Little Bear Child Care Center, INC.
12992 US HIGHWAY 87 W, La Vernia, TX 78121 · Wilson County
Program
- Type
- Licensed center
- Licensed capacity
- 129
- Ages
- Infant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
- Hours
- 06:00 AM-06:00 PM
- Director / administrator
- Caitlin Gault
- Phone
- (830) 253-1166
- Regulated since
- Mar 29, 2017
- HHSC IDs
- Operation 1250349 · number 1630112
- Official record
- HHSC Child Care Search
Violations by category
Year by year
| Year | Violations | Serious | Main categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 2 | Safety & premises (2) |
| 2025 | 8 | 6 | Cleanliness & sanitation (2), Illness & medication (4), Safety & premises (2) |
| 2024 | 18 | 2 | Illness & medication (4), Supervision & ratios (2), Safety & premises (4), Food & allergies (2), Staff background & training (2), Other (4) |
| 2023 | 14 | 0 | Cleanliness & sanitation (2), Illness & medication (2), Safety & premises (6), Records & paperwork (4) |
| 2022 | 14 | 10 | Illness & medication (2), Supervision & ratios (2), Discipline & child guidance (2), Safety & premises (6), Staff background & training (2) |
Inspections, investigations & assessments
-
Feb 10, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
-
Feb 10, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Feb 5, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
-
Safety & premises Serious
Two infants were observed to be asleep in places other than their crib. One infant was asleep in a swing and the other was asleep in a Boppy pillow on the floor. Note: This was corrected at inspection when the caregivers placed them in their cribs.
HHSC 746.2424 — Infants sleep in Designated Crib, Cot, Bed, or Mat
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-02-05. Correction verified 2026-02-10.
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Safety & premises Serious
-
Feb 5, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises Serious
Two infants were observed to be asleep in places other than their crib. One infant was asleep in a swing and the other was asleep in a Boppy pillow on the floor. Note: This was corrected at inspection when the caregivers placed them in their cribs.
HHSC 746.2424 — Infants sleep in Designated Crib, Cot, Bed, or Mat
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-02-05. Correction verified 2026-02-10.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Safety & premises Serious
-
Oct 16, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
-
Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
Cleaning supplies were stored under the hand washing sink accessible to children in the toddler room. Note: This was corrected at inspection when director removed the chemicals.
HHSC 746.3407(12) — Mark Cleaning Supplies, Toxic Materials; Keep Separate from Food and Inaccessible to Children
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-10-16.
-
Illness & medication Serious
A bottle of cough syrup was stored in a child's personal cubby. Note: This was corrected at inspection when the director removed the medication from the cubby.
HHSC 746.3807(1) — Storage of Medication - Inaccessible to Children
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-10-16.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
-
Oct 16, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
-
Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
Cleaning supplies were stored under the hand washing sink accessible to children in the toddler room. Note: This was corrected at inspection when director removed the chemicals.
HHSC 746.3407(12) — Mark Cleaning Supplies, Toxic Materials; Keep Separate from Food and Inaccessible to Children
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-10-16.
-
Illness & medication Serious
A bottle of cough syrup was stored in a child's personal cubby. Note: This was corrected at inspection when the director removed the medication from the cubby.
HHSC 746.3807(1) — Storage of Medication - Inaccessible to Children
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-10-16.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
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Mar 5, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Illness & medication
There were nine medications that were expired in the medicine box. Note: This was corrected when the director dispose the expired medication.
HHSC 746.3809 — Medication No Longer Used
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-03-05.
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Safety & premises Serious
The piece of lumbar at the platform of the car metal equipment play is broken and did not hold on weight. Note: This was corrected when a caregiver removed the play equipment from the playground.
HHSC 746.4601(7) — Safety Requirements for Active Play Equipment - No Pinch, Crush, or Shear Points
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-03-05.
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Illness & medication
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Mar 5, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Illness & medication
There were nine medications that were expired in the medicine box. Note: This was corrected when the director dispose the expired medication.
HHSC 746.3809 — Medication No Longer Used
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-03-05.
-
Safety & premises Serious
The piece of lumbar at the platform of the car metal equipment play is broken and did not hold on weight. Note: This was corrected when a caregiver removed the play equipment from the playground.
HHSC 746.4601(7) — Safety Requirements for Active Play Equipment - No Pinch, Crush, or Shear Points
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-03-05.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Illness & medication
-
Aug 14, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 14, 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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Aug 8, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other
The caregiver in the PreK classroom stated there were 14 children when it was verified there were 15 children in care.
HHSC 746.1205(a)(3) — Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know children's names and ages
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-08-08. Correction verified 2024-08-14.
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Illness & medication
Two medications stored in the office were expired.
HHSC 746.3809 — Medication No Longer Used
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2024-08-08. Correction verified 2024-08-21.
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Safety & premises Serious
Fire inspection was last conducted on 7.3.23.
HHSC 746.5101(a) — Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2024-09-09. Correction verified 2024-08-15.
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Other
No documentation for the carbon monoxide was available at the time of inspection. NOTE: This was corrected at inspection.
