Recorded violations per inspection
- This provider
- 1.88
- Local median
- 1.43
Step Ahead Academy
308 E 124th Ave, Tampa, FL 33612
- License:
- C13HI0538
- 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
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 6:30AM to 6:00PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
- Capacity:
- 125
- License expiration:
- April 30, 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
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 inspectionJune 16, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsApril 2, 2025
Summary
This summary covers eight available inspections for Step Ahead Academy from April 5, 2024 through June 16, 2026.
Six inspections recorded violations, with 15 recorded violations in total.
The most recent recorded violation was on June 16, 2026 and involved equipment or readiness, with a due date of July 26, 2026.
Hazardous access was a higher-concern topic that showed up in two inspections.
The available reports do not include a later inspection with no recorded violations after that violation.
At a glance
- Total inspections
- 8
- Recorded violations
- 15
- Higher-concern violations
- 2
- Repeated topics
- 3
5 in last 12 months
14 in last 12 months
2 in last 12 months
Last 36 months
Local comparison
8 total inspections vs 6 local median in 33612
Compared to 30 local facilities
Inspections with higher-concern violations
- This provider
- 25%
- Local median
- 25%
Inspections with recorded violations
- This provider
- 75%
- Local median
- 50%
Repeated topics
- This provider
- 3
- 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.
Equipment or readiness
Appeared across 4 inspections, with 5 recorded violations.
April 5, 2024December 5, 2025April 17, 2026June 16, 2026Facility condition
Appeared across 3 inspections, with 6 recorded violations.
July 17, 2025December 5, 2025April 17, 2026Hazardous access
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 2 recorded violations.
December 5, 2025April 17, 2026Inspection 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 Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- 17- During the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed on the school age playground the jungle gym flooring by the purple slide where the provider duct type had soft spots and was rusted underneath the spots. On the infant playground the little tyke jungle gym the flooring was cracked. During the reinspection, Licensing Specialist observed on the school age playground the jungle gym flooring by the purple slide where the provider duct type had soft spots and was rusted underneath the spots. The purple slide was cracked and repaired with tape. The yellow slide was repaired with tape. The red paint was peeling. There was a brown and green substance on the monkey bars and slid ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by July 26, 2026
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 17 - Outdoor Play Area/Fencing
- Official code
- 17-01
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
- During the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed in the toddler 1 classroom bathroom needed to be cleaned due to brown spots around and behind the toilet. In the toddler 2 classroom, the black/white rug needed to be cleaned as it has multiple brown stains on it. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook Section 3.1 A.- 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 log. Outdoor ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by May 17, 2026
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 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- During the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed the exterior door in the three-year-old classroom was broken and taped in the bottom left corner. The exterior window in the three-year-old classroom was cracked. The countertop to the sink in the three-year-old classroom was broken and had sharp edges. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook Section 3.1 A.- 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 docu ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by May 17, 2026
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-02
Higher concern: Hazardous access
- Report finding
- Harmful items including cleaning supplies, flammable products, poisonous, toxic, and hazardous materials were accessible to children in care. CCF Handbook, Section 3.2, B (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed cleaning solution (toilet bowl cleaner, comment, Lysol) were stored in the toddler 1 bathroom, in an unlocked cabinet where children had access. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook Section 3.2 Toxic/Hazardous Material/Firearms/Weapons A. All areas and surfaces accessible to children must be free from toxic substances, bio contaminants, and hazardous materials/equipment/tools, including power tools, plastic bags, matches, candles, lighters, etc. Corrected at the time of the inspection by the childcare personnel locking the cabinet.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 13 - Toxic Substances, Hazardous Materials and Weapons
- Official code
- 13-03
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 [No fire drill was conducted in March]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.4, A (Section 2.1 - Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- During the inspection, the Licensing Specialist monitored the Fire Drill Log and observed documentation of the last fire drill having been conducted on 2/17/26. The last approved fire inspection for this facility was dated 3/6/26. The fire extinguisher certifications are valid until 2/27. ***During the inspection, a fire drill was conducted in the presence of the Licensing Specialist. There were 9 adults and 11 children present.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 23 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness
- Official code
- 23-06
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- Diaper changing occurred on a surface that was not impermeable. CCF Handbook, Section 3.10.2, E (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Sanitation and Equipment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- 30-6: During the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed in the 1-year olds classrooms that the changing mat were ripped exposing the foam. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook, Section 3.10.2, E Diapering Requirements - E. When children in diapers are in care, there must be a diaper changing area with an impermeable surface that is cleaned and sanitized or disinfected after each use.
