Little Steps Academy
3121 FOREST AVE, Fort Worth, TX 76112 · Tarrant County
Program
- Type
- Licensed center
- Licensed capacity
- 47
- Ages
- Infant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
- Hours
- 06:30 AM-06:30 PM
- Director / administrator
- Okiemute Duku
- Phone
- (817) 881-2501
- Regulated since
- Dec 21, 2016
- HHSC IDs
- Operation 1244721 · number 1626087
- Official record
- HHSC Child Care Search
Violations by category
Year by year
| Year | Violations | Serious | Main categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 5 | Cleanliness & sanitation (1), Supervision & ratios (1), Safety & premises (2), Staff background & training (1) |
| 2025 | 3 | 1 | Discipline & child guidance (2), Records & paperwork (1) |
| 2024 | 6 | 4 | Safety & premises (4), Staff background & training (1), Records & paperwork (1) |
| 2023 | 22 | 17 | Cleanliness & sanitation (2), Supervision & ratios (4), Safety & premises (6), Food & allergies (1), Staff background & training (1), Records & paperwork (2), Other (6) |
| 2021 | 8 | 8 | Cleanliness & sanitation (3), Illness & medication (1), Safety & premises (3), Other (1) |
Inspections, investigations & assessments
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Sep 2, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 27, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 15, 2026 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
Operation has not paid background check fee.
HHSC 745.509 — Licensed Operations Required Fees
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-05-15. Correction verified 2026-05-27.
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Staff background & training Serious
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Apr 21, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 17, 2026 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios Serious
Based on the investigation findings, this standard was reviewed and found to be in non-compliance with The Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers. The operation was not providing an infant daily report to the parents of infants ages 0-17 months old noting the times and amount of food the infant was ingesting. The operation has since been providing this information to the parents of the children in the infant classroom.
HHSC 746.2431(2) — Infant Daily Report - Times and Amount of Food
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-05-15. Correction verified 2026-05-15.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
Based on the investigation findings, this standard was reviewed and found to be in non-compliance with The Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers. The operation was not providing an infant daily report to the parents of infants ages 0-17 months old noting the times of diaper changes. The operation has since been providing this information to the parents of the children in the infant classroom.
HHSC 746.2431(3) — Infant Daily Report - Times of Diaper Changes
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-05-15. Correction verified 2026-05-15.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
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Jan 7, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 2, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises Serious
The outdoor play space has three active ant piles and thorny vines around the fence.
HHSC 746.3701 — Safety - Areas Free From Hazards
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-01-09. Correction verified 2026-01-07.
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Safety & premises Serious
The a.c unit is accessible to children.
HHSC 746.4751(c) — Maintenance Procedures for Active Play - Hazards Removed or Repaired
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-01-09. Correction verified 2026-01-07.
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Safety & premises Serious
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Oct 2, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 12, 2025 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Discipline & child guidance Serious
There was no person in charge. The deficiency is related to a DFPS Abuse/Neglect investigation.
HHSC 746.1013(a)(1) — Director's Absence - Caregiver in Charge Knows in Charge
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-09-17. Correction verified 2025-10-02.
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Discipline & child guidance
Director did not leave a person in charge in their absence. The deficiency is related to a DFPS Abuse/Neglect investigation.
HHSC 746.1013(a)(2) — Director's Absence - Caregiver in Charge Knows Responsibilities
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-09-17. Correction verified 2025-10-02.
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Discipline & child guidance Serious
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Feb 10, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 16, 2025 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
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Records & paperwork
The provider did not report the number of employees that left in 2024 in the allotted timeframe required.
HHSC 746.303(b) — Report Number of Employees
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2025-01-24. Correction verified 2025-01-27.
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Records & paperwork
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Dec 31, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
At the time of the inspection, 2 caregivers did not have pre-service training and did not have the 2 years od required experince in a regulated center.
HHSC 746.1301(a)(2)(A) — Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - Pre-Service Training
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-01-31. Correction verified 2025-02-10.
