The Learning Palace
2300 N 10TH ST STE A, Mcallen, TX 78501 · Hidalgo County
Program
- Type
- Licensed center
- Licensed capacity
- 60
- Ages
- Infant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
- Hours
- 07:00 AM-06:30 PM
- Director / administrator
- Irma Villarreal
- Phone
- (956) 540-7140
- Regulated since
- Jul 3, 2020
- HHSC IDs
- Operation 1341324 · number 1698544
- Official record
- HHSC Child Care Search
Violations by category
Year by year
| Year | Violations | Serious | Main categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | Records & paperwork (1) |
| 2023 | 19 | 0 | Cleanliness & sanitation (1), Illness & medication (1), Supervision & ratios (6), Safety & premises (2), Food & allergies (1), Staff background & training (2), Records & paperwork (1), Other (5) |
| 2022 | 14 | 1 | Cleanliness & sanitation (2), Illness & medication (1), Supervision & ratios (3), Safety & premises (3), Food & allergies (1), Staff background & training (2), Records & paperwork (1), Other (1) |
Inspections, investigations & assessments
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Jul 9, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 2, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 14, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 12, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 27, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Records & paperwork
Feeding instructions for a child not yet eating table were not available for review at the time of inspection.
HHSC 746.801(2) — Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Infant Feeding Instructions
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2024-03-29. Correction verified 2024-03-29.
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Records & paperwork
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Dec 22, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Sep 15, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Sep 6, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other
Director was not present at arrival, a person in charge was not designated.
HHSC 746.1013(a) — Director's Absence - Qualified Caregiver in Charge
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-09-06. Correction verified 2023-09-15.
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Supervision & ratios
Children in the toddler / prek classroom were observed screaming, flighting, moving and climbing onto furniture.
HHSC 746.1203(4) — Provide care consistent with child's habits, interests, strengths, special needs, including any special supervision needs
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-09-06. Correction verified 2023-09-15.
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Supervision & ratios
One caregiver was providing care for a group of 9 children ages 15mo to 3yo. Age difference exceeded 18months.
HHSC 746.1605(1) — Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-09-06. Correction verified 2023-09-15.
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Other
Children ages 15mo-3yo were observed were observed watching TV during the morning routine.
HHSC 746.2207(a) — Screen Time Activities - Not Used for Under Two
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-09-06. Correction verified 2023-09-15.
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Other
A 3yo child was observed in a high chair during the morning routine.
HHSC 746.2603(1) — Space Requirements for Pre-Kindergarten Age - Does Not Limit Movement
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-09-06. Correction verified 2023-09-15.
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Other
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Aug 17, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 14, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
A group of 9 children ages 13mo-3yo were combined in the toddler classroom. Age difference exceed 18 months.
HHSC 746.1605(1) — Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-08-14. Correction verified 2023-08-17.
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Supervision & ratios
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Aug 14, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 31, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 16, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 31, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises
Infant-age children did not participate in outdoor play as described on the daily schedule.
HHSC 746.2417(1) — Activities for Infants - Outdoor Play Daily
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-05-31. Correction verified 2023-06-16.
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Food & allergies
Menu posted is from last week. Note: This was corrected at inspection when provider printed and updated the menu posted.
HHSC 746.401(6) — Posting Requirements - Daily menu, including all snacks and meals served by the child care center
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2023-05-31.
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Supervision & ratios
Operational Policies were reviewed and following information is missing: -Outdoor and Physical Activity Policy -Procedures for providing and applying insect repellent and sunscreen -Procedures for conducting health checks -Information on vaccine-preventable diseases for employees -Information regarding the Under the gang-free zone
HHSC 746.501(a)(18) — Written Operational Policies - Promotion of Physical Activity
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-06-07. Correction verified 2023-06-07.
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Records & paperwork
One of out of seven children's files were reviewed was not available for review at the time of inspection.
HHSC 746.603(a) — Children's Records Maintained
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-06-04. Correction verified 2023-05-31.
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Staff background & training
Five staff records were reviewed. One is missing copy of high school diploma and Administering Medications training for one staff member could not be located.
HHSC 746.901 — Required Personnel Records
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-06-07. Correction verified 2023-06-02.
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Safety & premises
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Mar 6, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 22, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
One caregiver was providing care for 5 children ages 5mo, 7mo, 7mo, 12mo and 12mo.
HHSC 746.1601 — Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-02-22. Correction verified 2023-03-06.
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Supervision & ratios
Operation reconfigured the operation's layout. Four classrooms were removed and two new infant classrooms were designated. Note: This was corrected at inspection when operation updated layout and agreed to a reduction of capacity.
HHSC 746.301(2) — Notification of Change in Space
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2023-02-22.
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Other
Last health inspection was conducted on 02/21/2022.
HHSC 746.3401(a) — Annual Sanitation Inspection
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-03-03. Correction verified 2023-02-28.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
Televisions in the toddler and toddler / prek room are not anchored. There was a mopping bucket with water on the hall that leads to the children's restroom. There was a cleaning product in the sink outside the children's restroom. Sprinkler system is located next to the children's restroom and accessible to children.
