Recorded violations per inspection
- This provider
- 2.25
- Local median
- 1.5
Step Forward Learning Center
1351 E Jefferson St, Brooksville, FL 34601
- License:
- C05HE0151
- Type:
- Child Care Facility
- Status:
- Licensed
- Records checked:
- July 14, 2026
Additional info
- Programs and services:
- School Readiness, After School, Before School, Drop In, Food Served, Full Day, Half Day, Infant Care
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
- Capacity:
- 29
- License expiration:
- January 13, 2027
Typical cost: $693 (Under 1)
Child’s age
$693/mo
Median daily rate: $32.00 (non-Gold Seal only)
Official Florida Division of Early Learning Hernando County data.
Not this provider’s price.
Inspection snapshot
Recent higher-concern violation
At least one higher-concern violation appears in the last 12 months.
Next: Read reports, examine repeated topics below, look at the broader history, and ask what changed afterward.
Latest inspectionApril 27, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsApril 27, 2026
Summary
This summary covers eight available inspections for Step Forward Learning Center from December 10, 2024 through April 27, 2026.
Three inspections recorded violations, with 18 recorded violations in total.
The most recent higher-concern violation was on March 31, 2026 and involved background screening.
A later inspection showed no recorded violations, but the records do not say whether it was a formal follow-up.
At a glance
- Total inspections
- 8
- Recorded violations
- 18
- Higher-concern violations
- 4
- Repeated topics
- 5
5 in last 12 months
9 in last 12 months
3 in last 12 months
Last 36 months
Local comparison
8 total inspections vs 13 local median in 34601
Compared to 12 local facilities
Inspections with higher-concern violations
- This provider
- 38%
- Local median
- 20%
Inspections with recorded violations
- This provider
- 38%
- Local median
- 38%
Repeated topics
- This provider
- 5
- Local average
- 3
Repeated topics
Topics that appeared in more than one inspection during the last 36 months. They may reveal a pattern worth examining.
Emergency preparedness
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 2 recorded violations.
April 15, 2025August 5, 2025Equipment or readiness
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 2 recorded violations.
April 15, 2025August 5, 2025Hazardous access
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 2 recorded violations.
April 15, 2025August 5, 2025Health or food records
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 3 recorded violations.
April 15, 2025March 31, 2026Staff training
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 2 recorded violations.
April 15, 2025March 31, 2026Inspection history
Available inspection history. Select a violation topic for more info.
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 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3)
- Inspector notes
- At time of inspection, Specialist observed the staff listed on the supplemental did not complete the 40 hour Introductory Child Care Training requirement. Technical assistance provided that all child care personnel including volunteers who work 10 hours or more per month must complete the 40 hour Introductory Child Care Training requirement. CCF Handbook Section 4.2.1 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3).
- Correction status
- Due by April 21, 2026
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-01
Medium concern: Incident records
- Report finding
- Child care personnel failed to share the accident/incident form with the custodial parent/ legal guardian or the individual authorized to pick up child on the day that the incident occurred. CCF Handbook, Section 6.4, B & D (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Health Requirements [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At time of inspection, Specialist observed an incident report was not given the day of the incident for the child listed on the supplemental. Technical assistance provided that childcare personnel must share the accident / incident form with the custodial parent / legal guardian or the individual authorized to pick up child on the day that the incident occurred. Not Monitored Comments No children on medication at time of inspection.
