Little Explorers Education Center
124 N 1ST ST, Hidalgo, TX 78557 · Hidalgo County
Program
- Type
- Licensed center
- Licensed capacity
- 55
- Ages
- Infant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
- Hours
- 07:00 AM-06:00 PM
- Director / administrator
- Maribel Marentes
- Phone
- (956) 800-5404
- Regulated since
- Sep 8, 2016
- HHSC IDs
- Operation 1196198 · number 1582597
- Official record
- HHSC Child Care Search
Violations by category
Year by year
| Year | Violations | Serious | Main categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 18 | 3 | Supervision & ratios (3), Safety & premises (1), Food & allergies (1), Staff background & training (8), Records & paperwork (2), Other (3) |
| 2024 | 4 | 1 | Supervision & ratios (1), Staff background & training (1), Other (2) |
| 2023 | 6 | 1 | Supervision & ratios (2), Safety & premises (1), Staff background & training (1), Records & paperwork (1), Other (1) |
| 2022 | 10 | 4 | Cleanliness & sanitation (1), Illness & medication (1), Supervision & ratios (1), Safety & premises (1), Food & allergies (2), Staff background & training (3), Other (1) |
Inspections, investigations & assessments
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Mar 11, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 8, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Dec 29, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Dec 1, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
One personnel record reviewed, Caregiver does not meet education requierments.
HHSC 746.1107(2) — Additional Minimum Qualifications for Caregivers - HS Diploma, Equivalent, Certification of Completion
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-12-15. Correction verified 2025-12-29.
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Staff background & training
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Sep 3, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 28, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 26, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 9, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 28, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other Serious
Observed child sleeping in restrictive device.
HHSC 746.2426(a)(1) — Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2025-05-28. Correction verified 2025-06-09.
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Other Serious
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May 16, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other Serious
Observed child sleeping in restrictive device.
HHSC 746.2426(a)(1) — Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2025-05-16. Correction verified 2025-05-28.
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Other Serious
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May 15, 2025 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
It is determined that a child was present in operation with no admission information on file.
HHSC 746.603(a)(2) — Children's Records - Admission Information
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-06-13. Correction verified 2025-06-26.
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Supervision & ratios
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May 6, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
Certificate reviewed in file did not have documentation of how trainer met criteria to provide training.
HHSC 746.1329(b)(5) — Documentation of Training Requirements - Trainer's Qualifications
HHSC risk weight: Low. Corrected 2025-05-06. Correction verified 2025-05-16.
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Records & paperwork
One record reviewed with a Health Statement indicating one will be obtained within 12 months of enrollment and was not obtained. Enrollment date showed 1/17/24.
HHSC 746.611(a)(3) — Health Statement parent sign - Dated within past yr, name/address health care professional, states child can participate. Follow by signed statement
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-05-20. Correction verified 2025-05-07.
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Staff background & training
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May 6, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 28, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
2 of the 4 records reviewed did not have current Pediatric CPR records on file. One record indicated it expired in 1/2025. One record was missing Pediatric CPR in file.
HHSC 746.1301(a)(4)(A) — Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - Pediatric CPR
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-04-28. Correction verified 2025-05-06.
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Staff background & training
Record reviewed with no curent transportation traning. A training was last dated 4/25/2022.
HHSC 746.1316(a) — Transportation Safety Training -Director and Employee Complete 2 Hours Annually
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-04-28. Correction verified 2025-05-06.
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Staff background & training
Certificate reviewed in file did not have documentation of how trainer met criteria to provide training.
HHSC 746.1329(b)(5) — Documentation of Training Requirements - Trainer's Qualifications
HHSC risk weight: Low. Corrected 2025-04-28. Correction verified 2025-05-06.
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Supervision & ratios
A total of 14 children in operation. Infant observed to be grouped in a classroom with a child that exceeded the 18month age difference; the age difference in the room was 28months.
HHSC 746.1605(1) — Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-04-28. Correction verified 2025-05-06.
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Staff background & training
Caregiver who provides transportation does not meet caregiver qualifications.
