Smaller Scholars Montessori Academy

Violations by category

• Cleanliness & sanitation 2
• Illness & medication 4
• Supervision & ratios 10
• Safety & premises 10
• Staff background & training 10
• Records & paperwork 8
• Other 12

Year by year

Enforcement actions

• Seen Oct 1, 2026 — Conditions on permit (HHSC operation record)

HHSC publishes these as current flags on the operation, not as dated actions. The date shown is when this site first saw the flag. The HHSC Child Care Search has the details.

Inspections, investigations & assessments

1. Jun 17, 2026 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
   • Safety & premises Serious

     Documentation reviewed during the follow up inspection showed the last fire inspection was completed on April 2, 2025.

     HHSC 746.5101(a) — Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months

     HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-07-01. Correction verified 2026-07-10.

   HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

2. Jun 17, 2026 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
   • Safety & premises Serious

     Documentation reviewed during the follow up inspection showed the last fire inspection was completed on April 2, 2025.

     HHSC 746.5101(a) — Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months

     HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-07-01. Correction verified 2026-07-10.

   HHSC inspection history

3. Apr 23, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
   • Safety & premises Serious

     Documentation reviewed during the follow up inspection showed the last fire inspection was completed on April 2, 2025.

     HHSC 746.5101(a) — Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months

     HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-06-02. Correction verified 2026-06-17.

   HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

4. Apr 23, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
   • Safety & premises Serious

     Documentation reviewed during the follow up inspection showed the last fire inspection was completed on April 2, 2025.

     HHSC 746.5101(a) — Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months

     HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-06-02. Correction verified 2026-06-17.

   HHSC inspection history

5. Mar 24, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
   • Supervision & ratios

     The operation did not have a current gas inspection report for licensing to review. The last inspection was completed 2/9/24.

     HHSC 746.5401 — Requirement of Gas Leak Inspection

     HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-04-07. Correction verified 2026-04-23.

   HHSC inspection history

6. Mar 24, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
   • Supervision & ratios

     The operation did not have a current gas inspection report for licensing to review. The last inspection was completed 2/9/24.

     HHSC 746.5401 — Requirement of Gas Leak Inspection

     HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-04-07. Correction verified 2026-04-23.

   HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

7. Mar 20, 2026 Report · Deficiencies cited (self-report)
   • Other Serious

     A caregiver placed a child alone in a dark restroom for approximately six minutes as a form of prohibited punishment.

     HHSC 746.2805(7) — Prohibited Punishments - Placing Child in Locked or Dark Room

     HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-04-16. Correction verified 2026-04-23.

   HHSC inspection history

8. Mar 20, 2026 Report · Deficiencies cited (self-report)
   • Other Serious

     A caregiver placed a child alone in a dark restroom for approximately six minutes as a form of prohibited punishment.

     HHSC 746.2805(7) — Prohibited Punishments - Placing Child in Locked or Dark Room

     HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-04-16. Correction verified 2026-04-23.

   HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

9. Apr 15, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
   • Illness & medication

     I observed an expired Epi pen for that is kept at the operation for a child in care with an allergy. The Epi pen expired in 12/2024. NOTE: This was corrected during the inspection, it was removed and sent home with parent.

     HHSC 746.3809 — Medication No Longer Used

     HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-04-15.

   • Other

     The children's product certification was last certified on 2/2/24.

     HHSC 746.4135(b) — Children's Products- Annual Certification

     HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-04-29. Correction verified 2025-04-28.

   • Other

     Nap mats were not properly labeled during the inspection.

     HHSC 746.4503(b) — Cots, Beds, Mats Labeled With Child's Name

     HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-04-29. Correction verified 2025-04-28.

   • Other

     Playground checklist has not been completed since June 2024.

     HHSC 746.4751(b) — Maintenance Procedures for Active Play - Monthly Maintenance Checklist

     HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-04-29. Correction verified 2025-04-28.

   • Safety & premises

     Fire extinguishers has not been serviced since August 2023.

     HHSC 746.5307(b) — Fire Extinguishers Serviced

     HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-04-29. Correction verified 2025-04-30.

   • Other

     2 out of 4 files reviewed did not have a health statement available for licensing to review.

     HHSC 746.611(b) — Health Statement on File within 1 Week of Admission

     HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-04-29. Correction verified 2025-04-28.

   HHSC inspection history

10. Apr 15, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
    • Illness & medication

      I observed an expired Epi pen for that is kept at the operation for a child in care with an allergy. The Epi pen expired in 12/2024. NOTE: This was corrected during the inspection, it was removed and sent home with parent.

      HHSC 746.3809 — Medication No Longer Used

      HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-04-15.

    • Other

      The children's product certification was last certified on 2/2/24.

      HHSC 746.4135(b) — Children's Products- Annual Certification

      HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-04-29. Correction verified 2025-04-28.

    • Other

      Nap mats were not properly labeled during the inspection.

      HHSC 746.4503(b) — Cots, Beds, Mats Labeled With Child's Name

      HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-04-29. Correction verified 2025-04-28.

    • Other

      Playground checklist has not been completed since June 2024.

