Recorded violations per inspection
- This provider
- 1.1
- Local median
- 0.13
Children's Ark Early Learning Center
950 S Mulrennan Rd, Valrico, FL 33594
- License:
- C13HI0429
- Type:
- Child Care Facility
- Status:
- Licensed
- Records checked:
- July 8, 2026
Additional info
- Programs and services:
- Gold Seal, School Readiness, VPK, After School, Before School, Food Served, Full Day, Half Day, Infant Care, Transportation
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
- Capacity:
- 150
- License expiration:
- July 31, 2026
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
Ratings and reviews are from users of Google Maps, and are not related to DaycareFacts.com inspection report analysis.
Inspection snapshot
Questions worth asking
The available records raise questions worth asking before enrolling.
Next: Review the inspection history below and ask the provider what the records mean and what changed afterward.
Latest inspectionJune 30, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsJune 12, 2026
Summary
This summary covers 10 available inspections for Children's Ark Early Learning Center from June 27, 2024 through June 30, 2026.
Six inspections recorded violations, with 11 recorded violations in total.
The most recent recorded violation was on June 30, 2026 and involved equipment or readiness, with a due date of July 31, 2026.
Transportation was a higher-concern topic that showed up in three inspections.
The available reports do not include a later inspection with no recorded violations after that violation.
At a glance
- Total inspections
- 10
- Recorded violations
- 11
- Higher-concern violations
- 3
- Repeated topics
- 3
5 in last 12 months
5 in last 12 months
0 in last 12 months
Last 36 months
Local comparison
10 total inspections vs 3.5 local median in 33594
Compared to 12 local facilities
Inspections with higher-concern violations
- This provider
- 30%
- Local median
- 0%
Inspections with recorded violations
- This provider
- 60%
- Local median
- 10%
Repeated topics
- This provider
- 3
- Local average
- 0.42
Repeated topics
Topics that appeared in more than one inspection during the last 36 months. They may reveal a pattern worth examining.
Transportation
Appeared across 3 inspections, with 3 recorded violations.
June 27, 2024October 25, 2024January 31, 2025Emergency preparedness
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 2 recorded violations.
June 27, 2024March 31, 2026Staff training
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 2 recorded violations.
June 27, 2024March 28, 2025Inspection history
Available inspection history. Select a violation topic for more info.
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 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- During the renewal inspection the licensing specialist observed that there was some outdoor equipment that was rusty. Licensing specialist observed that there was an outdoor fence that needs to be fixed. According to the DCF CCF Handbook Section 2.1 The outdoor play area must be clean and free from litter, nails, glass and other hazards.
- Correction status
- Due by July 31, 2026
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 17 - Outdoor Play Area/Fencing
- Official code
- 17-01
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- Stored food was not consumed or discarded on or before the expiration date listed by the manufacturer. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.2, B (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Food and Nutrition [SR]
- Inspector notes
- During the renewal inspection the licensing specialist observed that there was food that was expired. According to the DCF CCF Handbook Section 3.9.2 B Section 2.1 B. Stored food must be consumed or discarded on or before the expiration date listed by the manufacturer.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- FOOD AND NUTRITION - 24 - Food Preparation Area
- Official code
- 24-18
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- The ground cover or other protective surface under the [playground equipment] was not maintained. CCF Handbook, Section 3.12, D (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Sanitation and Equipment [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the renewal inspection the licensing specialist observed that the mulch on the fall zone was not maintained with a minimum of 6 inches in depth. According to the DCF CCF Handbook Section 3.12 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. A ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by July 30, 2026
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 32 - Outdoor Equipment
- Official code
- 32-07
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]
- Inspector notes
- During the time of the inspection the Licensing Specialist monitored the childrens classrooms and observed that in the One years old classroom the window edge was broken (left corner). In the Two years old classroom it was observed that the bathroom wall paint was peeling off and the bottom of the wall next to the toilet was coming off. According to the CCF Handbook, Section 3.1. General Health and Safety Requirements A. All child care facilities must be clean, in good repair, free from health and safety hazards and from evidence of, or presence of, vermin infestation . Indoor play areas must be inspected daily for basic health and safety and documented on a daily inspection ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by April 30, 2026
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-02
Medium concern: Emergency preparedness
- Report finding
- During the facilitys licensure year, fire drills utilizing the approved alarm system were not conducted monthly at various dates and times when children were in care [Fire Drill missing for February 2026]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.4, A Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist monitored the fire drill log and observed that the last fire drill conducted for this facility was dated 1/20/26. During the time of the inspection, this standard was back in compliance by Director conducting a fire drill in the presence of the Licensing Specialist. The last approved fire inspection for this facility was dated 8/11/25. The fire extinguisher certifications are valid until June 2026 (tagged June 2025). According to the CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.4 Fire Drills A. During the facilitys license year, fire drills utilizing the alarm system, approved by the local fire authority, must be conducted monthly at v ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 23 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness
- Official code
- 23-06
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Staff training
- Report finding
- The facility did not have documentation of child care personnel's completion of required training on the training transcript in that [Preservice School Readiness required training]. CCF Handbook, Section 4.5 Training [SR]
- Inspector notes
- During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist monitored childcare personnel trainings and observed (1) childcare personnel did not complete the required preservice School Readiness training. According to the School Readiness Handbook, Section 3.1 Preservice Child care personnel must successfully complete the preservice training coursework described in this section, as applicable. All child care personnel must complete these preservice training requirements within 90 days of initial employment with any School Readiness provider.
