Recorded violations per inspection
- This provider
- 1.11
- Local median
- 0.37
Little Caterpillar Childcare
3459 Depew Ave, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
- License:
- C20CH0084
- Type:
- Child Care Facility
- Status:
- Licensed
- Records checked:
- July 14, 2026
Additional info
- Programs and services:
- School Readiness, VPK, After School, Before School, Food Served, Full Day, Infant Care
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 6:45AM to 5:30PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
- Capacity:
- 45
- License expiration:
- August 23, 2026
Typical cost: $1,083 - $1,192 (Under 1)
Child’s age
$1,083 - $1,192/mo
Median daily rate: $50.00 - $55.00
Official Florida Division of Early Learning Charlotte County data.
Not this provider’s price.
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 inspectionApril 7, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsApril 7, 2026
Summary
This summary covers 18 available inspections for Little Caterpillar Childcare from January 20, 2023 through April 7, 2026.
Seven inspections recorded violations, with 20 recorded violations in total.
The most recent recorded violation was on November 11, 2025 and involved equipment or readiness, with a due date of January 5, 2026.
Child guidance was a higher-concern topic that showed up in one inspection.
Three later inspections, from December 16, 2025 through April 7, 2026, showed no recorded violations, but the records do not say whether they were formal follow-ups.
At a glance
- Total inspections
- 18
- Recorded violations
- 20
- Higher-concern violations
- 3
- Repeated topics
- 4
6 in last 12 months
8 in last 12 months
0 in last 12 months
Last 36 months
Local comparison
18 total inspections vs 11 local median in 33952
Compared to 14 local facilities
Inspections with higher-concern violations
- This provider
- 17%
- Local median
- 0%
Inspections with recorded violations
- This provider
- 39%
- Local median
- 19%
Repeated topics
- This provider
- 4
- Local average
- 1.29
Repeated topics
Topics that appeared in more than one inspection during the last 36 months. They may reveal a pattern worth examining.
Facility condition
Appeared across 3 inspections, with 5 recorded violations.
July 25, 2023December 19, 2023August 5, 2025Emergency preparedness
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 2 recorded violations.
April 17, 2025June 30, 2025Equipment or readiness
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 2 recorded violations.
July 25, 2023November 11, 2025Staff training
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 5 recorded violations.
August 13, 2024August 5, 2025Inspection history
Available inspection history. Select a violation topic for more info.
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- The facility's outdoor play area contained litter, nails, glass or other hazards that posed a threat to the health, safety or well-being of the children. CCF Handbook, Section 3.5, A Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- November 11, 2025, the GOC1 observed the playground which had steel bolts that were sticking up over 2 threads on the playground in two areas. (Picture taken by GOC1) Technical assistance was given to the provider to ensure that the steel bolts are cut to a safe level to ensure the safety of the children.
- Correction status
- Due by January 5, 2026
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 17 - Outdoor Play Area/Fencing
- Official code
- 17-02
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 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- At time of the inspection the Licensing Specialist observed cracks in the ceiling or plaster patch from a previous repair in the infant room. The Licensing Specialist took pictures. The Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance from the handbook 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 log. Outdoor play areas must be inspected daily for basic health and safety. Any problems must be corrected before the play a ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by September 4, 2025
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-02
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- A safety deficiency having a moderate potential for harm to the children in care was observed. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At time of the inspection the Licensing Specialist observed there were books piled high up in a manner that they could fall on the children sitting in the potty chair, in the Age 2-3 bathroom. The Licensing Specialist took pictures. The director removed the books before the end of the inspection bringing the center in to compliance. The Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance from the handbook 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 docum ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-07
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
- At the time of the inspection, The Licensing Specialist observed the linens in the Age 2-3 classroom were stored touching the floor and touching other children's linens. The licensing specialist alerted the classroom teacher who took the linens and placed them in the laundry bring the center back into compliance. The licensing specialist provided technical assistance from the hand book Section 3.6.1 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: 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 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3)
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed one staff record didn't have documentation of completing the 40 hour Introductory Training requirement. The Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance from the handbook Section 4.1 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. Training taken prior to employment in the child care industry does not constitute begin training. The begin training timeframes begin at the time of employment in ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by September 4, 2025
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-01
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 (Section 2.1 Health and Safety, Page 3)
- Inspector notes
- At time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed one staff records did not have documentation of starting training within 90 days of hire. The Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance from the handbook Section 4.1 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. Training taken prior to employment in the child care industry does not constitute begin training. The begin training timeframes begin at the time of employment in the child care in ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by September 4, 2025
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-03
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
