Recorded violations per inspection
- This provider
- 0.95
- Local median
- 1.14
STEAM Preschool Academy On Sparta
4463 Sparta Rd, Sebring, FL 33875
- License:
- C10HI0052
- Type:
- Child Care Facility
- Status:
- Licensed
- Records checked:
- July 14, 2026
Additional info
- Programs and services:
- Gold Seal, School Readiness, VPK, After School, Food Served, Full Day, Infant Care
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 6:45AM to 6:00PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
- Capacity:
- 103
- License expiration:
- June 25, 2027
Typical cost: $953 - $993 (Under 1)
Child’s age
$953 - $993/mo
Median daily rate: $44.00 - $45.84
Official Florida Division of Early Learning Highlands 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 10, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsJune 10, 2026
Summary
This summary covers 19 available inspections for STEAM Preschool Academy On Sparta from February 16, 2023 through June 10, 2026.
Eight inspections recorded violations, with 18 recorded violations in total.
The most recent recorded violation was on June 1, 2026 and involved equipment or readiness, with a due date of June 10, 2026.
Background screening was a higher-concern topic that showed up in two inspections.
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
- 19
- Recorded violations
- 18
- Higher-concern violations
- 4
- Repeated topics
- 3
5 in last 12 months
2 in last 12 months
0 in last 12 months
Last 36 months
Local comparison
19 total inspections vs 16 local median in Sebring
Compared to 23 local facilities
Inspections with higher-concern violations
- This provider
- 16%
- Local median
- 16%
Inspections with recorded violations
- This provider
- 42%
- Local median
- 45%
Repeated topics
- This provider
- 3
- Local average
- 2.7
Repeated topics
Topics that appeared in more than one inspection during the last 36 months. They may reveal a pattern worth examining.
Equipment or readiness
Appeared across 4 inspections, with 5 recorded violations.
June 21, 2024February 21, 2025October 15, 2025June 1, 2026Background screening
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 3 recorded violations.
October 21, 2024February 21, 2025Health or food records
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 6 recorded violations.
February 15, 2024February 21, 2025Inspection history
Available inspection history. Select a violation topic for more info.
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- The facility did not have an adequate number of child care personnel appropriately trained in first aid to maintain coverage both on- site and on field trips. CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.4, B (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Health Requirements [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist observed only 2 staff were onsite with current First Aid. Technical assistance was given to the provider to have additional staff complete the training prior to the due date to ensure compliance at all times children are in care.
- Correction status
- Due by June 10, 2026
More details
- Report section
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - 37 - First Aid Requirements
- Official code
- 37-02
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- Inspections were not conducted and documented monthly of all supports, above and below the ground, all connectors, and moving parts. CCF Handbook, Section 3.12, B Sanitation and Equipment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist reviewed the facility's physical environment log and observed the facility failed to complete an inspection during the month of September 2025. Technical assistance was given to the provider that these checks must be completed monthly, documented on the physical environment log, retained for 12 months and available for review by licensing. Lastly, technical assistance was given to the provider to ensure either the year is written on the form or full date including the year.
- Correction status
- Due by November 14, 2025
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 32 - Outdoor Equipment
- Official code
- 32-04
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 base of the fence in the outdoor play area was not at ground level and could allow inside or outside access by children or animals. CCF Handbook, Section 3.5, F Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist observed the double gate on the smaller playground had a 6-inch gap on the left side and a 4-inch gap on the right side from the ground to the gate on the right side. Also, to the left of the double gate was an area of fencing that had a 4-inch hole. Technical assistance was given to the provider to adjust the fence, add a barrier or install a surface under the double gate and repair the hole in the fencing prior to the due date
- Correction status
- Due by March 20, 2025
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 17 - Outdoor Play Area/Fencing
- Official code
- 17-07
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- Stored food was not consumed or discarded on or before the expiration date listed by the manufacturer. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.2, B Food and Nutrition [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist observed 3 gallons of milk that expired on 2/14/25 and 2/19/25. The provider discarded the milk while the licensing specialist was present placing the facility back into compliance for this standard.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- FOOD AND NUTRITION - 24 - Food Preparation Area
- Official code
- 24-18
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- Frozen food was not [ labeled by date and type]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.2, F.2 and 3. Food and Nutrition [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist observed a package of pancakes, waffles, chicken nuggets and quesadillas in the freezer that were not labeled with type & date. The provider labeled the items placing the facility back into compliance for this standard.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- FOOD AND NUTRITION - 24 - Food Preparation Area
- Official code
- 24-24
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- The frame of the [blue boat and red bus] was not securely anchored in the ground or stationary by design. CCF Handbook, Section 3.12, B Sanitation and Equipment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist observed the blue boat and red bus had anchors that were not fully secured into the ground and were protruding upwards. The provider used a hammer and got the anchors fully into the ground placing the facility back into compliance for this standard.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 32 - Outdoor Equipment
- Official code
- 32-02
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- An employment history verification was not documented and on file. CCF Handbook, Section 5.1, D Record Keeping [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist reviewed all staff files and determined the staff listed on the supplemental had an incomplete 5-year work history in their file. (missing verifications). Technical assistance was given to the provider to complete prior to the due date. The provider was reminded that 5-year employment history's must include the following: a. (3) attempts must be made and documented and failed attempts to obtain employment history must be documented in the personnel file and include date, time, and the reason the information was not obtained b. A complete 5 years' worth of prior employment must be documented and verified c. The documentat ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by March 20, 2025
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-04
No recorded violations in this report
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- An employment history verification was not documented and on file. CCF Handbook, Section 5.1, D Record Keeping [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist reviewed all staff files and determined the staff listed on the supplemental had an incomplete 5-year work history in their file. (no verifications completed and/or not a full 5-years' worth of employment). Technical assistance was given to the provider to complete prior to the due date. The provider was reminded that 5-year employment history's must include the following: a. (3) attempts must be made and documented and failed attempts to obtain employment history must be documented in the personnel file and include date, time, and the reason the information was not obtained b. A complete 5 years' worth of prior employme ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by November 20, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-04
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- Child care personnels Level 2 documentation was incomplete in that [ A copy of out-of-state child abuse and neglect registry search is missing., A copy of out-of-state sexual offender/predator registry search is missing.]. CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1, D, E, and F Record Keeping [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist reviewed all staff files & observed the staff listed on the supplemental had resided outside of the state of Florida within the past 5 years and no documentation that abuse & neglect or sexual offender checks were completed. Technical assistance was given to the provider to obtain the reports prior to the due date.