- Correction status
- Due by April 21, 2026
More details
- Report section
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - 39 - Accident/ Incident Notification and Documentation
- Official code
- 39-04
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- Child(ren) did not have a Florida Certification of Immunization (DH Form 680) or a Religious Exemption from Immunization (DH Form 681), on file within 30 days of enrollment. CCF Handbook, Section 7.1, B (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At time of inspection, Specialist observed the child listed on the supplemental did not have a Florida Certification of Immunization (DH Form 680) or a Religious Exemption from Immunization (DH Form 681), on file within 30 days of enrollment. Technical assistance provided that all children must have a Florida Certification of Immunization (DH Form 680) or a Religious Exemption from Immunization (DH Form 681), on file within 30 days of enrollment. CCF Handbook, Section 7.1, B (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3)
- Correction status
- Due by April 21, 2026
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 41 - Immunization Records
- Official code
- 41-01
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- A complete CF-FSP Form 5131, Background Screening and Personnel File Requirements, was not on file for all employees. CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1, A (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At time of inspection, Specialist observed the staff listed on the supplemental did not have a Form 5131 on file. Technical assistance provided that all staff must have a complete CF-FSP Form 5131, Background Screening and Personnel File Requirements form on file. Staff in Charge resolved at time of inspection by completing the CF-FSP Form 5131, Background Screening and Personnel File Requirements for the employee.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-01
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- Documentation of Level 2 Clearinghouse screening clearance was missing for child care personnel. CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1,C (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At time of inspection, Specialist observed the staff listed on the supplemental did not have Documentation of Level 2 Clearinghouse screening clearance on file. Technical assistance provided that all childcare personnel must have documentation of Level 2 Clearinghouse screening clearance. Staff in Charge resolved at time of inspection by printing the Level 2 Clearinghouse screening clearance and adding to the personnel file.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-02
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
Higher concern: Hazardous access
- Report finding
- The facility did not have electrical outlet covers or the outlet covers were not in place. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1, I (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At time of inspection, Counselor observed outlets did not have outlet covers in place. Technical Assistance provided that all outlet covers need to be in place.
- Correction status
- Due by August 22, 2025
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-18
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- 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]
- Inspector notes
- At time of inspection, Counselor observed water bottles and trash in the play area and a board leaning up against the building. Technical Assistance provided to make sure the play area is clean every day before use and to ensure all boards and supplies are stored away from where children play. Staff resolved at the time of inspection by cleaning up the litter and removing the board from the play area.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 17 - Outdoor Play Area/Fencing
- Official code
- 17-01
Medium concern: Emergency preparedness
- Report finding
- 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 was not conducted for the month of July. ]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.4, A (Section 2.1 - Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At time of inspection, Counselor observed that the fire drill was not conducted for the month of July. Technical Assistance provided that fire drills need to be conducted monthly at various dates and times when children are in care.
- Correction status
- Due by August 22, 2025
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 23 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness
- Official code
- 23-06
Low concern: Recordkeeping
- Report finding
- Personnel records or copies of records were not being maintained at the facility and available for review by the licensing authority. CCF Handbook, Section 7.4 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR]
- Report comments
- At time of inspection, Staff listed on supplemental did not have a personnel record to review. Technical Assistance provided that all employees must have a personnel record on file that is maintained and readily available for review by the licensing authority.
- Correction status
- Due by August 22, 2025
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 44 - Personnel Records
- Official code
- 44-01
No recorded violations in this report
Low concern: Administrative posting
- Report finding
- The facility failed to post the room capacity in each room. CCF Handbook, Section 3.4.1, A (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- Room capacity for infant and mix age room. Owner posted at time of inspection.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 15 - Licensed Capacity
- Official code
- 15-05
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- The facility's outdoor play area contained litter, nails, glass or other hazards that posed a threat to the health, safety or well-being of the children. CCF Handbook, Section 3.5, A (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- Razor in play area near platform of tree bench- Remove at time of inspection Tether on side of building needs to be covered as its metal and a child could fall on it. Opening under porch needs to be covered as children can crawl under it. The red, green, blue and orange climber needs to be cleaned due to dirt that falls from the trees. Wooden border needs to be fixed as board is misplaced and another section has broken wood with sharp edges exposed. Photos taken and forwarded to the facility.
- Correction status
- Due by May 15, 2025
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 17 - Outdoor Play Area/Fencing
- Official code
- 17-02
Higher concern: Hazardous access
- Report finding
- The facilitys fencing walls or gate area had gaps that could allow children to exit the outdoor play area. CCF Handbook, Section 3.5, F (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- Opening under building inside of the gate. Child could crawl under and be directly in the parking lot.
