Small Steps Child Development Center
810 812 WEST AVE, San Antonio, TX 78201 · Bexar County
Program
- Type
- Licensed center
- Licensed capacity
- 48
- Ages
- Infant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
- Hours
- 07:00 AM-06:00 PM
- Director / administrator
- Araceli Gonzalez
- Phone
- (210) 785-9494
- Regulated since
- Mar 11, 2011
- HHSC IDs
- Operation 728428 · number 1200546
- Official record
- HHSC Child Care Search
Violations by category
Year by year
| Year | Violations | Serious | Main categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 0 | Safety & premises (3), Staff background & training (1) |
| 2025 | 8 | 2 | Illness & medication (1), Supervision & ratios (1), Safety & premises (2), Staff background & training (3), Other (1) |
| 2024 | 13 | 4 | Cleanliness & sanitation (1), Supervision & ratios (2), Safety & premises (1), Staff background & training (6), Records & paperwork (1), Other (2) |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 | Cleanliness & sanitation (1), Safety & premises (1) |
| 2022 | 4 | 0 | Supervision & ratios (3), Records & paperwork (1) |
| 2021 | 2 | 1 | Staff background & training (2) |
Inspections, investigations & assessments
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Jul 13, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 24, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
The operation had not validated their background check list since 1/14/26. Note: This was corrected at inspection when the director validate the list.
HHSC 745.651(2)(A) — Background Check Validation - Every 3 months each operation, other than a licensed, registered, or listed home, must validate current list
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2026-06-24.
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Safety & premises
The preschool classroom was not maintained as licensed space. The carpet of the classroom was dirty with stains, a toaster oven was stored on top of chairs, and plastic packaging bags from toys were accessible.
HHSC 746.3407 — Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-07-01. Correction verified 2026-07-13.
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Safety & premises
An evacuation diagram was not posted in the multipurpose classroom where PreK and School Age Children were present doing activities. Note: This was corrected at inspection when the director posted the evacuation diagram.
HHSC 746.5207(b) — Emergency Evacuation and Relocation Diagram - Posted in Each Room
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2026-06-24.
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Staff background & training
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Jan 28, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 8, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises
The floors and two rugs in the school-aged classroom were observed to be dirty with dirt stains. The hallway floor leading to the outdoor play area was observed dirty with stains and the floor of the van used to transport children had trash and food debris on the floor of the van.
HHSC 746.3407 — Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-01-16. Correction verified 2026-01-28.
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Safety & premises
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Aug 18, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 12, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 9, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 8, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 8, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Illness & medication
Three of six children's records reviewed did not have current immuizations in their file.
HHSC 746.613(b) — Immunization Records, Exceptions, and Exemptions Current
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-07-22. Correction verified 2025-07-24.
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Staff background & training
One of five staff records reviewed did not have a notarized affidavit on file.
HHSC 746.901(4) — Required Personnel Records - Required Affidavit (Form 2985)
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2025-07-15. Correction verified 2025-07-21.
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Staff background & training
One of five staff records reviewed did not have a pre-affidavit on file.
HHSC 746.901(5) — Required Personnel Records - Required Affidavit (Form 2912)
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2025-07-15. Correction verified 2025-07-21.
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Illness & medication
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Mar 27, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 17, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other Serious
At time of inspection, a toddler caregiver stated class had twelve children when they had nine.
HHSC 746.1205(a)(2) — Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know number of children responsible for
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2025-03-17. Correction verified 2025-03-27.
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Supervision & ratios
At time of inspection two infants were observed to be in class with children 18 months older than the youngest.
HHSC 746.1605(1) — Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-03-17. Correction verified 2025-03-27.
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Safety & premises Serious
At time of inspection an infant was observed to be sleeping in crib wearing a bib.
HHSC 746.2401(6) — Basic Requirements for Infants - Free from Choking Objects That May Cause Choking in Infants or Toddlers
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2025-03-17. Correction verified 2025-03-27.
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Safety & premises
At time of inspection, a school-aged child was seen sleeping in front of entrance/exit of class. This was corrected at inspection.
HHSC 746.2909(1) — Arrangement of Napping Equipment - Not Blocking Entrances or Exits
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-03-17. Correction verified 2025-03-27.
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Other Serious
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Mar 13, 2025 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
At time of inspection, director and operations driver did not have updated transportation training certificate with exam attached to it.
HHSC 746.1316(a) — Transportation Safety Training -Director and Employee Complete 2 Hours Annually
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-03-21. Correction verified 2025-03-21.
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Staff background & training
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Dec 10, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
At time of inspection, operation director did not have annual required topics for children under 24 months: Recognizing and preventing shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma - Understanding and using safe sleep practices and preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) - Understanding early childhood brain development.
HHSC 746.1311(d) — Director Annual Training - Caring for children under 24 months
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-12-13. Correction verified 2024-12-13.
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Staff background & training
At time of inspection, operation director did not have the following annual training topics: Emergency preparedness, Preventing and controlling the spread of communicable diseases, including immunizations, Administering medication, Preventing and responding to emergencies due to food or an allergic reaction, and Handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous materials.
