Top Leaders Academy LLC
10704 S GESSNER RD, Houston, TX 77071 · Harris County
Program
- Type
- Licensed center
- Licensed capacity
- 85
- Ages
- Infant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
- Hours
- 06:00 AM-07:00 PM
- Director / administrator
- Sharlean Phillips
- Phone
- (713) 485-5761
- Regulated since
- Jul 21, 2023
- HHSC IDs
- Operation 1425945 · number 1757290
- Official record
- HHSC Child Care Search
Violations by category
Year by year
| Year | Violations | Serious | Main categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 1 | Cleanliness & sanitation (1) |
| 2025 | 7 | 7 | Supervision & ratios (2), Safety & premises (3), Food & allergies (2) |
| 2024 | 4 | 3 | Cleanliness & sanitation (1), Discipline & child guidance (1), Safety & premises (1), Other (1) |
| 2023 | 7 | 3 | Supervision & ratios (1), Safety & premises (3), Staff background & training (1), Records & paperwork (2) |
| 2022 | 10 | 9 | Supervision & ratios (1), Discipline & child guidance (1), Safety & premises (1), Staff background & training (4), Other (3) |
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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Apr 30, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
The diaper changing mat in the infant room was observed to be torn in mutiple placed. Due to the tears, the mat could not be sanitized.
HHSC 746.3505(e) — Diapering Procedures - Sanitizing Diaper Changing Area
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-05-04. Correction verified 2026-05-06.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
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Nov 12, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Oct 23, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Sep 30, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios Serious
Based on information obtained by staff. Another operation transports children enrolled at Top Leaders Academy. The children are not enrolled at the other operation. Vehicles are borrowed from other operations when there are issues with their vehicle.
HHSC 746.201(9) — Complying with Laws and Rules
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-09-30. Correction verified 2025-10-23.
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Safety & premises Serious
The 1st aid kit was observed having expired antiseptic 3/25, non working thermometer, no tweezers, and no tape. Note: Corrected at inspection.
HHSC 746.5617(a)(2) — Required Equipment in Vehicles - Emergency Medical Information
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2025-09-30.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
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Sep 16, 2025 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises Serious
The van was observed to have 6 broken seatbelts. 4 towards the back of the van doesn't have a buckle to hook to, and 2 on the 1st row has a stuck seatbelt that won't unhook. The Air conditioner was observed to be not working.
HHSC 746.5603(c) — Types of Vehicles Used to Transport Children - Be Maintained Safely
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-10-07. Correction verified 2025-10-23.
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Safety & premises Serious
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May 13, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises Serious
A baby walker was observed in the infant room
HHSC 746.2415(a)(1) — Prohibited Equipment for Infants - Baby Walkers
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-05-13. Correction verified 2025-05-16.
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Food & allergies Serious
A list of all children with diagnosed food allergies was not observed to be posted in the kitchen area.
HHSC 746.403(b) — Posting Requirements - Child's Food Allergy Plans
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-05-13. Correction verified 2025-05-16.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
A boppy pillow recalled 9/2021 was observed to be in the infant room. NOTE: Operation completed annual children's product safety certification 1/23/2025.
HHSC 746.4135(a) — Children's Products- Review list and Remove unsafe products
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-05-13. Correction verified 2025-05-16.
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Food & allergies Serious
2 children with documented diagnosed allergies did not have an allergy plan on file.
HHSC 746.605(15) — Required Admission Information-Child's allergies and Completed Food Allergy Plan
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-05-27. Correction verified 2025-05-16.
