Montessori Childrens Cottage
4009 SHERWOOD LN, Houston, TX 77092 · Harris County
Program
- Type
- Licensed center
- Licensed capacity
- 85
- Ages
- Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
- Hours
- 07:00 AM-06:00 PM
- Director / administrator
- Karla Larsson
- Phone
- (713) 686-5427
- Regulated since
- Nov 22, 1987
- HHSC IDs
- Operation 95546 · number 63812
- Official record
- HHSC Child Care Search
Violations by category
Year by year
| Year | Violations | Serious | Main categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 3 | Supervision & ratios (6), Safety & premises (1), Staff background & training (2), Records & paperwork (1), Other (1) |
| 2025 | 6 | 0 | Cleanliness & sanitation (1), Illness & medication (1), Safety & premises (2), Other (2) |
| 2024 | 3 | 1 | Illness & medication (1), Safety & premises (1), Other (1) |
| 2023 | 5 | 0 | Supervision & ratios (1), Safety & premises (2), Other (2) |
| 2022 | 8 | 1 | Cleanliness & sanitation (1), Illness & medication (1), Supervision & ratios (2), Safety & premises (1), Food & allergies (1), Other (2) |
| 2021 | 2 | 1 | Illness & medication (1), Supervision & ratios (1) |
Inspections, investigations & assessments
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Aug 20, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
The director has not completed the required 30 clock hours of training during the annual period from 1/17/2025 to 1/17/2026.
HHSC 746.1311(a) — Director Annual Training 30 Hours Required
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2026-09-03. Correction verified 2026-08-31.
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Supervision & ratios
CCR observed that the acoustic ceiling in the pool house was damaged, with sections missing and cracks present. Correction made: The operation repaired the glass sliding door in the pool house.
HHSC 746.3407 — Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-09-03. Correction verified 2026-09-09.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
The operation's fire inspection has not been completed since 8/12/2025.
HHSC 746.5101(a) — Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-09-03. Correction verified 2026-09-03.
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Staff background & training
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Aug 4, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
The director has not completed the required 30 clock hours of training during the annual period from 1/17/2025 to 1/17/2026.
HHSC 746.1311(a) — Director Annual Training 30 Hours Required
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2026-08-18. Correction verified 2026-08-20.
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Safety & premises
CCR observed that the acoustic ceiling in the pool house was missing, cracked, and sagging. Additionally, the glass sliding door in the pool house was broken, preventing it from closing properly.
HHSC 746.3407 — Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-08-18. Correction verified 2026-08-20.
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Supervision & ratios
The operation has a play structure with a slide that is under five feet in height; however, the loose fill beneath it measures less than 6 inches deep.
HHSC 746.4907(a)(1) — Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Six Inches if Equipment 5 Ft or Less
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-08-18. Correction verified 2026-08-20.
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Supervision & ratios
The operation has a play structure with a slide exceeding five feet in height; however, the loose fill beneath it measures less than 9 inches deep.
HHSC 746.4907(a)(2) — Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Nine Inches if Equipment Greater Than 5 Ft.
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-08-18. Correction verified 2026-08-20.
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Other Serious
CCR observed pool chemicals and the pump were not properly stored and were accessible to children during swimming lessons.
HHSC 746.5001(4) — Swimming Pools - Chemicals and Pumps Inaccessible to Children
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-08-04. Correction verified 2026-08-20.
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Supervision & ratios
CCR reviewed six children's admission files and found that the operation does not include a question on the form regarding whether a child can swim competently.
HHSC 746.605(16)(A) — AP Required Admission Information - Child able to swim competently
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-08-04. Correction verified 2026-08-17.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
CCR reviewed six children's admission files and found that the operation does not include a question on the form regarding whether a child is required to wear a personal flotation device.
HHSC 746.605(16)(B) — AP Required Admission Information - Child requires a personal flotation device
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-08-04. Correction verified 2026-08-17.
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Records & paperwork
The director time sheets were not available during the inspection.
HHSC 746.801(5) — Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Employees' Attendance
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2026-08-25. Correction verified 2026-08-20.
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Staff background & training
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Aug 19, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 5, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other
2 out of 8 staff were missing the original certificate for pediatric CPR/first aid.
HHSC 746.1329(c)(2) — Documentation PEDIATRIAC CPR-1st aid original certificate on file at center or copy available if licensing requests
HHSC risk weight: Low. Corrected 2025-08-19. Correction verified 2025-08-12.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
1 active ant bed is present on the playground.
HHSC 746.3427 — Pest Extermination
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-08-12. Correction verified 2025-08-12.
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Safety & premises
Two children's play toys present on the playground had sharp and jagged edges. Note: this was corrected at inspection when the director removed them.
HHSC 746.3701(5) — Safety - Play Materials and Equipment Safe
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-08-05.
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Illness & medication
1 child with a diagnosed food allergy needs an updated food allergy emergency plan, signed by both the parent and medical professional, along with the prescribed medication.
HHSC 746.3819 — Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-08-19. Correction verified 2025-08-18.
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Other
2 composite play structures on the playground are missing post markings that indicates the depth of the loose fill.
HHSC 746.4907(c) — Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Posts Marked to Proper Depth
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-08-12. Correction verified 2025-08-14.
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Safety & premises
6 children were present upstairs with a caregiver and vendor for a specialized class without Fire Marshal approval. Note: this was corrected at inspection when the director moved the group of children downstairs.
HHSC 746.801(11) — Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Fire Inspection Report, Including Written Approval for Above/Below Ground Level Care
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-08-05.
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Other
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Aug 23, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 6, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other Serious
During the inspection I observed a caregiver withholding active play for two children in care. The children's classrooms outdoor time was ending by the time they were going outside.
