Recorded violations per inspection
- This provider
- 1.15
- Local median
- 1.71
Little Hawk Academy
1051 State Road 60 E, Lake Wales, FL 33853
- License:
- C10PO0746
- Type:
- Child Care Facility
- Status:
- Licensed
- Records checked:
- July 12, 2026
Additional info
- Programs and services:
- VPK, Food Served, Full Day, Half Day
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 7:45AM to 3:15PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
- Capacity:
- 24
- 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
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 28, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsJanuary 12, 2026
Summary
This summary covers 26 available inspections for Little Hawk Academy from January 24, 2023 through April 28, 2026.
11 inspections recorded violations, with 30 recorded violations in total.
The most recent recorded violation was on April 28, 2026 and involved recordkeeping.
Background screening was a higher-concern topic that showed up in six inspections.
The available reports do not include a later inspection with no recorded violations after that violation.
At a glance
- Total inspections
- 26
- Recorded violations
- 30
- Higher-concern violations
- 10
- Repeated topics
- 7
4 in last 12 months
4 in last 12 months
1 in last 12 months
Last 36 months
Local comparison
26 total inspections vs 16.5 local median in 33853
Compared to 26 local facilities
Inspections with higher-concern violations
- This provider
- 31%
- Local median
- 25%
Inspections with recorded violations
- This provider
- 42%
- Local median
- 50%
Repeated topics
- This provider
- 7
- 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.
Background screening
Appeared across 5 inspections, with 7 recorded violations.
August 25, 2023September 28, 2023January 26, 2024March 4, 2024December 18, 2025Equipment or readiness
Appeared across 4 inspections, with 4 recorded violations.
September 28, 2023May 16, 2024September 9, 2024April 17, 2025Recordkeeping
Appeared across 4 inspections, with 4 recorded violations.
September 28, 2023January 26, 2024September 9, 2024April 28, 2026Facility condition
Appeared across 3 inspections, with 3 recorded violations.
September 28, 2023September 9, 2024April 17, 2025Staff training
Appeared across 3 inspections, with 5 recorded violations.
September 28, 2023May 16, 2024December 18, 2025Emergency preparedness
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 2 recorded violations.
May 16, 2024September 9, 2024Hazardous access
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 2 recorded violations.
September 28, 2023April 17, 2025Inspection history
Available inspection history. Select a violation topic for more info.
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
- Report comments
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the Child Care Personnel listed on the supplemental did not have a current CF-FSP 5337 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements form signed on file. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that the Child Care Personnel must sign CF FSP 5337 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirements annually. This standard was brought back into compliance when Child Care Personnel signed Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Requirement form. • At the time of inspection, Provider advised that 3 Child Care Personnel are employed, Licensing Specialist reviewed all Child Care Personnel files. •
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 44 - Personnel Records
- Official code
- 44-04
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Staff training
- Report finding
- The facility did not have documentation to show child care personnel had begun the introductory training within 90 days of employment in the child care industry. CCF Handbook, Section 4.1
- Report comments
- At time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the Child Care Personnel listed on the supplemental did not began introductory training within 90 days of employment in the child care industry. Child Care Personnel was supposed to start DCF introductory training on or before 11/25/25. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that child care personnel including volunteers who work 10 hours or more per month must begin training within 90 days of employment in the child care industry.
- Correction status
- Due by January 17, 2026
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-03
Medium concern: Staff training
- Report finding
- Documentation of in-service training was not recorded on CF-FSP Form 5268, Child Care In-service Training Record. CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.7, B
- Correction / follow-up note
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the Child Care Personnel listed on the supplemental did not have documented proof of in-service hours on CF-FSP Form 5268, Child Care In-Service Training Record. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that in-service training is documented on CF-FSP Form 5268, Child Care In-Service Training Record.
- Correction status
- Due by January 17, 2026
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-08
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- An employment history verification was not documented and on file. CCF Handbook, Section 5.1, D
- Report comments
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the Child Care Personnel listed on the supplemental did not have a complete five-year work history verification. Technical assistance was provided to ensure a complete five-year work history is completed on child care personnel prior to hiring.
