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Unity Childcare & Learning Academy

702 N 19th St Ste 7, Palatka, FL 32177

License:
C07PU0079
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, Night Care, Transportation, Weekend Care
Hours:
Mon-Sun: 12:00AM to 11:59PM
Capacity:
61
License expiration:
August 16, 2026
Typical cost: $802 (Under 1)
Child’s age

$802/mo

Median daily rate: $37.00 (non-Gold Seal only)

Official Florida Division of Early Learning Putnam 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 29, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsApril 29, 2026

Summary

This summary covers 12 available inspections for Unity Childcare & Learning Academy from August 16, 2023 through April 29, 2026.

Three inspections recorded violations, with eight recorded violations in total.

The most recent higher-concern violation was on March 25, 2026 and involved background screening, with a due date of April 17, 2026.

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
12

3 in last 12 months

Recorded violations
8

1 in last 12 months

Higher-concern violations
2

1 in last 12 months

Repeated topics
0

Last 36 months

Local comparison

12 total inspections vs 11 local median in 32177

Compared to 17 local facilities

Recorded violations per inspection

This provider
0.67
Local median
0.33

Inspections with higher-concern violations

This provider
17%
Local median
9%

Inspections with recorded violations

This provider
25%
Local median
17%

Repeated topics

This provider
0
Local average
0.53

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.

View official report
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
Specialist observed that three newly hired staff members did not have screenings on file. Specialist verified that two of the staff members were eligible and that the third needed a resubmission due to a 90 day break in service. Provider stated that she had issues accessing the system. Specialist provided technical assistance. H. The employer/owner/operator must maintain on-site at the program copies/documentation of completion of all applicable elements in the screening process for an individual in the personnel file for review by the licensing authority. I. An individual may be hired under one of these circumstances: 1. If all components are complete with an eligible screen ... [truncated]
Correction status
Due by April 17, 2026
More details
Report section
RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
Official code
45-02
View official 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]
Report comments
All accessible electrical outlets must be tamper-resistant electrical outlets" that contain internal shutter mechanisms to prevent children from sticking objects into receptacles. In settings that do not have "tamper-resistant electrical outlets", outlets shall have safety covers. There was a broken electrical outlet that did not have a cover. It is located in the front area of the daycare where the after-school program and four year old students are located.
Correction status
Due by April 14, 2025
More details
Report section
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
Official code
12-18
View official report
Low concern: Administrative posting
Report finding
The facility used electronic media time with children younger than 2 years of age. CCF Handbook, Section 2.6, C
Report comments
When counselor arrived both classrooms were watching videos. One of the classrooms contained children one years of age. Electronic media is not allowed with this age group. Provider turned the tv off in this classroom. The Child Care Facility states on page 18: C. Do not include the use of electronic media for children under two years of age. Electronic media may only be used for educational purposes or physical activity for children 2 years of age and older for no more than 1 to 2 hours per day.
Correction status
Completed at time of inspection
More details
Report section
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 09 - Planned Activities
Official code
09-06
Medium concern: Facility condition
Report finding
The toileting facility did not have: [ trash receptacle] , and within the reach of children. CCF Handbook, Section 3.7, H Physical Environment [SR]
Inspector notes
The restroom in the three- and four-year-old room did not include a trash can for used paper towels. Provider moved a trash can from another location into thsi bathroom during inspection. The Handbook states on page 27: H. Running water, soap, trash receptacles, toilet paper, and disposable towels or hand-drying machines that are properly installed and maintained must be available and within reach of children using the bathroom.
Correction status
Completed at time of inspection
More details
Report section
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 21 - Restrooms and Bath Facilities
Official code
21-14
Medium concern: Staff training
Report finding
Child Care personnel, who were not in compliance with training requirements when they left the industry, did not complete required training and any new mandated training before returning to the industry. CCF Handbook, Section 4.3, B
Report comments
The employee has previously worked in the industry and completed courses but has not tested on the courses. The Child Care Facility Handbook states on page 43: B. In the event an individual leaves the child care industry not in compliance with the training requirements and returns to the industry either at the same or a different child care facility, he or she must comply with the training requirements described in this section, as well as any new training requirements that may have been added during the gap in employment in the child care industry prior to re- employment.
Correction status
Due by January 31, 2024
More details
Report section
TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
Official code
33-05
Medium concern: Staff training
Report finding
The facility did not have documentation to show completion of a Department approved five-hour early literacy and language development course for child care personnel within 12 months of date of employment in child care industry and/or the early literacy course documentation was not uploaded in the Florida Pathways/Registry. CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.2 and 4.5, C
Correction / follow-up note
The employee has been in the industry over a year but has not completed a course in early literacy. The Child Care Facility Handbook states on page 4.2.2 Early Literacy Training Pursuant to Section 402.305(2)(e)5., F.S., all child care personnel must complete a single course of training in early literacy and language development of children ages birth through five years that is a minimum of five clock hours or .5 CEUs. Early literacy training must be completed within 12 months of date of employment in the child care industry. Proof of completion may be documented on a certificate of course completion, classroom transcript, or diploma. Child care personnel must complete one of ... [truncated]
Correction status
Due by December 14, 2023
More details
Report section
TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
Official code
33-06
Low concern: Recordkeeping
Report finding
Child care personnel did not have an employment application on file. CCF Handbook, Section 7.4, A Record Keeping [SR]
Report comments
Provider did not have a completed application on file for employee. The Child Care Facility Handbook states on page 61: Personnel Records Records must be maintained and kept current on all child care personnel, as defined by Section 402.302(3), F.S. These records shall be on-site, available for review by the licensing authority and must include: A. A complete employment application with the required statement pursuant to Section 402.3055(1)(b), F.S.
Correction status
Due by December 14, 2023
More details
Report section
RECORD KEEPING - 44 - Personnel Records
Official code
44-02
Low concern: Recordkeeping
Report finding
The personnel/ volunteer (ten hours or more per month) record did not include a CF-FSP 5337 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements form signed annually. CCF Handbook, Section 7.4, C Record Keeping [SR]
Report comments
The provider did not have a completed Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements form on file for employee. The Child Care Facility Handbook states on page 61 : C. CF-FSP Form 5337, Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Requirements, which is incorporated by reference in 65C-22.001(7)(l), F.A.C., must be signed on or before hire date and annually thereafter by all child care personnel.
Correction status
Completed at time of inspection
More details
Report section
RECORD KEEPING - 44 - Personnel Records
Official code
44-04

