The Vardell Report.Stepping Stones

Across 17 licensing visits from November 2021 to August 2026, HHSC cited 48 deficiencies at Stepping Stones; 48 have a recorded correction.

Visits

17

2021–2026, inspections, investigations and assessments

Deficiencies

48

Standards cited by HHSC inspectors

Corrected

48

Of 48 deficiencies, with a recorded correction date

Investigations

0

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. Aug 172026

   Inspection

   2 deficiencies

   • 746.603(a)Children's Records MaintainedMedium riskCorrected Aug 24, 2026
   • 746.501(a)(26)Written Operational Policies - Preventing and Responding to Abuse and NeglectMedium riskCorrected Aug 24, 2026

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099826

2. Jul 202026

   Inspection

   5 deficiencies

   • 746.1701Child/Caregiver Ratio - 12 or Fewer ChildrenMedium riskCorrected Jul 20, 2026
   • 746.901(6)Required Personnel Records -Training HoursMedium riskCorrected Aug 3, 2026
   • 746.5205(1)Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 MinutesMedium-high riskCorrected Aug 3, 2026
   • 746.603(a)Children's Records MaintainedMedium riskCorrected Aug 3, 2026
   • 746.501(a)(11)Written Operational Policies - ImmunizationsMedium riskCorrected Aug 3, 2026

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099825

3. Apr 172026

   Inspection

   No deficiencies

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099824

4. Apr 82026

   Inspection

   2 deficiencies

   • 746.1701Child/Caregiver Ratio - 12 or Fewer ChildrenMedium riskCorrected Apr 8, 2026
   • 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 Apr 8, 2026

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099823

5. Apr 22026

   Inspection

   1 deficiency

   • 746.1701Child/Caregiver Ratio - 12 or Fewer ChildrenMedium riskCorrected Apr 2, 2026

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099822

6. Mar 232026

   Inspection

   2 deficiencies

   • 746.1701Child/Caregiver Ratio - 12 or Fewer ChildrenMedium riskCorrected Mar 23, 2026
   • 746.2415(b)AP Cribs - Only Snug Fitting Sheet and Crib Mattress Cover Allowed if Infant Younger than 12 Months of AgeHigh riskCorrected Mar 23, 2026

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099821

7. Mar 132026

   Inspection

   2 deficiencies

   • 746.2203(b)Written Activity Plans - Plan Followed by CaregiverMedium riskCorrected Mar 13, 2026
   • 746.2417(2)(B)Activities for Infants - Not in Restrictive Device for more than 15 MinutesHigh riskCorrected Mar 13, 2026

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099820

8. Sep 222025

   Inspection

   1 deficiency

   • 746.3407Maintenance of Building, Grounds and EquipmentMedium-high riskCorrected Sep 29, 2025

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099819

9. Sep 122025

   Inspection

   7 deficiencies

   • 746.4135(b)Children's Products- Annual CertificationMedium riskCorrected Sep 19, 2025
   • 746.5531Child-Care Center Must be Equipped with a Working Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection SystemHigh riskCorrected Sep 14, 2025
   • 746.3313(1)Daily Menus - Record Comparable SubstitutionsMedium riskCorrected Sep 15, 2025
   • 746.4503(b)Cots, Beds, Mats Labeled With Child's NameMedium riskCorrected Sep 14, 2025
   • 746.3407Maintenance of Building, Grounds and EquipmentMedium-high riskCorrected Sep 14, 2025
   • 746.603(a)(4)Children's Records - ImmunizationsMedium riskCorrected Sep 12, 2025
   • 746.5205(1)Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 MinutesMedium-high riskCorrected Sep 19, 2025

   Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099818

10. Oct 172024

    Inspection

    3 deficiencies

    • 746.2205(a)(1)Written Activity Plan - Group Name and DatesMedium riskCorrected Oct 17, 2024
    • 746.603(a)Children's Records MaintainedMedium riskCorrected Oct 21, 2024
    • 746.201(1)Policies Comply with RulesHigh riskCorrected Oct 25, 2024

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099817

11. Oct 272023

    Inspection

    2 deficiencies

    • 746.801(1)Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Children's RecordsMedium riskCorrected Nov 3, 2023
    • 746.3313(1)Daily Menus - Record Comparable SubstitutionsMedium riskCorrected Oct 27, 2023

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099816

12. Apr 202023

    Inspection

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099815

13. Apr 102023

    Inspection

    2 deficiencies

    • 746.1605(1)Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in AgeMedium-high riskCorrected Apr 10, 2023
    • 746.1613(a)(4)Naptime Child/Caregiver Ratio - Additional Employee RequiredMedium-high riskCorrected Apr 10, 2023

