Empire Academy Inc, Houston, TX · The Vardell Report

The Essentials

Summary

Across 20 licensing visits from August 2023 to September 2026, HHSC cited 18 deficiencies at Empire Academy Inc; 18 have a recorded correction.

Visits: 20; 2023–2026, inspections, investigations and assessments
Deficiencies: 18; Standards cited by HHSC inspectors
Corrected: 18; Of 18 deficiencies, with a recorded correction date
Investigations: 2; Licensing investigations, whatever prompted them

Deficiencies by Year

Deficiencies
Of which, high risk

* Partial year, through October 31, 2026.

Deficiencies by year
Year	Visits	Deficiencies	Of which, high risk
2021	0	0	0
2022	0	0	0
2023	3	2	1
2024	3	2	1
2025	10	9	3
2026	4	5	3

What the Record Shows

18 of 18 deficiencies have a recorded correction date.
HHSC’s files name no enforcement action in this window. They say whether a program is under corrective or adverse action, not what the action was.
2 visits in this window included an investigation. HHSC publishes what an investigation cited, not what the report to it alleged.
The latest inspection, September 15, 2026, recorded no deficiencies.

What to Ask About

Citation 745.651(1), Cited in Two Visits
Citation 746.5101(a), Cited in Two Visits

Report at a Glance

Facility: Empire Academy Inc
Address: 13222 Tidwell Rd, Houston, TX 77044
Operation Number: TX-1784309
License Type: Licensed child care center
Licensed Capacity: 41 children
Permit: Full Permit
Ages Served: infants, toddlers, pre-kindergarten, school age
Hours: Mon–Fri, 6 a.m.–6 p.m.
Record Window: November 1, 2021 to October 31, 2026

Chronology

Inspection History

Every visit in the record window, newest first. A deficiency is a licensing standard Texas inspectors found was not met. HHSC publishes what an investigation cited, not what the report to it alleged.

Sep 152026
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905166284
Sep 32026
Inspection
2 deficiencies
- 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 activityHigh riskCorrected Sep 3, 2026
- 746.1205(a)(3)Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know children's names and agesMedium-high riskCorrected Sep 3, 2026
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905166283
Aug 202026
Assessment
2 deficiencies
- 746.305(a)(7)Report Change in Controlling PersonMedium-high riskCorrected Aug 20, 2026
- 745.621(a)(7)AP Initial background checks submitted - At the time you become aware of anyone requiring a background check under 745.605High riskCorrected Aug 20, 2026
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905254680
Jul 302026
Assessment
1 deficiency
- 745.247Franchise Tax DelinquentHigh riskCorrected Aug 14, 2026
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905254679
Dec 292025
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905166282
May 142025
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905166281
May 12025
Assessment
1 deficiency
- 746.201(4)Designating DirectorMedium-high riskCorrected Jun 25, 2025
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905254678
Apr 102025
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905166280
Apr 72025
Investigation
4 deficiencies
- 746.2805(3)Prohibited Punishments - Grabbing and PullingHigh riskCorrected May 5, 2025
- 746.2805Prohibited Punishments - No Harsh, Cruel or UnusualHigh riskCorrected May 5, 2025
- 746.201(7)Operation Open to Parents At All TimesMedium riskCorrected May 5, 2025
- 746.2401(4)Basic Requirements for Infants - Prompt Attention to NeedsMedium-high riskCorrected May 5, 2025
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905243553
Apr 32025
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905166279
Mar 252025
Assessment
1 deficiency
- 745.651(1)Background Check Validation - You must inactivate a subject who is no longer associated with your operation within 7 days of leavingMedium riskCorrected Mar 28, 2025
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905254677
Mar 62025
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905166278
Mar 42025
Investigation
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905243552
Jan 292025
Inspection
3 deficiencies
- 745.651(1)Background Check Validation - You must inactivate a subject who is no longer associated with your operation within 7 days of leavingMedium riskCorrected Jan 31, 2025
- 746.5625(b)Electronic Child Safety Alarm - installed and maintained according to manufacturer's instructionsHigh riskCorrected Mar 31, 2025
- 746.603(a)(3)Children's Records - Health StatementMedium riskCorrected Feb 12, 2025
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905166277
Jul 252024
Inspection
1 deficiency
- 746.5101(a)Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 MonthsHigh riskCorrected Aug 16, 2024
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905166276
Jul 192024
Assessment
1 deficiency
- 746.1013(b)Director's Absence - Extended PeriodMedium riskCorrected Jul 29, 2024
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905254676
Jan 112024
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905166275
Nov 292023
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905166274
Oct 302023
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905166273
Aug 72023
Inspection
2 deficiencies
- 746.5101(a)Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 MonthsHigh riskCorrected Aug 30, 2023
- 746.3401(a)Annual Sanitation InspectionMedium-high riskCorrected Aug 30, 2023
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905166272

