Recorded violations per inspection
- This provider
- 1.32
- Local median
- 1.71
Little Cardinal Leadership Academy
110 E Polk Ave, Lake Wales, FL 33853
- License:
- C10PO0748
- Type:
- Child Care Facility
- Status:
- Licensed
- Records checked:
- July 12, 2026
Additional info
- Programs and services:
- School Readiness, VPK, Food Served, Full Day
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 7:45AM to 3:30PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
- Capacity:
- 45
- 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 inspectionMay 29, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsMay 29, 2026
Summary
This summary covers 22 available inspections for Little Cardinal Leadership Academy from January 24, 2023 through May 29, 2026.
12 inspections recorded violations, with 29 recorded violations in total.
The most recent recorded violation was on April 28, 2026 and involved emergency preparedness.
Background screening was a higher-concern topic that showed up in four 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
- 22
- Recorded violations
- 29
- Higher-concern violations
- 6
- Repeated topics
- 5
6 in last 12 months
7 in last 12 months
1 in last 12 months
Last 36 months
Local comparison
22 total inspections vs 16.5 local median in 33853
Compared to 26 local facilities
Inspections with higher-concern violations
- This provider
- 18%
- Local median
- 25%
Inspections with recorded violations
- This provider
- 55%
- Local median
- 50%
Repeated topics
- This provider
- 5
- 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.
Facility condition
Appeared across 5 inspections, with 5 recorded violations.
September 26, 2023October 30, 2023September 23, 2024May 6, 2025September 5, 2025Staff training
Appeared across 5 inspections, with 7 recorded violations.
September 23, 2024January 21, 2025February 25, 2025September 5, 2025January 9, 2026Background screening
Appeared across 4 inspections, with 6 recorded violations.
September 23, 2024January 21, 2025February 25, 2025September 5, 2025Health or food records
Appeared across 3 inspections, with 3 recorded violations.
January 21, 2025February 25, 2025September 5, 2025Recordkeeping
Appeared across 3 inspections, with 3 recorded violations.
May 9, 2024May 6, 2025April 28, 2026Inspection history
Available inspection history. Select a violation topic for more info.
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 (Section 2.1 - Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the facility failed to have a fire inspection conducted annually. Last year fire inspection was conducted on 3/31/25 and this year fire inspection was conducted on 4/8/26. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that current and approved annual fire inspection report completed by a certified fire inspector must be on file with the licensing authority. This standard was brought back into compliance when the fire inspection was completed. • Fire drills were conducted 8/18/25, 9/24/25, 10/16/25, 11/3/25, 12/18/25, 1/14/26, 2/6/26, 3/4/26, and 4/8/26. • The facility is closed during the summer. • A fire drill was ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 23 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness
- Official code
- 23-02
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 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR]
- 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. At the time of inspection, Provider advised that 4 Child Care Personnel are employed, Licensing Specialist reviewed all Child Care Personnel files. •
- Correction status
- Due by May 28, 2026
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 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
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that Child Care Personnel listed on the supplemental did not complete a department approved five-hour early literacy and language development course within 12 months of date of employment in child care industry. Technical assistance was provided to ensure Child Care Personnel complete the Department approved five-hour early literacy and language development prior to due date.
- Correction status
- Due by February 8, 2026
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-06
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 Physical Environment [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- At the time of inspection, the facility failed to complete the facilitys daily indoor and outdoor checklist inspection. 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. Technical assistance was provided to ensure the facility is dusted regularly. •
- Correction status
- Due by October 5, 2025
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-19
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 Food and Nutrition [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist observed the cups throughout the facility were not label with first and last names. Technical assistance was provided to ensure that all cups are labeled.
- Correction status
- Due by October 5, 2025
More details
- Report section
- FOOD AND NUTRITION - 28 - Bottles, Breastmilk, Formula and Infant Food
- Official code
- 28-02
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 [SR]
- 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 October 5, 2025
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-08
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 Record Keeping [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of inspection, Licensing Specialist determined that the Provider failed to update the facilitys clearinghouse roster. Technical assistance was provided to update (add/remove) Child Care Personnel to the Employee/Contractor Roster in the Clearinghouse within 5 days.