- Correction status
- Due by January 17, 2026
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-04
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
Higher concern: Hazardous access
- Report finding
- A potentially harmful item, [cleaning chemical], was not labeled as required. CCF Handbook, Section 3.2, B
- Inspector notes
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed spray bottle in the 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. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that all hand sanitizer are not accessible to the children in care. •
- Correction status
- Due by May 17, 2025
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 13 - Toxic Substances, Hazardous Materials and Weapons
- Official code
- 13-01
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- The facilitys outdoor play area contained litter, nails, glass or other hazards that posed a low potential for harm to children. CCF Handbook, Section 3.5, A
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed yellow, blue and red airplane play equipment repaired with duct tape. Also, a plastic picnic bench table set was cracked two area and appeared to be repaired in other area with duct tape. Technical assistance was provided to repair or replace the play equipment before the due date on the inspection. Also, to monitor all playground equipment for signs of wearing and damage and repair or replace.
- Correction status
- Due by May 17, 2025
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 17 - Outdoor Play Area/Fencing
- Official code
- 17-01
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
- 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. Not Monitored Comments At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist did not observe naptime. •
- Correction status
- Due by May 17, 2025
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 18 - Bedding and Linens
- Official code
- 18-06
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- Indoor and outdoor play areas were not inspected daily for basic health and safety and/or any problems were not corrected before the play area is used by children and/or daily inspection logs were not maintained for 12 months. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1, A
- Correction / follow-up note
- At the time of the inspection, the facility did not have a daily indoor and outdoor checklist. A sample daily checklist was reviewed and emailed to the provider on today's date for use going forward. The provider was reminded that indoor and outdoor play areas must be inspected daily for basic health and safety and documented on a daily inspection log and any problems must be corrected before the play area is used by children.
- Correction status
- Due by October 8, 2024
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-19
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
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist observed the facility's fire extinguisher was last tagged in August 2023. Technical assistance was given to the provider to have the extinguishers serviced/retagged prior to the due date. The last fire drill was conducted on 8/15/24 and an emergency preparedness drill (lockdown) was conducted on 8/20/24. No weather drill has been conducted yet this licensing year.
- Correction status
- Due by October 8, 2024
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 23 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness
- Official code
- 23-05
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
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the provider stated they did not have a physical environment log. A blank form was reviewed with the provider and a copy emailed on today's date for use going forward. The provider was reminded that maintenance must include inspections conducted each month and documentation of maintenance inspections must be kept for 12 months.
- Correction status
- Due by October 8, 2024
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 32 - Outdoor Equipment
- Official code
- 32-04
Low concern: Recordkeeping
- Report finding
- The facility did not have a fully-completed enrollment form (CF-FSP Form 5219) or equivalent form for the child(ren) in care. CCF Handbook, Section 7.3
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist reviewed children's files A -H and observed the children listed on the supplemental were missing enrollment dates on their application/registration form. Technical assistance was given to the provider to complete prior to the due date. The provider was also encouraged to review all children's files to ensure each file is complete and has an enrollment date.
- Correction status
- Due by October 8, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 43 - Enrollment Information
- Official code
- 43-02
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Emergency preparedness
- Report finding
- The facility did not have a current and approved annual fire safety inspection by the local fire authority. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.2, A
- Report comments
- The provider had a fire inspection conducted on 2/15/23 which expired 2/15/24 and was not conducted again until 2/22/24. TA was provided that the fire inspection is due annually. Fire drills were conducted on a monthly basis and a fire drill was conducted with the counselor at the time of the inspection.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 23 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness
- Official code
- 23-02
Medium concern: Staff training
- Report finding
- Child care personnel, including volunteers who work 10 hours or more per month did not complete the required in-service training during the states fiscal year beginning July 1 and ending June 30. CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.7
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, the staff listed in the supplemental did not complete the required 10 in service hours for the 22/23 year. TA was provided that all staff have to complete the required 10 in service hours annually. The one staff provided certificates for the next year training t0 complete the 10 hours and she was told she could not use these hours again or the 23-24 in service year.
