Kidz First Learning Academy
1600 ROCKY RIDGE RD, Athens, TX 75751 · Henderson County
Program
- Type
- Licensed center
- Licensed capacity
- 115
- Ages
- Infant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
- Hours
- 05:30 AM-06:00 PM
- Director / administrator
- Mahalia Warren
- Phone
- (903) 292-5132
- Regulated since
- Dec 5, 2017
- HHSC IDs
- Operation 1273835 · number 1649832
- Official record
- HHSC Child Care Search
Violations by category
Year by year
| Year | Violations | Serious | Main categories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 1 | Cleanliness & sanitation (1), Illness & medication (1), Supervision & ratios (1), Staff background & training (1) |
| 2025 | 8 | 1 | Illness & medication (1), Supervision & ratios (5), Staff background & training (1), Other (1) |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 | Staff background & training (1) |
| 2023 | 14 | 3 | Cleanliness & sanitation (1), Supervision & ratios (2), Safety & premises (4), Food & allergies (1), Staff background & training (1), Other (5) |
| 2022 | 24 | 9 | Cleanliness & sanitation (5), Illness & medication (1), Supervision & ratios (6), Safety & premises (3), Food & allergies (1), Staff background & training (5), Records & paperwork (1), Other (2) |
| 2021 | 3 | 0 | Staff background & training (1), Other (2) |
Inspections, investigations & assessments
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Feb 17, 2026 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
The director did not have current CPR training.
HHSC 746.1315(b) — Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2026-03-20. Correction verified 2026-03-09.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
While serving morning snack, it was observed that the food was being placed directly on the table and not on a plate, napkin, or other sanitary manner. This was corrected when the caregivers gave each child a napkin to place their food on.
HHSC 746.3317(6) — Food Service and Preparation Requirement - Use Sanitary Holders
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2026-02-17.
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Supervision & ratios
The operation was not able to provide the operational policies for review.
HHSC 746.501(a)(1) — Written Operational Policies - Operating Times
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2026-02-27. Correction verified 2026-03-09.
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Illness & medication Serious
While reviewing immunization records, 1 child did not have an immunization record in their file.
HHSC 746.613(a) — Required Immunizations
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2026-03-06. Correction verified 2026-03-09.
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Staff background & training
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Jan 6, 2026 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 20, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 19, 2025 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
This standard was reviewed during an investigation and found deficient. There is evidence to support that young children are being placed in the front seat during transportation to the operation.
HHSC 746.5607(d) — Child Passenger Safety Seat System - Child 12 Years and Younger Must Not Ride in Front Seat
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-12-10. Correction verified 2026-01-06.
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Other
This standard was reviewed during an investigation and found deficient. There is evidence to support that multiple children are being buckled in the same seatbelt.
HHSC 746.5613 — One Seat Belt Per Person
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-12-10. Correction verified 2026-01-06.
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Supervision & ratios
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Sep 23, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios
While reviewing files, 9 children files did not have a health statement.
HHSC 746.611(a)(1) — Required Health Statement - Written, dated within past year, indicates child is physically able to participate in operation's child-care program
HHSC risk weight: Low. Corrected 2025-10-14. Correction verified 2025-10-20.
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Supervision & ratios
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Apr 9, 2025 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 25, 2025 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios Serious
While doing a walk through of the operation, a caregiver walked off the playground to go potty leaving a group of children unsupervised. This was corrected when the director stepped outside with the children.
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 2025-03-25. Correction verified 2025-04-09.
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Staff background & training
While reviewing personnel files, 2 caregivers did not have current CPR/First Aid training.
HHSC 746.1315(a) — Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking.
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-04-25. Correction verified 2025-04-09.
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Supervision & ratios
While doing a walk through, one caregiver was supervising 14 children aged 12 months-2 on the playground. This was corrected when a second caregiver joined the caregiver on the playground.
HHSC 746.1601 — Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-03-25. Correction verified 2025-04-09.
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Supervision & ratios
The operation did not have the licenses posted.
HHSC 746.401(1) — Posting Requirements - License
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2025-04-04. Correction verified 2025-04-09.
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Illness & medication
While reviewing children's files for the HASA, 2 children did not have updated immunizations.