- Correction status
- Due by May 15, 2025
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 17 - Outdoor Play Area/Fencing
- Official code
- 17-06
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- A cot, bed, crib, mattress, playpen or floor mat was not available for all children who napped or slept. CCF Handbook, Section 3.6.1 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- Counselor advised that children arrive at 6:30PM - 2AM. Counselor observed that there were no beds or crib mattresses. 3.6.1 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. A. Sleep bedding includes beds, cribs, or mattresses. Air and foam mattresses are prohibited.
- Correction status
- Due by May 15, 2025
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 18 - Bedding and Linens
- Official code
- 18-01
Medium concern: Emergency preparedness
- Report finding
- 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 [no fire drill in March]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.4, A (Section 2.1 - Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- Counselor observed that children was enrolled on 3/7/2025, no fire drill was conducted in March. Counselor conducted a fire drill with Owner at time of inspection. 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. Each fire drill record must be maintained for a minimum of 12 months from the date of the fire drill. The fire drills conducted must include, at a minimum: 1. One fire drill using an alternate evacuation route, 2. One fire drill during napping/sleeping times, and 3. One fire drill in the presence and at the request of the lic ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 23 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness
- Official code
- 23-06
Low concern: Administrative posting
- Report finding
- The facility's menu was not [ was not posted at the beginning of each week in an easily seen place]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.3, H (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Food and Nutrition [SR]
- Inspector notes
- Provider stated that night care snacks are only what is served at this time. Counselor observed that snack menus were not prepared or posted. Provider completed menus at time of inspection.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- FOOD AND NUTRITION - 26 - Meal and Snack Menus
- Official code
- 26-01
Medium concern: Staff training
- Report finding
- The facility did not have documented proof that all child care personnel were trained and knowledgeable within 30 days of date of hire in [ the use of fire extinguishers]. CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.3 and 4.2.5 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Training [SR]
- Report comments
- Staff listed on supplement did not complete fire extinguisher training within 30 days of hire.
- Correction status
- Due by May 5, 2025
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-09
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- The facility did not have a written exposure plan regarding safety precautions for exposure to blood and potentially infectious fluids. CCF Handbook, Section 6 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Health Requirements [SR]
- Report comments
- Owner did not have a written exposure plan. Owner completed a written exposure plan at time of inspection.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - 35 - Communicable Disease Control
- Official code
- 35-11
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- The facility does not have documentation for all child care personnel on required annual refresher education of the facilitys exposure plan. CCF Handbook, Section 6 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Health Requirements [SR]
- Report comments
- Employees listed on supplement did not complete the annual refresher training of the blood exposure.
- Correction status
- Due by May 5, 2025
More details
- Report section
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - 35 - Communicable Disease Control
- Official code
- 35-12
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
Can you walk me through your current process for ensuring all staff background screening documents are complete and up to date?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records from an inspection in March 2026 show that required background screening documentation was missing for some personnel. This question helps clarify how the center maintains these records to ensure all staff are properly cleared.
- Context
- The missing documentation was resolved at the time of the inspection.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How do you regularly inspect the outdoor play area to ensure there are no gaps in fencing or other potential hazards?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Available inspection records from 2025 indicate multiple instances where the outdoor play area required attention regarding fencing gaps and other hazards. Asking this helps parents understand the current daily safety check routine for the play space.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What is your procedure for ensuring that all children have their required immunization records on file within the enrollment timeframe?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Official inspection records show that keeping complete health and immunization records has been a recurring area of focus for the center. This question allows the provider to explain how they track these important documents for every child.
Related violations
Finding-specific
Could you describe how you track and document that all staff members have completed their required annual training and professional development?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public inspection reports from 2025 and 2026 show instances where documentation for required staff training was not fully available. This question helps parents understand the center's system for ensuring all employees stay current with their educational requirements.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How do you ensure that all parents are notified promptly if their child is involved in an incident at the center?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- An official inspection report from March 2026 noted a finding regarding the timely sharing of incident reports with parents. This question helps clarify the center's communication policy for keeping families informed about their child's day.
Related violations