Recorded violations per inspection
- This provider
- 1.17
- Local median
- 0.17
Caterpillar Academy Daycare
5480 Palm Ave, Hialeah, FL 33012
- License:
- C11MD0072
- Type:
- Child Care Facility
- Status:
- Licensed
- Records checked:
- July 10, 2026
Additional info
- Programs and services:
- School Readiness, VPK, After School, Before School, Drop In, Food Served, Full Day, Half Day, Infant Care
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 6:30AM to 6:30PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
- Capacity:
- 71
- License expiration:
- September 30, 2026
Typical cost: $1,083 - $1,300 (Under 1)
Child’s age
$1,083 - $1,300/mo
Median daily rate: $50.00 - $60.00
Official Florida Division of Early Learning Miami-Dade County data.
Not this provider’s price.
Google reviews
Ratings and reviews are from users of Google Maps, and are not related to DaycareFacts.com inspection report analysis.
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 violationsApril 28, 2026
Summary
This summary covers 18 available inspections for Caterpillar Academy Daycare from January 9, 2023 through April 28, 2026.
Eight inspections recorded violations, with 21 recorded violations in total.
The most recent higher-concern violation was on December 22, 2025 and involved staff-to-child ratio.
That higher-concern topic 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
- 18
- Recorded violations
- 21
- Higher-concern violations
- 10
- Repeated topics
- 5
5 in last 12 months
7 in last 12 months
3 in last 12 months
Last 36 months
Local comparison
18 total inspections vs 11 local median in 33012
Compared to 59 local facilities
Inspections with higher-concern violations
- This provider
- 39%
- Local median
- 0%
Inspections with recorded violations
- This provider
- 44%
- Local median
- 15%
Repeated topics
- This provider
- 5
- Local average
- 0.8
Repeated topics
Topics that appeared in more than one inspection during the last 36 months. They may reveal a pattern worth examining.
Administrative posting
Appeared across 3 inspections, with 3 recorded violations.
May 2, 2024August 21, 2025December 22, 2025Recordkeeping
Appeared across 3 inspections, with 3 recorded violations.
February 15, 2024May 2, 2024August 21, 2025Background screening
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 3 recorded violations.
February 15, 2024May 2, 2024Staff-to-child ratio
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 2 recorded violations.
November 3, 2025December 22, 2025Staff training
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 2 recorded violations.
August 22, 2024December 19, 2024Inspection history
Available inspection history. Select a violation topic for more info.
No recorded violations in this report
Higher concern: Staff-to-child ratio
- Report finding
- A ratio of [1] child care personnel for [6] children is required. A ratio of [1] child care personnel for [11] children was observed. s.402.305(4), F.S. General Requirements [SR]
- Inspector notes
- While conducting walkthrough of facility its was observed by LS that the provider failed to maintain ratio for two class observed. The first classroom PK1, 1 child care personnel to 11 children (1 Year-Old) The second PK 2, 1 child care personnel to 20 children (2-10 Years- Old). Provider was able to correct at the time of inspection by arranging additional child care personnel to revert to correct ratio requirements. Technical assistance was provided per Florida Statutes " (4) STAFF-TO-CHILDREN RATIO. (a) Minimum standards for the care of children in a licensed child care facility as established by rule of the department must include: 1. For children from birth through 1 yea ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 03 - Ratio Sufficient
- Official code
- 03-01
Low concern: Administrative posting
- Report finding
- The facility did not have 35 square feet of usable floor space per child for the number of children observed in care. The facility had a capacity of [7] based on 35 square feet and [10] children were observed in care. CCF Handbook , Section 3.4.2, D Physical Environment [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the walkthrough the provider was observed in PK 1 that the provider had 10 children a classroom with a (capacity of 7). In PK2 the provider was observed 20 children in the classroom with a (capacity of 14). The provider was able to correct at the time of inspection by moving children to other classrooms to revert to the capacity requirements. Technical assistance was offered per CCF handbook " Each room routinely used as a classroom must provide the minimum 35 square footage of usable indoor floor space per child."