HHSC 746.613(b) — Immunization Records, Exceptions, and Exemptions Current
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2025-04-11. Correction verified 2025-04-07.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
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Jul 22, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 18, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jul 18, 2024 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
While reviewing the director's file, there were only 17 of the required 30 hours availbale for review.
HHSC 746.1301(a)(6)(A) — Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - 30 Annual Training
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2024-08-08. Correction verified 2024-08-23.
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Staff background & training
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Jun 24, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 20, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 18, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 14, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 11, 2024 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 7, 2024 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Sep 7, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises
A crib sheet was observed to be loose fitting and bundled up when an infant was sleeping. This was discussed with the caregivers and corrected at inspection.
HHSC 746.2409(a)(1) — Safety Requirements for Cribs - Snug Fitting, Firm, Flat Mattress Designed for Use in Crib
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2023-09-07.
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Safety & premises
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Aug 16, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios Serious
During inspection a caregiver walked out of the breakfast area leaving 4 children alone to switch places with a caregiver outside.
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 2023-08-16. Correction verified 2023-09-07.
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Staff background & training
The HASA was conducted and one caregiver had an expired CPR and First Aid certification.
HHSC 746.1315(a) — Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking.
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-08-30. Correction verified 2023-09-01.
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Other
There were no activity plans posted in the classrooms.
HHSC 746.2203(a) — Written Activity Plans
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-08-23. Correction verified 2023-09-07.
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Other
During inspection it was observed that the children were eating their breakfast upon arrival and watching television.
HHSC 746.2207(c)(4) — Screen Time Activities - Not Used During Eating or Rest Times
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-08-16. Correction verified 2023-09-07.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
During inspection there was a container of lysol wipes and hand sanitizer on the shelf within the reach of the children.
HHSC 746.3407(12) — Mark Cleaning Supplies, Toxic Materials; Keep Separate from Food and Inaccessible to Children
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2023-08-16. Correction verified 2023-09-07.
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Other
The HASA was conducted and the grounds checklist has not been conducted in the last 3 months.
HHSC 746.4751(b) — Maintenance Procedures for Active Play - Monthly Maintenance Checklist
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-08-23. Correction verified 2023-09-07.
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Safety & premises
A piece of equipment that bounces did not have the proper depth of loose fill around and under it as required.
HHSC 746.4901(a) — Active Play Surfacing In Use Zones - Loose Fill or Unitary Surfacing
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-08-30. Correction verified 2023-09-07.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
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Jun 15, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Jun 13, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 28, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Apr 24, 2023 Report · No deficiencies cited (self-report)
No violations cited on this visit.
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Mar 9, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 23, 2023 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Feb 16, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Safety & premises
During follow up inspection, 1 infant was observed unbuckled in the highchair table.
HHSC 746.2407 — Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Use of Safety Straps
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-02-16. Correction verified 2023-02-23.
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Other Serious
During follow up inspection, 1 infant was observed in a restrictive device for 50 minutes.
HHSC 746.2417(2)(B) — Activities for Infants - Not in Restrictive Device for more than 15 Minutes
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2023-02-16. Correction verified 2023-02-23.
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Safety & premises
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Feb 6, 2023 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Other
During POA inspection, the infant caregivers did not know the information for 1 infant they were responsible for.
HHSC 746.1203(3) — Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know Children's Names and Ages
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-02-06. Correction verified 2023-02-16.
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Safety & premises
During POA inspection, 1 infant was observed unbuckled in the highchair table.
HHSC 746.2407 — Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Use of Safety Straps
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-02-06. Correction verified 2023-02-16.
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Food & allergies
During POA inspection, the infant feeding sheets were not updated. One bottle fed infant did not have an infant feeding sheet.
HHSC 746.2421(a) — Written Feeding Instructions - Signed and Dated by Parent or Health-Care Professional
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2023-02-10. Correction verified 2023-02-13.
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Supervision & ratios
The operation was closed 1/31/23 - 2/3/23 due to weather and did not notify CCR.
HHSC 746.305(a)(1) — Report Unsafe Facility Occurrence
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2023-02-06. Correction verified 2023-02-16.
