First Steps Daycare
12904 STATE HIGHWAY 155 S, Tyler, TX 75703 · Smith County
Program
- Type
- Licensed center
- Licensed capacity
- 34
- Ages
- Infant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
- Hours
- 06:00 AM-05:30 PM
- Director / administrator
- Amy Chambers
- Phone
- (903) 630-2248
- Regulated since
- Mar 9, 2023
- HHSC IDs
- Operation 1418063 · number 1751110
- Official record
- HHSC Child Care Search
Violations by category
Year by year
| Year | Violations | Serious | Main categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | 8 | Supervision & ratios (2), Discipline & child guidance (4), Other (2) |
| 2023 | 8 | 0 | Supervision & ratios (4), Safety & premises (2), Other (2) |
| 2022 | 16 | 6 | Cleanliness & sanitation (2), Supervision & ratios (6), Safety & premises (4), Staff background & training (4) |
Inspections, investigations & assessments
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Jul 31, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Jul 31, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 18, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
May 18, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 27, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 27, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Oct 24, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 24, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Sep 5, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Sep 5, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Sep 3, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other Serious
During a walk through of the building while on the playground, it was observed a 6 month old sleeping in a swing. This was brought to both the director and caregivers attention and corrected while Licensing was present.
HHSC 746.2426(a)(1) — Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-09-03.
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Other Serious
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Sep 3, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other Serious
During a walk through of the building while on the playground, it was observed a 6 month old sleeping in a swing. This was brought to both the director and caregivers attention and corrected while Licensing was present.
HHSC 746.2426(a)(1) — Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-09-03.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Other Serious
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Aug 6, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Aug 6, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
-
Aug 5, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 5, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Jul 25, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Jul 25, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 23, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 23, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Feb 25, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Feb 25, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 28, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Jan 28, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 17, 2025 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Discipline & child guidance Serious
This standard was found deficient as part of a DFPS Investigation.
HHSC 746.1201(4) — AP Responsibilities of Employees and Caregivers -Ensure No Child Abused, Neglected, or Exploited
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2025-02-14. Correction verified 2025-02-26.
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Discipline & child guidance Serious
Based on a DFPS investigation, this standard has been found to be deficient. Neglectful supervision occurred when two children were found outside of the operation. One student was found near the roadway by a passer byer and the other by a local officer.
HHSC 746.1205(a)(4) — Supervision ensures each child?s safety, well-being, including physical proximity and auditory or visual awareness of each child?s on going activity
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2025-02-14. Correction verified 2025-02-26.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
Based on a DFPS investigation, this standard has been found to be deficient. The operation only reported one student being left unsupervised while knowing about the second student who was found on the back steps.
HHSC 746.305(a)(6) — Report Situation Placing Children at Risk
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2025-02-14. Correction verified 2025-02-26.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Discipline & child guidance Serious
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Jan 17, 2025 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Discipline & child guidance Serious
This standard was found deficient as part of a DFPS Investigation.
HHSC 746.1201(4) — AP Responsibilities of Employees and Caregivers -Ensure No Child Abused, Neglected, or Exploited
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2025-02-14. Correction verified 2025-02-26.
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Discipline & child guidance Serious
Based on a DFPS investigation, this standard has been found to be deficient. Neglectful supervision occurred when two children were found outside of the operation. One student was found near the roadway by a passer byer and the other by a local officer.
HHSC 746.1205(a)(4) — Supervision ensures each child?s safety, well-being, including physical proximity and auditory or visual awareness of each child?s on going activity
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2025-02-14. Correction verified 2025-02-26.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
Based on a DFPS investigation, this standard has been found to be deficient. The operation only reported one student being left unsupervised while knowing about the second student who was found on the back steps.
HHSC 746.305(a)(6) — Report Situation Placing Children at Risk
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2025-02-14. Correction verified 2025-02-26.
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Discipline & child guidance Serious
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Mar 5, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 5, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Oct 31, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 31, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Sep 21, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises
During an inspection of the playground space, it was observed a three stationary item overlapping the use zone of each other.
HHSC 746.4813(c) — Measurement of Use Zone for Rotating and Rocking Equipment - No Overlap
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-10-12. Correction verified 2023-10-27.
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Safety & premises
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Sep 21, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises
During an inspection of the playground space, it was observed a three stationary item overlapping the use zone of each other.
HHSC 746.4813(c) — Measurement of Use Zone for Rotating and Rocking Equipment - No Overlap
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-10-12. Correction verified 2023-10-27.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Safety & premises
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Jul 10, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 10, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Apr 13, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 13, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Feb 14, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 14, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Jan 19, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
During a review of the operations first aid kit, it was observed items missing for their first aid kit. This was soon corrected at inspection.
HHSC 746.4003(a) — First Aid Kit - Incomplete Kit
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2023-01-19.
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Supervision & ratios
During an inspection while reviewing files, it was observed one student was missing information over the operational policies.