HHSC 746.1311(e) — Director Annual Training - Additional required topics
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-01-10. Correction verified 2024-12-27.
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Staff background & training
At time of inspection, director did not have current transportation training.
HHSC 746.1316(a) — Transportation Safety Training -Director and Employee Complete 2 Hours Annually
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-12-27. Correction verified 2024-12-13.
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Staff background & training
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Sep 16, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Sep 6, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
At time of inspection cleaning solutions were observed in the cabinet under childrens restroom at child's reach.
HHSC 746.3407(12) — Mark Cleaning Supplies, Toxic Materials; Keep Separate from Food and Inaccessible to Children
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2024-09-06. Correction verified 2024-09-16.
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Other
At time of inspection two televisions in school-aged classroom were observed to not be anchored.
HHSC 746.3701(10) — Safety - Televisions Anchored to Prevent Tip Over
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-09-13. Correction verified 2024-09-16.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
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Aug 27, 2024 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
At time of inspection, the school-aged classroom had a torn sofa. The floors in the operation were observed to be dirty with dirt stains. The floors in the infant room were observed with dirt stains while infants were crawling on them.
HHSC 746.3407 — Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-09-27. Correction verified 2024-09-16.
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Supervision & ratios
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Jan 23, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 19, 2024 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
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Records & paperwork
HHSC 746.303(b) — Report Number of Employees
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2024-01-23. Correction verified 2024-01-19.
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Records & paperwork
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Jan 10, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios Serious
During inspection, it was observed toddlers going to the office alone without caregiver.
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 2024-01-10. Correction verified 2024-01-23.
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Staff background & training
At time of inspection, three staff files did not have completed annual training.
HHSC 746.1309(a) — Documented Annual Training Area - 24 Hours Required
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2024-01-26. Correction verified 2024-01-26.
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Staff background & training
At time of inspection directors file only had one hour out of thirty annual hours required.
HHSC 746.1311(a) — Director Annual Training 30 Hours Required
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2024-01-26. Correction verified 2024-01-26.
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Staff background & training
At time of inspection, one caregiver did not have current CPR/First Aid certification.
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 2024-02-09. Correction verified 2024-01-26.
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Safety & premises Serious
At time of inspection an infant was observed sleeping in a crib wearing a bib and pacifier lanyard. This was corrected at inspection.
HHSC 746.2401(6) — Basic Requirements for Infants - Free from Choking Objects That May Cause Choking in Infants or Toddlers
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2024-01-10. Correction verified 2024-01-23.
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Other Serious
At time of inspection two toddlers were observed sitting in a highchair. This was corrected at inspection.
HHSC 746.2805(10) — Prohibited Punishments - Using Inappropriate Long Period of Silence or Inactivity Including Requiring Child to Remain in a Restrictive Device
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2024-01-10. Correction verified 2024-01-23.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
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Dec 11, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Cleanliness & sanitation
At time of inspection a diaper trash can did not have a lid cover in a classroom. This was corrected at inspection.
HHSC 746.3505(f) — Diapering Procedures-Soiled Diapers Kept in a Sanitary Manner
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2023-12-11.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
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Jun 1, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises
During inspection of transportation vehicle, it was observed broken glass pieces on van floor.
HHSC 746.3701 — Safety - Areas Free From Hazards
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-06-05. Correction verified 2023-06-02.
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Safety & premises
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Aug 23, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 2, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 13, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
The infant classroom had 7 children with one caregiver and the SAG was 9mos. Therefore, the infant classroom was over ratio by 3 children. The director moved the oldest 3 children to another classroom making the infant room in ratio during inspection.
HHSC 746.1601 — Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-04-13. Correction verified 2022-05-02.
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Supervision & ratios
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Apr 5, 2022 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 28, 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.
HHSC 746.303(b) — Report Number of Employees
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2022-03-02. Correction verified 2022-03-29.
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Records & paperwork
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Feb 25, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 15, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
A caregiver was observed with fifteen children in care. The ages of the children were between five months to four years old.
HHSC 746.1601 — Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-02-15. Correction verified 2022-02-25.
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Supervision & ratios
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Feb 1, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
The infant classroom had seven infants with one caregiver. The ages of the children were between six and nineteen months.
HHSC 746.1601 — Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-02-01. Correction verified 2022-02-15.
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Supervision & ratios
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Jan 26, 2022 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Dec 23, 2021 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
Operation allowed a person to be present at the operation before receiving notice from the CBCU regarding the person's eligibility.
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 2021-12-23. Correction verified 2021-12-23.
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Staff background & training
A background check for two people no longer employed with the operation was not inactivated within seven days. Note: This was corrected at inspection as the background check was inactivated during inspection.
HHSC 745.651(1) — Background Check Validation - You must inactivate a subject who is no longer associated with your operation within 7 days of leaving
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2021-12-23.
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Staff background & training Serious
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Dec 23, 2021 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
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.