HHSC 746.1805(b) — Transportation Child/Caregiver Ratio - Children 2 Years and Older
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-04-28. Correction verified 2025-05-06.
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Other
Observed a tablet held up with thumb pins on wall observed to be playing an animated video (Coco Melon) in room with children under two years of age present.
HHSC 746.2207(a) — Screen Time Activities - Not Used for Under Two
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-04-28. Correction verified 2025-05-06.
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Safety & premises
Two children sitting in bucket seats were observed sleeping on bucket seat table while caregiver was doing janitorial dutties.
HHSC 746.2505(1) — Furnishings and Equipment for Toddlers - Age-appropriate
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-04-28. Correction verified 2025-05-06.
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Food & allergies
Drinking water was not avialble durring outdoor active play time.
HHSC 746.3301(f)(1) — Nutrition and Food Service - Drinking water available at every snack, mealtime, and during and after active play
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-04-28. Correction verified 2025-05-06.
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Records & paperwork
One record reviewed with a Health Statement indicating one will be obtained within 12 months of enrollment and was not obtained. Enrollment date showed 1/17/24.
HHSC 746.611(a)(3) — Health Statement parent sign - Dated within past yr, name/address health care professional, states child can participate. Follow by signed statement
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-04-28. Correction verified 2025-05-06.
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Staff background & training
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Apr 15, 2025 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
Based on DFPS investigation, a caregiver with a pending status on background checks was present in the operation caring for children.
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 2025-04-21. Correction verified 2025-04-28.
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Staff background & training
Based on the preponderance gathered throughout the course of the investigation, it is determined that a staff present in operation did not have up to date trainings in pediatric CPR/First Aid at time of investigation and had been left to supervise children during operating hours.
HHSC 746.1315(b) — Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-07-11. Correction verified 2025-07-28.
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Supervision & ratios
Based on DFPS investigation, there were 5 infants in care with one caregiver.
HHSC 746.1601 — Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-04-21. Correction verified 2025-04-28.
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Staff background & training Serious
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Jul 3, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 25, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other Serious
An 8mo old child was observed asleep in a swing and covered with a blanket.
HHSC 746.2426(a)(1) — Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2024-06-25. Correction verified 2024-07-03.
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Other Serious
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Jun 3, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
One out of four staff files reviewed is missing orientation, pre-service and first aid training.
HHSC 746.1301(a)(3)(A) — Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - Pediatric First Aid with Rescue Breathing
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-06-17. Correction verified 2024-06-25.
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Supervision & ratios
There were a total of fifteen children present at the operation. In the toddler room; eleven children ages 15mo-11yo were combined in one room for naptime. Age difference was greater than 18 months. Note: During inspection, two children ages 15mo and 23mo were moved from toddler to infant room. Infant room then had a total of six children ages 7mo-23mo with one caregiver and one volunteer. Infant room became over ratio by one child.
HHSC 746.1605(1) — Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-06-03. Correction verified 2024-06-25.
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Other
A kidney table with bucket seats is missing safety straps for four of the seats. Three children were observed using the seats without the straps. Note: During inspection, children were moved to seats with straps.
HHSC 746.4501(b) — Chairs - Safety Straps Used if Required by Manufacturer
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2024-06-05. Correction verified 2024-06-25.
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Staff background & training
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Jun 21, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
One out of two designed Directors is not regularly present at the operation.
HHSC 746.1011(a) — Director present-Minimum 75%
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-06-28. Correction verified 2023-06-30.
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Staff background & training
One of our six staff trainings records reviewed has certificates for trainings provided by the Director. The trainings were provided within two years after operation was issued an administrative penalty.
HHSC 746.1317(a)(6)(B) — Center not on probation, suspension, emergency suspension, or revocation in two years preceding or admin penalty
HHSC risk weight: Low. Corrected 2023-07-10. Correction verified 2023-07-06.
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Other
Toddler room has an eight bucket seats table. Five out of the eights seats are missing the safety straps.
