Discovering Minds Child Development Center

4311 AVENUE F, Bay City, TX 77414 · Matagorda County

30cited violations

4serious

24inspections & investigations

0enforcement actions

Program

Type: Licensed center
Licensed capacity: 82
Ages: Infant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
Hours: 07:00 AM-05:30 PM
Director / administrator: Valerie Ragland
Phone: (979) 476-3112
Regulated since: Feb 5, 2017
HHSC IDs: Operation 1252596 · number 1631941
Official record: HHSC Child Care Search

Violations by category

Cleanliness & sanitation 2
Illness & medication 2
Supervision & ratios 2
Safety & premises 12
Staff background & training 2
Other 10

Year by year

Year	Violations	Serious	Main categories
2026	8	2	Safety & premises (2), Staff background & training (2), Other (4)
2025	4	0	Safety & premises (2), Other (2)
2024	2	0	Cleanliness & sanitation (2)
2023	6	0	Supervision & ratios (2), Other (4)
2022	2	2	Safety & premises (2)
2021	8	0	Illness & medication (2), Safety & premises (6)

Inspections, investigations & assessments

Sep 11, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Sep 11, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Sep 2, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Staff background & training
  The director did not have a current transportation training on file.
  
  HHSC 746.1301(a)(7)(A) — Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - Transportation training
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-09-04. Correction verified 2026-09-14.
- Other
  The ipad was on and showing cartoons in the infant room.
  
  HHSC 746.2207(a) — Screen Time Activities - Not Used for Under Two
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2026-09-02. Correction verified 2026-09-11.
- Safety & premises Serious
  A stuffed animal was observed in the crib with a sleeping 6 month old infant.
  
  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 2026-09-02. Correction verified 2026-09-11.
- Other
  The privace fencce at the front of the playground is missing a board. Note: The fence board was replaced during the inspection.
  
  HHSC 746.4305 — Fenced Outdoor Activity Space
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2026-09-02.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Sep 2, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Staff background & training
  The director did not have a current transportation training on file.
  
  HHSC 746.1301(a)(7)(A) — Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - Transportation training
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-09-04. Correction verified 2026-09-14.
- Other
  The ipad was on and showing cartoons in the infant room.
  
  HHSC 746.2207(a) — Screen Time Activities - Not Used for Under Two
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2026-09-02. Correction verified 2026-09-11.
- Safety & premises Serious
  A stuffed animal was observed in the crib with a sleeping 6 month old infant.
  
  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 2026-09-02. Correction verified 2026-09-11.
- Other
  The privace fencce at the front of the playground is missing a board. Note: The fence board was replaced during the inspection.
  
  HHSC 746.4305 — Fenced Outdoor Activity Space
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2026-09-02.
HHSC inspection history
Mar 11, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Mar 11, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Feb 10, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Feb 10, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Feb 9, 2026 Report · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Feb 9, 2026 Report · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Sep 30, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Other
  The liability insurance has not been certified through the portal.
  
  HHSC 746.203(2) — Liability Insurance Requirements - Provide Proof of Coverage Annually by Anniversary Date of Issuance
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-10-01. Correction verified 2025-09-30.
- Safety & premises
  There is a little tykes climbing structure and a merry go round that is not on loose fill.
  
  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 2025-10-10. Correction verified 2025-09-30.
HHSC inspection history
Sep 30, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Other
  The liability insurance has not been certified through the portal.
  
  HHSC 746.203(2) — Liability Insurance Requirements - Provide Proof of Coverage Annually by Anniversary Date of Issuance
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-10-01. Correction verified 2025-09-30.
- Safety & premises
  There is a little tykes climbing structure and a merry go round that is not on loose fill.
  
  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 2025-10-10. Correction verified 2025-09-30.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Oct 2, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Cleanliness & sanitation
  The toddler room does not have sink in the diaper changing area.
  
  HHSC 746.4403(a) — Handwashing Sink in Diaper-Changing Area
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2024-10-07. Correction verified 2024-10-17.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Oct 2, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Cleanliness & sanitation
  The toddler room does not have sink in the diaper changing area.
  
  HHSC 746.4403(a) — Handwashing Sink in Diaper-Changing Area
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2024-10-07. Correction verified 2024-10-17.
HHSC inspection history
Oct 11, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Other
  Six children files out of six reviewed did not have information on whether or not the child can swim unassisted.
  
  HHSC 746.605(10) — Required Admission Information - Water Activity Permission
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-10-20. Correction verified 2023-10-13.
- Other
  Six childrens files out of six reviewed is missing the special needs documentation required by the new admission forms.
  
  HHSC 746.605(13) — Required Admission Information - Special Needs Statement
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-10-20. Correction verified 2023-10-13.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Oct 11, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Other
  Six children files out of six reviewed did not have information on whether or not the child can swim unassisted.
  