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Safety & premises Serious
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Jul 31, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 28, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jan 30, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Discipline & child guidance Serious
The operation handbook was reviewed, the operations open door policy does not comply with Minimum Standards. The policy states that it is up to the discretion of the director or on-duty staff to allow or deny parental visitation The following policies were observed to be missing: (8)Suspension and Expulsion of children (18) Promotion of indoor and outdoor physical activity that is consistent with Subchapter F of this chapter (relating to Developmental Activities and Activity Plan) [Medium]; your policies must include: (B) The duration of physical activity at your operation, both indoor and outdoor (C) The type of physical activity (structured and unstructured) that children may engage in at your operation and (F) The criteria you will use to determine when extreme weather conditions pose a significant health risk that prohibits or limits outdoor play (26) Preventing and responding to abuse and neglect of children, including: (B)Methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of issues regarding child abuse and neglect, including warning signs that a child may be a victim of abuse or neglect and factors indicating a child is at risk for abuse or neglect C) Methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of prevention techniques for child abuse and neglect (D) Strategies for coordination between the center and appropriate community organizations [Medium]; and (E) Actions that the parent of a child who is a victim of abuse or neglect should take to obtain assistance and intervention, including procedures for reporting child abuse or neglect (30) Procedures for supporting inclusive services to children with special care needs. The policy must address the requirements outlined in ?746.2202 of this chapter (relating to What are my responsibilities when planning activities for a child in care with special care needs?)
HHSC 746.201(1) — Policies Comply with Rules
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2024-02-09. Correction verified 2024-02-06.
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Safety & premises Serious
A 12 mo old was observed to be sleeping in a crib with a pacifier clipped to their clothing. NOTE: Pacifier clip was removed from the infant during the inspection.
HHSC 746.2401(6) — Basic Requirements for Infants - Free from Choking Objects That May Cause Choking in Infants or Toddlers
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2024-01-30. Correction verified 2024-02-21.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
A bag of hamburger buns was observed to be in the pantry. The buns had an expiration date of 1/10/2024 and some of the buns were observed to have mold. NOTE: Corrected at inspection. The hamburger buns were discarded during the inspection.
HHSC 746.3317 — Food Service and Preparation Requirement - Safe and Sanitary
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2024-01-30.
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Other
The children's products safety certificate (CPSC) has not been completed annually. NOTE: The CPSC was last completed 10/26/2022
HHSC 746.4135(b) — Children's Products- Annual Certification
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2024-02-02. Correction verified 2024-02-21.
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Discipline & child guidance Serious
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Jul 18, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 22, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
One employee did not have the CPR and First Aid training to review.
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 2023-06-02. Correction verified 2023-06-02.
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Records & paperwork
Two emploeyees did not have the high school diploma available to review during the inspection.
HHSC 746.901(2) — Required Personnel Records- Meets Requirements
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-06-30. Correction verified 2023-06-30.
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Records & paperwork
One employee did not the affidavit form signed by a notary officer.
HHSC 746.901(4) — Required Personnel Records - Required Affidavit
HHSC risk weight: Medium Low. Corrected 2023-05-30. Correction verified 2023-05-30.
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Staff background & training
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Apr 6, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises Serious
The fire drill for the month of March was not conducted.
HHSC 746.5205(1) — Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-04-13. Correction verified 2023-04-11.
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Safety & premises Serious
The fire extinguisher was not observed secured in the vehicle.
HHSC 746.5617(a)(5) — Required Equipment in Vehicles - Fire Extinguisher
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2023-04-24. Correction verified 2023-04-24.
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Safety & premises Serious
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Feb 28, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises Serious
Two broken ride-on cars were observed on the playground. One car was missing the door and the other was missing the steering wheel. A metal stationary car was observed to have 4 bolts protuding out. NOTE: The two ride-on cars were removed from the playground during the inspecction
HHSC 746.3407 — Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-03-10. Correction verified 2023-03-07.
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Supervision & ratios
A copy of the operations daily menu was not observed to be posted. NOTE:Corrected at inspection menu was made available for review during the inspection.
HHSC 746.401(6) — Posting Requirements - Daily menu, including all snacks and meals served by the child care center
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2023-02-28.
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Safety & premises Serious
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Nov 15, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
A caregiver whose last day was 11/7 was still observed to have an active background check
HHSC 745.651(1) — Background Check Validation - You must inactivate a subject who is no longer associated with your operation within 7 days of leaving
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-11-15. Correction verified 2022-11-15.
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Staff background & training Serious
Records were reviewed for 3 caregivers. Documentation was not available to verify staff received orientation training.
HHSC 746.1301(1)(A) — Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - Orientation
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-11-29. Correction verified 2022-11-30.
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Staff background & training Serious
Transportation training for the director and driver was not available for review.
HHSC 746.1316(a) — Transportation Safety Training -Director and Employee Complete 2 Hours Annually
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-11-29. Correction verified 2022-11-30.
