Recorded violations per inspection
- This provider
- 0.94
- Local median
- 1.71
Little Highlander Academy
1 Highlander Way, Lake Wales, FL 33853
- License:
- C10PO0653
- Type:
- Child Care Facility
- Status:
- Licensed
- Records checked:
- July 12, 2026
Additional info
- Programs and services:
- School Readiness, VPK, Full Day, Infant Care
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 7:00AM to 5:00PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
- Capacity:
- 50
- License expiration:
- May 31, 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 15, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsMay 15, 2026
Summary
This summary covers 16 available inspections for Little Highlander Academy from January 26, 2023 through May 15, 2026.
Eight inspections recorded violations, with 15 recorded violations in total.
The most recent recorded violation was on April 29, 2026 and involved equipment or readiness.
Hazardous access was a higher-concern topic that showed up in one inspection.
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
- 16
- Recorded violations
- 15
- Higher-concern violations
- 1
- Repeated topics
- 3
5 in last 12 months
7 in last 12 months
0 in last 12 months
Last 36 months
Local comparison
16 total inspections vs 16.5 local median in 33853
Compared to 26 local facilities
Inspections with higher-concern violations
- This provider
- 6%
- Local median
- 25%
Inspections with recorded violations
- This provider
- 50%
- Local median
- 50%
Repeated topics
- This provider
- 3
- Local average
- 4.27
Repeated topics
Topics that appeared in more than one inspection during the last 36 months. They may reveal a pattern worth examining.
Health or food records
Appeared across 5 inspections, with 7 recorded violations.
January 31, 2024January 24, 2025April 17, 2025December 18, 2025April 29, 2026Facility condition
Appeared across 3 inspections, with 3 recorded violations.
April 17, 2025September 8, 2025April 29, 2026Equipment or readiness
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 2 recorded violations.
September 4, 2024April 29, 2026Inspection history
Available inspection history. Select a violation topic for more info.
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- Items unrelated to diaper changing were stored in the diaper changing area or placed on the diaper changing table/surface. CCF Handbook, Section 3.10.2, G (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Sanitation and Equipment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed miscellaneous items (blankets) stored on/under changing inside the infant classroom. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that only items related to diapering should be on the table changing table. This standard was brought back into compliance when the items were removed. •
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 30 - Diapering
- Official code
- 30-07
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 [the tricyle was broken]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.12, B and F (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Sanitation and Equipment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed a tricycle seat broken and a screw missing. The tricycle was not in good repair. Technical assistance was provided that equipment, materials, furnishings, and play areas should be sturdy, safe, and in good repair. Also, toys, equipment, and furnishings must be safe and maintained in a sanitary condition following a routine schedule of cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting. This standard was brought back into compliance when the tricycle was removed from the playground. •
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 32 - Outdoor Equipment
- Official code
- 32-03
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- The Florida Certificate of immunization was not acceptable in that: [ The form was not current (expired)]. CCF Handbook, Section 7.1 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the child listed on the supplemental had expired immunization form on file. Technical assistance was given to the provider to obtain a current form from the parent/guardian prior to the due date. Additional technical assistance was given regarding FL shots. The provider was given the link to their website and how to register to view FL shot records. The link given was: www.flshotsusers.com and the provider was reminded to go to the bottom of page under schools & licensed child care providers to register. Provider was given short due date, due to the end of school is on 5/28/26. •
- Correction status
- Due by May 14, 2026
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 41 - Immunization Records
- Official code
- 41-02
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- The Student Health Examination or equivalent health statement was not acceptable in that: [ It was not current (over two years old)]. CCF Handbook, Section 7.2 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the child listed on the supplemental had an expired Student Health Examination on file. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that all children have current Student Health Examination form on file. Provider was given short due date, due to the end of school is on 5/28/26. •
- Correction status
- Due by May 14, 2026
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 42 - Student Health and Records
- Official code
- 42-02
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- Formula and/or food brought from home was not labeled with the childs first and last name. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.6, B Food and Nutrition [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed two bags of breast milk inside the refrigerator inside the 1-year-old classroom without a label with the childs first and last name. Technical assistance was provided that provider must make sure all formula and food brought from home are labeled with the childs first and last name. The provider is responsible for the label; therefore, if the label is not completed by the parent, child care personnel must put the label on when the formula or food is received. This standard was brought back into compliance when the Child Care Personnel labeled the breast milk. •
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- FOOD AND NUTRITION - 28 - Bottles, Breastmilk, Formula and Infant Food
- Official code
- 28-04
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Emergency preparedness
- 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. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.2, B Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the facility failed to have the fire extinguisher served/retagged annually. The fire extinguisher was lasted serviced and tagged in August 2024. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that fire extinguishers are being properly maintained to include being serviced and retagged timely, and/or with a current certificate. The facility is closed during summer. • Emergency preparedness drills conducted 8/12/25 (lock down). • Fire extinguisher serviced August 2024. • Fire inspection conducted 3/31/25. • Technical assistance was provided to ensure that emergency evacuation plan including a diagram of safe routes are ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by October 8, 2025
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 23 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness
- Official code
- 23-05
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- Items unrelated to diaper changing were stored in the diaper changing area or placed on the diaper changing table/surface. CCF Handbook, Section 3.10.2, G Sanitation and Equipment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed nap mats and other items on the changing table in the 1-year-old classroom. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that only items related to diapering should be on the table changing table. This standard was brought back into compliance when the items was removed from the diaper changing table. • Technical assistance was provided to ensure that diaper changing procedure are reposted after the classroom are redecorated/rearranged. •
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 30 - Diapering
- Official code
- 30-07
No recorded violations in this report
Higher concern: Hazardous access
- Report finding
- A potentially harmful item, [cleaning chemicals], was not labeled as required. CCF Handbook, Section 3.2, B (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed spray bottle in the 1-year-old classroom with unknown cleaning chemical that was not labeled. It was later determined the spray bottle contained cleaning solution. Technical assistance was provided to ensure all harmful chemicals are labeled. This standard was brought back into compliance when Provider labeled the spray bottle. •
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 13 - Toxic Substances, Hazardous Materials and Weapons
- Official code
- 13-01
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- The floor mats available for children in care were not covered with an impermeable surface. CCF Handbook, Section 3.6.1, D (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed several torn and ripped nap mats for the children in care. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that all nap mats are in good repair and with impermeable surface.