- Correction status
- Due by October 5, 2025
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-09
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
- At the time of the inspection, the specialist observed that there were vents, a wall fan, and the bathroom ventilation that were heavy with dust. The provider stated they would talk to the school about the cleaning service that is supposed to clean the classroom; if not, the provider stated they would clean the areas by the due date. At that time they will return to compliance for this standard.
- Correction status
- Due by June 5, 2025
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-01
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 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the specialist observed that the staff CAAN forms were expired as of 4/4/24. At the time of the inspection, both staff members signed a CAAN form and this returned the facility and provider back to compliance for this standard.
- 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
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 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3)
- Report comments
- At the time of the reinspection, the licensing specialist received via email a current DCF transcript for the staff listed on the supplemental that shows the staff did not start DCF training. Technical assistance was given to the provider to have the staff start a class in Part 1 or Part 2 prior to the due date.
- Correction status
- Due by March 24, 2025
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-03
Medium concern: Staff training
- Report finding
- Child care personnel did not complete preservice training requirements prior to unsupervised contact with or care of children or, if supervised, within 90 days of beginning employment or service with the provider. (Section 3.1 and 3.2 Training Requirements, Page 7) [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of the reinspection, the licensing specialist received via email a current DCF transcript for the staff listed on the supplemental that shows the staff did not start DCF training. Technical assistance was given to the provider to have the staff complete all pre-service classes prior to the due date.
- Correction status
- Due by March 24, 2025
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-13
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 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Health Requirements [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of the reinspection, the licensing specialist received via email an exposure plan training certificate for the staff listed on the supplemental that is dated 8/23/22. Technical assistance was given to the provider to have the staff take a current refresher course prior to the due date.
- Correction status
- Due by March 24, 2025
More details
- Report section
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - 35 - Communicable Disease Control
- Official code
- 35-12
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 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of the reinspection, the licensing specialist received via email a 5131 for the staff listed on the supplemental that is missing the employment date. Technical assistance was given to the provider to enter the employment date prior to the due date.
- Correction status
- Due by March 24, 2025
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-01
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- An employment history verification was not documented and on file. CCF Handbook, Section 5.1, D (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of the reinspection, the licensing specialist received via email a 5-year work history for the staff listed on the supplemental that is missing verification from 1 prior employer. Technical assistance was given to the provider to complete the verification and document prior to the due date.
- Correction status
- Due by March 24, 2025
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-04
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 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3)
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist reviewed all staff files and determined that the staff listed on the supplemental had not started the required DCF 40 hour training within 90 days of employment/industry start date. Technical assistance was given to the provider to have the staff start a class in Part 1 or Part 2 prior to the due date.
- Correction status
- Due by February 20, 2025
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-03
Medium concern: Staff training
- Report finding
- Child care personnel did not complete preservice training requirements prior to unsupervised contact with or care of children or, if supervised, within 90 days of beginning employment or service with the provider. (Section 3.1 and 3.2 Training Requirements, Page 7) [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist reviewed all staff files and determined that the staff listed on the supplemental did not complete the pre-service training within 90-days of initial employment at the facility. Technical assistance was given to the provider to have the staff complete all pre-service training prior to the due date. The provider was reminded the staff must create and access the training by using the DCF training website. Lastly, the provider was reminded that the timeframe does not start over if personnel change employment to another School Readiness provider within this initial 90 days.
- Correction status
- Due by February 20, 2025
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-13
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 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Health Requirements [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist reviewed all staff files and observed the staff listed on the supplemental did not have documentation of training on the facilitys exposure plan. Technical assistance was given to the provider to review with the staff and document the training prior to the due date. Lastly, the provider was reminded that a refresher education of the facilitys exposure plan must be conducted with all staff annually.
- Correction status
- Due by February 20, 2025
More details
- Report section
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - 35 - Communicable Disease Control
- Official code
- 35-12
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 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist reviewed all staff files & observed the staff listed on the supplemental was missing a 5131 form in their file. Technical assistance was given to the provider to complete prior to the due date.
