higher-concern violations
- This provider
- 13%
- Local median
- 6%
Inspections with recorded violations
- This provider
- 25%
- Local median
- 25%
Repeated topics
- This provider
- 0
- Local average
- 1.1
Repeated topics
Topics that appeared in more than one inspection during the last 36 months. They may reveal a pattern worth examining.
No repeated topics found
The available reports do not show the same violation topic appearing in more than one inspection during the last 36 months. Review the inspection history below for any one-time violations or report details.
Inspection history
Available inspection history. Select a violation topic for more info.
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- The play equipment was not maintained in a safe or sanitary condition for the children to use in that [the "Dozer" structure has rusted metal floors that have ragged, sharp edges which pose an injury hazard to children playing on it.]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.12, B and F
- Report comments
- The dozer structure in the playground poses an injury hazard to children playing on it. Provider has roped off the equipment to prevent children from playing on it. Provider will have equipment removed and replaced with new equipment in the near future.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 32 - Outdoor Equipment
- Official code
- 32-03
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- The ground cover or other protective surface under the [installed playground equipment] was not maintained. CCF Handbook, Section 3.12, D
- Report comments
- The ground cover throughout the playground is only between two and four inches deep, when regulation requires a 6-inch depth. Provider will find a way to ensure ground cover in fall zones is at least 6 inches deep, either by adding sand, tilling the existing sand, or by other means. Provider will email pictures of the finished work showing a depth of 6 inches (ruler or tape measure in the picture) to the licensing office on or before 11/24/2025.
- Correction status
- Due by November 24, 2025
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 32 - Outdoor Equipment
- Official code
- 32-07
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
Higher concern: Supervision
- Report finding
- A child was left without child care personnel supervision inside or outside the facility, in a vehicle, or at a field trip location away from the facility. CCF Handbook, Section 2.4.1, B
- Inspector notes
- When leaving the classroom with the children to go out on the playground, staff left one child behind. The child was observed on classroom video to be on her own for approximately 28 minutes before a staff member returned to the classroom and brought the child out to the playground. While Tri-County Head Start has procedures requiring teachers to do roll call and headcount once they are out of the classroom, in this instance, headcount was taken on the circle rug before the children left for the playground. The floater working with the lead teacher did not do a sweep of the classroom upon leaving. There is no evidence of a roll call being taken once the group left the classro ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by February 28, 2025
More details
- Report section
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 04 - Supervision
- Official code
- 04-10
Higher concern: Child guidance
- Report finding
- Child care personnel inappropriately interacted with children in care in a manner that was aggressive, demeaning or intimidating in nature. CCF Handbook, Section 8.2, C
- Report comments
- Child was repeatedly picked up by the arm when he kept dropping down while walking, holding a staff member's hand, resulting in a sprained wrist. Other children were pulled down hard by their jackets into bean bag chairs on the floor by the same staff member. Provider called Abuse Hotline which did not accept the report. Provider terminated staff member in question. Provider reported incident to the childcare complaint section of the DCF website. Owner/Director/Staff Responsible Comments No Comments. Counselor Comments Follow-up is not currently due. If you have any questions please contact: The Department of Children and Families, Child Care Regulation, Attn: Sabine Claybroo ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 47 - Access/Child Safety
- Official code
- 47-01
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Staff training
- Report finding
- Child care personnel including volunteers who work 10 hours or more per month did not complete the 40 hour Introductory Child Care Training requirement. CCF Handbook Section 4.2.1
- Report comments
- One employee with an industry start date of 10/11/22 did not complete 40 hour introductory child care training requirement. Employee should complete, test, and pass part 2 courses and director should email updated transcript to counselor no later than 3/29/24. Training monitored for 3 new employees.
- Correction status
- Due by March 29, 2024
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-01
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
Questions to ask
Suggested questions for parents based on recorded violations in inspection reports. If there are not enough source-backed violations, you will see general questions for daycare.
Finding-specific
Could you describe the current procedures in place to ensure all children are accounted for when moving between the classroom and the playground?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- An official inspection report from February 2025 noted an instance where a child was not supervised during a transition to the playground. This question helps parents understand the specific head-count and sweep procedures now used to prevent similar occurrences.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What training or guidance do you provide to staff regarding positive interaction techniques and appropriate ways to handle children during daily activities?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records from an inspection in January 2025 mention an incident involving inappropriate staff interactions with children. Asking about current training helps parents understand how the center supports healthy and supportive staff-child relationships.
- Context
- The staff member involved in the incident was terminated.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How do you monitor the playground equipment and ground cover to ensure they remain in good condition for the children?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Available inspection records from October 2025 identified concerns regarding the depth of playground ground cover and the condition of specific play structures. This question allows parents to learn about the center's routine maintenance schedule for outdoor play areas.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What is your process for ensuring that all new staff members complete their required introductory training in a timely manner?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- An inspection report from February 2024 noted a finding regarding the completion of required training for a staff member. This question helps parents understand how the center tracks and manages staff professional development requirements.
Related violations
General question
How do you typically communicate with families about daily routines and any changes in classroom activities?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Consistent communication helps families stay informed about their child's daily experiences and any adjustments to center procedures. Understanding these channels ensures parents feel connected to the care their child receives.