HHSC 746.4501(b) — Chairs - Safety Straps Used if Required by Manufacturer
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-06-28. Correction verified 2023-06-22.
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Supervision & ratios
Operational Policies were reviewed and the following is missing: (8) Suspension and expulsion policy (18)(a)(b)(c)(d)(g) Outdoor and Physical Activity Policies (19) Insect repellent and sunscreen policy
HHSC 746.501(a)(18) — Written Operational Policies - Promotion of Physical Activity
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-06-30. Correction verified 2023-06-30.
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Safety & premises Serious
Transportation binder was reviewed and the following information is missing: -Emergency medical transport and treatment authorization form for three children. -Parent s names and telephone numbers and emergency telephone numbers for two children.
HHSC 746.5617(a)(2) — Required Equipment in Vehicles - Emergency Medical Information
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2023-06-21. Correction verified 2023-06-22.
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Records & paperwork
Six staff files were reviewed. One file is missing copy of high school diploma or equivalent and attendance records. A second file is missing the translation / equivalence of a foreign high school diploma.
HHSC 746.901 — Required Personnel Records
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-06-30. Correction verified 2023-06-30.
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Supervision & ratios
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Aug 2, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 28, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
A caregiver was caring for six children ages 5mo to 3yo. Age difference between youngest and oldest child is greater than 18months.
HHSC 746.1605 — Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-07-28. Correction verified 2022-08-02.
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Supervision & ratios
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Jul 18, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
One out of five staff trainings records reviewed is missing training on Safe Sleep / Shaken Baby / Early Brain Development.
HHSC 746.1309(d) — Documented Annual Training - Caregivers of Children Under 24 Months Required
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-07-25. Correction verified 2022-07-20.
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Food & allergies Serious
A five month old child was awake and having a bottle in a swing, bottle was propped with a blanket.
HHSC 746.2419(3) — Requirements for Feeding Infants - Never Prop Bottles
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-07-18. Correction verified 2022-07-28.
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Safety & premises
Last fire drill, smoke/CO detector and fire extinguisher checks were conducted on 04/23/2022. Note: During inspection fire extinguisher and smoke/CO detector were checked. Smoke Detector in the school-age room was not working but batties were placed.
HHSC 746.5205(1) — Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-07-25. Correction verified 2022-07-28.
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Illness & medication
One out five children's records reviewed is missing immunization records.
HHSC 746.603(a)(4) — Children's Records - Immunizations
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-07-25. Correction verified 2022-07-26.
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Staff background & training
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May 5, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Cleanliness & sanitation
Sewage material was observed coming out of an outdoor pipe located within the operation's playground. There is garbage in the playground including trash bags and used plate/cup. There is a broken slide in the playground.
HHSC 746.3407 — Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-05-08. Correction verified 2022-05-10.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
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Apr 25, 2022 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
A staff member was present at the operation and caring for children without prior background check eligibility notice. The role of a volunteer changed to an employee over a year ago. Operation has not submitted a renewal background check with the employee's current role.
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 2022-04-26. Correction verified 2022-04-29.
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Staff background & training Serious
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Apr 21, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
A staff member was present at the operation and caring for children without prior background check eligibility notice. The role of a volunteer changed to an employee over a year ago. Operation has not submitted a renewal background check with the employee's current role.
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 2022-04-24. Correction verified 2022-04-25.
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Food & allergies
There were five children in the toddler room ages 8mo-2yo watching toy story while eating a snack. There were 11 children in the prek room watching sherk while eating a snack. Two out of the nine children in the school-age room were playing games in their cellphones.
HHSC 746.2207(c)(4) — Screen Time Activities - Not Used During Eating or Rest Times
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-04-21. Correction verified 2022-04-25.
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Other Serious
An infant-age child was left asleep and unsupervised in the infant room for approximately 35 minutes.
HHSC 746.2401(7) — Basic Requirements for Infants - Never Unsupervised
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-04-21. Correction verified 2022-04-25.
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Staff background & training Serious
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Apr 19, 2022 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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
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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.