Recorded violations per inspection
- This provider
- 0.69
- Local median
- 0.39
Joseph H Messina Children's Center
4650 Fowler St, Fort Myers, FL 33907
- License:
- C20LE9916
- Type:
- Child Care Facility
- Status:
- Licensed
- Records checked:
- July 12, 2026
Additional info
- Programs and services:
- Gold Seal, School Readiness, VPK, 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:
- 121
- License expiration:
- May 31, 2027
Typical cost: $997 - $1,343 (Under 1)
Child’s age
$997 - $1,343/mo
Median daily rate: $46.00 - $62.00
Official Florida Division of Early Learning Lee County data.
Not this provider’s price.
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 inspectionMay 1, 2026
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsMay 1, 2026
Summary
This summary covers 16 available inspections for Joseph H Messina Children's Center from January 11, 2023 through May 1, 2026.
Six inspections recorded violations, with 11 recorded violations in total.
The most recent recorded violation was on April 16, 2026 and involved emergency preparedness, with a due date of April 30, 2026.
Supervision was a higher-concern topic that showed up in one inspection.
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
- 16
- Recorded violations
- 11
- Higher-concern violations
- 2
- Repeated topics
- 0
5 in last 12 months
3 in last 12 months
1 in last 12 months
Last 36 months
Local comparison
16 total inspections vs 11 local median in 33907
Compared to 17 local facilities
Inspections with higher-concern violations
- This provider
- 13%
- Local median
- 11%
Inspections with recorded violations
- This provider
- 38%
- Local median
- 27%
Repeated topics
- This provider
- 0
- Local average
- 1
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
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 (Section 2.1 - Health and Safety, Page 3) Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- During this inspection visit, a fire drill was conducted in the presence of the Licensing Specialist, there were 12 adults and 47 children present. The last approved fire inspection for this facility was dated 4/3/2025 and it is currently expired. The fire extinguisher certifications are valid until 3/2027. Licensing Specialist (LS) Provided Technical Assistance (TA) to the director explaining that the annual fire inspection is valid for 1 year from the time of completion and must not expire. An updated fire inspection must be completed by the due date for the facility to be back in compliance. The facility will be placed on a provisional license for 30 days, this date will b ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by April 30, 2026
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 23 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness
- Official code
- 23-02
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]
- Report comments
- The individuals listed on the supplemental page have not completed the training to meet the SR training requirement. LS provided technical assistance to the director and staff explaining that all pre-service training requirements must be completed by all program personnel, volunteers and substitutes, within 90 days of initial employment with any provider participating in the school readiness program.
- Correction status
- Due by May 16, 2026
More details
- Report section
- TRAINING - 33 - Training Requirements
- Official code
- 33-13
Higher concern: Supervision
- Report finding
- Supervision of children in the [VPK classroom] group was inadequate in that [a child was left in the classroom while the teacher and the other children in the classroom went to the playground.]. CCF Handbook, Section 2.4 General Requirements [SR]
- Report comments
- On February 24, 2026, a child was left napping in the VPK classroom while the teacher and the other children left the classroom and went to the playground. Technical assistance was provided to the director and the teacher to be sure that the children are counted before and after leaving the classroom to ensure that no child is left alone in the classroom.
- 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
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
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 Record Keeping [SR]
- Report comments
- The children listed on the supplemental page are missing a current certificate of immunization. Technical Assistance (TA) was provided by the Licensing Specialist (LS) to the director explaining that immunization records must be current.