      HHSC 746.4751(b) — Maintenance Procedures for Active Play - Monthly Maintenance Checklist

      HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-04-29. Correction verified 2025-04-28.

    • Safety & premises

      Fire extinguishers has not been serviced since August 2023.

      HHSC 746.5307(b) — Fire Extinguishers Serviced

      HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-04-29. Correction verified 2025-04-30.

    • Other

      2 out of 4 files reviewed did not have a health statement available for licensing to review.

      HHSC 746.611(b) — Health Statement on File within 1 Week of Admission

      HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-04-29. Correction verified 2025-04-28.

    HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

11. Jan 30, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

    No violations cited on this visit.

    HHSC inspection history

12. Jan 30, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

    No violations cited on this visit.

    HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

13. Jan 28, 2025 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
    • Supervision & ratios

      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.

      HHSC 746.303(b) — Report Number of Employees

      HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2025-01-30. Correction verified 2025-01-28.

    HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

14. Jan 28, 2025 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
    • Supervision & ratios

      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.

      HHSC 746.303(b) — Report Number of Employees

      HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2025-01-30. Correction verified 2025-01-28.

    HHSC inspection history

15. Dec 20, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

    No violations cited on this visit.

    HHSC inspection history

16. Dec 20, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

    No violations cited on this visit.

    HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

17. Dec 17, 2024 Report · Deficiencies cited
    • Supervision & ratios Serious

      Caregiver left a child unattended on a path leading from playground to the classroom for 9 minutes.

      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 2025-01-15. Correction verified 2025-01-30.

    HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

18. Dec 17, 2024 Report · Deficiencies cited
    • Supervision & ratios Serious

      Caregiver left a child unattended on a path leading from playground to the classroom for 9 minutes.

      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 2025-01-15. Correction verified 2025-01-30.

    HHSC inspection history

19. May 13, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

    No violations cited on this visit.

    HHSC inspection history

20. May 13, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

    No violations cited on this visit.

    HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

21. May 3, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

    No violations cited on this visit.

    HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

22. May 3, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

    No violations cited on this visit.

    HHSC inspection history

23. May 1, 2024 Report · Deficiencies cited (self-report)
    • Supervision & ratios Serious

      The director reported that a child was left outside unsupervised for 6-7 minutes.

      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 2024-05-03. Correction verified 2024-05-13.

    HHSC inspection history

24. May 1, 2024 Report · Deficiencies cited (self-report)
    • Supervision & ratios Serious

      The director reported that a child was left outside unsupervised for 6-7 minutes.

      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 2024-05-03. Correction verified 2024-05-13.

    HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

25. Apr 24, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
    • Staff background & training

      One caregiver was missing a notarized affidavit of employment.

      HHSC 746.1105(3) — Minimum Qualifications Child Care Center Employees and Caregivers - Affidavit

      HHSC risk weight: Low. Corrected 2024-05-01. Correction verified 2024-06-12.

    • Staff background & training

      Caregiver did not have current First Aide training. Training expired in 2022.

      HHSC 746.1315(a) — Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking.

      HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-05-15. Correction verified 2024-05-13.

    • Staff background & training

      One caregiver did not have a current CPR training certificate, expired 2022. Another caregiver did not have hands-on CPR training.

      HHSC 746.1315(b) — Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR

      HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-05-15. Correction verified 2024-05-13.

    • Records & paperwork

      There was a change in director and licensing was not notified within 5 days that director was no longer associated with center. We were informed of the change at inspection.

      HHSC 746.303(a)(4) — Report Change in Director

      HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2024-04-24.

    • Safety & premises

      Emergency telephone numbers were not posted. Corrected at inspection. Emergency numbers were posted during inspection.

      HHSC 746.401(8) — Posting Requirements - Telephone Numbers

      HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2024-04-24.

    • Other

      Swings and slides did not have loosefill to proper depth.

      HHSC 746.4907(d) — Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Proper Depth Maintained

      HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-05-01. Correction verified 2024-06-12.

    HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

26. Apr 24, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
    • Staff background & training

      One caregiver was missing a notarized affidavit of employment.

      HHSC 746.1105(3) — Minimum Qualifications Child Care Center Employees and Caregivers - Affidavit

      HHSC risk weight: Low. Corrected 2024-05-01. Correction verified 2024-06-12.

    • Staff background & training

      Caregiver did not have current First Aide training. Training expired in 2022.

      HHSC 746.1315(a) — Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking.

      HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-05-15. Correction verified 2024-05-13.

    • Staff background & training

      One caregiver did not have a current CPR training certificate, expired 2022. Another caregiver did not have hands-on CPR training.

      HHSC 746.1315(b) — Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR

      HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-05-15. Correction verified 2024-05-13.

    • Records & paperwork

      There was a change in director and licensing was not notified within 5 days that director was no longer associated with center. We were informed of the change at inspection.

      HHSC 746.303(a)(4) — Report Change in Director

      HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2024-04-24.

    • Safety & premises

      Emergency telephone numbers were not posted. Corrected at inspection. Emergency numbers were posted during inspection.