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 process for ensuring all new staff members have their background screenings completed and on file before they begin working with children?

Why ask this
Why ask this
Public records from a March 2026 inspection indicate that documentation for staff background screenings was missing at that time. Asking about the current process helps clarify how the center manages these requirements for new hires.
Context
A later inspection on April 29, 2026, did not result in any findings.
Related violations
Finding-specific

How do you regularly inspect the facility to ensure that all electrical outlets are properly covered and safe for the children in your care?

Why ask this
Why ask this
An official inspection report from March 2025 noted an issue with an uncovered electrical outlet. This question allows the provider to explain their current maintenance and safety check routines.
Related violations
Finding-specific

What is your approach to ensuring that all staff members stay up-to-date with their required professional training and certifications?

Why ask this
Why ask this
Available inspection records from December 2023 show that some staff training documentation was missing. Asking about this helps parents understand how the center tracks and verifies staff qualifications.
Related violations
General question

How do you determine the daily activity schedule for the different age groups, and how do you ensure it aligns with the developmental needs of the children?

Why ask this
Why ask this
Understanding how the center plans its daily curriculum helps parents feel confident that their child's time is spent in age-appropriate and engaging activities.
General question

Could you describe how you communicate with families regarding daily routines, classroom updates, or any changes in center policy?

Why ask this
Why ask this
Clear communication is essential for a strong partnership between families and childcare providers. This question helps parents understand how they will stay informed about their child's experience.