Cradles And Crayons
2230 N ZARAGOZA RD STE 101, El Paso, TX 79938 · El Paso County
Program
- Type
- Licensed center
- Licensed capacity
- 64
- Ages
- Infant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
- Hours
- 05:30 AM-06:00 PM
- Director / administrator
- Yessenia Lerma-Ortiz
- Phone
- (915) 857-7760
- Regulated since
- May 31, 2018
- HHSC IDs
- Operation 1304585 · number 1672845
- Official record
- HHSC Child Care Search
Violations by category
Year by year
| Year | Violations | Serious | Main categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 4 | Other (4) |
| 2025 | 2 | 0 | Cleanliness & sanitation (2) |
| 2024 | 2 | 0 | Supervision & ratios (2) |
| 2023 | 22 | 6 | Cleanliness & sanitation (8), Supervision & ratios (4), Safety & premises (4), Other (6) |
| 2022 | 14 | 2 | Safety & premises (2), Staff background & training (8), Other (4) |
| 2021 | 4 | 0 | Safety & premises (2), Staff background & training (2) |
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
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Aug 25, 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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Aug 25, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 28, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 28, 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 20, 2026 Inspection
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Jul 20, 2026 Inspection
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 19, 2026 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Other Serious
During a DFPS investigation, it was determined that a caregiver admitted to telling children in care that if another child hits them, they can hit them back.
HHSC 746.1201(1) — Responsibilities of Employees and Caregivers -Demonstrate Competency, Good Judgment, Self-control
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-08-18. Correction verified 2026-08-25.
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Other Serious
During a DFPS investigation, a child in care was observed in "timeout" for an inappropriately long period of time.
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 2026-08-18. Correction verified 2026-08-25.
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Other Serious
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Jul 19, 2026 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Other Serious
During a DFPS investigation, it was determined that a caregiver admitted to telling children in care that if another child hits them, they can hit them back.
HHSC 746.1201(1) — Responsibilities of Employees and Caregivers -Demonstrate Competency, Good Judgment, Self-control
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-08-18. Correction verified 2026-08-25.
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Other Serious
During a DFPS investigation, a child in care was observed in "timeout" for an inappropriately long period of time.
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 2026-08-18. Correction verified 2026-08-25.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Other Serious
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May 5, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 5, 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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Apr 2, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Apr 2, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 31, 2026 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Mar 31, 2026 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Dec 15, 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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Dec 15, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Dec 11, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Cleanliness & sanitation
Employees did not wash their hands after diapering.
HHSC 746.3415(4) — Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-12-11. Correction verified 2026-01-02.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Cleanliness & sanitation
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Dec 11, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Cleanliness & sanitation
Employees did not wash their hands after diapering.
HHSC 746.3415(4) — Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-12-11. Correction verified 2026-01-02.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
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Sep 3, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Sep 3, 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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May 19, 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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May 19, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 14, 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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Apr 14, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 19, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 19, 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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Feb 18, 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 18, 2025 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 29, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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May 29, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 17, 2024 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
A review of the Employees Who Left Employment in 2023 Report with a run date of 01/16/2023 indicates that the operation did not report the number of employees who left employment in 2023 by the required date of 1/15/2024.
HHSC 746.303(b) — Report Number of Employees
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2024-01-19. Correction verified 2024-01-17.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Supervision & ratios
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Jan 17, 2024 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
A review of the Employees Who Left Employment in 2023 Report with a run date of 01/16/2023 indicates that the operation did not report the number of employees who left employment in 2023 by the required date of 1/15/2024.
HHSC 746.303(b) — Report Number of Employees
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2024-01-19. Correction verified 2024-01-17.
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Supervision & ratios
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Jan 3, 2024 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 3, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 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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Aug 31, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 5, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 5, 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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Jun 16, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
Fifteen children were placed in one area doing the same activity with the youngest child being 9 months and the oldest being 10 years old.
HHSC 746.1605(1) — Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-06-16. Correction verified 2023-07-05.
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Other
Three infants were observed watching a movie with school aged children in the same room.
HHSC 746.2207(a) — Screen Time Activities - Not Used for Under Two
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2023-06-16.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
Three bottles were washed at the hand washing sink in the infant room.
HHSC 746.2419(8) — Requirements for Feeding Infants - Other Use of Handwashing Sink
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-06-16. Correction verified 2023-07-05.
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Supervision & ratios
Food in refrigerator was stored uncovered.