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 15 - Licensed Capacity
- Official code
- 15-03
Medium concern: Incident records
- Report finding
- Child care personnel failed to document an accident or incident on the day that it occurred. CCF Handbook, Section 6.4, A Health Requirements [SR]
- Report comments
- It was stated by a child care personnel that an incident that took place at facility resulting in a injury of the knee. After reviewing the incident/accident report, there was not created. Provider was able to correct at the time of inspection due to child no longer enrolled at facility. Technical assistance was offered per CCF handbook " All accidents and incidents or unusual occurrences that are threatening to the health, safety, or welfare of a child that occur while the child is in care must be documented on the same day they occur."
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - 39 - Accident/ Incident Notification and Documentation
- Official code
- 39-03
No recorded violations in this report
Higher concern: Staff-to-child ratio
- Report finding
- A ratio of [1] child care personnel for [6] children is required. A ratio of [1] child care personnel for [9] children was observed. s.402.305(4), F.S. General Requirements [SR]
- Inspector notes
- While conducting walk through of facility, it was observed by LS that the facility was out of ratio. It that, 1 child care personnel was observed with 9 children, ages of [infants to 1 years of age]. The provider was able to return to compliance when the assigned personnel in the Pre K 2 classroom returned from lunch and one child was move to the infant's room. Technical assistance was provided per Florida Statutes " (4) STAFF-TO-CHILDREN RATIO. (a) Minimum standards for the care of children in a licensed child care facility as established by rule of the department must include: 1. For children from birth through 1 year of age, there must be one child care personnel for every ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 03 - Ratio Sufficient
- Official code
- 03-01
Low concern: Administrative posting
- Report finding
- The facility's menu was not [ was not dated]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.3, H (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Food and Nutrition [SR]
- Inspector notes
- Licensing staff observed the facility menu without any dates. Provider has resolved the non-compliance at the time of the inspection by adding the dates on the menu for this week. TA: Meal and snack menus must be planned, written, dated, and posted at the beginning of each week in an easily seen place, accessible to the parents. Any menu substitutions must be noted on the menu.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- FOOD AND NUTRITION - 26 - Meal and Snack Menus
- Official code
- 26-01
Higher concern: Medication
- Report finding
- Medication was not stored in either a locked area or inaccessible and out of a childs reach. CCF Handbook, Section 6.5, G (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Health Requirements [SR]
- Inspector notes
- TA: G. All medication must have child resistant caps, if applicable, and must either be stored in a locked area or must be out of any childs reach. If medication is stored in the food preparation area, it must be stored in a manner to prevent contamination of food, food contact surfaces, or medication. Licensing staff observed a handbag in reach of the children, the bag was observed near one of the children's table and chairs. Inside the bad, the licensing staff observed a visible prescription bottle. The room was not occupied by the children at time of inspection. • The owner removed the bag and placed it out of children's reach. •
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - 40 - Medication
- Official code
- 40-15
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
- Child Abuse and Neglect expired for 2 staff. See supplemental. Provider has resolved the non-compliance at the time of the inspection by having the staff sign and date the form. All 8 childcare personnel records in the system were reviewed of which_8 Were updated for compliance. No new personnel were hired since the last inspection as per the director. TA: CF-FSP Form 5337, Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Requirements, which is incorporated by reference in 65C-22.001(7)(l), F.A.C., must be signed on or before hire date and annually thereafter by all childcare personnel.
- 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
- Child Care personnel, who were not in compliance with training requirements when they left the industry, did not complete required training and any new mandated training before returning to the industry. CCF Handbook, Section 4.3, B Training [SR]
- Report comments
- TA: B. B. In the event an individual leaves the child care industry not in compliance with the training requirements and returns to the industry either at the same or a different child care facility, he or she must comply with the training requirements described in this section, as well as any new training requirements that may have been added during the gap in employment in the child care industry prior to re- employment. The staff listed on the supplemental have an industry date of 8/19/19, left without completing her 40 hours training and returned without completing part II of the training.