HHSC 746.503 — Provide Parents With Copy of Policies
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-01-26. Correction verified 2023-01-23.
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Other
During the inspection, it was observed one student file was missing their admission date.
HHSC 746.605(3) — Required Admission Information - Date of Admission
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2023-01-26. Correction verified 2023-01-23.
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Supervision & ratios
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Jan 19, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
During a review of the operations first aid kit, it was observed items missing for their first aid kit. This was soon corrected at inspection.
HHSC 746.4003(a) — First Aid Kit - Incomplete Kit
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2023-01-19.
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Supervision & ratios
During an inspection while reviewing files, it was observed one student was missing information over the operational policies.
HHSC 746.503 — Provide Parents With Copy of Policies
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-01-26. Correction verified 2023-01-23.
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Other
During the inspection, it was observed one student file was missing their admission date.
HHSC 746.605(3) — Required Admission Information - Date of Admission
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2023-01-26. Correction verified 2023-01-23.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Supervision & ratios
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Dec 12, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
During inspection it was observed that both classrooms had disinfecting wipes within the reach of the children. The caregivers placed the wipes in a safe place during inspection.
HHSC 746.3407(12) — Mark Cleaning Supplies, Toxic Materials; Keep Separate from Food and Inaccessible to Children
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2022-12-12.
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Supervision & ratios
The operation did not have the most recent licensing inspection form and letter posted in the operation. This was corrected at inspection.
HHSC 746.401(2) — Posting Requirements - Letter or form from the most recent Licensing Inspection or Investigation
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2022-12-12.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
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Dec 12, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
During inspection it was observed that both classrooms had disinfecting wipes within the reach of the children. The caregivers placed the wipes in a safe place during inspection.
HHSC 746.3407(12) — Mark Cleaning Supplies, Toxic Materials; Keep Separate from Food and Inaccessible to Children
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2022-12-12.
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Supervision & ratios
The operation did not have the most recent licensing inspection form and letter posted in the operation. This was corrected at inspection.
HHSC 746.401(2) — Posting Requirements - Letter or form from the most recent Licensing Inspection or Investigation
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2022-12-12.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
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Nov 10, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Nov 10, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 10, 2022 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
A caregiver was present supervising 6 children and did not have an eligible status at the operation. The employee left during the inspection.
HHSC 745.641 — AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2022-11-10.
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Staff background & training Serious
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Nov 10, 2022 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
A caregiver was present supervising 6 children and did not have an eligible status at the operation. The employee left during the inspection.
HHSC 745.641 — AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2022-11-10.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Staff background & training Serious
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Nov 8, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
A caregiver was present supervising children that did not have an eligible status at the operation. The caregiver left the operation.
HHSC 745.641 — AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2022-11-08.
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Supervision & ratios
There were two rooms with children napping with one caregiver in each room supervising as required. There was not an extra person in the building as required for ratios.
HHSC 746.1613(a)(5) — Naptime Child/Caregiver Ratio - Additional Employees Required
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-11-09. Correction verified 2022-12-12.
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Safety & premises
The emergency contact information stored on the digital source did not contain the address for the emergency contact for the four records checked.
HHSC 746.605(6) — Required Admission Information - Emergency Contact
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-11-15. Correction verified 2022-12-12.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Staff background & training Serious
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Nov 8, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
A caregiver was present supervising children that did not have an eligible status at the operation. The caregiver left the operation.
HHSC 745.641 — AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2022-11-08.
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Supervision & ratios
There were two rooms with children napping with one caregiver in each room supervising as required. There was not an extra person in the building as required for ratios.
HHSC 746.1613(a)(5) — Naptime Child/Caregiver Ratio - Additional Employees Required
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-11-09. Correction verified 2022-12-12.
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Safety & premises
The emergency contact information stored on the digital source did not contain the address for the emergency contact for the four records checked.
HHSC 746.605(6) — Required Admission Information - Emergency Contact
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-11-15. Correction verified 2022-12-12.
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Staff background & training Serious
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Sep 7, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises
Activity plans were reviewed and do not have the two outside times listed.
HHSC 746.2206(1) — Written Activity Plan - Outdoor Play Opportunities
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-09-14. Correction verified 2022-09-12.
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Supervision & ratios
The operation did not have a CO2 detector in the operation.
HHSC 746.5535(a)(1) — Install CO Detection System-Electric or Battery Operated-on Every Level of Each Building
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-09-14. Correction verified 2022-09-12.
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Safety & premises
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Sep 7, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises
Activity plans were reviewed and do not have the two outside times listed.
HHSC 746.2206(1) — Written Activity Plan - Outdoor Play Opportunities
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-09-14. Correction verified 2022-09-12.
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Supervision & ratios
The operation did not have a CO2 detector in the operation.
HHSC 746.5535(a)(1) — Install CO Detection System-Electric or Battery Operated-on Every Level of Each Building
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-09-14. Correction verified 2022-09-12.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Safety & premises
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Aug 19, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 19, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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.