- Correction status
- Due by June 15, 2024
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-07
Medium concern: Staff training
- Report finding
- The facility had an inadequate number of child care personnel appropriately trained in CPR to maintain coverage both on-site and on field trips. CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.4, B
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, there were two staff members present and only one staff had the required CPR. TA was provided that 0-25 staff at least 3 staff are required to have CPR and first aid or staff to meet ratio. The staff listed in the supplemental had an expired CPR.
- Correction status
- Due by May 16, 2024
More details
- Report section
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - 36 - CPR Requirements
- Official code
- 36-03
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
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, there were two staff members present and no staff had the required first aid. TA was provided that 0-25 staff at least 3 staff are required to have CPR and first aid or staff to meet ratio.
- Correction status
- Due by May 26, 2024
More details
- Report section
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - 37 - First Aid Requirements
- Official code
- 37-02
No recorded violations in this report
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- A complete CF-FSP Form 5131, Background Screening and Personnel File Requirements, was not on file for all employees. CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1, A (Section 19.5, number 2)
- Report comments
- An email was received from the provider with a 5131 for the staff listed in the supplemental. The form was not completed, TA was provided to the provider by phone then an email was also sent on 3/1/24 with a list of things needing to be completed.
- Correction status
- Due by April 3, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-01
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- A five year employment history verification was not completed and on file prior to hire for the operator, program personnel, volunteers and substitutes. (Section 19.5, number 2)
- Correction / follow-up note
- An email was received from the provider on 2/23/24 with a five-year work history for the staff listed in the supplemental but the provider verification had not been completed. TA was provider that the provider needs to make a minimum of 3 attempts on previous employers. Documentation must include the applicants job title and description of his/her regular duties, confirmation of employment dates, and level of job performance. 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.
- Correction status
- Due by April 3, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-13
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- Child(ren) did not have a Florida Certification of Immunization (DH Form 680) or a Religious Exemption from Immunization (DH Form 681), on file within 30 days of enrollment. CCF Handbook, Section 7.1, B (Section 19.2, number 2)
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, the child listed in the supplemental had an expired immunization dated 10/1/23.
- Correction status
- Due by February 25, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 41 - Immunization Records
- Official code
- 41-01
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 (Section 19.4, number 3)
- Report comments
- The staff listed in the supplemental had an Abuse and Neglect form dated 9/6/22 and it expired 9/6/23. TA was provided that the form is required annually. At the time of the inspection, 3 staff files were reviewed and updated in CARES.
- Correction status
- Due by February 25, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 44 - Personnel Records
- Official code
- 44-04
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- A complete CF-FSP Form 5131, Background Screening and Personnel File Requirements, was not on file for all employees. CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1, A (Section 19.5, number 2)
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, the staff listed in the supplemental did not have the required 5131 form. The staff had to give her SS# and date of birth to be added.
- Correction status
- Due by February 25, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-01
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- A five year employment history verification was not completed and on file prior to hire for the operator, program personnel, volunteers and substitutes. (Section 19.5, number 2)
- Correction / follow-up note
- At the time of the inspection, the staff listed in the supplemental did not have a 5-year work history. TA was provided that the provider will need to make at a minimum of 3 attempts on previous employers. Documentation must include the applicants job title and description of his/her regular duties, confirmation of employment dates, and level of job performance. 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.
- Correction status
- Due by February 25, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-13
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: Background screening
- Report finding
- The facility failed to maintain a current Employee/Contractor Roster for all child care personnel in the Clearinghouse. CCF Handbook, Section 5.1, K
- Report comments
- At the time of the re-inspection, the employee roster had not been updated yet. The provider is being given extra time since the Director has left and another person will need to be added for access to the Clearing House Portal. TA was provided that the roster must be maintained and there is a 10 day limit to adding someone new or when someone is removed.
- Correction status
- Due by November 27, 2023
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-09
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- An area(s) of the facility was observed to not be in good repair. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1, A (Section 10, number 1)
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, the sink in the restroom has a missing water handle and there are two ceiling tiles that are warped and could fall. TA was provided to replace the ceiling tiles and to repair the water handle to the sink. There is an additional sink outside the restroom that can also be used for washing hands.