      HHSC 746.401(8) — Posting Requirements - Telephone Numbers

      HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2024-04-24.

    • Other

      Swings and slides did not have loosefill to proper depth.

      HHSC 746.4907(d) — Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Proper Depth Maintained

      HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-05-01. Correction verified 2024-06-12.

    HHSC inspection history

27. Jan 18, 2024 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
    • Records & paperwork

      A review of the Employees Who Left Employment in 2023, revealed the center had not reported the number of employees who left employment in 2023 by January 15, 2024, as required.

      HHSC 746.303(b) — Report Number of Employees

      HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2024-01-19. Correction verified 2024-01-18.

    HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

28. Jan 18, 2024 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
    • Records & paperwork

      A review of the Employees Who Left Employment in 2023, revealed the center had not reported the number of employees who left employment in 2023 by January 15, 2024, as required.

      HHSC 746.303(b) — Report Number of Employees

      HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2024-01-19. Correction verified 2024-01-18.

    HHSC inspection history

29. Oct 16, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

    No violations cited on this visit.

    HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

30. Oct 16, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

    No violations cited on this visit.

    HHSC inspection history

31. Jun 20, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
    • Safety & premises

      1 out 6 children records reviewed was missing emergency contact address information.

      HHSC 746.605(5) — Required Admission Information - Parents' Phone Numbers

      HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-06-27. Correction verified 2023-06-27.

    HHSC inspection history

32. Jun 20, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
    • Safety & premises

      1 out 6 children records reviewed was missing emergency contact address information.

      HHSC 746.605(5) — Required Admission Information - Parents' Phone Numbers

      HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-06-27. Correction verified 2023-06-27.

    HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

33. Nov 7, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
    • Staff background & training Serious

      A caregiver was observed in a classroom with 18 children present who had direct access to children. Another caregivers background check results are still pending and the caregiver was present with direct access to children. The operation has not obtained an eligibility notification from CBCU stating the individuals are eligible to be present. Corrected during 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 2022-11-07. Correction verified 2022-12-08.

    • Cleanliness & sanitation

      It was observed that two caregivers once completing diaper changing did not wash the children's hands. Corrected during Inspection.

      HHSC 746.3417(3) — Children Handwashing After Toileting or Diapering

      HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2022-11-07.

    HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

34. Nov 7, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
    • Staff background & training Serious

      A caregiver was observed in a classroom with 18 children present who had direct access to children. Another caregivers background check results are still pending and the caregiver was present with direct access to children. The operation has not obtained an eligibility notification from CBCU stating the individuals are eligible to be present. Corrected during 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 2022-11-07. Correction verified 2022-12-08.

    • Cleanliness & sanitation

      It was observed that two caregivers once completing diaper changing did not wash the children's hands. Corrected during Inspection.

      HHSC 746.3417(3) — Children Handwashing After Toileting or Diapering

      HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2022-11-07.

    HHSC inspection history

35. Oct 25, 2022 Report · No deficiencies cited

    No violations cited on this visit.

    HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

36. Oct 25, 2022 Report · No deficiencies cited

    No violations cited on this visit.

    HHSC inspection history

37. Jul 13, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
    • Staff background & training

      Current first aid and CPR training was missing for the director.

      HHSC 746.1315(a) — Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking.

      HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-07-27. Correction verified 2022-07-15.

    • Supervision & ratios Serious

      There was no current fire inspection avalable for this operation.

      HHSC 746.5101(a) — Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months

      HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-08-15. Correction verified 2022-07-20.

    • Records & paperwork

      Health statement was missing on file for four out of eight records checked.

      HHSC 746.603(a)(3) — Children's Records - Health Statement

      HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-07-22. Correction verified 2022-07-25.

    • Illness & medication

      Immunization record was missing on file for two out of eight records checked.

      HHSC 746.603(a)(4) — Children's Records - Immunizations

      HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-07-22. Correction verified 2022-07-21.

    • Records & paperwork

      Doctor's information was missing on file for three out of eight records checked.

      HHSC 746.605(11) — Required Admission Information - Physician Information

      HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-07-22. Correction verified 2022-07-25.

    HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

38. Jul 13, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
    • Staff background & training

      Current first aid and CPR training was missing for the director.

      HHSC 746.1315(a) — Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking.

      HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-07-27. Correction verified 2022-07-15.

    • Supervision & ratios Serious

      There was no current fire inspection avalable for this operation.

      HHSC 746.5101(a) — Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months

      HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-08-15. Correction verified 2022-07-20.

    • Records & paperwork

      Health statement was missing on file for four out of eight records checked.

      HHSC 746.603(a)(3) — Children's Records - Health Statement

      HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-07-22. Correction verified 2022-07-25.

    • Illness & medication

      Immunization record was missing on file for two out of eight records checked.

      HHSC 746.603(a)(4) — Children's Records - Immunizations

      HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-07-22. Correction verified 2022-07-21.

    • Records & paperwork

      Doctor's information was missing on file for three out of eight records checked.

      HHSC 746.605(11) — Required Admission Information - Physician Information

      HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-07-22. Correction verified 2022-07-25.

    HHSC inspection history