Recorded violations per inspection
- This provider
- 0.9
- Local median
- 0.36
South Gulf County Early Learning Center
176 Church Ave, Port St. Joe, FL 32456
- License:
- C14GU0624
- Type:
- Child Care Facility
- Status:
- Licensed
- Records checked:
- July 14, 2026
Additional info
- Programs and services:
- Head Start, School Readiness, After School, Before School, Food Served, Full Day, Infant Care
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 6:00AM to 6:00PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
- Capacity:
- 246
- License expiration:
- January 23, 2027
Typical cost: Not available for Gulf County.
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 inspectionMay 21, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsMay 21, 2026
Summary
This summary covers 21 available inspections for South Gulf County Early Learning Center from April 10, 2023 through May 21, 2026.
11 inspections recorded violations, with 19 recorded violations in total.
The most recent recorded violation was on December 18, 2025 and involved staff training, with a due date of January 19, 2026.
Supervision was a higher-concern topic that showed up in three inspections.
Two later inspections, from January 26, 2026 through May 21, 2026, showed no recorded violations, but the records do not say whether they were formal follow-ups.
At a glance
- Total inspections
- 21
- Recorded violations
- 19
- Higher-concern violations
- 3
- Repeated topics
- 3
5 in last 12 months
6 in last 12 months
0 in last 12 months
Last 36 months
Local comparison
21 total inspections vs 10 local median in Florida
Compared to 9,543 Florida facilities
Inspections with higher-concern violations
- This provider
- 14%
- Local median
- 8%
Inspections with recorded violations
- This provider
- 52%
- Local median
- 24%
Repeated topics
- This provider
- 3
- Local average
- 0.91
Repeated topics
Topics that appeared in more than one inspection during the last 36 months. They may reveal a pattern worth examining.
Staff training
Appeared across 8 inspections, with 11 recorded violations.
December 18, 2023April 16, 2024May 1, 2024May 24, 2024September 20, 2024May 2, 2025September 4, 2025December 18, 2025Supervision
Appeared across 3 inspections, with 3 recorded violations.
February 19, 2024May 24, 2024Recordkeeping
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 3 recorded violations.
May 2, 2025September 4, 2025Inspection history
Available inspection history. Select a violation topic for more info.
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Staff training
- Report finding
- Child Care personnel, returning to the industry and who were in compliance with training requirements when they left the industry, did not complete new mandated training within 90 days of employment. CCF Handbook, Section 4.3, A (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Training [SR]
- Inspector notes
- During the on-site file review, counselor observed that a staff member returning to the childcare industry had not completed new mandated training within 90 days of employment. T/A: Break in Service In the event an individual leaves the child care industry in compliance with training requirements and returns to the industry either at the same or a different child care facility, he or she will be given 90 days to comply with any new training requirements established during the gap in employment in the child care industry. Provider will have staff member complete part 1 childcare training (child growth and development).
- Correction status
- Due by January 19, 2026
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-04
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]
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the on site file review, counselor observed that new staff had not completed fire extinguisher training within 30 days of employment. T/A: 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. Corrected - new staff listed on the supplemental completed the required fire extinguisher training before the inspection was uploaded.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-09
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]
- Inspector notes
- During the file review, counselor observed that not all staff had completed the required preservice training within 90 days of beginning employment or service with the provider. T/A: 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. This timeframe does not start over if personnel change employment to another School Readiness provider within this initial 90 days. Personnel who have not completed all preservice training requirements are not allo ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by January 19, 2026
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-13
No recorded violations in this report
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 drills reported for July and August.]. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.4, A (Section 2.1 - Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the on-site inspection, counselor observed and confirmed that no fire drills were done the months of July and August, although they were operating until mid July and returned from summer break mid-August. T/A: Fire Drills During the facilitys license year, fire drills utilizing the alarm system, approved by the local fire authority, must be conducted monthly at various dates and times when children are in care. Corrected - during the on-site inspection, a fire drill was conducted and documented.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 23 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness
- Official code
- 23-06
Medium concern: Staff training
- Report finding
- Child care personnel, who were in compliance with preservice training requirements when they left a School Readiness provider, did not complete new mandated training within 90 days of employment with a School Readiness provider. (Section 3.4.A - Training Requirements, Page 7) [SR]
- Inspector notes
- During the on-site file review, counselor observed that not all staff had completed new SR training within 90 days of employment with new SR provider. T/A: Break in Service In the event an individual leaves a School Readiness provider while in compliance with the training requirements described in this section and returns to employment either at the same or a different School Readiness provider site, he or she will be given 90 days to comply with any new training requirements established during the gap in employment. Provider will have staff listed on the supplemental complete the new SR required training.
