Westchase Academy

Fire inspection on file has expired and a new one has been schedule for November 3rd 2025.

Operation has not reported their staffing changes for the year 2024 by the due date of 1/15/2025. NOTE: Director provided proof of compliance same day.

Baseboard trim was observed hanging off the wall near a door.

Grass has grown into the pebble loosefill, creating a firm surface that reduces the loose fills efficacy.

A television was observed to be on while no children were in the room. This was seen twice.

A ten month old child was asleep in a crib with a blanket.

Transportation binder did not have a list of all children being transported.

Emergency telephone numbers for parents were missing for four of the nine children being transported.

Emergency medical information forms used, containing emergency medical information were missing for four of the nine children being transported.

Two booster seats were being used that had expired in 2015.

Driver for operation stated that she has put a child under the age of 13 in the front passenger seat of the transport vehicle when transporting children from school.

Driver stated that she would secure 4 children in a three-person third row bench in her transport vehicle when transporting children from an elementary school back to the operation.

Based on information obtained during an investigation, there was sufficient evidence to support a parent was not provided with an incident report.

Based on evidence obtained during the investigation school age students are left unsupervised.

The wooden border covering the surfacing area had some nails which could be a hazard if not removed.

Notarized affidavit was missing on file for one out of four staff files checked.

In the 12 to 24 months old classroom. One of the ceiling was missing. Picture was taken.

Based upon the information obtained during the investigation, there is sufficient evidence to support the allegation that prohibited punishments have been utilized by staff.

Based on investigation documentation CPR training for a caregiver was conducted online through National CPR foundation.

There is a broken wooden fence that contains protruding nails laying in the walkway the children use to enter and exit the playground area. There is also a broken gate that allows children to exit into the back of other businesses that are connected to the operation. There is also trash, a broken lamp, a paint bucket filled with water, and paint roller brushes laying in the walkway where the children use to enter and exit the playground area. Children were observed utilizing this area to go and from the playground during the inspection. Photos were taken.

A child with a diagnosed food allergy and requires an epipen has a food allergy form on file at the operation however, the form is not signed by the healthcare professional and the child's parent.

The operation has not conducted fire drills monthly. The last drill conducted was on 9/28/2022.

There were no covers in the electrical outlets in the 2yr-3yr old classroom. The electrical outlets are accessible to the children. Photos were taken. Note: This was corrected during the inspection.

Proof of liability insurance coverage is not available for review. The liability insurance coverage expired on 9/10/2022.

The operation does not have the most recent fire inspection report available for review. The last fire inspection conducted was on 9/16/2021.

During this investigation, it was determined a caregiver put a lit cigarette lighter to a child's forehead. Sufficient evidence confirmed the caregiver keeps a cigarette lighter in their possession while at the operation.

Based on the information obtained during this investigation, there is sufficient evidence to support the allegation of physical abuse. A caregiver demonstrated a pattern of hitting children when they do not follow directions.

During this investigation, it was determined a caregiver used prohibited punishment by hitting a child/ren with their hand and a ruler.

The child safety alarm on the operation's transportation van does not work. The van is used to transport children to and from school.

The operational policy handbook is missing the safe sleep policy for infants from birth through 12 months old. Note: The Director added the safe sleep policy to the operational policy handbook during the inspection.