- Correction status
- Due by April 28, 2025
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-02
No recorded violations in this report
Higher concern: Transportation
- Report finding
- The vehicle alarm installed was not in working condition. CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.4 General Requirements [SR]
- Report comments
- During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist monitored the (2) vehicles transportation utilized to transport the children that are in care. During the time of the inspection, the (2) vehicle's alarm was not audible from a distance of 500 feet. Technical assistance was provided. According to the CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.4 Vehicle Requirements. F. By January 1, 2022, all vehicles used by child care facilities to transport children must be equipped with a reliable alarm system approved by the Department which prompts the driver to inspect the vehicle for children before exiting the vehicle. 1. Approved alarm systems must meet the following criteria: a. The alarm ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by February 28, 2025
More details
- Report section
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 07 - Vehicle Requirements
- Official code
- 07-06
Higher concern: Transportation
- Report finding
- The vehicle alarm installed was not in working condition. CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.4 General Requirements [SR]
- Report comments
- During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist monitored the vehicle transportation utilized to transport the children that are in care. During the time of the inspection, the vehicle alarm was not working properly and was not audible from a distance of 500 feet. During the time of the inspection. the Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance. According to the CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.4 Vehicle Requirements d. The alarm must be audible from the distance of 500 feet from the vehicle.
- Correction status
- Due by November 29, 2024
More details
- Report section
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 07 - Vehicle Requirements
- Official code
- 07-06
Higher concern: Transportation
- Report finding
- A vehicle(s) used to transport children did not have the required alarm system installed to prompt the driver to inspect the vehicle for children before exiting the vehicle. CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.4
- Inspector notes
- During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed that the alarm system was installed in a location (front dashboard) that does not require the driver to walk to the back to the vehicle to reach the deactivation mechanism. According to the CCF Handbook, Section 2.5.4 2.5.4 Vehicle Requirements F. By January 1, 2022, all vehicles used by child care facilities to transport children must be equipped with a reliable alarm system approved by the Department which prompts the driver to inspect the vehicle for children before exiting the vehicle. 1. Approved alarm systems must meet the following criteria: a. The alarm system must be armed or activated automatically ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by July 12, 2024
More details
- Report section
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 07 - Vehicle Requirements
- Official code
- 07-05
Medium concern: Emergency preparedness
- Report finding
- The facility did not have documented proof of an annual fire inspection by the local fire authority. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.2, A (Section 14.2, number 1) Physical Environment [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the time of the inspection, the Director advised that the Fire Department visited the facility, but they were unable to provide a copy of the Fire Inspection. According to the CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.2 Fire Safety A. Unless statutorily exempted, all child care facilities must conform to state standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal, Chapter 69A- 36, F.A.C., Uniform Standards for Life Safety and Fire Prevention in Child Care Facilities. A copy of the current and approved annual fire inspection report completed by a certified fire inspector must be on file with the licensing authority. If the program is granted a fire inspection exemption by the local fire inspecti ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by July 26, 2024
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 23 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness
- Official code
- 23-01
Medium concern: Staff training
- Report finding
- Child care personnel including volunteers who work 10 hours or more per month did not complete the 40 hour Introductory Child Care Training requirement. CCF Handbook Section 4.2.1
- Inspector notes
- During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist monitored the trainings transcripts and observed that 2 child care personnel did not complete the 40 hours Introductory Training requirement. According to the CCF Handbook, Section 4.2.1 Mandated Introductory Training 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 and successfully complete Departments training within 12 months from the date training begins.
- Correction status
- Due by July 26, 2024
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-01
Questions to ask
Suggested questions for parents based on recorded violations in inspection reports. If there are not enough source-backed violations, you will see general questions for daycare.
Finding-specific
Could you describe the current process for ensuring that vehicle alarm systems are functioning properly before transporting children?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records show multiple instances where vehicle alarm systems were not in working condition or audible as required. This question helps clarify the current maintenance and testing routine for these safety systems.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What is the center's current approach to maintaining outdoor play equipment and ensuring the ground cover meets safety standards?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- An official inspection report from June 2026 noted that the protective ground cover under playground equipment was not maintained at the required depth. This question allows the director to explain how they monitor and upkeep the outdoor play area.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How does the staff keep track of food expiration dates to ensure all items are fresh and safe for the children?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Available inspection records from June 2026 indicate that expired food was found in the facility. This question helps parents understand the current inventory management and food safety procedures.
- Context
- The issue was corrected at the time of the inspection.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What steps does the team take to ensure that all required staff training and certifications are up to date?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records show that staff training documentation has been a topic of concern in past inspections. Asking about the current tracking system helps parents understand how the center ensures all personnel meet professional development requirements.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How are fire drills scheduled and documented to ensure all staff and children are prepared for emergencies?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Available inspection reports indicate that fire drill documentation and fire safety compliance have been noted in previous visits. This question helps clarify the center's current emergency preparedness practices and record-keeping.
Related violations