- Correction status
- Due by October 3, 2025
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-14
Low concern: Recordkeeping
- Report finding
- The facility did not have a fully-completed enrollment form (CF-FSP Form 5219) or equivalent form for the child(ren) in care. CCF Handbook, Section 7.3 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the on-site file review, counselor observed that not all children enrolled had a complete file on site for review. N/A: Enrollment Information The facility operator shall obtain enrollment information from the childs custodial parent or legal guardian prior to accepting a child in care. This information shall be documented on CF-FSP Form 5219, Child Care Application for Enrollment, which is incorporated by reference in 65C-22.001(7)(f), F.A.C., or an equivalent form that contains all the information required by the Department on CF-FSP Form 5219. CF-FSP Form 5219 may be obtained from the licensing authority or on the Departments website at www.myflfamilies.com/childcar ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by October 3, 2025
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 43 - Enrollment Information
- Official code
- 43-02
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 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3)
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the onsite inspection, counselor observed that staff member had not completed literacy training within 12 months of date of employment in the childcare industry. T/A: Training Requirement: Pursuant to Section 402.305(2)(e)5., F.S., all child care personnel must complete a single course of training in early literacy and language development of children ages birth through five years that is a minimum of five clock hours or .5 CEUs. Early literacy training must be completed within 12 months of date of employment in the child care industry. Proof of completion may be documented on a certificate of course completion, classroom transcript, or diploma. Child care personnel mu ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by May 30, 2025
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-06
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]
- Inspector notes
- During the onsite inspection, counselor observed that not all staff had completed the required SR preservice training. T/A: Training Requirements: 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. This timeframe does not start over if personnel change employment to another School Readiness provider within this initial 90 days. Personnel who have not completed all preservice training requirements are not allowed any unsupervised contact with or care of ch ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by May 30, 2025
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-13
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 [Parents were not provided information regarding the distracted adult for the month of April.]. CCF Handbook, Section 7.3, C.5. (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Record Keeping [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the onsite file review, counselor observed that Parents were not provided information regarding the distracted adult for the month of April. T/A: Enrollment Information Annually, in the months of April and September, the child care facility must provide parents/guardians of the children enrolled in the facility with information regarding the potential for distracted adults to fail to drop off a child at the facility and instead leave them in the adults vehicle upon arrival at the adults destination.CF/PI 175- 12, brochure, which is incorporated by reference in 65C-22.001(7)(x), F.A.C. and may be obtained from the Departments website at www.myflfamilies.com . Corrected, ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 43 - Enrollment Information
- Official code
- 43-10
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
- Durning the onsite file review, counselor observed that not all staff had a current child abuse and neglect reporting form on file for review. T/A: Personnel records: 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 Child Care Facility Handbook Page | 62 hire date and annually thereafter by all child care personnel Corrected, staff signed current child abuse and neglect forms before the inspection was uploaded. Provider stated 27 staff on file.
- 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 director responsible for the daily operation of the program did not have an active Director Credential. CCF Handbook, Section 4.7
- Report comments
- During the on-site inspection, counselor noted that facility no longer had a credentialed director on staff. T/A: Director Credential Section 402.305(2)(g), F.S., requires a child care facility to have a credentialed director. Every applicant for a license to operate a child care facility or a license for a change of ownership of a child care facility must document that the facility director has an active Director Credential prior to issuance of the license. An applicant for the Director Credential must meet the requirements referenced in CFFSP Form 5290, Florida Child Care and Education Program Director Credential and Renewal Application, which is incorporated by reference i ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by January 30, 2025
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 34 - Credentialed Staff
- Official code
- 34-04
Higher concern: Supervision
- Report finding
- Children in the outdoor play area were not adequately supervised in that [a two - year old was left unsupervised on the playground.]. CCF Handbook, Section 2.4.1, A General Requirements [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the on-site inspection and the video review, counselor observed that a child was left unsupervised on the playground. T/A: General Supervision Requirements A. Child care personnel must position themselves in the outdoor play area so that all children can be observed and directly supervised. B. Child care personnel must be assigned to provide direct supervision to a specific group of children and be with that group of children at all times. Children must never be left without child care personnel supervision inside or outside the facility, in a vehicle, or at a field trip location. Corrected: the child was retrieved from the playground by staff member and taken to her classroom
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 04 - Supervision
- Official code
- 04-04
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
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the on-site file review, during the complaint inspection, counselor observed that staff member named in the complaint had not completed the required literacy training. T/A: Early Literacy Training Pursuant to Section 402.305(2)(e)5., F.S., all child care personnel must complete a single course of training in early literacy and language development of children ages birth through five years that is a minimum of five clock hours or .5 CEUs. Early literacy training must be completed within 12 months of date of employment in the child care industry. Proof of completion may be documented on a certificate of course completion, classroom transcript, or diploma. Corrected: staf ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-06