- At the time of the inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed one staff record didnt have documentation of completing Literacy training within 12 months of the date of employment in the child care industry. The Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance from the handbook Section 4.2.2 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 ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by September 4, 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 inspection, the Licensing Specialist observed one staff member did not complete School Readiness training within 90 days of hire. The facility was given 30 instead of 14 days to align with the due dates. The Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance from the School Readiness handbook Section 3.1 and 3.2 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. This timeframe does not start over if personnel change employment to ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by September 4, 2025
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-13
Medium concern: Emergency preparedness
- Report finding
- The facility failed to notify the licensing authority of an incident or unusual occurrence that was threatening to the health, safety, or welfare of the children or child care personnel. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.7 Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- The GOC1 observed a video from June 26, 2025, in which an incident occurred between a child and a teacher in the three year old classroom. The teacher can be seen holding a child's head and aggressively force feeding her. The incident was observed by the director via video on June 27, 2025, and the facility failed to notify the licensing authority. Technical assistance was provided to the director to explain that all unusual occurrences must be reported to the licensing authority.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 23 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness
- Official code
- 23-25
Medium concern: Incident records
- Report finding
- Child care personnel failed to share the accident/incident form with the custodial parent/ legal guardian or the individual authorized to pick up child on the day that the incident occurred. CCF Handbook, Section 6.4, B & D Health Requirements [SR]
- Report comments
- June 26, 2025, an incident occurred with a teacher in the three year old classroom and a child. The facility failed to share the accident / incident form with the parent / legal guardian or the individual authorized to pick up the child on the day the incident occurred. Technical assistance was provided to the director to explain that the facility needs to share the incident / accident form with the parent / legal guardian on the day the incident / accident occurs.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - 39 - Accident/ Incident Notification and Documentation
- Official code
- 39-04
Higher concern: Child guidance
- Report finding
- Child care personnel inappropriately interacted with children in care in a manner that was aggressive, demeaning or intimidating in nature. CCF Handbook, Section 8.2, C Enforcement [SR]
- Inspector notes
- The GOC1 observed a video from June 26, 2025, in which a teacher in the three year old classroom forcefully fed a child in her care. The video shows the teacher aggressively trying to feed a child while hold the child's head backward. The child in the video can be seen trying to catch her breath and with tears in her eyes after being released by the teacher. Technical assistance was given to the director to explain that this is an inappropriate interaction with a child. Owner/Director/Staff Responsible Comments The provider has stated that she became aware of the incident when the CPI (Child Protective Investigator) first contacted her. She stated that at that time, CPI infor ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 47 - Access/Child Safety
- Official code
- 47-01
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Emergency preparedness
- Report finding
- The facility did not have a current and approved annual fire safety inspection by the local fire authority. CCF Handbook, Section 3.8.2, A 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 3/31/2025. The last approved fire inspection for this facility was dated 3/27/2024. The fire extinguisher certifications are valid until 6/2025. At the time of the inspection the Licensing Specialist observed the last approved fire inspection by the Fire Marshall was dated 3/272024 which is over a year ago. The Licensing Specialist advised the license will be issued as provisional until the new approved report with no violations is received. The Licensing Specialist provided technical assistance from the handbook 3.8.2 Fire Sa ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by April 28, 2025
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 23 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness
- Official code
- 23-02
No recorded violations in this report
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
- Correction / follow-up note
- At the time of the inspection, the counselor observed one staff record did not have documentation of completing Literacy training within 12 months of the date of employment in the child care industry. Provided technical assistance from the handbook Section 4.2.2 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 ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by September 13, 2024
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-06
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- Employment history check did not include all required information including applicants, job title, description of regular duties, confirmation of employment dates, and level of job performance. CCF Handbook, Section 5.1, D
- Correction / follow-up note
- At the time of the inspection the counselor observed two staff records did not have documentation of five years of employment history in the file. Provided technical assistance from the handbook 5.1, D The employer/owner/operator must conduct employment history checks, including documented attempts to contact each employer that employed the individual within the preceding five years, and documentation of the findings. Documentation must include the applicants job title and description of his/her regular duties, confirmation of employment dates, and level of job performance. The employer/owner/operator must make at least three attempts to obtain employment history information. ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by August 13, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 45 - Background Screening Documents
- Official code
- 45-05
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
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 Sanitation and Equipment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the counselor observed a grey shaggy pillow toy on the diapering pad. Photos taken. The Director removed the pillow toy and placed it the laundry area immediately resolving the issue. Provided technical assistance from the handbook Section 3.10.2 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