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Discipline & child guidance Serious
Policies were reviewed and observed to be missing the following: (8) Suspension and expulsion of children; (9) Safe sleep policy for infants from birth through 12 months old that is consistent with the rules in Subchapter H of this chapter (relating to Basic Requirements for Infants) that relate to sleep requirements and restrictions, including sleep positioning, and crib requirements and restrictions, including mattresses, bedding, blankets, toys, and restrictive devices; (18) Promotion of indoor and outdoor physical activity that is consistent with Subchapter F of this chapter (relating to Developmental Activities and Activity Plan); your policies must include: (A) The benefits of physical activity and outdoor play; (B) The duration of physical activity at your operation, both indoor and outdoor; (C) The type of physical activity (structured and unstructured) that children may engage in at your operation; (D) Each setting in which your physical activity program will take place; (E) The recommended clothing and footwear that will allow a child to participate freely and safely in physical activities; and (F) A plan to ensure physical activity occurs on days when extreme weather conditions prohibit or limit outdoor play. (19) Procedures for providing and applying, as needed, insect repellent and sunscreen, including what types will be used, if applicable; (20) Procedures for parents to review and discuss with the child-care center director any questions or concerns about the policies and procedures of the child-care center; (21) Procedures for parents to participate in the child-care center's operation and activities; (22) Procedures for parents to review a copy of the child-care center's most recent Licensing inspection report and how the parent may access the minimum standards online; (23) Instructions on how a parent may contact the local Licensing office, access the Texas Abuse and Neglect Hotline, and access the HHSC website; (26) Preventing and responding to abuse and neglect of children, including: (B) Methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of issues regarding child abuse and neglect, including warning signs that a child may be a victim of abuse or neglect and factors indicating a child is at risk for abuse or neglect; (C) Methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of prevention techniques for child abuse and neglect; (D) Strategies for coordination between the center and appropriate community organizations; and (E) Actions that the parent of a child who is a victim of abuse or neglect should take to obtain assistance and intervention, including procedures for reporting child abuse or neglect; (27) Procedures for conducting health checks, if applicable; and (28) Information on vaccine-preventable diseases for employees, unless your center is in the home of the permit holder. The policy must address the requirements outlined in ?746.3611 of this chapter (relating to What must a policy for protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases include?). They may visit the child-care center at any time during your hours of operation to observe their child, the program activities, the building, the premises, and the equipment without having to secure prior approval; and
HHSC 746.201(1) — Policies Comply with Rules
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-11-29. Correction verified 2022-11-30.
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Safety & premises Serious
Chidren enrolled have not engaged in outdoor/active play. According to the director, since they started 11/1/22 children have not gone outside. It is unknown when the last time children went outside
HHSC 746.2607(1) — Activities for Pre-Kindergarten Age - Outdoor Play
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-11-15. Correction verified 2022-11-30.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
The operation has not had an initial inspection conducted by the Fire Marshal.
HHSC 746.5101(a) — Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-11-29. Correction verified 2022-11-30.
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Other Serious
The van alarm was not observed to be operating during the time of the visit.
HHSC 746.5625(b) — Electronic Child Safety Alarm - installed and maintained according to manufacturer's instructions
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-11-29. Correction verified 2022-11-30.
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Staff background & training
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Nov 9, 2022 Assessment · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
On 10/18 the owner was observed to be present at the operation without notification of eligibility from the background check unit. The owner did not submit their background check until 10/27.
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 2022-11-09. Correction verified 2022-11-09.
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Other Serious
Based on information received, as a form of time-out discipline, children are made to stand facing a corner or wall for an unknown amount of time.
HHSC 746.2805(6) — Prohibited Punishments - Humiliating, Rejecting, Yelling
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-11-09. Correction verified 2022-11-15.
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Staff background & training Serious
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Nov 3, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other Serious
Caregivers in care of a group of 7 children 2-9yrs old were not aware of the of the children in their care. When asked, the caregiver stated the oldest child was 5yrs old. NOTE: The oldest in care was 9yrs old.
HHSC 746.1203(2) — Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know Group Responsible For
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-11-03. Correction verified 2022-11-15.
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Other 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, 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.