Higher concern: Supervision
- Report finding
- Children in the outdoor play area were not adequately supervised in that [two pre-schoolers left the playground went inside the classroom and then left the classroom and went out into the hallway without supervison and knowledge of the teacher.]. CCF Handbook, Section 2.4.1, A General Requirements [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the on-site inspection and the video review, two preschoolers left the playground and went into the classroom, and then left the classroom and walked down the hall by themselves without supervision and knowledge of the teacher. T/A: General Supervision Requirements A. Child care personnel must position themselves in the outdoor play area so that all children can be observed and directly supervised. B. Child care personnel must be assigned to provide direct supervision to a specific group of children and be with that group of children at all times. Children must never be left without child care personnel supervision inside or outside the facility, in a vehicle, or at a ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 04 - Supervision
- Official code
- 04-04
No recorded violations in this report
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
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the onsite inspection, counselor observed that staff members who have not met the DCF training requirements were assisting in the classroom. T/A: Training Requirements 4.2.1 Mandated Introductory Training Child care personnel must successfully complete 40 hours of child care training as evidenced by successful completion of competency examinations offered by the Department or its designated representative with a weighted score of 70 or better. Corrected: Other personnel left the classrooms and will not perform any childcare duties or act in childcare role, until required childcare training is completed and/or started.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-01
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 [there was no transcript available for review.]. CCF Handbook, Section 4.5 Training [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the onsite file review, counselor observed that there was no DCF training transcript for review for two new staff that worked in childcare previously to verify their compliance in training. T/A: Documentation of Training The Departments training transcript is the only acceptable verification of successful completion of the Departments training, early literacy courses and school-age training documentation. Corrected on site, provider pulled transcripts for the file and review.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-02
Higher concern: Supervision
- Report finding
- Supervision of children in the [3's and 4's] group was inadequate in that [both teachers left the classroom leaving the children unsupervised]. CCF Handbook, Section 2.4 General Requirements [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- Children in classroom 10 were left unsupervised as both teachers left the classroom unaware that the other had also left the classroom. T/A: General supervision requirements Childcare personnel must be assigned to provide direct supervision to a specific group of children and be with that group of children at all times. Children must never be left without child care personnel supervision inside or outside the facility, in a vehicle, or at a field trip location. Corrected, another staff member went into the classroom until teachers returned.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 04 - Supervision
- Official code
- 04-01
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
- Inspector notes
- During the onsite file review, counselor observed that not all childcare staff had begun the introductory training within 90 days of employment in the child care industry. T/A: Beginning 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. Staff member will begin required childcare training.
- Correction status
- Due by January 19, 2024
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-03
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 [the training transcripts were not in the files.]. CCF Handbook, Section 4.5 Training [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- During the onsite inspection, counselor observed that not all staff had their training transcripts on file to verify required training was complete. T/A: Documentation of Training The Departments training transcript is the only acceptable verification of successful completion of the Departments training, early literacy courses and school-age training documentation. A. A copy of the Departments training transcript may be obtained from the Departments website at www.myflfamilies.com/childcare. B. A copy of the training transcript must be included in each childcare personnels record maintained at the childcare facility. Corrected: Staff were able to provide DCF transcript docume ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-02
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
Can you describe the current procedures in place to ensure children are always directly supervised while on the playground or in the classroom?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Available inspection records show multiple instances where supervision was identified as a concern, including children moving between areas without teacher awareness.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What steps have been taken to ensure all staff members complete their required preservice training on time?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records from an official inspection report indicate that some staff had not completed required preservice training within the mandated 90-day timeframe.
- Context
- A later clean inspection was recorded on 5/21/2026.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How does the center track and verify that all staff members are up to date with their ongoing training requirements?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Official records show repeated findings related to staff training documentation and the completion of required courses over several inspections.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What is the process for ensuring that emergency drills are conducted consistently throughout the year?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- An inspection report noted a period where fire drills were not documented as required, and this question helps clarify how the center maintains its emergency preparedness schedule.
Related violations
General question
How does the center communicate with parents about important safety information and updates to enrollment documentation?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- This question helps parents understand how the center manages administrative communication and keeps family records current, which is essential for a smooth enrollment experience.