- Correction status
- Due by January 20, 2025
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-05
No recorded violations in this report
Higher concern: Hazardous access
- Report finding
- The facility did not have electrical outlet covers or the outlet covers were not in place. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1, I (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- TA: All accessible electrical outlets must be tamper-resistant electrical outlets that contain internal shutter mechanisms to prevent children from sticking objects into receptacles. In settings that do not have tamper-resistant electrical outlets, outlets shall have safety covers. FSC observation: A power surge was connected to the wall outlet with 4 missing outlet covers. Provider has resolved the non-compliance at the time of the inspection, by placing the covers back in the sockets.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-18
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 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Food and Nutrition [SR]
- Inspector notes
- TA: Bottles and sippy cups brought from home shall be individually labeled with the childs first and last name and shall be returned to the custodial parent or legal guardian daily. FSC observed a bottle without the child's first and last name. Provider has resolved the non-compliance at the time of the inspection, by writing down the child's full name on the bottle.
- 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
Medium concern: Staff training
- Report finding
- The facility did not have documented proof that all child care personnel were trained and knowledgeable within 30 days of date of hire in [ the use of fire extinguishers]. CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.3 and 4.2.5 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Training [SR]
- Report comments
- TA: 4.2.5 Fire Extinguisher Training All child care personnel shall be trained in the use and operation of a fire extinguisher, at each facility they are employed, within 30 days of date of hire. The facility must maintain documentation that all child care personnel have completed training. All staff were missing the fire extinguisher training.
- Correction status
- Due by September 23, 2024
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-09
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- The facility did not have a written exposure plan regarding safety precautions for exposure to blood and potentially infectious fluids. CCF Handbook, Section 6 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Health Requirements [SR]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - 35 - Communicable Disease Control
- Official code
- 35-11
No recorded violations in this report
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]
- Report comments
- According to the facility's policy, "If the child has three incidents reports on file and parent conferences, the Director will give the parent 5 day notice to have their child removed from Caterpillar Academy Daycare." There are no conferences or incident reports on file. The provider came into compliance when child no longer attend the facility. Technical assistance, the child care facility operators, employees, and volunteers must comply with written disciplinary and expulsion policies.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 11 - Child Discipline
- Official code
- 11-03
Low concern: Administrative posting
- Report finding
- The facility failed to post the room capacity in each room. CCF Handbook, Section 3.4.1, A Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- Capacity not posted at time of inspection in the 1-year-old classroom. Provider has resolved the non-compliance at the time of the inspection: FSC printed the capacity calculator for the director at time of inspection. TA: 3.4 Licensed Capacity: 3.4.1 Licensed Capacity A. The capacity, as calculated by the licensing authority, must be posted in a conspicuous location within each room.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 15 - Licensed Capacity
- Official code
- 15-05
Low concern: Recordkeeping
- Report finding
- Personnel records or copies of records were not being maintained at the facility and available for review by the licensing authority. CCF Handbook, Section 7.4 Record Keeping [SR]
- Report comments
- 1 Staff file was missing at time of inspection. See supplemental for staff name. TA: 7.4 Personnel Records: Records must be maintained and kept current on all child care personnel, as defined by Section 402.302(3), F.S. These records shall be on-site, available for review by the licensing authority.