HHSC 746.5537(a)(3) — Electronic or Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Detector-Document Test Date, Battery Installation Date, and Staff Name Testing and Installation
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2024-08-08.
-
Illness & medication
Five of the ten children files were missing updated immunization records. Four of the ten children records were missing healthcare statements.
HHSC 746.603(a)(4) — Children's Records - Immunizations
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2024-09-09. Correction verified 2024-09-09.
-
Food & allergies
One of the ten children files was missing school-age information. One of the ten children files was missing food allergy information. Five of the ten children files were missing special care statements.
HHSC 746.605(14) — Required Admission Information - School Information for School-age Child
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2024-08-08. Correction verified 2024-09-05.
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Staff background & training
One of the ten staff records were missing an affidavit and photo ID. NOTE: Corrected at inspection.
HHSC 746.901(4) — Required Personnel Records - Required Affidavit
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2024-08-08.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Other
-
Aug 8, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other
The caregiver in the PreK classroom stated there were 14 children when it was verified there were 15 children in care.
HHSC 746.1205(a)(3) — Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know children's names and ages
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-08-08. Correction verified 2024-08-14.
-
Illness & medication
Two medications stored in the office were expired.
HHSC 746.3809 — Medication No Longer Used
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2024-08-08. Correction verified 2024-08-21.
-
Safety & premises Serious
Fire inspection was last conducted on 7.3.23.
HHSC 746.5101(a) — Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2024-09-09. Correction verified 2024-08-15.
-
Other
No documentation for the carbon monoxide was available at the time of inspection. NOTE: This was corrected at inspection.
HHSC 746.5537(a)(3) — Electronic or Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Detector-Document Test Date, Battery Installation Date, and Staff Name Testing and Installation
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2024-08-08.
-
Illness & medication
Five of the ten children files were missing updated immunization records. Four of the ten children records were missing healthcare statements.
HHSC 746.603(a)(4) — Children's Records - Immunizations
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2024-09-09. Correction verified 2024-09-09.
-
Food & allergies
One of the ten children files was missing school-age information. One of the ten children files was missing food allergy information. Five of the ten children files were missing special care statements.
HHSC 746.605(14) — Required Admission Information - School Information for School-age Child
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2024-08-08. Correction verified 2024-09-05.
-
Staff background & training
One of the ten staff records were missing an affidavit and photo ID. NOTE: Corrected at inspection.
HHSC 746.901(4) — Required Personnel Records - Required Affidavit
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2024-08-08.
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Other
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Jan 12, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
Four fire extinguishers in the operation had not been serviced in over one year.
HHSC 746.5307(b) — Fire Extinguishers Serviced
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-01-31. Correction verified 2024-02-05.
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Supervision & ratios
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Jan 12, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
Four fire extinguishers in the operation had not been serviced in over one year.
HHSC 746.5307(b) — Fire Extinguishers Serviced
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-01-31. Correction verified 2024-02-05.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
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Supervision & ratios
-
Jan 10, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises
The emergency practices log reflects that there has been no fire drill done since July/2023. Only two severe weather/lockdown drills were conducted during the last calendar year.
HHSC 746.5205(1) — Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-01-31. Correction verified 2024-02-05.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Safety & premises
-
Jan 10, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
-
Safety & premises
The emergency practices log reflects that there has been no fire drill done since July/2023. Only two severe weather/lockdown drills were conducted during the last calendar year.
HHSC 746.5205(1) — Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-01-31. Correction verified 2024-02-05.
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Safety & premises
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Nov 1, 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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Nov 1, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 16, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
-
May 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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Jan 13, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Cleanliness & sanitation
Several trash cans in the operation containing food scraps did not have lids
HHSC 746.3407(8) — Garbage Inaccessible to Children; Maintained in Sanitary Manner
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-01-18. Correction verified 2023-01-18.
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Safety & premises
A child with an allergy did not have an allergy action plan readily available for review in their file.
HHSC 746.3819 — Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-01-27. Correction verified 2023-02-10.
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Safety & premises
The last fire drill documented was in July 2022.
HHSC 746.5205(1) — Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-01-18. Correction verified 2023-01-18.
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Safety & premises
The emergecny evacuation diagrams were not posted in each classroom.
HHSC 746.5207(b) — Emergency Evacuation and Relocation Diagram - Posted in Each Room
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-01-18. Correction verified 2023-01-18.
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Records & paperwork
Two of the ten children's files reviewed did not have the health statement signed by a physican within twelve months of enrollment.
HHSC 746.603(a)(3) — Children's Records - Health Statement
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-01-27. Correction verified 2023-02-03.
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Illness & medication
Four of the ten children's files reviewed did not contain updated immunization records
HHSC 746.603(a)(4) — Children's Records - Immunizations
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-01-27. Correction verified 2023-02-03.
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Records & paperwork
Eight of the ten personnel files reviewed did not have a notarized affidavit.
HHSC 746.901(4) — Required Personnel Records - Required Affidavit
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2023-01-27. Correction verified 2023-02-03.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Cleanliness & sanitation
-
Jan 13, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
-
Cleanliness & sanitation
Several trash cans in the operation containing food scraps did not have lids
HHSC 746.3407(8) — Garbage Inaccessible to Children; Maintained in Sanitary Manner
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-01-18. Correction verified 2023-01-18.