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Other
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Dec 12, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 30, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
One non-exempt caregiver with no previous training was counted in ratio before having the required 8 hours of training.
HHSC 746.1301(2)(A) — Training Requirements for Employees and Caregivers - Pre-service Training
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-12-07. Correction verified 2022-12-06.
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Supervision & ratios
During inspection, two classes were out of ratio. The two year old class was out of ratio by one child. The three year old class was out of ratio by three.
HHSC 746.1601 — Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-11-30. Correction verified 2022-12-12.
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Food & allergies
During inspection, three bottle fed infants did not have updated feeding instruction sheets.
HHSC 746.2421(b) — Written Feeding Instructions - Review and Update Every 30 Days
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-12-02. Correction verified 2022-12-06.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
During inspection, an infant was observed sleeping in a restrictive device. The operation allowed a 6 week old infant asleep in a swing. During inspection on 11/30/2022, I observed a 6 week old asleep in a swing. Picture was taken showing the swing and sleeping infant. After I discussed Minimum Standard 746.2426 with the infant caregivers and director, the child was removed during inspection on 11/30/2022. An Administrative Penalty in the amount of 100% of the daily maximum per HRC 42.078(a-2) is being recommended for one day. Impose an Administrative Penalty in the amount of 100% of the daily maximum per statute, HRC ?42.078(a-2) and determine the appropriateness of requesting a risk analysis and/or imposing additional enforcement actions, including corrective or adverse action.
HHSC 746.2426 — Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-11-30. Correction verified 2022-12-12.
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Staff background & training
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Oct 12, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
During inspection, 6 staff records were reviewed and not maintained.
HHSC 746.1301(2)(A) — Training Requirements for Employees and Caregivers - Pre-service Training
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-10-28. Correction verified 2022-10-27.
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Illness & medication
During inspection, 6 records were reviewed and 2 were missing updated immunization records.
HHSC 746.603(a) — Children's Records Maintained
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-10-28. Correction verified 2022-10-27.
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Safety & premises
During inspection the emergency drills and detector monitoring was unavailable.
HHSC 746.801(10) — Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Safety Documentation for Emergency Drills, Fire Extinguishers, & Smoke Detectors
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-10-28. Correction verified 2022-10-27.
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Staff background & training
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Sep 28, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
During inspection, a 3 year old child was observed alone and unsupervised in the bathroom. CCR Inspector returned child to teacher. Teacher advised they were not aware child was gone.
HHSC 746.1203(4) — Responsibilities of Caregivers - Supervision of Children
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-09-28. Correction verified 2022-10-12.
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Staff background & training
During inspection, 6 staff records were reviewed and not maintained.
HHSC 746.1301(2)(A) — Training Requirements for Employees and Caregivers - Pre-service Training
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-10-12. Correction verified 2022-10-12.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
During inspection, 3 diaper changes were observed and all 3 did not wash the infants hands.
HHSC 746.3417(3) — Children Handwashing After Toileting or Diapering
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-09-28. Correction verified 2022-10-12.
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Records & paperwork
During inspection, 6 records were reviewed and not maintained.
HHSC 746.603(a) — Children's Records Maintained
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-10-12. Correction verified 2022-10-12.
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Safety & premises
During inspection the emergency drills and detector monitoring was unavailable.
HHSC 746.801(10) — Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Safety Documentation for Emergency Drills, Fire Extinguishers, & Smoke Detectors
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-10-12. Correction verified 2022-10-12.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
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Sep 1, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 25, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
A follow up was conducted. A caregiver was present supervising children alone and did not have an eligible status to be present.
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 2022-08-27. Correction verified 2022-09-01.
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Staff background & training Serious
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Aug 16, 2022 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Aug 10, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios Serious
During inspection at naptime, it was observed 1 caregiver was supervising 3 areas of children. 1 classroom had 12 children ages 3 yrs - 5rs napping. 1 classroom had 14 children ages 1 yr - 2 yrs napping with the door closed and no teacher inside the room. The open area had 4 children ages 7yrs - 9yrs resting.
HHSC 746.1203(4) — Responsibilities of Caregivers - Supervision of Children
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-08-10. Correction verified 2022-08-25.
