Recorded violations per inspection
- This provider
- 3.17
- Local median
- 0.35
Walton County School District - Maude Saunders Elementary
416 John Baldwin Rd, Defuniak Springs, FL 32433
- License:
- E01WA0002
- Type:
- Child Care Facility
- Status:
- Exempt
- Records checked:
- July 14, 2026
Additional info
- Programs and services:
- School Readiness, Food Served
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 2:00PM to 6:00PM; Sat-Sun: Closed
- Capacity:
- 665
- License expiration:
- Not found
Typical cost: $1,105 (Under 1)
Child’s age
$1,105/mo
Median daily rate: $51.00 (non-Gold Seal only)
Official Florida Division of Early Learning Walton 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 inspectionSeptember 29, 2025
Latest inspection with no recorded violationsSeptember 29, 2025
Summary
This summary covers six available inspections for Walton County School District - Maude Saunders Elementary from June 22, 2023 through September 29, 2025.
Three inspections recorded violations, with 19 recorded violations in total.
The most recent higher-concern violation was on April 22, 2024 and involved background screening, with a due date of May 10, 2024.
Hazardous access was a higher-concern topic that showed up in two inspections.
Two later inspections, from September 6, 2024 through September 29, 2025, showed no recorded violations, but the records do not say whether they were formal follow-ups.
At a glance
- Total inspections
- 6
- Recorded violations
- 19
- Higher-concern violations
- 4
- Repeated topics
- 2
1 in last 12 months
0 in last 12 months
0 in last 12 months
Last 36 months
Local comparison
6 total inspections vs 9.5 local median in Defuniak Springs
Compared to 16 local facilities
Inspections with higher-concern violations
- This provider
- 33%
- Local median
- 6%
Inspections with recorded violations
- This provider
- 50%
- Local median
- 26%
Repeated topics
- This provider
- 2
- Local average
- 0.94
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 2 inspections, with 3 recorded violations.
September 12, 2023April 22, 2024Recordkeeping
Appeared across 2 inspections, with 2 recorded violations.
September 12, 2023April 22, 2024Inspection history
Available inspection history. Select a violation topic for more info.
No recorded violations in this report
No recorded violations in this report
Higher concern: Supervision
- Report finding
- A staff member who had not completed all pre-service training requirements was allowed unsupervised contact or care of children. (Section 18.1) General Requirements [SR]
- Report comments
- Upon entering the classroom [School Readiness Personnel A] was providing unsupervised care of children, and has not completed pre- service training requirements. Shortly after this, [School Readiness Personnel B] came into the classroom to help. After the fire drill, [School Readiness Personnel B] took all children out to the playground, provided unsupervised care of children, and has not completed pre-service training requirements. School Readiness Personnel responsible for providing unsupervised care of children should complete pre-service training requirements, no later than 5/10/24.
- Correction status
- Due by May 10, 2024
More details
- Report section
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 04 - Supervision (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 5 Supervision, Pages 15-16)
- Official code
- 04-17
Low concern: Administrative posting
- Report finding
- The program didnt have a written plan of scheduled activities. (Section 7, number 1) General Requirements [SR]
- Report comments
- The program didnt have a written plan of scheduled activities/daily schedule. Written plan of activities/daily schedule should be posted no later than 5/17/24.
- Correction status
- Due by May 17, 2024
More details
- Report section
- GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - 09 - Planned Activities (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 7 Planned Activities, Pages 19-20)
- Official code
- 09-01
Higher concern: Hazardous access
- Report finding
- The programs storage of harmful items including cleaning supplies, flammable products, and poisonous, toxic and hazardous materials allowed access by children in care. (Section 10, number 4) Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- Cleaning supplies in the classroom and small room leading to bathroom were stored on shelves/tables accessible to children in care. Cleaning supplies should be stored out of the reach of children no later than 5/17/24.
- Correction status
- Due by May 17, 2024
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 13 - Toxic Substances, Hazardous Materials and Weapons (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 10 Physical Environment, Pages 21-25)
- Official code
- 13-02
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- During the programs contract year, fire drills utilizing the approved alarm system were not conducted monthly at various dates and times when children were in care [at all, as far as current childcare personnel is aware of]. (Section 14.3, number 1) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- Current school readiness personnel was not aware that fire drills should be conducted monthly. Counselor reviewed fire/emergency drill requirements with provider on-site. Counselor observed a fire drill while on-site. Provider began working with this program in February 2024 and should make up fire drills from February and March, document on fire drill log, and email to counselor no later than 5/10/24.
- Correction status
- Due by May 10, 2024
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 22 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 14 Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Response, Pages 31-33)
- Official code
- 22-05
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- The program did not have an adequate number of staff appropriately trained in first aid to maintain coverage both on-site and on field trips. (Section 13.4, number 2) Health Requirements [SR]
- Report comments
- Neither [School Readiness Personnel A/B] had current CPR/First aid certification on-site during this inspection. School Readiness Personnel responsible for children should have current CPR/First Aid certification no later than 5/10/24.
