First Step Learning Center, Dallas, TX

The Essentials

Summary

Across 23 licensing visits from December 2021 to December 2025, HHSC cited 14 deficiencies at First Step Learning Center; 14 have a recorded correction.

Visits: 23; 2021–2025, inspections, investigations and assessments
Deficiencies: 14; Standards cited by HHSC inspectors
Corrected: 14; Of 14 deficiencies, with a recorded correction date
Investigations: 7; 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	1	1	0
2022	4	2	0
2023	8	6	2
2024	5	5	1
2025	5	0	0
2026	0	0	0

What the Record Shows

14 of 14 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.
7 visits in this window included an investigation. HHSC publishes what an investigation cited, not what the report to it alleged.
The latest inspection, December 22, 2025, recorded no deficiencies.

What to Ask About

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?
Has the center ever been under corrective or adverse action, and what changed afterward?

Report at a Glance

Facility: First Step Learning Center
Address: 5641 Southwestern Medical Ave, Dallas, TX 75235
Operation Number: TX-535928
License Type: Licensed child care center
Licensed Capacity: 365 children
Permit: Full Permit
Ages Served: infants, toddlers, pre-kindergarten, school age
Hours: Mon–Fri, 6:30 a.m.–6:30 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.

Dec 222025
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905054459
Jun 122025
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905054458
Jun 92025
Investigation
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905200918
May 192025
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905054457
May 122025
Investigation
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905200917
Dec 302024
Inspection
4 deficiencies
- 746.1203(3)(C)Janitorial dutiesMedium-high riskCorrected Dec 30, 2024
- 746.3701(9)Safety - Bodies of Water Inaccessible to ChildrenHigh riskCorrected Dec 30, 2024
- 746.3701Safety - Areas Free From HazardsMedium-high riskCorrected Dec 30, 2024
- 746.3415(5)Employee Handwashing After Assisting a Child with ToiletingMedium-high riskCorrected Dec 30, 2024
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905054456
Nov 182024
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905054455
Nov 62024
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905054454
Mar 122024
Inspection
1 deficiency
- 746.2409(a)(2)Safety Requirements for Cribs - Snug Fitting SheetsMedium-high riskCorrected Mar 12, 2024
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905054453
Feb 202024
Assessment
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905250414
Dec 12023
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905054452
Dec 12023
Investigation
1 deficiency
- 746.305(a)(6)Report Situation Placing Children at RiskHigh riskCorrected Feb 20, 2024
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905200916
Nov 212023
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905054451
Nov 62023
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905054450
Nov 22023
Investigation
1 deficiency
- 746.4103(b)Policies for Release of Children - Record Identity of PersonMedium-high riskCorrected Nov 21, 2023
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905200915
May 82023
Inspection
2 deficiencies
- 745.641AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operationHigh riskCorrected May 8, 2023
- 746.2421(b)Written Feeding Instructions - Review and Update Every 30 DaysMedium riskCorrected May 12, 2023
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905054449
Apr 182023
Investigation
2 deficiencies
- 746.307(c)Parental Notification of Less Serious InjuriesMedium riskCorrected Jun 21, 2023
- 746.1203(10)Responsibilities of Caregivers - Share Information with Incoming CaregiversMedium-high riskCorrected Jun 21, 2023
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905200914
Mar 312023
Investigation
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905200913
Dec 192022
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905054448
May 122022
Inspection
1 deficiency
- 746.1301(5)(A)Training Requirements for Employees and Caregivers - 24 Annual TrainingMedium-high riskCorrected May 26, 2022
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905054447
Jan 142022
Inspection
No deficiencies
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905054446
Jan 122022
Investigation
1 deficiency
- 746.4501(b)Chairs - Safety Straps Used if Required by ManufacturerMedium riskCorrected Jan 12, 2022
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905200912
Dec 72021
Inspection
1 deficiency
- 746.2407Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Use of Safety StrapsMedium-high riskCorrected Dec 7, 2021
Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905054445

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.

No citation repeats across the 23 visits in this window, and no deficiency is waiting on a verified correction. That is what the record shows; it is not a judgment of care. The questions that follow still apply.

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 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.
02
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 · 535928
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 · 905054445
Visit Dec 7, 2021 · 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 · 905200912
Visit Jan 12, 2022 · 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 · 905054446
Visit Jan 14, 2022 · 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 · 905054447
Visit May 12, 2022 · 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 · 905054448
Visit Dec 19, 2022 · 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 · 905200913
Visit Mar 31, 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 · 905200914
Visit Apr 18, 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 · 905054449
Visit May 8, 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 · 905200915
Visit Nov 2, 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 · 905054450
Visit Nov 6, 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 · 905054451
Visit Nov 21, 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 · 905054452
Visit Dec 1, 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 · 905200916
Visit Dec 1, 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 · 905250414
Visit Feb 20, 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 · 905054453
Visit Mar 12, 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 · 905054454
Visit Nov 6, 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 · 905054455
Visit Nov 18, 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 · 905054456
Visit Dec 30, 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 · 905200917
Visit May 12, 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 · 905054457
Visit May 19, 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 · 905200918
Visit Jun 9, 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 · 905054458
Visit Jun 12, 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 · 905054459
Visit Dec 22, 2025 · 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.