  HHSC 746.605(10) — Required Admission Information - Water Activity Permission
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-10-20. Correction verified 2023-10-13.
- Other
  Six childrens files out of six reviewed is missing the special needs documentation required by the new admission forms.
  
  HHSC 746.605(13) — Required Admission Information - Special Needs Statement
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-10-20. Correction verified 2023-10-13.
HHSC inspection history
Aug 11, 2023 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
- Supervision & ratios
  Based on information obtained during the DFPS investigation the operation was closed for one week and licensing was not notified of the closure.
  
  HHSC 746.301(8) — Notification of Planned Closure
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-08-18. Correction verified 2023-08-14.
HHSC inspection history
Aug 11, 2023 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
- Supervision & ratios
  Based on information obtained during the DFPS investigation the operation was closed for one week and licensing was not notified of the closure.
  
  HHSC 746.301(8) — Notification of Planned Closure
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-08-18. Correction verified 2023-08-14.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Jul 29, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history
Jul 29, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited

No violations cited on this visit.

HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Oct 19, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Safety & premises Serious
  One infant was observed with a bracelet on. One toddler was observed with a necklace and a bracelet. Note: Caregivers were informed of the choking hazard presented by jewelry and the items were removed from the children.
  
  HHSC 746.2501(5) — Care Requirements for Toddlers - Free from Choking Objects That May Cause Choking in Infants or Toddlers
  
  HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2022-10-19.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here
Oct 19, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Safety & premises Serious
  One infant was observed with a bracelet on. One toddler was observed with a necklace and a bracelet. Note: Caregivers were informed of the choking hazard presented by jewelry and the items were removed from the children.
  
  HHSC 746.2501(5) — Care Requirements for Toddlers - Free from Choking Objects That May Cause Choking in Infants or Toddlers
  
  HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2022-10-19.
HHSC inspection history
Nov 30, 2021 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Safety & premises
  There have been no documented fire drills since September 2021.
  
  HHSC 746.5205(4) — Documentation of Drills
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2021-12-03. Correction verified 2021-12-10.
- Illness & medication
  One child's file out of four reviewed does not have a current immunization record.
  
  HHSC 746.603(a)(4) — Children's Records - Immunizations
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2021-12-10. Correction verified 2021-12-08.
- Safety & premises
  One child's file out of four reviewed is missing their emergency contact information.
  
  HHSC 746.605(6) — Required Admission Information - Emergency Contact
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2021-12-03. Correction verified 2021-12-10.
- Safety & premises
  The caregiver who transports children has an expired copy of their driver's license in their file. Note: A copy of a current driver's license was obtained during the inspection and placed in the caregivers file.
  
  HHSC 746.901(9) — Required Personnel Records- Current Driver's License
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2021-11-30.
HHSC inspection history
Nov 30, 2021 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
- Safety & premises
  There have been no documented fire drills since September 2021.
  
  HHSC 746.5205(4) — Documentation of Drills
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2021-12-03. Correction verified 2021-12-10.
- Illness & medication
  One child's file out of four reviewed does not have a current immunization record.
  
  HHSC 746.603(a)(4) — Children's Records - Immunizations
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2021-12-10. Correction verified 2021-12-08.
- Safety & premises
  One child's file out of four reviewed is missing their emergency contact information.
  
  HHSC 746.605(6) — Required Admission Information - Emergency Contact
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2021-12-03. Correction verified 2021-12-10.
- Safety & premises
  The caregiver who transports children has an expired copy of their driver's license in their file. Note: A copy of a current driver's license was obtained during the inspection and placed in the caregivers file.
  
  HHSC 746.901(9) — Required Personnel Records- Current Driver's License
  
  HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2021-11-30.
HHSC inspection history · no longer published by HHSC; kept here

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

Letter text

Dear Open Records Coordinator,

Under the Texas Public Information Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 552, I request copies of the following Child Care Regulation records for Discovering Minds Child Development Center, 4311 AVENUE F, Bay City, TX 77414-8007 (operation ID 1252596, operation number 1631941), for January 1, 2019 to the present:

1. Every inspection, assessment and investigation report, including the deficiencies cited and the operation's corrective actions.
2. Every complaint and self-report intake and its finding.
3. Every corrective or adverse action (evaluation, probation, suspension, revocation, denial, administrative penalty) with related correspondence.
4. Every plan of action or correction the operation submitted, and HHSC's response.

I understand that information made confidential by law (for example the identities of children, families and reporters) may be redacted; please release the remainder. Please provide the records electronically by email. If the cost will exceed $40, please send me an itemized estimate first.

Thank you,

[Your name]
[Email] · [Phone]

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.