- Correction status
- Due by February 16, 2025
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 41 - Immunization Records
- Official code
- 41-02
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
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
- Inspector notes
- 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 have tamper-resistant electrical outlets, outlets shall have safety covers. Licensing counselor observed an electrical outlet that was missing outlet cover in the Lions classroom. Technical assistance was given to the director and staff. Outlet covers were placed in the outlets during in the inspection.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-18
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- The floor mats available for children in care were not covered with an impermeable surface. CCF Handbook, Section 3.6.1, D Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- Floor mats must be at least one-inch thick and covered with an impermeable surface. In the Lions room, it was observed that there were several torn mats (Pictures were taken). Technical Assistance was given by Child Care Regulation Counselor to the director and staff. Mats were replaced during this inspection, placing this standard back in compliance.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 18 - Bedding and Linens
- Official code
- 18-06
No recorded violations in this report
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 10, number 1) Physical Environment [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- 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 area is used by children. There was a water leak on the ceiling in the hall way when you enter the building to the right (Pictures & video were taken). A company was called and they will be coming today to the facility. In the 4 year old room the ceiling needs to be clean from dust build up and the th ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by June 1, 2023
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-02
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- There was evidence or the presence of rodent or vermin observed in the facility. CCF Handbook, Section 3.1, A (Section 10, number 1) Physical Environment [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- 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 area is used by children. A few dead roaches were observed on the floor in the kitchen. Photos were taken. TA was provided to the director and kitchen staff to please ensure that pest control is conducted regularly and to make sure that they check all floors and areas of the facility before the childr ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment
- Official code
- 12-09
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 17.6, number 5) Food and Nutrition [SR]
- Inspector notes
- Bottles and/or sippy cups brought from home were not labeled with childs first and last name. CCF Handbook, Section 3.9.5, B 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. In the one year old room sippy cups brought from home were not labeled or only had a first name (Pictures were taken). The staff person and director were educated by the licensing counselor on the requirement for last and first names on cups and bottles brought from home. The staff person then correctly labeled the items, thus this regulation is marked back into compliance.
- 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
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 12.3, number 6) Sanitation and Equipment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- Items unrelated to diaper changing shall not be stored in the diaper changing area nor shall they be placed on the diaper changing table (Pictures were taken). CCRC provided TA regarding items that are allowed on the diaper changing table. Items were removed at time of inspection bringing this standard back into compliance.
- 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
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 Record Keeping [SR]
- Report comments
- 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 65C- 22.001(7)(p), F.A.C., from the custodial parent or legal guardian. DH Form 680 and DH Form 681 may be obtained from the local county health department. Specific immunization requirements are included and detailed in the most current edition of the Immunization Guidelines-Florida Schools, Child Care Facilities and Family Day Care ... [truncated]
- Correction status
- Due by February 11, 2023
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 41 - Immunization Records
- Official code
- 41-02
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
Could you describe the steps taken to ensure children are always accounted for when moving between classrooms and outdoor play areas?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records from an inspection in February 2026 noted a situation where a child was left in a classroom during a transition. Asking about current procedures helps parents understand how the center maintains active supervision during group movements.
- Context
- This finding was corrected at the time of the inspection.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How often do you conduct internal safety checks of the facility to identify and address potential hazards like outlet covers or equipment repairs?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records from a 2024 inspection noted issues with missing outlet covers and damaged floor mats. This question provides insight into the center's routine maintenance and safety monitoring practices.
- Context
- These findings were corrected at the time of the inspection.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What is your process for ensuring that all staff members, including new hires and substitutes, complete their required training on time?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- An official inspection report from April 2026 identified that some personnel had not completed required training within the designated timeframe. This question allows the director to explain how they track and verify staff training compliance.
- Context
- Correction for this finding is due by May 16, 2026.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How do you manage the annual fire safety inspection process to ensure the facility remains in compliance with local requirements?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Available inspection records from April 2026 show that the facility's annual fire safety inspection had expired. Asking about this helps parents understand how the center manages recurring safety certifications.
- Context
- Correction for this finding is due by April 30, 2026.
Related violations
General question
What is your daily routine for communicating with parents about their child's day and any specific needs they might have?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Consistent communication helps families stay informed about their child's well-being and daily experiences. Understanding the center's approach to updates ensures that parents feel connected to their child's care.