Texas gives every licensing standard one of five risk levels, from low to high, by how likely a deficiency is to harm a child.

Context

Patterns Worth Examining

A repeated citation can merit attention, but context and corrective action must be reviewed before drawing a conclusion.

1
Citation 745.651(1), Cited in Two Visits
HHSC inspectors cited 745.651(1) in January 2025 and March 2025. The agency describes it this way: Background Check Validation - You must inactivate a subject who is no longer associated with your operation within 7 days of leaving. None rose above medium risk. Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
2323232424242525252525252525252526262626745.651(1) across all 20 visits, oldest to newest
2
Citation 746.5101(a), Cited in Two Visits
HHSC inspectors cited 746.5101(a) in August 2023 and July 2024. The agency describes it this way: Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months. The most serious of these was recorded at high risk. Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.
2323232424242525252525252525252526262626746.5101(a) across all 20 visits, oldest to newest

For Your Next Visit

Questions to Ask on Your Visit

Bring these to the tour. Each one comes from something in the record; the reason is under the question.

01
What changed after 745.651(1) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation 745.651(1): cited in two visits, most seriously at medium risk.
02
What changed after 746.5101(a) was cited, and how do you check it now?
Citation 746.5101(a): cited in two visits, including high-risk standards.
03
What is the ratio in the room my child would join, and how is every child accounted for at nap time, pickup and on the playground?
Ratios change through the day, so they are worth counting yourself on a visit.
04
Has the center ever been under corrective or adverse action, and what changed afterward?
HHSC’s files name no enforcement action in this window. They say whether a program is under corrective or adverse action, not what the action was.

The Evidence

Sources and Coverage

Program details, licensing visits and the deficiencies cited at each are published by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's Child Care Regulation in its daily files on data.texas.gov.

Child Care Licensing operations (data.texas.gov)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 1784309
Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905166272
Visit Aug 7, 2023 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905166273
Visit Oct 30, 2023 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905166274
Visit Nov 29, 2023 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905166275
Visit Jan 11, 2024 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905254676
Visit Jul 19, 2024 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905166276
Visit Jul 25, 2024 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905166277
Visit Jan 29, 2025 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905243552
Visit Mar 4, 2025 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905166278
Visit Mar 6, 2025 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905254677
Visit Mar 25, 2025 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905166279
Visit Apr 3, 2025 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905243553
Visit Apr 7, 2025 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905166280
Visit Apr 10, 2025 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905254678
Visit May 1, 2025 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905166281
Visit May 14, 2025 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905166282
Visit Dec 29, 2025 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905254679
Visit Jul 30, 2026 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905254680
Visit Aug 20, 2026 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905166283
Visit Sep 3, 2026 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗
Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation · 905166284
Visit Sep 15, 2026 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026
View Dataset ↗

Coverage

Record windowNovember 1, 2021 – October 31, 2026

This record is HHSC's list of operations as of October 2026, with the inspections, investigations and assessments in HHSC's files, which run from November 2021.
Listed family homes (one caregiver with up to three unrelated children, listed with HHSC but not inspected on a schedule) are not in this record.
HHSC's narrative for each deficiency is left out because it can name children, parents and staff; the rule cited, its risk level and the correction dates are kept.

What This Report Cannot Tell You

Inspector narratives: Published by HHSC but left out of this record because they can name people.
Enforcement actions: HHSC's files say whether an operation is under corrective or adverse action, not what the action was.
Complaints not investigated: Reports HHSC screened out without an investigation are not published.
Staff qualifications and turnover: Not part of the published licensing record.

Historical coverage varies by agency and location. Missing records do not mean that no complaint or violation occurred.

Data architecture: Cierto supplies the source-backed machine-readable bundle. Life by Vardell independently creates the narrative, design, and consumer report.