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Safety & premises
The classrooms had little to no toys available for children to initiate play. Toys were put up out of reach and had to be retrived by a caregiver.
HHSC 746.2206(3)(A) — Written Activity Plan - Child-Initiated - Equipment/Materials In Reach
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-01-10. Correction verified 2025-02-10.
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Safety & premises Serious
Infant room had a very little selection of toys available for infant engagement.
HHSC 746.2405(5) — Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Sufficient Number of Toys
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-01-10. Correction verified 2025-02-10.
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Safety & premises Serious
The sheets on the infant cribs were not tight fitting and created an entanglement hazard.
HHSC 746.2415(c)(2) — Crib Mattress Cover - Snug-Fitting and Thin
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-01-10. Correction verified 2025-02-10.
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Staff background & training Serious
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Feb 29, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 27, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises Serious
The playground has multiple tripping hazards including PVC pipes and black rubber covering for the water pipe. There are also holes on the side of the building that need to be filled and leveled out to avoid risk of tripping.
HHSC 746.4751(a) — Maintenance Procedures for Active Play - Inspect Daily
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-03-04. Correction verified 2024-02-29.
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Safety & premises Serious
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Jan 17, 2024 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
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Records & paperwork
Report not submitted as of 1/16/2023.
HHSC 746.303(b) — Report Number of Employees
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2024-01-18. Correction verified 2024-01-18.
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Records & paperwork
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Oct 19, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 12, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
A caregiver with a pending background check was present and alone with 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 2023-10-12. Correction verified 2023-10-19.
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Other Serious
A caregiver did not know the ages of the children they were responsible for.
HHSC 746.1205(a)(3) — Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know children's names and ages
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-10-13. Correction verified 2023-10-19.
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Other
Caregivers are expected to follow the activity plan to ensure consistency in the children's daily activities.
HHSC 746.2203(b) — Written Activity Plans - Plan Followed by Caregiver
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-10-16. Correction verified 2023-10-19.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
A caregiver did not wash their hands after diapering a child.
HHSC 746.3415(4) — Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-10-13. Correction verified 2023-10-19.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
A child did not have their hands washed after diapering.
HHSC 746.3417(3) — Children Handwashing After Toileting or Diapering
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-10-13. Correction verified 2023-10-19.
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Safety & premises Serious
There were loose cords hanging from a TV in the classroom.
HHSC 746.3701 — Safety - Areas Free From Hazards
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-10-16. Correction verified 2023-10-19.
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Safety & premises Serious
Two children with diagnosed food allergies did not have their food allergy emergency plan on file.
HHSC 746.3819 — Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-10-20. Correction verified 2023-10-19.
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Food & allergies Serious
Two children's allergies were not posted in their classrooms or in the kitchen where food gets prepared.
HHSC 746.403(b) — Posting Requirements - Child's Food Allergy Plans
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-10-16. Correction verified 2023-10-19.
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Safety & premises
A walking child was placed in a crib with a crib bed that was too high, causing risks of the child standing up and falling out, climbing out, and injuring themselves.
HHSC 746.4503(a) — Individual Cot, Bed, or Mat for Each Walking Child Through 4 Years of Age
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-10-13. Correction verified 2023-10-19.
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Records & paperwork
Three children's files were missing the healthcare professional statement.
HHSC 746.603(a)(3) — Children's Records - Health Statement
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-10-20. Correction verified 2023-10-19.
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Safety & premises Serious
A child's enrollment form did not have their emergency contact's address.
HHSC 746.605(6) — Required Admission Information - Emergency Contact
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-10-16. Correction verified 2023-10-19.
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Records & paperwork
Two staff members did not have current attendance records on file.
HHSC 746.801(5) — Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Employees' Attendance
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-10-16. Correction verified 2023-10-19.
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Staff background & training Serious
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Sep 6, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 29, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios Serious
It was observed the permit holder supervising and providing care for the infant room and an older children's room while serving meals to the older children group.
