The Vardell Report.First Steps Learning Center

Across 23 licensing visits from April 2022 to October 2026, HHSC cited 30 deficiencies at First Steps Learning Center; 30 have a recorded correction.

Visits

23

2022–2026, inspections, investigations and assessments

Deficiencies

30

Standards cited by HHSC inspectors

Corrected

30

Of 30 deficiencies, with a recorded correction date

Investigations

5

Licensing investigations, whatever prompted them

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.

1. Oct 292026

   Inspection

   No deficiencies

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130797

2. Dec 192025

   Assessment

   1 deficiency

   • 746.5101(a)Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 MonthsHigh riskCorrected Jan 2, 2026

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905253503

3. Nov 132025

   Inspection

   No deficiencies

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130796

4. Oct 302025

   Inspection

   2 deficiencies

   • 746.5205(1)Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 MinutesMedium-high riskCorrected Nov 7, 2025
   • 746.5101(a)Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 MonthsHigh riskCorrected Dec 8, 2025

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130795

5. Nov 52024

   Inspection

   4 deficiencies

   • 746.3401(a)Annual Sanitation InspectionMedium-high riskCorrected Nov 15, 2024
   • 746.611(a)(1)Required Health Statement - Written, dated within past year, indicates child is physically able to participate in operation's child-care programLow riskCorrected Nov 19, 2024
   • 746.613(b)Immunization Records, Exceptions, and Exemptions CurrentMedium-high riskCorrected Nov 8, 2024
   • 746.4751(b)Maintenance Procedures for Active Play - Monthly Maintenance ChecklistMedium riskCorrected Nov 15, 2024

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130794

6. Sep 192024

   Inspection

   No deficiencies

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130793

7. Jun 252024

   Inspection

   No deficiencies

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130792

8. May 212024

   Inspection

   No deficiencies

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130791

9. Apr 162024

   Investigation

   No deficiencies

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905231021

10. Apr 52024

    Investigation

    1 deficiency

    • 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 May 17, 2024

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905231020

11. Jan 32024

    Inspection

    4 deficiencies

    • 746.1315(a)Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking.Medium-high riskCorrected Jan 12, 2024
    • 746.901(4)Required Personnel Records - Required AffidavitMedium-low riskCorrected Jan 12, 2024
    • 746.5205(1)Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 MinutesMedium-high riskCorrected Jan 17, 2024
    • 746.901(2)Required Personnel Records- Meets RequirementsMedium riskCorrected Jan 12, 2024

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130790

12. Sep 12023

    Inspection

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130789

13. Aug 312023

    Investigation

    No deficiencies

    Opened on a report the operation made itself.

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905231019

14. Feb 232023

    Inspection

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130788

15. Feb 182023

    Investigation

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905231018

16. Feb 82023

    Inspection

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130787

17. Aug 112022

    Inspection

    2 deficiencies

    • 746.605(13)Required Admission Information - Special Needs StatementMedium-high riskCorrected Aug 11, 2022
    • 746.2407Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Use of Safety StrapsMedium-high riskCorrected Aug 11, 2022

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130786

18. Jun 142022

    Inspection

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130785

19. May 182022

    Inspection

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130784

20. May 92022

    Inspection

    1 deficiency

    • 746.2426Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive DeviceHigh riskCorrected May 9, 2022

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130783

21. May 42022

    Inspection

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130782

22. May 22022

    Investigation

    1 deficiency

    Opened on a report the operation made itself.

    • 746.1203(4)Responsibilities of Caregivers- Supervision of ChildrenHigh riskCorrected Jun 7, 2022

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905231017

23. Apr 292022

    Inspection

    14 deficiencies

    • 746.2419(6)Requirements for Feeding Infants - Label Bottles/CupsMedium-high riskCorrected May 2, 2022
    • 746.1203(2)Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know Group Responsible ForHigh riskCorrected Apr 29, 2022
    • 746.2428No Swaddling of Infant Unless Completed Sleep Exception Form on FileHigh riskCorrected Apr 29, 2022
    • 746.2415(b)AP Cribs - Only Snug Fitting Sheet and Crib Mattress Cover Allowed if Infant Younger than 12 Months of AgeHigh riskCorrected Apr 29, 2022
    • 746.3407Maintenance of Building, Grounds and EquipmentMedium-high riskCorrected Apr 29, 2022
    • 746.5209(c)No Blocked or Locked Doors as ExitsHigh riskCorrected May 6, 2022
    • 746.2426Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive DeviceHigh riskCorrected Apr 29, 2022
    • 746.401(9)Posting Requirements - List entitled "Current Employees"--sized at least 81/2 X 11 inches, printed legibly, include employee first and last nameMedium-low riskCorrected Apr 29, 2022
    • 746.2421(b)Written Feeding Instructions - Review and Update Every 30 DaysMedium riskCorrected May 3, 2022
    • 746.2429Covering Infant's Head or CribHigh riskCorrected Apr 29, 2022
    • 746.5103Documentation of Fire InspectionMedium-high riskCorrected May 6, 2022
    • 746.1301(7)(A)Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - Transportation TrainingMedium-high riskCorrected May 2, 2022
    • 746.1203(6)Responsibilities of Caregivers - Free of other activitiesMedium-high riskCorrected Apr 29, 2022
    • 746.201(1)Policies Comply with RulesHigh riskCorrected Apr 29, 2022

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905130781

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

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

1. 1

   Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device, Cited in Two Visits

   HHSC inspectors cited 746.2426 in April 2022 and May 2022. The agency describes it this way: Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device. 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.

   2222222222222223232323232424242424242425252526746.2426 across all 23 visits, oldest to newest
2. 2

   Citation 746.5101(a), Cited in Two Visits

   HHSC inspectors cited 746.5101(a) in October 2025 and December 2025. 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.

   2222222222222223232323232424242424242425252526746.5101(a) across all 23 visits, oldest to newest
3. 3

   Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes, Cited in Two Visits

   HHSC inspectors cited 746.5205(1) in January 2024 and October 2025. The agency describes it this way: Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes. None rose above medium-high risk. Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

   2222222222222223232323232424242424242425252526746.5205(1) across all 23 visits, oldest to newest

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

1. 01

   What changed after 746.2426 was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device: cited in two visits, including high-risk standards.

2. 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.

3. 03

   What changed after 746.5205(1) was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes: cited in two visits, most seriously at medium-high risk.

4. 04

   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.

5. 05

   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.

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 · 1699246

  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 · 905130781

  Visit Apr 29, 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 · 905231017

  Visit May 2, 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 · 905130782

  Visit May 4, 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 · 905130783

  Visit May 9, 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 · 905130784

  Visit May 18, 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 · 905130785

  Visit Jun 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 · 905130786

  Visit Aug 11, 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 · 905130787

  Visit Feb 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 · 905231018

  Visit Feb 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 · 905130788

  Visit Feb 23, 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 · 905231019

  Visit Aug 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 · 905130789

  Visit Sep 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 · 905130790

  Visit Jan 3, 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 · 905231020

  Visit Apr 5, 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 · 905231021

  Visit Apr 16, 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 · 905130791

  Visit May 21, 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 · 905130792

  Visit Jun 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 · 905130793

  Visit Sep 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 · 905130794

  Visit Nov 5, 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 · 905130795

  Visit Oct 30, 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 · 905130796

  Visit Nov 13, 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 · 905253503

  Visit Dec 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 · 905130797

  Visit Oct 29, 2026 · Published Oct 31, 2026 · Retrieved Nov 1, 2026

  View Dataset ↗

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.