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Smart Start Youth & Family Services, Inc. @ Chain Of Lake KidCare

7001 State Road 653, Winter Haven, FL 33884

License:
C10PO0424
Type:
Child Care Facility
Status:
Licensed
Records checked:
July 12, 2026
Additional info
Programs and services:
After School, Before School
Hours:
Mon-Fri: 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
Capacity:
100
License expiration:
May 15, 2027
Typical cost: $1,127 - $1,157 (Under 1)
Child’s age

$1,127 - $1,157/mo

Median daily rate: $52.00 - $53.40

Official Florida Division of Early Learning Polk 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 inspectionMay 11, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsMay 11, 2026

Summary

This summary covers 12 available inspections for Smart Start Youth & Family Services, Inc. @ Chain Of Lake KidCare from August 8, 2023 through May 11, 2026.

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

The most recent recorded violation was on August 16, 2024 and involved equipment or readiness.

DaycareFacts did not classify any of these violations at the Higher concern level.

Five later inspections, from December 17, 2024 through May 11, 2026, showed no recorded violations, but the records do not say whether they were formal follow-ups.

At a glance

Total inspections
12

3 in last 12 months

Recorded violations
3

0 in last 12 months

Higher-concern violations
0

0 in last 12 months

Repeated topics
1

Last 36 months

Local comparison

12 total inspections vs 17.5 local median in 33884

Compared to 16 local facilities

Recorded violations per inspection

This provider
0.25
Local median
1.39

Inspections with higher-concern violations

This provider
0%
Local median
21%

Inspections with recorded violations

This provider
25%
Local median
48%

Repeated topics

This provider
1
Local average
3.56

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
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
Report finding
The facility did not have a current and approved annual fire safety inspection by the local fire authority. SACCF Handbook, Section 3.8.2, A
Report comments
At the time of the inspection, the facility failed to have the annual fire inspection completed on or before last year's date. The current year was completed on 5/20/24 and the prior year was completed on 3/31/23. Technical assistance was given to the provider as a reminder that an approved fire inspection must be completed on or before the prior year's date. The last fire drill was conducted on 5/15/24 (note: the facility follows the PCSB schedule and is closed during the summer months) and no emergency preparedness drills have been conducted yet this licensing year. The fire extinguisher(s) were last tagged in August 2024.
Correction status
Completed at time of inspection
More details
Report section
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 21 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness SACCF Handbook, Section 3.8
Official code
21-02
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
Report finding
The facility did not have documentation of a fire extinguisher being properly maintained to include being serviced and retagged timely, and/or with a current certificate. SACCF Handbook, Section 3.8.2, B
Inspector notes
At the time of inspection, the counselor observed that 3 of the 4-fire extinguisher tag was tagged and serviced in Feb. 2023. This needs to be completed by the due date. Last fire drills conducted 3/25/2024 and lock down on 11/16/2024. T/A was provided that all fire extinguishers are serviced annually.
Correction status
Due by May 3, 2024
More details
Report section
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 21 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness SACCF Handbook, Section 3.8
Official code
21-05
View official report
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
Report finding
The facility did not have documentation of a fire extinguisher being properly maintained to include being serviced and retagged timely, and/or with a current certificate. SACCF Handbook, Section 3.8.2, B
Inspector notes
At the time of inspection, Counselor observed four fire extinguisher tag serviced in October 2022. Technical assistance was provided to ensure the fire extinguisher are serviced annually. Fire drills conducted 8/23/23, 8/28/23, 9/27/23, 9/29/23, 10/25/23, 10/31/23, 11/8/23, and 11/29/23. • Emergency drills conducted 10/10/23 (inclement weather) and 11/16/23 (lockdown). •
Correction status
Due by January 6, 2024
More details
Report section
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 21 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness SACCF Handbook, Section 3.8
Official code
21-05

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 walk me through your current process for tracking annual fire safety inspections and equipment maintenance?

Why ask this
Why ask this
Public records show that in past inspections, the facility had difficulty maintaining timely annual fire safety inspections and equipment servicing. Asking about the current process helps clarify how the center now ensures these requirements are met on schedule.
Context
A later clean inspection was recorded on 5/11/2026.
Related violations
Finding-specific

How do you manage the schedule for conducting and documenting emergency preparedness drills throughout the year?

Why ask this
Why ask this
The available inspection records show that equipment and emergency readiness topics have appeared in multiple reports. This question allows the provider to explain their current system for keeping these essential safety practices organized and up to date.
Related violations
General question

What is your approach to ensuring that all staff members are trained on emergency procedures and drill requirements?

Why ask this
Why ask this
Understanding how staff are prepared for emergencies helps families feel confident in the center's commitment to daily safety and readiness.
General question

How do you communicate with parents regarding upcoming drills or changes to safety routines?

Why ask this
Why ask this
Clear communication about safety routines ensures that families are well-informed and can support the center's efforts in maintaining a secure environment.
General question

What steps do you take to verify that all safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, remains in good working order between annual inspections?

Why ask this
Why ask this
Regular internal checks of safety equipment are a key part of maintaining a high standard of care and readiness for any situation.