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- Child(ren) did not have a Florida Certification of Immunization (DH Form 680) or a Religious Exemption from Immunization (DH Form 681), on file within 30 days of enrollment. CCF Handbook, Section 7.1, B Record Keeping [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the counselor observed Two child's file did not have a current Florida Certification of Immunization within 30 days of Enrollment. Provided technical assistance from the handbook Section 7.1, Immunization Records The child care facility is responsible for obtaining for each child in care a current, complete and properly executed Florida Certification of Immunization form Part A-1, B, or C, DH 680, which is incorporated by reference in 65C-22.001(7)(o), F.A.C., or the Religious Exemption from Immunization form, DH 681, which is incorporated by reference in 65C22.001(7)(p), F.A.C., from the custodial parent or legal guardian. DH Form 680 and DH Fo ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by January 22, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 41 - Immunization Records
- Official code
- 41-01
Medium concern: Health or food records
- Report finding
- Child(ren) did not have a Student Health Examination/DH (Form 3040), or an equivalent health statement on file within 30 days of enrollment. CCF Handbook, Section 7.2, C Record Keeping [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection, the counselor observed two child's file did not have a current Student Health Examination within 30 days of Enrollment, Provided technical assistance from the handbook. Section 7.2, 7.2 Student Health Records The child care facility is responsible for obtaining for each child in care a current, complete and properly executed Student Health Examination form DH 3040, which is incorporated by reference in 65C-22.001(7)(q), F.A.C. and may be obtained from the local county health department, the parent or legal guardian, or a signed statement by authorized professionals that indicate the results of the components of the Student Health Examination for ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by January 22, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 42 - Student Health and Records
- Official code
- 42-01
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 10, number 4) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection the counselor observed a spray can of Lysol in the unlocked bottom cabinet in the bathroom of the classroom with Age 1 and Age 2 children. The Director saw the same can when the counselor opened the cabinet and immediately removed the can bring the center back into compliance. The Director also spoke with all the staff advising this can must be in a locked cabinet. Provided technical assistance from the handbook 3.2 B. All potentially harmful items, including cleaning supplies, flammable products, poisonous, toxic, and hazardous materials, must be labeled and used according to manufacturers recommendation. These items, as well as knives, sharp to ... [truncated]
- 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: Facility condition
- Report finding
- Hand hygiene procedures, including situations or times, were not posted in food preparation, diapering, and toileting areas. CCF Handbook, Section 3.10.1, D
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection the counselor observed that the situation or times for handwashing were not posted by the handwashing sinks. The Director printed and had staff post the signs during the inspection bringing the center into compliance. Provided technical assistance from the handbook Section 3.10.1 D. D. Situations or times that children, childcare personnel, and/or volunteers must perform hand hygiene must be posted in all food preparation, diapering, and toileting areas.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 29 - Health and Sanitation
- Official code
- 29-16
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- The equipment used in the outdoor play area was not constructed and maintained according to manufacturers recommendations, and/or to allow for water drainage or open containers for water play were not emptied. CCF Handbook, Section 3.12, F (Section 11.2, number 5) Sanitation and Equipment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- At the time of the inspection the counselor observed a rectangular plastic bin with dirt and standing water on the playground. The cover for the sandbox was also pooling water. The Director removed the plastic bin from the playground and emptied the water from cover immediately bringing the center back into compliance. Provided technical assistance from the handbook Section 3.12. F F. All equipment used in the outdoor play area must be constructed and maintained according to manufacturers recommendations and allow for water drainage. Any open containers with water must be emptied immediately after use, i.e. pots, toys, or other equipment that collects water.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- SANITATION AND EQUIPMENT - 32 - Outdoor Equipment
- Official code
- 32-09
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
What steps does the center take to ensure that interactions between staff and children remain positive and supportive at all times?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- An official inspection report from June 2025 documented a concern regarding an inappropriate interaction between a staff member and a child. This question allows the director to explain the current approach to staff supervision and professional conduct.
Related violations
Finding-specific
Could you describe the current process for ensuring all staff members have completed their required training before they begin working with children?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records from an August 2025 inspection indicate that a staff member had not completed required preservice training requirements. Asking about this process helps clarify how the center currently monitors and verifies staff training compliance.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How often is the outdoor play area inspected to ensure that equipment is well-maintained and free of any potential hazards?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Available inspection records show repeated findings related to outdoor equipment and play area safety, including issues with bolts and water drainage noted in 2023 and 2025. This question helps parents understand the center's current daily maintenance and safety check routines.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What is the center's current procedure for reporting unusual occurrences to the licensing authority?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records from June 2025 show a finding where the facility did not notify the licensing authority of an incident as required. Discussing this helps clarify the center's communication protocols for significant events.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How does the center ensure that indoor play areas and classrooms are kept in good repair and free from potential safety hazards?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Available inspection records from 2023 through 2025 show multiple findings regarding facility maintenance, such as ceiling repairs and storage of items. Asking this question helps parents understand the center's ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and orderly environment.
Related violations