- Correction status
- Due by May 17, 2025
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 18 - Bedding and Linens
- Official code
- 18-06
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- Children were provided food that was not age appropriate and/or posed a choking hazard. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.3, B & C (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Food and Nutrition [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed 1-year-old classroom eating a whole slice of pizza. The pizza was not cut up or in cut in half. Technical assistance was provided that infant and 1-year-old food must cut in 1/2 inch or smaller to prevent choking. This standard was brought back into compliance when Provider cut up the slice of pizza. • The program does provide morning snacks for the children in care that meets the nutritional guideline recommendations of USDA. However, meals and afternoon snacks are provided by parents/legal guardians. •
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- FOOD AND NUTRITION - 25 - Meals and Snacks
- Official code
- 25-02
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- The Student Health Examination or equivalent health statement was not acceptable in that: [ It was not current (over two years old)]. CCF Handbook, Section 7.2 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the child listed on the supplement had expired 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 May 17, 2025
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 42 - Student Health and Records
- Official code
- 42-02
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- The Student Health Examination or equivalent health statement was not acceptable in that: [ It was not current (over two years old)]. CCF Handbook, Section 7.2 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, a child's student health record expired 1/20/25. TA: The provider will need to receive from the parent a current student health record by the due date on the inspection.
- Correction status
- Due by February 21, 2025
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 42 - Student Health and Records
- Official code
- 42-02
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 observed there was no documentation of the facility completing monthly inspections for August 2024. The form was blank. Technical assistance was given to the provider that these checks must be completed, documented on the physical environment log and available for review by licensing.
- Correction status
- Due by October 3, 2024
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 32 - Outdoor Equipment
- Official code
- 32-04
Low concern: Recordkeeping
- Report finding
- The facility did not maintain documentation that the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of each child were provided information regarding the potential for distracted adults to fail to drop off a child and leave them in the car annually during the months of April and September in that [the month of April was not completed.]. CCF Handbook, Section 7.3, C.5.
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, the provider did not have the Distracted driver forms completed for the month of April. TA was provided that the form is due in the month of September and April annually.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 43 - Enrollment Information
- Official code
- 43-10
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- Bottles and/or sippy cups brought from home were not labeled with childs first and last name. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.5, B (Section 17.6, number 5) Food and Nutrition [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, there was a bottle in the infant room, sippy cups in the 1-year-old classroom and the VPK had water containers that were not labeled properly. TA was provided that all bottles, sippy cups and water containers must have the child's first and last names. The staff labeled them during the inspection.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- FOOD AND NUTRITION - 28 - Bottles, Breastmilk, Formula and Infant Food
- Official code
- 28-02
No recorded violations in this report
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 that all cleaning supplies are properly labeled and stored out of reach?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records from an April 2025 inspection note a finding regarding an unlabeled cleaning chemical. This question helps clarify the current safety protocols for handling hazardous materials at the center.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How do you manage the routine maintenance and safety checks for your outdoor play equipment?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- The available inspection records show that equipment maintenance has been a repeated topic in reports from 2024 and 2026. Asking about the current maintenance schedule helps parents understand how the facility ensures play areas remain in good repair.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What is your process for keeping student health and immunization records up to date for all children in your care?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Official inspection reports from multiple dates between 2024 and 2026 indicate that expired health or immunization records were identified. This question allows the provider to explain their current system for tracking and updating these important documents.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How do you ensure that infant feeding items, like bottles or food containers, are consistently labeled with each child's name?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records show that labeling of infant items has been noted as a concern in previous inspections. This question helps parents understand the current daily practice for managing and identifying individual items for infants.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What is your daily routine for ensuring that diaper changing areas are kept clear of unrelated items?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Available inspection records from 2025 and 2026 show that items unrelated to diapering were observed in changing areas. This question helps clarify the current procedures for maintaining a clean and organized diapering space.
Related violations