HHSC 746.3701 — Safety - Areas Free From Hazards
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-03-01. Correction verified 2023-03-06.
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Other
Children's Product Safety Certification was last signed / certified on 01/01/2021.
HHSC 746.4135(b) — Children's Products- Annual Certification
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-02-27. Correction verified 2023-02-24.
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Safety & premises
Based on information provided by staff members a fire drill has not been conducted during 2023.
HHSC 746.5205(1) — Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-03-01. Correction verified 2023-03-02.
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Illness & medication
Six out ten children's files reviewed are missing immunization records.
HHSC 746.603(a)(4) — Children's Records - Immunizations
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-03-01. Correction verified 2023-03-01.
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Staff background & training
Certificates for three out of five staff training records reviewed were not available for review at the time of inspection, including certificates for the following topics: Hazardous Materials Food Allergies Emergency Preparedness Building and Physical Premises Safety Communicable Diseases
HHSC 746.901(5) — Required Personnel Records- Training Hours
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-03-01. Correction verified 2023-03-01.
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Supervision & ratios
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May 6, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 19, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
Three staff training records were reviewed. Two staff members are missing training on safe sleep/shaken baby/ early brain development. Three staff member are missing administering medications training. One staff member is missing communicable diseases training.
HHSC 746.1309(e) — Documented Annual Training- Required Content
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-05-10. Correction verified 2022-05-06.
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Staff background & training
Three out of three staff training records reviewed are pediatric CPR Training, two of the records are also missing pediatric first aid training.
HHSC 746.1315(b) — Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-05-10. Correction verified 2022-05-06.
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Supervision & ratios
A total of 14 children ages 12 mo to 4yo were combined for lunch in the prek room. Age difference exceeded 18 months.
HHSC 746.1605 — Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-04-19. Correction verified 2022-05-06.
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Supervision & ratios
There are daily schedules and lesson plans posted around the operation but were not observed being followed. The lesson plans posted do not indicate the age group and dates they are designated for. Infant children were not observed participating in morning outdoor play. Infant schedule indicates TV time is allowed at 5:30 PM. Toddler and Prek Room do not indicate times for AM outdoor play nor physical activity. Children remained sited for 30 minutes while waiting for lunch.
HHSC 746.2203(a) — Written Activity Plans
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-04-24. Correction verified 2022-05-06.
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Other
Play-yard in the infant rorom were not labeled with the children's names nor assigned number.
HHSC 746.2411(2)(I) — Safety Requirements for Play Yards - Label for Each Infant
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-04-19. Correction verified 2022-05-06.
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Food & allergies
No water was available or served during lunch.
HHSC 746.3301(f) — Nutrition and Food Service - Drinking Water Available and Served
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2022-04-19.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
There is raw ground beef stored above a container with uncovered corn dogs in fridge.
HHSC 746.3317 — Food Service and Preparation Requirement - Safe and Sanitary
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-04-19. Correction verified 2022-05-06.
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Safety & premises
One of the boy's restroom is inaccessible to children due to pending repairs as the sink is at rik of falling.
HHSC 746.3407 — Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-05-10. Correction verified 2022-05-06.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
Children used hand sanitizer prior to lunch instead of washing their hands.
HHSC 746.3417(1) — Children Handwashing Before Eating
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-04-19. Correction verified 2022-05-06.
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Supervision & ratios
Operation policies were reviewed and are missing the following: (6) explained how parent notification will be conducted (9) safe sleep policy including restrictions regarding cribs, bedding, blankets and toys (13) explain enrollment procedure (18) physical and outdoor activity policy (28) policy regarding employee vaccinations (b)((2) inform parent regarding gang free zone
HHSC 746.501(a)(6) — Written Operational Policies - Parental Notifications
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-04-29. Correction verified 2022-05-06.
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Safety & premises Serious
Front door is labeled as an amergency exit and was locked at arrival.
HHSC 746.5209(c) — No Blocked or Locked Doors as Exits
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-04-19. Correction verified 2022-05-06.
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Illness & medication
Five children record were reviewed; two of the records were not available for review. One file is missing health statement. Another file is missing admission date, parent telephone number, emergency contact address and immunization records.
HHSC 746.603(a) — Children's Records Maintained
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-05-05. Correction verified 2022-05-06.
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Safety & premises
Last emergency practices documented are from 2021. Per provided they were conducted last month but were not documented.
HHSC 746.801(10) — Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Safety Documentation for Emergency Drills, Fire Extinguishers, & Smoke Detectors
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-04-20. Correction verified 2022-05-06.
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Staff background & training
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Mar 16, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 1, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 1, 2022 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
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Records & paperwork
A review of the Employees Who Left Employment in 2021 data from February 23, 2022, revealed that the center had not reported the number of employees who left employment in 2021 by February 22, 2022, as required. Note: This was corrected when provider completed the survey after February 24, 2022.
HHSC 746.303(b) — Report Number of Employees
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2022-03-01. Correction verified 2022-03-01.
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Records & paperwork
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
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.