- Correction status
- Due by May 10, 2024
More details
- Report section
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - 29 - First Aid Requirements (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 13 Health-Related Requirements, Pages 29-31)
- Official code
- 29-02
Medium concern: Staff training
- Report finding
- The program had an inadequate number of staff appropriately trained in CPR to maintain coverage both on-site and on field trips. (Section 13.4, number 2) Health Requirements [SR]
- Report comments
- Neither [School Readiness Personnel A/B] had current CPR/First aid certification on-site during this inspection. School Readiness Personnel responsible for children should have current CPR/First Aid certification no later than 5/10/24.
- Correction status
- Due by May 10, 2024
More details
- Report section
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - 30 - CPR Requirements (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 13 Health-Related Requirements, Pages 29-31)
- Official code
- 30-03
Medium concern: Incident records
- Report finding
- Program staff failed to document an accident or incident on the day that it occurred. (Section 15.1, number 1) Health Requirements [SR]
- Inspector notes
- While counselor was on-site, a child scraped their leg on the slide on the playground. School readiness personnel was not aware of the requirement for filling out accident/incident reports or obtaining parent's signatures on those. Provider said she verbally tells parents if there are any accident/incidents with children, at pick up. Counselor discussed accident/incident reporting requirements and emailed a blank copy of accident/incident report to provider.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- HEALTH REQUIREMENTS - 32 - Accident/Incident Notification and Documentation (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 15 Emergency Procedures and Notification, Pages 33-34)
- Official code
- 32-03
Low concern: Recordkeeping
- Report finding
- Personnel records or copies of records were not being maintained at the program and available for review by the inspection authority. (Section 19.4) Record Keeping [SR]
- Report comments
- Two school readiness personnel did not have any documents on-site. Personnel should have full files obtained on-site for counselor review, no later than 5/17/24.
- Correction status
- Due by May 17, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 37 - Personnel Records (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 19.4 Record Keeping/Personnel Records, Pages 43-44)
- Official code
- 37-01
Higher concern: Background screening
- Report finding
- Documentation of Level 2 screening clearance from DCF was either incomplete or missing for the operator, program personnel, volunteers or substitutes. (Section 19.5, number 1) Record Keeping [SR]
- Correction / follow-up note
- Neither [School Readiness Personnel A/B] had cleared Level 2 screening clearance from DCF prior to providing care for school readiness children. Both personnel should obtain eligible Level 2 screenings from DCF no later than 5/10/24.
- Correction status
- Due by May 10, 2024
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 38 - Background Screening Documents (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 19.5 Record Keeping/Background Screening, Pages 44-45)
- Official code
- 38-02
No recorded violations in this report
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- A health deficiency having a low potential for harm to the children in care was observed. (Section 10, numbers 1-11) Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- During 6/22/23 School Readiness inspection: The fridge and freezer where children's snacks are stored did not have thermometers. Provider should equip fridge and freezer with thermometers and email counselor picture no later than 9/30/23.
- Correction status
- Due by September 30, 2023
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 10 Physical Environment, Pages 21-25)
- Official code
- 12-03
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- The toileting facility did not have: [paper towels or hand drying machines], and within the reach of children. 1.paper towels or hand drying machines 2.soap 3.trash receptacle 4.toilet paper (Section 10.6, number 7) Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- During 6/22/23 School Readiness inspection: Neither of the bathrooms used by children were stocked with paper towels or hand drying machines. Paper towels should be stocked in bathrooms and provider should email counselor pictures no later than 9/30/23.
- Correction status
- Due by September 30, 2023
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 20 - Restrooms and Bath Facilities (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 10.6 Bathrooms and Sinks, Pages 23-24)
- Official code
- 20-14
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- The program did not maintain emergency preparedness drill records for the months of operation for a minimum of fifteen (15) months from the date of the emergency preparedness drill. (Section 14.1, number 4 and Section 19.1, number 2) Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- During 6/22/23 School Readiness inspection: Per provider in charge, they are not aware of any fire drill records on-site. Provider should post a current fire/emergency drill record in classroom, document all drills on it, and email counselor picture no later than 9/30/23.
- Correction status
- Due by September 30, 2023
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 22 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 14 Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Response, Pages 31-33)
- Official code
- 22-16
Low concern: Recordkeeping
- Report finding
- Child records or copies of records, including enrollment information, were not being maintained at the program and available for review by the inspection authority. (Section 19.2, numbers 1 and 2) Record Keeping [SR]
- Report comments
- During 6/22/23 School Readiness inspection: Two children did not have enrollment applications on file for counselor review. Provider should email counselor both children's enrollment applications no later than 9/30/23.
- Correction status
- Due by September 30, 2023
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 36 - Enrollment Information (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 19.2 Record Keeping/Childrens Files, Pages 42-43)
- Official code
- 36-01
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- A health deficiency having a low potential for harm to the children in care was observed. (Section 10, numbers 1-11) Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- The fridge and freezer where children's snacks are stored did not have thermometers. Provider should equip fridge and freezer with thermometers and email counselor picture no later than 7/7/23.