HHSC 746.2805(9) — Prohibited Punishments - Withholding Active Play
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2024-08-06. Correction verified 2024-08-23.
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Illness & medication
During the inpsection the operation was found to have 3 expired epi-pens for children with food allergies and an expired inhaler for a child in care.
HHSC 746.3809 — Medication No Longer Used
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2024-08-16. Correction verified 2024-08-16.
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Safety & premises
During review of record keeping 6 out of 10 records evaluated did not include the address for the emergency contact as required.
HHSC 746.605(6) — Required Admission Information - Emergency Contact
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-08-20. Correction verified 2024-08-16.
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Other Serious
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Aug 8, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other
During the walkthrough I oberserved a caregiver on their phone when they were supposed to be supervising children during naptime.
HHSC 746.1203(3)(D) — Personal use of electronic devices, such as cell phones, MP3 players, tablets, and video games
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2023-08-08.
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Safety & premises
During the walkthrough of the outdoor play area I oberved three broken fence boards, a wooden bench with a nail exposed, a rubber hose covering wire sticking out of the ground The caregiver in charge hammered the exposed nail flat during the inspection.
HHSC 746.3701 — Safety - Areas Free From Hazards
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-08-15. Correction verified 2023-08-15.
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Other
During the inspection I oberved 2 electrical outlets uncovered
HHSC 746.3701(1) — Safety - Electrical Outlets Covered
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-08-11. Correction verified 2023-08-11.
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Safety & premises
During review of safety the opeation did not have an emergency plan signed by parents and health care professional for two children with diagnosed food allergies.
HHSC 746.3819 — Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-08-18. Correction verified 2023-08-15.
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Supervision & ratios
During review of administration the center's operational policies did not include promotion of Physical activity as requied by minimum standards.
HHSC 746.501(a)(18) — Written Operational Policies - Promotion of Physical Activity
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-08-22. Correction verified 2023-08-22.
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Other
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Jan 3, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Dec 22, 2022 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Food & allergies
During my walkthrough I observed a bottle of sanitizer accessible to children in care. This was corrected when the caregiver removed the bottle of sanitizer.
HHSC 746.3420(5) — Hand Sanitizer - Stored Out of Child's Reach When Not in Use
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2023-02-09.
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Other
I observed 4 electrical outlets that were not covered as required. This was corrected when the director replaced the plug covers.
HHSC 746.3701(1) — Safety - Electrical Outlets Covered
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2023-02-09.
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Food & allergies
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Aug 11, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 8, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other Serious
During the walkthrough of the toddler class I had a caregiver state they were caring for 15 children when I observed 16 children present. During the walkthrough of the older toddler classroom a caregiver stated they were caring for 17 children when I observed 18 children present.
HHSC 746.1203(2) — Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know Group Responsible For
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-08-08. Correction verified 2022-08-11.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
During the walkthrough I observed a caregiver change their gloves and proceeded to change another child's diaper without washing their hands.
HHSC 746.3415(4) — Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-08-08. Correction verified 2022-08-11.
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Safety & premises
During the walkthrough I observed two water hoses that were left out unraveled on the playground, I observed two broken fence boards as well as one board that was not secured. I observed a broken gate as well as a broken bench that appears to cover a concrete slab. I observed broken wooden barriers with rod iron exposed.
HHSC 746.3701 — Safety - Areas Free From Hazards
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-08-22. Correction verified 2022-08-25.
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Supervision & ratios
The operation has failed to maintain their loose fill surfacing at a proper depth.
HHSC 746.4907(d) — Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Proper Depth Maintained
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-08-15. Correction verified 2022-08-26.
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Illness & medication
During review of records 1 out of 8 evaluated did not have current immunizations.
HHSC 746.603(a)(4) — Children's Records - Immunizations
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-08-15. Correction verified 2022-08-25.
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Other Serious
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Jan 26, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 19, 2022 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 18, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
During the follow up inspection completed one classroom is out of ratio by 2 children. The specified age group is 4 year old classroom with 37 children and two caregivers at nap time. Note: This was corrected when two children were moved to a different classroom.
HHSC 746.1609 — Maximum Group Size 13 or More Children
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-01-18. Correction verified 2022-01-26.
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Supervision & ratios
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Nov 23, 2021 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 16, 2021 Report · Deficiencies cited (self-report)
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Supervision & ratios Serious
It was found that on 09/20/2021 a child was bitten multiple times on the face and the caregivers were unaware of how the incident occurred.
HHSC 746.1203(4) — Responsibilities of Caregivers- Supervision of Children
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-01-10. Correction verified 2022-01-18.
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Illness & medication
It was found that the incident report was not signed by the child's parents. The incident occurred on 09/20/2021.
HHSC 746.707 — Incident/Illness Report Form Shared with Parent
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-01-10. Correction verified 2022-01-18.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
Get the full file
HHSC publishes inspections, investigations and assessments from October 2017 onward, with each cited deficiency and its risk weight. Investigation narratives, complaint files and older history require a public information request. The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552) gives anyone the right to ask. You don't have to say why.
Email the request Printable letter (fax or mail)
- Send to
- HHSC Open Records Coordinator, MC-1070 · OpenRecordsRequest@hhs.texas.gov · fax 512-424-6586 · 4601 W. Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas 78751-3146 · agency instructions
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If something is happening now, report a concern to HHSC Child Care Regulation. For suspected abuse, contact your county child protective services or law enforcement.
Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation datasets on data.texas.gov. Last read Oct 1, 2026. Violation text is HHSC's own wording. The categories are ours, added to help you scan. About this data.