Recorded violations per inspection
- This provider
- 1
- Local median
- 1.43
Baby Steps/Early Steps
811 S Castle Ct, Tampa, FL 33612
- License:
- C13HI0404
- Type:
- Child Care Facility
- Status:
- Licensed
- Records checked:
- July 8, 2026
Additional info
- Programs and services:
- School Readiness, After School, Before School, Drop In, Food Served, Full Day, Half Day, Infant Care
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
- Capacity:
- 65
- License expiration:
- January 31, 2027
Typical cost: $1,278 - $1,387 (Under 1)
Child’s age
$1,278 - $1,387/mo
Median daily rate: $59.00 - $64.00
Official Florida Division of Early Learning Hillsborough County data.
Not this provider’s price.
Google reviews
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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 10, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsApril 10, 2026
Summary
This summary covers five available inspections for Baby Steps/Early Steps from January 19, 2024 through April 10, 2026.
Two inspections recorded violations, with five recorded violations in total.
The most recent higher-concern violation was on January 14, 2026 and involved staff-to-child ratio.
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
- 5
- Recorded violations
- 5
- Higher-concern violations
- 1
- Repeated topics
- 0
2 in last 12 months
4 in last 12 months
1 in last 12 months
Last 36 months
Local comparison
5 total inspections vs 6 local median in 33612
Compared to 30 local facilities
Inspections with higher-concern violations
- This provider
- 20%
- Local median
- 25%
Inspections with recorded violations
- This provider
- 40%
- Local median
- 50%
Repeated topics
- This provider
- 0
- Local average
- 1.7
Repeated topics
Topics that appeared in more than one inspection during the last 36 months. They may reveal a pattern worth examining.
No repeated topics found
The available reports do not show the same violation topic appearing in more than one inspection during the last 36 months. Review the inspection history below for any one-time violations or report details.
Inspection 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 [4] children is required. A ratio of [1] child care personnel for [7] children was observed. s.402.305(4), F.S. (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) General Requirements [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the time of the inspection the Licensing Specialist observed the Toddler Classroom to have 1 infant and 6 One year olds present in the classroom during naptime. This was corrected during the time of the inspection as the Infant was sent back to the infant classroom next door to the Toddler Classroom. Ratios 1st 1:7 1 Infant and 6 One year olds 1:3 Infants Corrected Ratio 1:4 Infants 1:6 Ones year olds Per the DCF Handbook The staff-to-child ratio, as established in Section 402.305(4), F.S., is based on primary responsibility for the direct supervision of children and applies at all times while children are in care. 2.3.1 Mixed Age Groups A. In groups of mixed age range ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 03 - Ratio Sufficient
- Official code
- 03-01
Medium concern: Emergency preparedness
- Report finding
- Emergency preparedness drills were not conducted when children were in care. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.5, B (Section 2.1 - Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- During the time of the inspection the Licensing Specialist observed that the facility did not conduct the Emergency Preparedness drills in the last 12 months. During the inspection, the Child Care Licensing Specialist monitored the Fire Drill Log and observed documentation of the last fire drill having been conducted on 12/22/2025. The last approved fire inspection for this facility was dated 12/9/2025. The fire extinguisher certifications are valid until 08/2026. Per the DCF Handbook Lockdown and inclement weather drills shall be conducted a minimum of one time each per operating year when children are in care and the documentation of these drills must be maintained for 12 m ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by February 13, 2026
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 23 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness
- Official code
- 23-15
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]
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the time of the inspection the Licensing Specialist observed 8 bottles located in the Infant Room not labeled with each child's first and last name. This was corrected during the time of the inspection as the staff in the classroom labeled each bottle with the child's first and last name. Per the DCF Handbook 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.
- 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
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]
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the time of the inspection the Licensing Specialist observed 1 staff file with an out of date Child Abuse and Reporting Form. This was corrected during the time of the inspection as the Staff completed the form signed 1/14/26. During the time of inspection, the Owner/Operator/Director advised the Licensing Specialist that there 4 employees. During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist monitored 4 of the 4 employee records. Per the DCF Handbook 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
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- The ground cover or other protective surface under the [fall zone area] was not maintained. CCF Handbook, Section 3.12, D (Section 11.2, number 3) Sanitation and Equipment [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed that the mulch is not a minimum of 6 inches in depth in the fall zone area. D. Permanent or stationary playground equipment must have a fall/use zone that extends a minimum of 6 feet in all directions from the perimeter of the equipment. All types of ground cover must be maintained to provide resilience and reduce the incidence of injuries to children in the event of falls. 1. If the ground cover in place is loose ground cover (such as, but not limited to: mulch, shredded rubber chips, or sand) a minimum of 6 inches in depth is required in the use zone. Asphalt, concrete, hard packed dirt, hay, grass or leav ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by February 19, 2024
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 32 - Outdoor Equipment
- Official code
- 32-07
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 the center ensure that staff-to-child ratios are consistently maintained throughout the day, including during naptime?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records from an inspection in January 2026 noted a temporary concern regarding staff-to-child ratios in a classroom. Asking about current practices helps parents understand how the center monitors and manages staffing levels to ensure compliance at all times.
- Context
- The issue was corrected at the time of the inspection, and a later inspection in April 2026 showed no findings.
Related violations
Finding-specific
Could you describe the process for conducting and documenting your required emergency preparedness drills?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- An official inspection report from January 2026 identified that certain emergency preparedness drills had not been conducted as required. This question allows the provider to explain their current schedule and tracking system for these important safety exercises.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What is your system for ensuring that all bottles and food containers brought from home are properly labeled for each child?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records from an inspection in January 2026 noted that some bottles were not labeled with the required information. Asking about the current routine helps parents understand how the staff manages individual child belongings to maintain organization and safety.
- Context
- The issue was corrected at the time of the inspection.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How do you regularly inspect and maintain the playground equipment to ensure it remains in good condition for the children?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Available inspection records from early 2024 noted a concern regarding the depth of ground cover in the playground fall zone. This question helps parents learn about the center's ongoing maintenance schedule for outdoor play areas.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What steps does the center take to ensure that all staff personnel records, including required reporting forms, are kept up to date?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records from an inspection in January 2026 mentioned an outdated form in a staff file. Asking about the current recordkeeping process provides insight into how the administration manages documentation and regulatory requirements for their employees.
- Context
- The issue was corrected at the time of the inspection.
Related violations