- Correction status
- Due by October 28, 2023
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-02
Higher concern: Hazardous access
- Report finding
- The facilitys fencing walls or gate area had gaps that could allow children to exit the outdoor play area. CCF Handbook, Section 3.5, F (Section 10.8, number 2)
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, the gate to the playground has a 7" gap at the bottom. TA was provided to lower the gate or to build up the sand or mulch at the bottom. There can be no more than a 4 1/2-inch gap.
- Correction status
- Due by October 9, 2023
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 17 - Outdoor Play Area/Fencing
- Official code
- 17-06
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- The ground cover or other protective surface under the [climbing bars] was not maintained. CCF Handbook, Section 3.12, D (Section 11.2, number 3)
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, the mulch only measured 3-4 inches at the climbing bars. TA was provided that there must be 6" of resilient surface 6 ft out and around.
- Correction status
- Due by October 28, 2023
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 32 - Outdoor Equipment
- Official code
- 32-07
Medium concern: Staff training
- Report finding
- The director responsible for the daily operation of the program did not have an active Director Credential. CCF Handbook, Section 4.7
- Correction / follow-up note
- The provider is currently in violation of the staff credential/Directors credential violation requirement, but has been given a corrective action due date of 1/31/24 to come into compliance with this the standard. Licensing staff will follow-up with the provider after the corrective action due date to ensure compliance. The Director that is listed in the supplemental was removed 7/31/23.
- Correction status
- Due by January 31, 2024
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 34 - Credentialed Staff
- Official code
- 34-04
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 (Section 19.4, number 3)
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, the staff listed in the supplemental had an expired Abuse and Neglect form in her file. The staff completed one during the inspection.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 44 - Personnel Records
- Official code
- 44-04
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- The facility failed to maintain a current Employee/Contractor Roster for all child care personnel in the Clearinghouse. CCF Handbook, Section 5.1, K
- Report comments
- The staff roster is still not current. There are staff that are listed in the supplemental that need an end date that have been gone more than 10 days and a new staff that has been there since 2/17/23 that needs to be added. TA the staff roster has to be current and when someone leaves or is hired you have 10 days to add or remove staff from the Clearing House staff roster.
- Correction status
- Due by September 25, 2023
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-09
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Staff training
- Report finding
- The facility did not have documentation to show child care personnel had begun the introductory training within 90 days of employment in the child care industry. CCF Handbook, Section 4.1
- Report comments
- The staff listed in the supplemental started in the industry on 2/8/23 and did not start any DCF 40-hour training in her first 90 days of industry.
- Correction status
- Due by June 21, 2023
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-03
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- The facility failed to maintain a current Employee/Contractor Roster for all child care personnel in the Clearinghouse. CCF Handbook, Section 5.1, K
- Report comments
- The staff roster is not current. There are staff that are listed in the supplemental that need an end date that have been gone more than 10 days and a new staff that has been there since 2/17/23 that needs to be added. TA the staff roster has to be current and when someone leaves or is hired you have 10 days to add or remove staff from the Clearing House staff roster. This is a school year only program, that that was out as of May 26, 2023, they are being given extra time to come into compliance.
- Correction status
- Due by August 18, 2023
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-09
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
Can you explain the current process for verifying the employment history of new staff members?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records from a December 2025 inspection indicate that employment history documentation was incomplete for some personnel. This question helps parents understand how the center ensures that all staff background requirements are met before hiring.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What steps does the center take to ensure that all cleaning supplies and chemicals are properly labeled and stored out of reach of children?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- An official inspection report from April 2025 noted an instance where a cleaning chemical was not properly labeled. Asking about current storage and labeling practices helps parents understand how the facility maintains a secure environment.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How does the center maintain its staff roster in the state's background screening portal to ensure it stays current?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Available inspection records show multiple instances over the past few years where the employee roster was not kept up to date. This question allows the director to explain the current administrative process for managing staff changes in the system.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What is your process for conducting and documenting daily safety checks of the indoor and outdoor play areas?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records indicate that daily safety logs for play areas have been missing or incomplete during past inspections. This question helps parents understand how the center ensures that play spaces are checked and ready for children every day.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How do you ensure that all staff members are up to date on their required annual training and professional development hours?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Available inspection reports show that there have been challenges in the past with documenting required in-service training hours for staff. This question helps parents understand how the facility tracks and verifies that all employees meet their ongoing training requirements.
Related violations