HHSC 746.3317(8) — Food Service and Preparation Requirement - Cover All Stored Food
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-06-16. Correction verified 2023-07-05.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
The infant caregiver did not wash her hands between diaper changes of two infants.
HHSC 746.3415(4) — Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-06-16. Correction verified 2023-07-05.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Supervision & ratios
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Jun 16, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
Fifteen children were placed in one area doing the same activity with the youngest child being 9 months and the oldest being 10 years old.
HHSC 746.1605(1) — Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-06-16. Correction verified 2023-07-05.
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Other
Three infants were observed watching a movie with school aged children in the same room.
HHSC 746.2207(a) — Screen Time Activities - Not Used for Under Two
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2023-06-16.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
Three bottles were washed at the hand washing sink in the infant room.
HHSC 746.2419(8) — Requirements for Feeding Infants - Other Use of Handwashing Sink
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-06-16. Correction verified 2023-07-05.
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Supervision & ratios
Food in refrigerator was stored uncovered.
HHSC 746.3317(8) — Food Service and Preparation Requirement - Cover All Stored Food
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-06-16. Correction verified 2023-07-05.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
The infant caregiver did not wash her hands between diaper changes of two infants.
HHSC 746.3415(4) — Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-06-16. Correction verified 2023-07-05.
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Supervision & ratios
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Jun 12, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Jun 12, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 12, 2023 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Cleanliness & sanitation
Food stored in refrigerator was observed to be passed the expiration date.
HHSC 746.3317 — Food Service and Preparation Requirement - Safe and Sanitary
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-06-16. Correction verified 2023-07-05.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
Cleaning supplies were accessible to children in care in the main classroom. Multi-purpose spray cleaner was placed on 3ft shelf.
HHSC 746.3407(12) — Mark Cleaning Supplies, Toxic Materials; Keep Separate from Food and Inaccessible to Children
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2023-06-16. Correction verified 2023-07-05.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Cleanliness & sanitation
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Jun 12, 2023 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Cleanliness & sanitation
Food stored in refrigerator was observed to be passed the expiration date.
HHSC 746.3317 — Food Service and Preparation Requirement - Safe and Sanitary
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-06-16. Correction verified 2023-07-05.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
Cleaning supplies were accessible to children in care in the main classroom. Multi-purpose spray cleaner was placed on 3ft shelf.
HHSC 746.3407(12) — Mark Cleaning Supplies, Toxic Materials; Keep Separate from Food and Inaccessible to Children
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2023-06-16. Correction verified 2023-07-05.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
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May 11, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 11, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Mar 16, 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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Mar 16, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 10, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises Serious
A ten-month-old infant was observed sleeping on bouncy with a blanket inside a crib. Corrected during inspection infant caregiver removed the blanket and bouncy from the crib. Infant did not have a medical need to sleep in a bouncy inside the crib. Photos were taken.
HHSC 746.2415(b) — AP Cribs - Only Snug Fitting Sheet and Crib Mattress Cover Allowed if Infant Younger than 12 Months of Age
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2023-03-10. Correction verified 2023-03-16.
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Safety & premises Serious
Inspector observed a thirteen-month-old and a fifteen-month-old infant sleeping in stationary swings at 11:58am. Infant caregiver confirmed, infants fell asleep approximately around 10:59am. Infants did not have a medical need for sleeping in the swings. Corrected during the inspection, both infants were placed in their individual cribs. Photos were taken.
HHSC 746.2426(a)(1) — Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2023-03-10. Correction verified 2023-03-16.
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Safety & premises Serious
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Mar 10, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises Serious
A ten-month-old infant was observed sleeping on bouncy with a blanket inside a crib. Corrected during inspection infant caregiver removed the blanket and bouncy from the crib. Infant did not have a medical need to sleep in a bouncy inside the crib. Photos were taken.
HHSC 746.2415(b) — AP Cribs - Only Snug Fitting Sheet and Crib Mattress Cover Allowed if Infant Younger than 12 Months of Age
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2023-03-10. Correction verified 2023-03-16.
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Safety & premises Serious
Inspector observed a thirteen-month-old and a fifteen-month-old infant sleeping in stationary swings at 11:58am. Infant caregiver confirmed, infants fell asleep approximately around 10:59am. Infants did not have a medical need for sleeping in the swings. Corrected during the inspection, both infants were placed in their individual cribs. Photos were taken.
HHSC 746.2426(a)(1) — Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2023-03-10. Correction verified 2023-03-16.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Safety & premises Serious
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Feb 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 13, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 3, 2023 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Other
Infant monthly feeding instructions had not been updated since infant's enrollment November 2022.