-
Safety & premises
A child with an allergy did not have an allergy action plan readily available for review in their file.
HHSC 746.3819 — Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-01-27. Correction verified 2023-02-10.
-
Safety & premises
The last fire drill documented was in July 2022.
HHSC 746.5205(1) — Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-01-18. Correction verified 2023-01-18.
-
Safety & premises
The emergecny evacuation diagrams were not posted in each classroom.
HHSC 746.5207(b) — Emergency Evacuation and Relocation Diagram - Posted in Each Room
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-01-18. Correction verified 2023-01-18.
-
Records & paperwork
Two of the ten children's files reviewed did not have the health statement signed by a physican within twelve months of enrollment.
HHSC 746.603(a)(3) — Children's Records - Health Statement
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-01-27. Correction verified 2023-02-03.
-
Illness & medication
Four of the ten children's files reviewed did not contain updated immunization records
HHSC 746.603(a)(4) — Children's Records - Immunizations
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-01-27. Correction verified 2023-02-03.
-
Records & paperwork
Eight of the ten personnel files reviewed did not have a notarized affidavit.
HHSC 746.901(4) — Required Personnel Records - Required Affidavit
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2023-01-27. Correction verified 2023-02-03.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
-
Jan 5, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Jan 5, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
-
Aug 17, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
-
Safety & premises
In the infant room, there were two children seated in a toddler table and the safety straps were not secured. This was corrected at inspection when the children were removed from the toddler table.
HHSC 746.2407 — Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Use of Safety Straps
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2022-08-17.
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Safety & premises
In the outdoor play area, there was one board missing in the fence which left a gap large enough that a child could become entangled or escape through the fence.
HHSC 746.3407 — Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-08-24. Correction verified 2022-08-31.
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Safety & premises Serious
The previous fire inspection occurred on 10/27/2020 which is past the required annual timeframe.
HHSC 746.5101(a) — Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-08-31. Correction verified 2022-08-31.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Safety & premises
-
Aug 17, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
-
Safety & premises
In the infant room, there were two children seated in a toddler table and the safety straps were not secured. This was corrected at inspection when the children were removed from the toddler table.
HHSC 746.2407 — Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Use of Safety Straps
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2022-08-17.
-
Safety & premises
In the outdoor play area, there was one board missing in the fence which left a gap large enough that a child could become entangled or escape through the fence.
HHSC 746.3407 — Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-08-24. Correction verified 2022-08-31.
-
Safety & premises Serious
The previous fire inspection occurred on 10/27/2020 which is past the required annual timeframe.
HHSC 746.5101(a) — Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-08-31. Correction verified 2022-08-31.
-
Safety & premises
-
Jul 14, 2022 Report · Deficiencies cited
-
Staff background & training Serious
During the investigation an individual was observed in direct care of children without receiving background check eligibility notification. This was corrected when the employee was removed.
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 2022-07-22. Correction verified 2022-08-09.
-
Illness & medication Serious
Prescription medication was placed in a caregivers pocket that was unsecured which caused the medication to fall onto the floor making it accessible to children.
HHSC 746.1201(1) — Responsibilities of Employees and Caregivers -Demonstrate Competency, Good Judgment, Self-control
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2023-05-05. Correction verified 2023-05-16.
-
Discipline & child guidance Serious
Neglect occurred when a child found a pill on the floor that was prescribed for an adult, and put it in their mouth.
HHSC 746.1201(4) — AP Responsibilities of Employees and Caregivers -Ensure No Child Abused, Neglected, or Exploited
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-08-16. Correction verified 2022-08-17.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
A child found a pill on the floor that was prescribed for an adult, and put it in their mouth.
HHSC 746.1203(4) — Responsibilities of Caregivers - Supervision of Children
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-08-16. Correction verified 2022-08-17.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
-
Staff background & training Serious
-
Jul 14, 2022 Report · Deficiencies cited
-
Staff background & training Serious
During the investigation an individual was observed in direct care of children without receiving background check eligibility notification. This was corrected when the employee was removed.
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 2022-07-22. Correction verified 2022-08-09.
-
Illness & medication Serious
Prescription medication was placed in a caregivers pocket that was unsecured which caused the medication to fall onto the floor making it accessible to children.
HHSC 746.1201(1) — Responsibilities of Employees and Caregivers -Demonstrate Competency, Good Judgment, Self-control
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2023-05-05. Correction verified 2023-05-16.
-
Discipline & child guidance Serious
Neglect occurred when a child found a pill on the floor that was prescribed for an adult, and put it in their mouth.
HHSC 746.1201(4) — AP Responsibilities of Employees and Caregivers -Ensure No Child Abused, Neglected, or Exploited
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-08-16. Correction verified 2022-08-17.
-
Supervision & ratios Serious
A child found a pill on the floor that was prescribed for an adult, and put it in their mouth.
HHSC 746.1203(4) — Responsibilities of Caregivers - Supervision of Children
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-08-16. Correction verified 2022-08-17.
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Staff background & training 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
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.