Bright Minds Academy

1201 E VAN BUREN AVE, Harlingen, TX 78550 · Cameron County

19cited violations

5serious

34inspections & investigations

0enforcement actions

Program

Type: Licensed center
Licensed capacity: 100
Ages: Infant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
Hours: 07:00 AM-05:45 PM
Director / administrator: Ruben Cortez
Phone: (956) 428-7011
Regulated since: Feb 22, 2017
HHSC IDs: Operation 1250951 · number 1630575
Official record: HHSC Child Care Search

Violations by category

Cleanliness & sanitation 2
Supervision & ratios 6
Safety & premises 7
Staff background & training 1
Records & paperwork 1
Other 2

Year by year

Year	Violations	Serious	Main categories
2026	7	3	Cleanliness & sanitation (2), Safety & premises (5)
2025	1	0	Records & paperwork (1)
2023	5	0	Supervision & ratios (4), Staff background & training (1)
2022	6	2	Supervision & ratios (2), Safety & premises (2), Other (2)

Inspections, investigations & assessments

Jul 2, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Jul 2, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Jun 23, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Cleanliness & sanitation
  Observed the diaper changing mat in the infant room torn. NOTE: CORRECTED AT INSPECTION as mat was replaced with a different mat.
  
  HHSC 746.3503(a) — Diaper Changing Equipment - Smooth, Non-absorbent, Easy to Clean Surface
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2026-06-23.
- Safety & premises
  The first aid kits in both transportation vehicles were incomplete. Vehicle #1 was missing a thermometer and scissors and Vehicle #2 was missing Antiseptic solution or wipes.
  
  HHSC 746.4003(a) — First Aid Kit - Incomplete Kit
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2026-06-26. Correction verified 2026-07-02.
- Safety & premises Serious
  Observed a little tykes home with the small plastic window broken on top accessible to the children.
  
  HHSC 746.4601(7) — Safety Requirements for Active Play Equipment - No Pinch, Crush, or Shear Points
  
  HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-06-23. Correction verified 2026-07-02.
- Safety & premises Serious
  Transportation vehicles purchased in 2023 and 2024 do not have the electronic child safety alarm installed.
  
  HHSC 746.5625(a) — Electronic Child Safety Alarm - is equipped in each vehicle
  
  HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-07-07. Correction verified 2026-07-10.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Jun 23, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Cleanliness & sanitation
  Observed the diaper changing mat in the infant room torn. NOTE: CORRECTED AT INSPECTION as mat was replaced with a different mat.
  
  HHSC 746.3503(a) — Diaper Changing Equipment - Smooth, Non-absorbent, Easy to Clean Surface
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2026-06-23.
- Safety & premises
  The first aid kits in both transportation vehicles were incomplete. Vehicle #1 was missing a thermometer and scissors and Vehicle #2 was missing Antiseptic solution or wipes.
  
  HHSC 746.4003(a) — First Aid Kit - Incomplete Kit
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2026-06-26. Correction verified 2026-07-02.
- Safety & premises Serious
  Transportation vehicles purchased in 2023 and 2024 do not have the electronic child safety alarm installed.
  
  HHSC 746.5625(a) — Electronic Child Safety Alarm - is equipped in each vehicle
  
  HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-07-07. Correction verified 2026-07-10.
HHSC inspection history
Aug 21, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Aug 21, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Jan 21, 2025 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
- Records & paperwork
  A review of the Employees Who Left Employment in 2024 data from January 16, 2025, revealed the center had not reported the number of employees who left employment in 2024 by January 15, 2025, as required.
  
  HHSC 746.303(b) — Report Number of Employees
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2025-01-31. Correction verified 2025-01-24.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Jan 21, 2025 Assessment · Deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Aug 22, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Aug 22, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Sep 26, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Staff background & training
  Out of all staff files reviewed, none of the training certificates reviewed had the required date of the training. (NOTE: PIctures on file)
  
  HHSC 746.1329(b)(2) — Documentation of Training Requirements - Date
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2023-10-06. Correction verified 2023-11-01.
- Supervision & ratios
  The operation policies (parent handbook) does not provide any information regarding the benefits of physical activity and outdoor play, duration of the physical activity, type of activity, each setting in which your program will take place, the recommended clothing and footwear that will allow a child to particiapte freely.
  
  HHSC 746.501(a)(18) — Written Operational Policies - Promotion of Physical Activity
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-10-06. Correction verified 2023-11-01.
- Supervision & ratios
  The operational policies (parent handbook) does not provide any information regarding extreme weather conditions that would prohibit or limit outdoor play or a plan to ensure that physical activities occurs on days when extreme weather may limit play.
  