- Correction status
- Due by May 17, 2026
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 30 - Diapering
- Official code
- 30-06
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 Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- 17- During the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed on the school age playground the jungle gym flooring by the purple slide where the provider duct type had soft spots and was rusted underneath the spots. On the infant playground the little tyke jungle gym the flooring was cracked. During the reinspection, Licensing Specialist observed on the school age playground the jungle gym flooring by the purple slide where the provider duct type had soft spots and was rusted underneath the spots. The purple slide was cracked and repaired with tape. The yellow slide was repaired with tape. The red paint was peeling. There was a brown and green substance on the monkey bars and slid ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by May 17, 2026
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 17 - Outdoor Play Area/Fencing
- Official code
- 17-01
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- A fire hazard, [buildup of dust in the vents in the bathroom], was observed in the facility. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1, B (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- During the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed a buildup of dust on the vent in the bathroom in the 1/2yr olds classroom. The director brought this standard back in compliance at the time of inspection by cleaning the vent. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook Section 3.1 B.- General Health and Safety Requirements. B . It is the responsibility of the director/operator to ensure all areas and equipment of the facility are free from fire hazards, such as lint build up in heating and air vents, filters, exhaust fans, ceiling fans, and dryer vents. This includes grease build-up in ovens, stoves and food equipment.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-12
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]
- Inspector notes
- During the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed in the 2/3year old classroom there was an outlet that had duct tape covering it. The provider stated that it was covered because the prongs from the outlet cover was broken off into it. The director was given until December 15, 2025, to come into compliance with this standard. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook Section 3.1, I.- General Health and Safety Requirements. - I. 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 ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by December 15, 2025
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-18
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 inspection, Licensing Specialist observed on the school age playground the jungle gym flooring by the purple slide where the provider duct type had soft spots and was rusted underneath the spots. On the infant playground the little tyke jungle gym the flooring was cracked. The director was given until January 5, 2026, to come into compliance with this standard. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook Section 3.5 A- Outdoor Play Area. A. The outdoor play area must be clean and free from litter, nails, glass and other hazards .
- Correction status
- Due by January 5, 2026
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 17 - Outdoor Play Area/Fencing
- Official code
- 17-01
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- The base of the fence in the outdoor play area was not at ground level and could allow inside or outside access by children or animals. CCF Handbook, Section 3.5, F (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- During the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed on the School Age playground the fence closest to the elementary school the base of the fence had a gap more than 3 inches off the ground. The gap was reading at 5 1/2 inches. The director was given until January 5, 2026, to come into compliance with this standard. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook Section 3.5 F- Outdoor Play Area. F. The outdoor play area must have adequate fencing or walls a minimum of 4 feet in height. Fencing, including gates, must be continuous and must not have gaps or opening larger than 3 inches that would allow children to exit the outdoor play ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by January 5, 2026
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 17 - Outdoor Play Area/Fencing
- Official code
- 17-07
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- Bedding and/or linens were not stored in a sanitary manner. CCF Handbook, Section 3.6.1, G & H (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- During the inspection, Licensing Specialist observed in the 2/3 yr old classroom the bedding were touching. The director brought this standard back in compliance at the time of inspection by placing the individual beddings in their own bags and placing it where the children could not reach the bags. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook Section 3.6.1 G- Bedding and Linens. G. Bedding and linens, when not in use, must be stored in a sanitary manner which prevents the spread of germs or lice from other linens. All bedding and linens must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized at least once a week, and before use by another child.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 18 - Bedding and Linens
- Official code
- 18-12
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- The Florida Certificate of immunization was not acceptable in that: [ The form was not current (expired)]. CCF Handbook, Section 7.1 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR]
- Inspector notes
- During the time of the inspection, the Operator advised the Licensing Specialist that there are currently 62 children enrolled. During the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist monitored 12 of the 62 childrens records (Letters A through F). The Licensing Specialist observed one child who had an expired immunization form. The director was given until January 5, 2026, to come into compliance with this standard. During the inspection, Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance, CCF Handbook, Section 7.1 F Immunization Records The child care facility is responsible for obtaining for each child in care a current, complete and properly executed Florida Certificat ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by January 5, 2026
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 41 - Immunization Records
- Official code
- 41-02
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- Items unrelated to diaper changing were stored in the diaper changing area or placed on the diaper changing table/surface. CCF Handbook, Section 3.10.2, G (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Sanitation and Equipment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- During the time of inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed that the diaper changing table in one of the empty classrooms had unrelated items stored on the diaper changing table. The standard was brought back into compliance once the staff removed items during the time of inspection. CCF Handbook Section 3.10.2, G Diapering Requirements G. Items unrelated to diaper changing shall not be stored in the diaper changing area nor shall they be placed on the diaper changing table.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 30 - Diapering
- Official code
- 30-07
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 [ slides and all swings on all 3 playgrounds] 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 Child Care Licensing Specialist observed that all 3 playgrounds are in need of mulch. The mulch under the slides and all swings on all 3 playgrounds was less then 2 inches which means it was not maintained. Per the DCF Handbook 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 san ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by May 3, 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
What steps are currently in place to ensure that cleaning supplies and other hazardous items remain inaccessible to children?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records from an April 2026 inspection note that cleaning solutions were found in an unlocked cabinet accessible to children. Asking about current storage practices helps confirm that the facility maintains secure, restricted access to all potentially harmful materials.
- Context
- Corrected at the time of the inspection.
Related violations
Finding-specific
Could you describe your process for routinely checking electrical outlets to ensure they are properly covered and tamper-resistant?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- An official inspection report from December 2025 identified an electrical outlet that was not properly covered. This question allows the director to explain the current maintenance and safety checks for electrical fixtures.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How do you manage the maintenance and repair schedule for outdoor playground equipment to ensure it stays in good condition?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Available inspection records from June 2026 indicate that some playground equipment required repairs or maintenance. Discussing the facility's approach to equipment upkeep helps parents understand how the center ensures a safe play environment.
- Context
- Correction due by 7/26/2026.
Related violations
Finding-specific
Can you walk me through how you track and document your monthly fire drills to ensure they are conducted consistently?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records from an April 2026 inspection noted that a required monthly fire drill had been missed. This question helps clarify the current administrative process for maintaining emergency preparedness documentation.
- Context
- Corrected at the time of the inspection.
Related violations
General question
What is your daily routine for inspecting classrooms and common areas to ensure they remain clean and in good repair?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Regular facility maintenance is essential for a healthy environment. Understanding the daily cleaning and inspection routine helps parents gauge the center's commitment to ongoing facility care.