- Correction status
- Due by July 7, 2023
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 12 - Facility Environment (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 10 Physical Environment, Pages 21-25)
- Official code
- 12-03
Higher concern: Hazardous access
- Report finding
- The programs storage of harmful items including cleaning supplies, flammable products, poisonous, toxic, and hazardous materials were accessible to children in care. (Section 10, number 4) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- Multiple cleaning products including Pinesol, Pineglo, TNT foaming disinfectant cleaner, HDQ Disinfectant cleaner, TBCide disinfectant cleaner, Disinfecting wipes & Steriphine disinfectant cleaner were observed on a low shelf by teachers desk. These cleaning supplies were accessible to children in care. All cleaning supplies were moved to the top of a cabinet, out of reach of children.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 13 - Toxic Substances, Hazardous Materials and Weapons (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 10 Physical Environment, Pages 21-25)
- Official code
- 13-03
Medium concern: Facility condition
- Report finding
- The toileting facility did not have: [Paper towels or hand drying machines], and within the reach of children. 1.paper towels or hand drying machines 2.soap 3.trash receptacle 4.toilet paper (Section 10.6, number 7) Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- Neither of the bathrooms used by children were stocked with paper towels or hand drying machines. Paper towels should be stocked in bathrooms and provider should email counselor pictures no later than 7/7/23.
- Correction status
- Due by July 7, 2023
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 20 - Restrooms and Bath Facilities (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 10.6 Bathrooms and Sinks, Pages 23-24)
- Official code
- 20-14
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- The operator/staff failed to possess a current attendance record during a fire drill, emergency preparedness drill or an actual emergency. (Section 14.3, number 2) Physical Environment [SR]
- Inspector notes
- During observed fire drill, person in charge did not possess a current attendance record. Counselor discussed with person in charge that this attendance record must accompany them anytime they leave the classroom with children, included fire/emergency drills.
- Correction status
- Completed at time of inspection
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 22 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 14 Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Response, Pages 31-33)
- Official code
- 22-11
Medium concern: Equipment or readiness
- Report finding
- The program did not maintain emergency preparedness drill records for the months of operation for a minimum of fifteen (15) months from the date of the emergency preparedness drill. (Section 14.1, number 4 and Section 19.1, number 2) Physical Environment [SR]
- Report comments
- Per provider in charge, they are not aware of any fire drill records on-site and did not have a blank copy of fire drill record to document today's drill on. Provider should post a current fire/emergency drill record in classroom, document today's drill on it, and email counselor picture no later than 7/7/23.
- Correction status
- Due by July 7, 2023
More details
- Report section
- PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT - 22 - Fire Drills & Emergency Preparedness (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 14 Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness and Response, Pages 31-33)
- Official code
- 22-16
Low concern: Recordkeeping
- Report finding
- Child records or copies of records, including enrollment information, were not being maintained at the program and available for review by the inspection authority. (Section 19.2, numbers 1 and 2) Record Keeping [SR]
- Report comments
- Two children did not have enrollment applications on file for counselor review. Provider should email counselor both children's enrollment applications no later than 7/7/23. 16/18 children's files were monitored. All enrolled.
- Correction status
- Due by July 7, 2023
More details
- Report section
- RECORD KEEPING - 36 - Enrollment Information (Form OEL-SR-6204, Section 19.2 Record Keeping/Childrens Files, Pages 42-43)
- Official code
- 36-01
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 process for ensuring all staff members have completed their required background screenings before they begin working with children?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records show an inspection report from April 2024 noted missing documentation for required background screening clearances. Asking about current procedures helps families understand how the center ensures all personnel meet these requirements.
- Context
- A later clean inspection was recorded in September 2025.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How does the center ensure that cleaning supplies and other hazardous materials are kept securely out of reach of children at all times?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- An official inspection report from April 2024 identified an instance where cleaning supplies were accessible to children. This question allows the provider to explain the current storage protocols and safety measures in place.
- Context
- A later clean inspection was recorded in September 2025.
Related violations
Finding-specific
What steps are taken to ensure that all staff members are fully trained and qualified to provide supervision before they are left alone with children?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Public records from April 2024 indicate a finding regarding staff members providing care before completing required pre-service training. This question helps parents understand the current training and supervision verification process.
- Context
- A later clean inspection was recorded in September 2025.
Related violations
Finding-specific
How does the center maintain its schedule for emergency preparedness drills, and how are these activities documented?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- Available inspection records show that emergency preparedness and fire drill documentation was a topic of concern in multiple reports between 2023 and 2024. Asking about this helps families understand how the center currently manages and tracks these safety routines.
- Context
- A later clean inspection was recorded in September 2025.
Related violations
Finding-specific
Can you explain how the center organizes and maintains child enrollment and personnel records to ensure they are always available for review?
Why ask this
- Why ask this
- The available inspection records show that maintaining complete child and personnel files was a repeated topic of discussion in reports from 2023 and 2024. This question helps parents understand the current administrative practices for record management.
- Context
- A later clean inspection was recorded in September 2025.
Related violations