HHSC 746.2421(b) — Written Feeding Instructions - Review and Update Every 30 Days
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-03-06. Correction verified 2023-03-09.
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Other
Sign-in log was not available for parents to sign-in children during early morning drop off at the center.
HHSC 746.631(a) — Sign-in and Sign-out Tracking System
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-03-06. Correction verified 2023-03-09.
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Other
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Feb 3, 2023 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Other
Infant monthly feeding instructions had not been updated since infant's enrollment November 2022.
HHSC 746.2421(b) — Written Feeding Instructions - Review and Update Every 30 Days
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-03-06. Correction verified 2023-03-09.
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Other
Sign-in log was not available for parents to sign-in children during early morning drop off at the center.
HHSC 746.631(a) — Sign-in and Sign-out Tracking System
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-03-06. Correction verified 2023-03-09.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Other
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Oct 20, 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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Oct 20, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 4, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
Two caregivers who take care of children under 24 months were missing SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome training.
HHSC 746.1305(b) — Pre-service Training for Caregivers of Children Under 24 Months
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-10-18. Correction verified 2022-10-11.
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Staff background & training
One caregiver in care of children did not have pediatric first aid training.
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 2022-10-18. Correction verified 2022-10-11.
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Staff background & training
One caregiver in care of Children did not have pediatric CPR training.
HHSC 746.1315(b) — Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-10-18. Correction verified 2022-10-11.
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Other
Four 12-month-old infants' cots were not labeled.
HHSC 746.4503(b) — Cots, Beds, Mats Labeled With Child's Name
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-10-18. Correction verified 2022-10-20.
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Other
One child's file was missing a medical health statement.
HHSC 746.605(11) — Required Admission Information - Physician Information
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-10-18. Correction verified 2022-10-11.
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Safety & premises Serious
One child's file was missing authorization signature for emergency medical care.
HHSC 746.605(12) — Required Admission Information - Emergency Medical Authorization
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-10-18. Correction verified 2022-10-11.
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Staff background & training
One of operation's director's file was not available during the inspection.
HHSC 746.801(3) — Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Personnel and Training Records
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-10-18. Correction verified 2022-10-20.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Staff background & training
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Oct 4, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
Two caregivers who take care of children under 24 months were missing SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome training.
HHSC 746.1305(b) — Pre-service Training for Caregivers of Children Under 24 Months
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-10-18. Correction verified 2022-10-11.
-
Staff background & training
One caregiver in care of children did not have pediatric first aid training.
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 2022-10-18. Correction verified 2022-10-11.
-
Staff background & training
One caregiver in care of Children did not have pediatric CPR training.
HHSC 746.1315(b) — Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-10-18. Correction verified 2022-10-11.
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Other
Four 12-month-old infants' cots were not labeled.
HHSC 746.4503(b) — Cots, Beds, Mats Labeled With Child's Name
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-10-18. Correction verified 2022-10-20.
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Other
One child's file was missing a medical health statement.
HHSC 746.605(11) — Required Admission Information - Physician Information
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-10-18. Correction verified 2022-10-11.
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Safety & premises Serious
One child's file was missing authorization signature for emergency medical care.
HHSC 746.605(12) — Required Admission Information - Emergency Medical Authorization
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-10-18. Correction verified 2022-10-11.
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Staff background & training
One of operation's director's file was not available during the inspection.
HHSC 746.801(3) — Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Personnel and Training Records
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-10-18. Correction verified 2022-10-20.
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Staff background & training
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Nov 1, 2021 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 1, 2021 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 12, 2021 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises
A monthly fire drill was missing for June, July, August, and September. Corrected during inspection, a fire drill under three minutes was conducted and documented during this inspection.
HHSC 746.5205(1) — Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2021-10-12.
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Staff background & training
A caregiver's file was not available during the inspection. File was available at a different operation.
HHSC 746.801(3) — Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Personnel and Training Records
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2021-10-19. Correction verified 2021-11-01.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Safety & premises
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Oct 12, 2021 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises
A monthly fire drill was missing for June, July, August, and September. Corrected during inspection, a fire drill under three minutes was conducted and documented during this inspection.
HHSC 746.5205(1) — Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2021-10-12.
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Staff background & training
A caregiver's file was not available during the inspection. File was available at a different operation.
HHSC 746.801(3) — Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Personnel and Training Records
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2021-10-19. Correction verified 2021-11-01.
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Safety & premises
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.