HHSC 746.1203(3)(B) — Meal preparation, except when 12 or fewer children are in care
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-06.
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Supervision & ratios
The operation had 22 children in care with one caregiver, the youngest child was under 12 months old and the oldest was around 11 years old.
HHSC 746.1615 — Child/Caregiver Ratio - Opening/Closing
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-06.
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Other Serious
It was observed children over the age of 2 years old, walking from another room to the infant room.
HHSC 746.2403(6) — Infant Care Area - Not Used as a Passageway
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-06.
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Safety & premises Serious
It was observed 3 infants unsupervised while a caregiver was in a room adjacent supervising another group of children.
HHSC 746.2405(1) — Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment - Adult-sized Chair
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-06.
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Other Serious
It was observed three infants on high chairs for more that 15 minutes.
HHSC 746.2417(2)(B) — Activities for Infants - Not in Restrictive Device for more than 15 Minutes
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-06.
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Safety & premises Serious
It was observed a child having access to an electrical cable that was connected to a wall outlet.
HHSC 746.3701 — Safety - Areas Free From Hazards
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-06.
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Other Serious
Tracking system did not have a complete information of the incoming children, did not showed the time of arrival and age of the children in care.
HHSC 746.631(a) — Sign-in and Sign-out Tracking System
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-06.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
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Aug 28, 2023 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios Serious
The supervision provide did not ensure each child s safety and well-being based on physical proximity and auditory or visual awareness of each child s on going activity as appropriate.
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 2023-08-29. Correction verified 2023-09-06.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
The permit holder did not comply with Lawas and Rules, by not providing children supervision that ensure safety of all children in care.
HHSC 746.201(9) — Complying with Laws and Rules
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-09-01. Correction verified 2023-09-06.
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Other Serious
Infants were left unsupervised during opening hours.
HHSC 746.2401(7) — Basic Requirements for Infants - Never Unsupervised
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2023-09-01. Correction verified 2023-09-06.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
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Nov 1, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 23, 2021 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 12, 2021 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises Serious
A crib did not have a snug fitted sheet covering the mattress.
HHSC 746.2409(a)(2) — Safety Requirements for Cribs - Snug Fitting Sheets
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2021-11-15. Correction verified 2021-11-23.
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Safety & premises Serious
A crib mattress was torn up with tape covering the tears making the mattress not washable.
HHSC 746.2409(a)(3) — Safety Requirements for Cribs - Waterproof, Washable Mattress
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2021-11-15. Correction verified 2021-11-23.
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Safety & premises Serious
A child was sleeping in a crib with loose hardware. The child and mattress had sunken almost reaching the floor.
HHSC 746.2409(a)(4) — Safety Requirements for Cribs - Secure Supports
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2021-11-15. Correction verified 2021-11-23.
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Illness & medication Serious
The operation did not notify licensing of a positive COVID-19 case.
HHSC 746.305(a)(4) — Report Outbreak of Communicable Illness
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2021-11-15. Correction verified 2021-11-23.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
Caregiver did not wash hands after changing a diaper.
HHSC 746.3415(4) — Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2021-11-15. Correction verified 2021-11-23.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
A child did not have their hands washed after diapering.
HHSC 746.3417(3) — Children Handwashing After Toileting or Diapering
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2021-11-15. Correction verified 2021-11-23.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
Caregiver did not sanitize the diaper changing surface after changing a diaper.
HHSC 746.3505(e) — Diapering Procedures - Sanitizing Diaper Changing Area
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2021-11-15. Correction verified 2021-11-23.
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Other Serious
The center staff was present at the center, exposing other staff and children, while being positive for COVID-19.
HHSC 746.3703(a) — People Whose Behavior/Health Threatens Children Not Present
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2021-11-15. Correction verified 2021-11-23.
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Safety & premises Serious
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Nov 10, 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)
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- 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, via 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.