- Correction status
- Due by November 20, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-11
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 [some of the equipment has broken steering wheels.]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.12, B and F (Section 11.2, numbers 2 and 4) Sanitation and Equipment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed broken steering wheels on both of the multi-colored stationary cars and also on the red/pink small stationary car. Technical assistance was given to the provider to remove the steering wheels and/or the equipment prior to the due date. Additionally, the provider was reminded that any new permanent or stationary playground equipment installed must have a fall/use zone that extends a minimum of 6 feet in all directions from the perimeter of the equipment and maintain 6" in depth of resilient surface.
- Correction status
- Due by July 1, 2024
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 32 - Outdoor Equipment
- Official code
- 32-03
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- Stored food was not consumed or discarded on or before the expiration date listed by the manufacturer. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.2, B
- Inspector notes
- At the time of inspection, Counselor observed two boxes of Yoplait strawberry yogurt (expired January 27, 2024), and 3 gallon of milk (expired February 11, 2024) inside the refrigerator. Technical assistance provided to discarded on or before the expiration date listed by the manufacturer. This standard was brought back into compliance when provider trashed the expired foods. •
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- FOOD AND NUTRITION - 24 - Food Preparation Area
- Official code
- 24-18
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- Open packages of perishable or leftover foods were not [ properly covered or sealed, labeled with date, properly stored]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.2, D
- Inspector notes
- At the time of inspection, Counselor observed a box of open sausage links not sealed properly and a bag of eggs that was torn and open to the elements inside the freezer. Technical assistance was provided that opened packages of perishable or leftover food items must be properly covered or sealed in containers or bags, labeled with the date, and properly stored. This standard was brought back into compliance when provider sealed and labeled the food items. •
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- FOOD AND NUTRITION - 24 - Food Preparation Area
- Official code
- 24-21
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
- Report comments
- At the time of inspection, Counselor determined that the Child Care Personnel did not have a current exposure plan training on file. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that all Child Care Personnel have a current exposure plan on file. This standard was brought back into compliance when Child Care Personnel completed the training. •
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - 35 - Communicable Disease Control
- Official code
- 35-12
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- Child(ren) did not have a Student Health Examination/DH (Form 3040), or an equivalent health statement on file within 30 days of enrollment. CCF Handbook, Section 7.2, C Record Keeping [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of inspection, Counselor determined that the child listed on the supplement did not have a Student Health Examination or equivalent health statement on file. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that all children have current physical on file.
- Correction status
- Due by March 16, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 42 - Student Health and Records
- Official code
- 42-01
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
- At the time of inspection, Counselor determined that the Child Care Personnel listed on supplemental did not have current CF-FSP 5337 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements form signed annually. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that the CF-FSP 5337 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements form are signed annually. This standard was brought back into compliance when Child Care Personnel signed the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirement form. • Counselor reviewed 11 Child Care Personnel files. • Technical assistance was provided to ensure that the Owner and Designated Representative have a file on site. •
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 44 - Personnel Records
- Official code
- 44-04
Higher concern: Child guidance
- Report finding
- Child care personnel did not comply with the facility's written disciplinary and expulsion policies. CCF Handbook, Section 2.8, B General Requirements [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of inspection, Counselor reviewed the facilitys video footage and observed a Child Care Personnel aggressively handling a child in care. The Child Care Personnel listed on the supplemental continuously pushed the childs head down onto the cot and lean her body onto the child to make the child take a nap. The Child Care Personnel began aggressive shaking the cot while the child was laying on it. Administration terminated the Child Care Personnel, and she isn't eligible for rehire. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that all Child Care Personnel are aware of disciplinary policies and that they adhere to them.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 11 - Child Discipline
- Official code
- 11-03
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
- 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 • TA: Compliance achieved at time of inspection as child care personnel has completed the 40 hour Introductory Child Care Training. •
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-01
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
- Report comments
- 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. • TA: Compliance achieved at time of inspection as child care personnel has completed Department approved five-hour literacy and language development course.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-06
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 your current process for ensuring all staff members maintain their required background screening and employment history documentation?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records show that maintaining complete employment history verifications has been a recurring area of focus in recent inspections.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How do you manage staff training schedules to ensure that enough team members are always certified in first aid while children are in your care?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- An official inspection report from June 2026 noted a need for additional staff to complete first aid training to maintain full coverage.
- Context
- The provider was given a due date of 6/10/2026 to complete this training.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What is your routine for inspecting outdoor play equipment and fencing to ensure everything is in good repair and properly secured?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- The available inspection records show that various aspects of outdoor equipment and fencing maintenance have been identified as areas for improvement across multiple reports.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How do you track food inventory and expiration dates to ensure that all items served are fresh and properly labeled?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records indicate that past inspections have identified issues with expired or improperly labeled food items in the storage areas.
Related violations
General question
What is your approach to communicating with families about daily routines and any updates to center policies?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Establishing clear communication channels helps parents stay informed about daily operations and feel confident in the care their children receive.