Recorded violations per inspection
- This provider
- 0.45
- Local median
- 0.31
Smart Start Academy
1883 S Volusia Ave, Orange City, FL 32763
- License:
- C07VO0364
- 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, Transportation
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 6:00AM to 6:30PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
- Capacity:
- 96
- License expiration:
- April 29, 2027
Typical cost: $1,083 - $1,231 (Under 1)
Child’s age
$1,083 - $1,231/mo
Median daily rate: $50.00 - $56.80
Official Florida Division of Early Learning Volusia 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 inspectionApril 2, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsApril 2, 2026
Summary
This summary covers 11 available inspections for Smart Start Academy from March 31, 2023 through April 2, 2026.
Three inspections recorded violations, with five recorded violations in total.
The most recent recorded violation was on March 19, 2025 and involved facility condition.
Staff-to-child ratio was a higher-concern topic that showed up in one inspection.
Three later inspections, from July 24, 2025 through April 2, 2026, showed no recorded violations, but the records do not say whether they were formal follow-ups.
At a glance
- Total inspections
- 11
- Recorded violations
- 5
- Higher-concern violations
- 1
- Repeated topics
- 1
3 in last 12 months
0 in last 12 months
0 in last 12 months
Last 36 months
Local comparison
11 total inspections vs 11 local median in 32763
Compared to 15 local facilities
Inspections with higher-concern violations
- This provider
- 9%
- Local median
- 9%
Inspections with recorded violations
- This provider
- 27%
- Local median
- 23%
Repeated topics
- This provider
- 1
- Local average
- 0.67
Repeated topics
Topics that appeared in more than one inspection during the last 36 months. They may reveal a pattern worth examining.
Facility condition
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 2 recorded violations.
August 24, 2023March 19, 2025Inspection 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: Facility condition
- Report finding
- Areas of the facility were found to be in need of cleaning. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1, A (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- --It is imperative that the childcare environment is conducive to the healthy development of children. This Specialist observed that this facility was in need of being cleaned, organized and in good repair ready to learn and free from hazards. There were school items all over the floors and trash in each classroom. This specialist observed that classrooms were organized and put in order before leaving this facility. This facility was encouraged to delegate staff to assist with this problem daily and to use a cleaning schedule. 3.1--A--All childcare facilities must be clean, in good repair, free from health and safety hazards and from evidence of vermin infestation. Indoor pla ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-01
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
Higher concern: Staff-to-child ratio
- Report finding
- A ratio of [1] child care personnel for [6] children is required. A ratio of [1] child care personnel for [13] children was observed. s.402.305(4), F.S. (Section 3, numbers 1 9) General Requirements [SR]
- Inspector notes
- During a visit by Food Program Personnel on 8/24/23, it was observed that one teacher was standing in between two classrooms at naptime. One classroom had 6 one-year olds and the other classroom had 8 two-year-olds. One year old children must have childcare personnel for every six children even during naptime. The director returned from the bus run and put the classroom back into ratio. On the day of counselor's visit, the classrooms were in ratio: 1. There were 6 toddlers with 1 teacher. • 2. There were 7 two and three year old students with 1 teacher. • 3. There were 10 three year old students with 3 teachers. • 4. There were 5 VPK students with 2 teachers. • The Child Care ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 03 - Ratio Sufficient
- Official code
- 03-01
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- Areas of the facility were found to be in need of cleaning. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1, A (Section 10, number 1) Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- Both the stove and refrigerator at this facility were in need of cleaning. A kitchen re-check was completed on 10/4/23. Both the stove and refrigerator have been cleaned.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-01
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- The facilitys refrigerator and/or freezer does not have an appropriate thermometer. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.2, F.1
- Report comments
- 17.2 Food Storage The facility's refrigerator and Freezer thermometer was not in working order. They have both been replaced with new thermometers that are in working order. Keeping cold food below 41 degrees Fahrenheit and hot food above 135 degrees Fahrenheit prevents bacteria growth. Food intended for human consumption can become contaminated if left at room temperature.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- FOOD AND NUTRITION - 24 - Food Preparation Area
- Official code
- 24-23
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- Food was stored in an inappropriate area. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.2
- Report comments
- Food was not appropriately stored, left out. There was violation of food storage Safe handling and storage of food below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, and hot food above 135 degrees Fahrenheit prevents bacteria growth. Food intended for human consumption can become contaminated if left at room temperature. This facility had open perishable or leftover food items were left uncovered and not refrigerated. This problem was resolved by the end of the inspection, and the kitchen was cleaned and left in good working order. Left out food was discarded, the kitchen was placed into clean and proper order while counselor was present. D. Opened packages of perishable or leftover food items mus ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- FOOD AND NUTRITION - 24 - Food Preparation Area
- Official code
- 24-16
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
How does the center ensure that staff-to-child ratios are consistently maintained throughout the day, including during transitions or nap times?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- An official inspection report from 2023 noted an instance where classroom ratios were not met during nap time. This question helps parents understand the current procedures in place to ensure proper supervision is maintained at all times.
- Context
- The issue was corrected at the time of the inspection, and subsequent inspections have not noted this concern.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What is the daily process for keeping classrooms organized and clean, and how is this monitored by leadership?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records show that facility cleanliness was mentioned in reports from 2023 and 2025. Asking about the current cleaning schedule and oversight helps parents understand how the center maintains its environment on a daily basis.
- Context
- A clean inspection was conducted on April 2, 2026.
Related violations
Finding-specific
Can you describe the procedures for food storage and how you monitor kitchen equipment like refrigerators to ensure they are working correctly?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- An inspection report from 2023 noted that a refrigerator thermometer was not in working order. This question helps parents understand the current maintenance and safety protocols for food storage.
- Context
- The equipment was replaced at the time of the inspection, and the issue was resolved.
Related violations
General question
How do you communicate with families regarding daily routines and any changes in classroom procedures?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Clear communication between staff and families is essential for a smooth transition into a new childcare environment. Understanding how the center shares information helps parents feel more connected to their child's daily experience.
General question
What kind of training or support do staff members receive to help them manage classroom environments effectively?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Ongoing professional development for teachers contributes to a high-quality learning environment. This question helps parents understand the center's commitment to supporting its staff in providing consistent care.