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Other Serious
During inspection, 1 infant was observed asleep in a swing. 2 infants were observed in the high chair table unstrapped. 2 infants were in highchairs unstrapped. TA was provided and the infants were removed from the restrictive devices.
HHSC 746.2426 — Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-08-10. Correction verified 2022-08-25.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
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Aug 9, 2022 Report · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training Serious
The operation allowed a newly hired staff member to be present at the operation before receiving notice from the CBCU regarding the person's eligibility. Another citation related to background checks within the next 6 months may result in a penalty. Another citation related to background checks within the next 6 months may result in an additional penalty and other enforcement actions. An Administrative penalty in the amount of 100% of the daily maximum, per HRC 42.078(a-2) will be recommended as a result of this citation.
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 2022-08-22. Correction verified 2022-08-25.
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Safety & premises
During inspection, 2 infants were observed unstrapped in the high chair table.
HHSC 746.2407 — Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Use of Safety Straps
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-08-22. Correction verified 2022-08-25.
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Cleanliness & sanitation Serious
This standard was reviewed in relation to the reported allegation and found to be deficient. Caregivers advised that children are strapped into high chairs while other tasks, such as diapering other children, are conducted.
HHSC 746.2805(10) — Prohibited Punishments - Using Inappropriate Long Period of Silence or Inactivity Including Requiring Child to Remain in a Restrictive Device
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-08-22. Correction verified 2022-08-25.
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Staff background & training Serious
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May 19, 2022 Inspection · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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May 6, 2022 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Supervision & ratios Serious
This standard was found to out of compliance when reviewing video footage. It was found that the operation's caregivers did not demonstrate good judgment when they left a toddler in a high chair for 2 and a half hours during the morning.
HHSC 746.1201(1) — Responsibilities of Employees and Caregivers -Demonstrate Competency, Good Judgment, Self-control
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-05-06. Correction verified 2022-05-19.
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Supervision & ratios
This Minimum Standard was found to be out of compliance while reviewing video footage. The operation did not follow their activity plan when they had children watching television for 2.5 hours and had a toddler restricted in a high chair for 2.5 hours.
HHSC 746.2203(b) — Written Activity Plans - Plan Followed by Caregiver
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-05-06. Correction verified 2022-05-19.
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Supervision & ratios
While reviewing video footage it was found that the operation kept their television on for 2 and a half hours in the morning with children.
HHSC 746.2207(c)(3) — Screen Time Activities - Not Exceed One Hour Daily
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2022-05-06. Correction verified 2022-05-19.
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Other Serious
This Standard was found to be out of compliance while reviewing video footage. Video shows that a child was left sleeping in a restrictive device.
HHSC 746.2426 — Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device
HHSC risk weight: High. Corrected 2022-05-06. Correction verified 2022-05-19.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
While reviewing video footage it was found that caregivers were not washing their hands after diaper changes. The caregivers were also not cleaning the infants hands either.
HHSC 746.3415(4) — Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-05-06. Correction verified 2022-05-19.
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Cleanliness & sanitation
While reviewing video footage it was found that caregivers were not sanitizing the diaper changing mat after use.
HHSC 746.3505(e) — Diapering Procedures - Sanitizing Diaper Changing Area
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected 2022-05-06. Correction verified 2022-05-19.
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Supervision & ratios Serious
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May 4, 2022 Report · No deficiencies cited
No violations cited on this visit.
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Nov 12, 2021 Inspection · Deficiencies cited
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Staff background & training
Four staff records were reviewed and all four need required training related to health and safety.
HHSC 746.1309(e) — Documented Annual Training- Required Content
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2021-12-10. Correction verified 2021-12-29.
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Other
Three infant feeding instructions were not up to date.
HHSC 746.2421(b) — Written Feeding Instructions - Review and Update Every 30 Days
HHSC risk weight: Medium. Corrected 2021-12-03. Correction verified 2021-12-29.
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Other
An electrical outlet did not have a cover and a cover was found and put in during inspection.
HHSC 746.3701(1) — Safety - Electrical Outlets Covered
HHSC risk weight: Medium High. Corrected at inspection. Corrected 2021-11-12.
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Staff background & training
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.