Back

Little Darlings Children Center Inc

499 N Orange Ave, Umatilla, FL 32784

License:
C05LA0072
Type:
Child Care Facility
Status:
Licensed
Records checked:
July 13, 2026
Additional info
Programs and services:
School Readiness, VPK, After School, Before School, Drop In, Food Served, Full Day, Half Day, Infant Care, Transportation
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 6:00AM to 6:00PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
Capacity:
95
License expiration:
September 29, 2026
Typical cost: $1,083 - $1,252 (Under 1)
Child’s age

$1,083 - $1,252/mo

Median daily rate: $50.00 - $57.80

Official Florida Division of Early Learning Lake 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 inspectionJuly 1, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsJuly 1, 2026

Summary

This summary covers 16 available inspections for Little Darlings Children Center Inc from January 9, 2023 through July 1, 2026.

Four inspections recorded violations, with five recorded violations in total.

The most recent higher-concern violation was on April 30, 2026 and involved transportation, with a due date of May 29, 2026.

That higher-concern topic showed up in three inspections.

Two later inspections, from June 16, 2026 through July 1, 2026, showed no recorded violations, but the records do not say whether they were formal follow-ups.

At a glance

Total inspections
16

6 in last 12 months

Recorded violations
5

3 in last 12 months

Higher-concern violations
3

2 in last 12 months

Repeated topics
1

Last 36 months

Local comparison

16 total inspections vs 5 local median in Lake County

Compared to 162 local facilities

Recorded violations per inspection

This provider
0.31
Local median
0.42

Inspections with higher-concern violations

This provider
19%
Local median
8%

Inspections with recorded violations

This provider
25%
Local median
29%

Repeated topics

This provider
1
Local average
0.77

Repeated topics

Topics that appeared in more than one inspection during the last 36 months. They may reveal a pattern worth examining.

Inspection history

Available inspection history. Select a violation topic for more info.

View official report
Higher concern: Transportation
Report finding
The vehicle alarm installed was not in working condition. CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.4 General Requirements [SR]
Report comments
The alarm on both transportation vans was not operating.
Correction status
Due by May 29, 2026
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 07 - Vehicle Requirements
Official code
07-06
Low concern: Recordkeeping
Report finding
The facility did not secure written permission either in the form of a general permission or an individual permission slip prior to each field trip activity from the custodial parent or legal guardian. CCF Handbook, Section 2.7, C General Requirements [SR]
Report comments
No signed parents permission slips were available.
Correction status
Due by May 29, 2026
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 10 - Field Trip Permission
Official code
10-03
View official report
Higher concern: Transportation
Report finding
The vehicle alarm installed was not in working condition. CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.4 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) General Requirements [SR]
Report comments
Vehicle alarm did not sound within a minute. 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.
Correction status
Due by September 16, 2025
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 07 - Vehicle Requirements
Official code
07-06
Medium concern: Emergency preparedness
Report finding
The written record of the fire drills was incomplete and did not include the following:[date, time, number of adults and children, and time to clear building for April 2025 fire drill. ]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.4, C Physical Environment [SR]
Report comments
Fire drill record did not include the date, time, number of adults and children, and time to clear building for April 2025 fire drill. Technical assistance provided that the operator must maintain and post in an easily seen location a written record of emergency preparedness drills showing the type of drill, date conducted, number of children and child care personnel in attendance, and time taken for all individuals to complete the drill. This was resolved by conducting a fire drill at time of inspection for April 2025. Fire drill conducted today 5/13/25, 11 adults and 40 children, 60 seconds to clear building.
Correction status
Completed at time of inspection
More details
Report section
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 23 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness
Official code
23-08
View official report
Higher concern: Transportation
Report finding
The vehicle alarm installed was not in working condition. CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.4
Report comments
Vehicle alarm did not sound within a minute. The time from the time the ignition is turned off to the alarm sounds shall be no longer than one minute.
Correction status
Due by May 29, 2024
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 07 - Vehicle Requirements
Official code
07-06

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 explain the current maintenance schedule for the safety alarms on your transportation vans?

Why ask this
Why ask this
Public records show multiple instances across recent inspections where vehicle safety alarms were not in working condition. This question helps clarify how the center ensures these systems remain functional for daily operations.
Related violations
Finding-specific

How do you track and document emergency preparedness drills to ensure all required details are captured?

Why ask this
Why ask this
An official inspection report noted that a past emergency drill record was missing specific details like timing and attendance. Asking about this process helps parents understand how the center maintains its safety documentation.
Context
The recordkeeping issue was addressed and corrected at the time of the inspection.
Related violations
Finding-specific

What is your process for collecting and verifying parent permission slips before any field trip?

Why ask this
Why ask this
Available inspection records indicate a previous instance where written permission slips were not available for a field trip. This question allows the center to explain their current administrative procedures for outings.
Related violations
General question

How often do you review your internal safety protocols to ensure they align with state requirements?

Why ask this
Why ask this
Regular reviews of safety protocols help ensure that staff remain informed and compliant with all operational standards. This provides insight into the center's commitment to maintaining a consistent environment for children.
General question

What steps do you take to communicate with families if there are changes to your daily routines or transportation policies?

Why ask this
Why ask this
Clear communication between the center and families is essential for building trust and ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding daily activities. Understanding how updates are shared helps parents feel more connected to the center's operations.