- Correction status
- Due by February 20, 2025
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-01
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- An employment history verification was not documented and on file. CCF Handbook, Section 5.1, D (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) 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 prior employer(s) documentation). 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 ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by February 20, 2025
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-04
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 Physical Environment [SR]
- 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 22, 2024
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-19
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 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 22, 2024
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 32 - Outdoor Equipment
- Official code
- 32-04
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 [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist reviewed both staff files and observed the staff listed on the supplemental only had 2.53 hours documented on the in-service log for 2023 -2024. Per the staff's transcript, additional training hours were completed, but not documented. Technical assistance was given to the provider to have the staff complete prior to the due date.
- Correction status
- Due by October 22, 2024
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-08
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 Record Keeping [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the licensing specialist reviewed the facility's employee/staff roster through the Clearinghouse and observed neither of the staff were listed on the facility's roster in the Clearinghouse. Technical assistance was given to the provider to update the roster prior to the due date. The provider was reminded that the facility now has 5 days to add or delete staff from the roster in the Clearinghouse.
- Correction status
- Due by October 22, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-09
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 form was not completed in the month of April.]. CCF Handbook, Section 7.3, C.5.
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, the provider did not have the parents complete the distracted driver completed for the month of April. TA was provided that the form is required in the month of April and September annually.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 43 - Enrollment Information
- Official code
- 43-10
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
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 Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of the re-inspection, the two floor tiles still had not been replaced, the sink still had not been secured to the wall, but the rusty paper towel dispenser had been removed. TA was provided to replace the floor tiles and secure the sink to the wall.
- Correction status
- Due by November 29, 2023
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-02
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 Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, there are two floor tiles that are cracked and missing parts of the tile, the sink in the restroom is coming loose from the wall and the extra paper towel dispenser is rusty. TA was provided to get the tiles replaced, secure the sink to the wall and remove the rusty paper towel dispenser since there are two dispensers located in the restroom.
- Correction status
- Due by October 26, 2023
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-02
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 (Section 18.6, number 1) Training [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, the staff listed in the supplemental had not completed the required in service hours from July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022. The staff completed 10 hours after these dates and these hours are being used. This places this standard completed at the time of the inspection. TA was provided that these hours can not be used again for the 22-23 year.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-07
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 10, number 1) Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- At the time of the inspection, the air intake vent, the air vent, the lighting cover and the metal drop ceiling cage near the air vents are dirty and need to be cleaned. TA was provided to have these cleaned on a regular basis.
- Correction status
- Due by February 23, 2023
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-01
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) Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- The trailer skirting outside is broken and detached from the front of the portable and there is a whole on the end of the potable. TA was provided that skirting needs to be re-attached to the front of the portable and the hole on the end will need to be repaired. There are also two badly warped ceiling tiles inside and two water stained ceiling tiles that will need to be replaced.
- Correction status
- Due by February 23, 2023
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-02
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 your team ensure that all staff background screening records and roster updates are kept current?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records show multiple instances where background screening documentation or roster updates were not fully maintained. This question helps parents understand the current administrative processes in place to keep these records accurate.
Related violations
Finding-specific
Could you describe your process for ensuring that all required staff training and professional development documentation is up to date?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Available inspection records show a pattern of findings related to staff training documentation and course completion. This question allows the provider to explain how they track and verify that all staff meet training requirements.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What is your current procedure for conducting and documenting the daily health and safety checks of the indoor and outdoor play areas?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Official inspection reports indicate that there have been recurring issues with maintaining daily safety inspection logs for the facility's play areas. This question helps parents understand how the center ensures these environments are checked daily.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How do you manage the documentation for required annual health and safety training, such as exposure plan refreshers?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records show that documentation for annual health-related training has been missing during past inspections. This question helps parents understand the center's current system for tracking these specific health requirements.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How do you ensure that all required administrative forms, such as annual child abuse reporting acknowledgments, are signed and filed for every staff member?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Available records indicate that certain personnel forms have occasionally been missing or expired. This question helps parents understand the center's current approach to keeping personnel files complete and compliant.
Related violations