  HHSC 746.501(a)(18)(F) — Written Operational Policies - Criteria for Extreme Weather
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-10-06. Correction verified 2023-11-01.
- Supervision & ratios
  The operational policies (parent handbook) provided no informatin regarding procedures for supporting inclusive services to children with special needs.
  
  HHSC 746.501(a)(30) — Written Operational Policies - Support inclusive services
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-10-06. Correction verified 2023-11-01.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Sep 26, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Supervision & ratios
  The operation policies (parent handbook) does not provide any information regarding the benefits of physical activity and outdoor play, duration of the physical activity, type of activity, each setting in which your program will take place, the recommended clothing and footwear that will allow a child to particiapte freely.
  
  HHSC 746.501(a)(18) — Written Operational Policies - Promotion of Physical Activity
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-10-06. Correction verified 2023-11-01.
HHSC inspection history
Sep 15, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Sep 15, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Apr 27, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Apr 27, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Apr 21, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Apr 21, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Mar 28, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Mar 28, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Mar 24, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Mar 24, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Oct 27, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Oct 27, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Jul 18, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Other
  This deficiency was observed during the follow up inspection: Facility does not have the most current Licensing inspection or investigation. NOTE: Facility has posted inspection conducted on 11/16/21.
  
  HHSC 746.401(2) — Posting Requirements - Letter or form from the most recent Licensing Inspection or Investigation
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-07-19. Correction verified 2022-07-18.
- Other
  This deficiency was observed during the follow up inspection: Facility does not have a current children's products annual certification.
  
  HHSC 746.4135(b) — Children's Products- Annual Certification
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-07-29. Correction verified 2022-07-18.
- Safety & premises Serious
  This deficiency was observed during the follow up inspection: Facility does not have a current fire inspection.
  
  HHSC 746.5101(a) — Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months
  
  HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-08-01. Correction verified 2022-07-18.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Jul 18, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Safety & premises Serious
  This deficiency was observed during the follow up inspection: Facility does not have a current fire inspection.
  
  HHSC 746.5101(a) — Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months
  
  HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-08-01. Correction verified 2022-07-18.
HHSC inspection history
Jun 7, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Jun 7, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Jun 4, 2022 Report · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Jun 4, 2022 Report · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
May 28, 2022 Report · Deficiencies cited (self-report)
- Supervision & ratios
  Based on the information gathered during the investigation, facility does not allow parents to have access inside the building to drop off or pick up children.
  
  HHSC 746.201(7) — Operation Open to Parents At All Times
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-07-15. Correction verified 2022-07-18.
HHSC inspection history
May 28, 2022 Report · Deficiencies cited (self-report)
- Supervision & ratios
  Based on the information gathered during the investigation, facility does not allow parents to have access inside the building to drop off or pick up children.
  
  HHSC 746.201(7) — Operation Open to Parents At All Times
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-07-15. Correction verified 2022-07-18.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Nov 16, 2021 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Nov 16, 2021 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history

Get the full file

HHSC publishes inspections, investigations and assessments from October 2017 onward, with each cited deficiency and its risk weight. Investigation narratives, complaint files and older history require a public information request. The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552) gives anyone the right to ask. You don't have to say why.

Email the request Printable letter (fax or mail)

Send to: HHSC Open Records Coordinator, MC-1070 · OpenRecordsRequest@hhs.texas.gov · fax 512-424-6586 · 4601 W. Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas 78751-3146 · agency instructions

Show the letter text

Letter text

Dear Open Records Coordinator,

Under the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 552, I request copies of the following Child Care Regulation records for Bright Minds Academy, 1201 E VAN BUREN AVE, Harlingen, TX 78550-7177 (operation ID 1250951, operation number 1630575), for January 1, 2019 to the present:

1. Every inspection, assessment and investigation report, including the deficiencies cited and the operation's corrective actions.
2. Every complaint and self-report intake and its finding.
3. Every corrective or adverse action (evaluation, probation, suspension, revocation, denial, administrative penalty) with related correspondence.
4. Every plan of action or correction the operation submitted, and HHSC's response.

I understand that information made confidential by law (for example the identities of children, families and reporters) may be redacted; please release the remainder. Please provide the records electronically by email. If the cost will exceed $40, please send me an itemized estimate first.

Thank you,

[Your name]
[Email] · [Phone]

If something is happening now, report a concern to HHSC Child Care Regulation. For suspected abuse, contact your county child protective services or law enforcement.

Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation datasets on data.texas.gov. Last read Oct 1, 2026. Violation text is HHSC's own wording. The categories are ours, added to help you scan. About this data.