- Correction status
- Due by June 3, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 44 - Personnel Records
- Official code
- 44-01
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- Documentation of Level 2 Clearinghouse screening clearance was missing for child care personnel. CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1,C Record Keeping [SR]
- Report comments
- There were no BGS for staff listed on the supplemental (2 years old teacher) Provider has resolved the non-compliance at the time of the inspection: The staff BGS was reviewed by FSC from the clearing house. TA: A copy of the eligible results, for the Level 2 screening, generated from the Clearinghouse must be on record for each personnel. If awaiting Out-of-State criminal history results, a copy of the DCF email informing of the individuals eligibility for a provisional hire status must be in the personnel file.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-02
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
- 1 Staff was hired since last inspection, provider failed to add the new hire on the employee's roster. TA: The employer/owner/operator must add child care personnel to their Employee/Contractor Roster in the Clearinghouse within 10 days of when the individual has received a child care eligible result and has been hired at the facility. Employer/owner/operator must add an end date for individuals on the Employee/Contractor Roster in the Clearinghouse within 10 days of the employment termination.
- Correction status
- Due by June 3, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-09
Higher concern: Attendance accountability
- Report finding
- Child care personnel failed to ensure arrival and departure times were complete and accurate at the time of arrival or departure. CCF Handbook, Section 7.5, B
- Inspector notes
- FSC observed a 2-year-old child in the VPK room, per staff child was crying in the morning so they put her with the 4-year-old teacher. That child was not on any attendance roster, neither the 2 years old, nor the 4 years old roster. FSC observed in the 1-year-old classroom, the teacher had present 5 children, but FSC observed 6 children. Provider has resolved the non-compliance at the time of the inspection, child was marked present at time of inspection and the other child was added to her classroom's attendance ENFORCEMENT
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 46 - Daily Attendance
- Official code
- 46-03
Higher concern: Supervision
- Report finding
- Children were not individually fed and supervised during meal times. CCF Handbook, Section 2.4.4, A General Requirements [SR]
- Report comments
- A minor child was placed in isolation and left without food, water, or snacks for the day. Please refer to Complaint Worksheet. Provider came into compliance when parent came to pick up the child. Technical assistance, During feeding times, children must be individually fed and provided their own tableware. Children must be supervised appropriately for their ages and developmental abilities, to monitor the size of food and that children are eating accordingly.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 04 - Supervision
- Official code
- 04-07
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
- Provider came into compliance when one form was signed and dated and the other one dated. Technical assistance, CF-FSP Form 5337, Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Requirements, which is incorporated by reference in 65C-22.001(7)(l), F.A.C., must be signed on or before hire date and annually thereafter by all child care personnel.
- 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 Child Care Attestation of Good Moral Character was not completed at the time of initial screening or upon change in employers. CCF Handbook, Section 7.4.1, B
- Report comments
- Provider came into compliance when one form was signed and dated and the other one dated. Technical assistance, CF-FSP Form 5337, Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Requirements, which is incorporated by reference in 65C-22.001(7)(l), F.A.C., must be signed on or before hire date and annually thereafter by all child care personnel.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-06
No recorded violations in this report
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 explain the steps you take to ensure that staff-to-child ratios are consistently maintained throughout the day?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records show that inspectors identified instances where staff-to-child ratios were not met in late 2025. Asking about current practices helps parents understand how the center manages staffing levels to ensure every child receives appropriate attention.
- Context
- A later clean inspection was recorded on April 28, 2026.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What is your current process for ensuring that all personal items, such as bags or medication, are kept securely out of reach of children?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- An official inspection report from 2025 noted an instance where a personal bag containing medication was accessible to children. This question allows the center to describe their safety protocols regarding the storage of personal belongings.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What measures do you have in place to ensure that all required background screening documentation is kept up to date for every staff member?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records from 2024 indicate that there were previously identified gaps in background screening documentation. This question helps parents understand the administrative checks in place to maintain compliance with personnel requirements.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How do you ensure that all staff members are fully trained in safety procedures, such as fire extinguisher operation, shortly after they are hired?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- The available inspection records show that there have been past findings related to staff training documentation, including fire safety training. Understanding the current onboarding process helps parents feel confident that all personnel are prepared for emergencies.
Related violations
General question
How do you communicate with families about daily routines and any changes in classroom activities?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Regular communication helps parents stay informed about their child's day and the overall environment. Learning about these methods provides insight into how the center keeps families connected to the daily experience.