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099814

14. Dec 22022

    Inspection

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099813

15. Oct 212022

    Inspection

    6 deficiencies

    • 746.1701Child/Caregiver Ratio - 12 or Fewer ChildrenMedium riskCorrected Oct 21, 2022
    • 746.801(1)Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Children's RecordsMedium riskCorrected Oct 24, 2022
    • 746.801(10)Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Safety Documentation for Emergency Drills, Fire Extinguishers, & Smoke DetectorsMedium riskCorrected Oct 25, 2022
    • 746.1309(a)Documented Annual Training Area - 24 Hours RequiredMedium riskCorrected Nov 4, 2022
    • 746.1311(a)Director Annual Training 30 Hours RequiredMedium riskCorrected Nov 4, 2022
    • 746.3701Safety - Areas Free From HazardsMedium-high riskCorrected Oct 24, 2022

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099812

16. Jan 132022

    Inspection

    2 deficiencies

    • 746.3407Maintenance of Building, Grounds and EquipmentMedium-high riskCorrected Jan 18, 2022
    • 746.3505(f)Diapering Procedures-Soiled Diapers Kept in a Sanitary MannerMedium-high riskCorrected Jan 13, 2022

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099811

17. Nov 222021

    Inspection

    11 deficiencies

    • 746.501(a)(18)Written Operational Policies - Promotion of Physical ActivityMedium riskCorrected Nov 29, 2021
    • 746.2407Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Use of Safety StrapsMedium-high riskCorrected Nov 22, 2021
    • 746.3505(f)Diapering Procedures-Soiled Diapers Kept in a Sanitary MannerMedium-high riskCorrected Nov 22, 2021
    • 746.1315(b)Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPRMedium-high riskCorrected Nov 29, 2021
    • 746.3819Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care ProfessionalMedium-high riskCorrected Nov 29, 2021
    • 746.3701Safety - Areas Free From HazardsMedium-high riskCorrected Nov 22, 2021
    • 746.1309(a)Documented Annual Training Area - 24 Hours RequiredMedium riskCorrected Dec 10, 2021
    • 746.1315(a)Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking.Medium-high riskCorrected Nov 29, 2021
    • 746.2411(2)(B)Safety Requirements for Play Yards - Snug Fitting SheetsMedium-high riskCorrected Nov 22, 2021
    • 746.1311(a)Director Annual Training 30 Hours RequiredMedium riskCorrected Dec 10, 2021
    • 746.603(a)Children's Records MaintainedMedium riskCorrected Nov 23, 2021

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905099810

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

   Child/Caregiver Ratio - 12 or Fewer Children, Cited in Five Visits

   HHSC inspectors cited 746.1701 in October 2022, March 2026, April 2026, April 2026 and July 2026. The agency describes it this way: Child/Caregiver Ratio - 12 or Fewer Children. None rose above medium risk. Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

   2122222223232324252526262626262626746.1701 across all 17 visits, oldest to newest
2. 2

   Children's Records Maintained, Cited in Four Visits

   HHSC inspectors cited 746.603(a) in November 2021, October 2024, July 2026 and August 2026. The agency describes it this way: Children's Records Maintained. None rose above medium risk. Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

   2122222223232324252526262626262626746.603(a) across all 17 visits, oldest to newest
3. 3

   Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment, Cited in Three Visits

   HHSC inspectors cited 746.3407 in January 2022, September 2025 and September 2025. The agency describes it this way: Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment. None rose above medium-high risk. Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

   2122222223232324252526262626262626746.3407 across all 17 visits, oldest to newest
4. 4

   Documented Annual Training Area - 24 Hours Required, Cited in Two Visits

   HHSC inspectors cited 746.1309(a) in November 2021 and October 2022. The agency describes it this way: Documented Annual Training Area - 24 Hours Required. None rose above medium risk. Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

   2122222223232324252526262626262626746.1309(a) across all 17 visits, oldest to newest
5. 5

   Director Annual Training 30 Hours Required, Cited in Two Visits

   HHSC inspectors cited 746.1311(a) in November 2021 and October 2022. The agency describes it this way: Director Annual Training 30 Hours Required. None rose above medium risk. Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

   2122222223232324252526262626262626746.1311(a) across all 17 visits, oldest to newest
6. 6

   Daily Menus - Record Comparable Substitutions, Cited in Two Visits

   HHSC inspectors cited 746.3313(1) in October 2023 and September 2025. The agency describes it this way: Daily Menus - Record Comparable Substitutions. None rose above medium risk. Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

   2122222223232324252526262626262626746.3313(1) across all 17 visits, oldest to newest
7. 7

   Citation 746.3505(f), Cited in Two Visits

   HHSC inspectors cited 746.3505(f) in November 2021 and January 2022. The agency describes it this way: Diapering Procedures-Soiled Diapers Kept in a Sanitary Manner. None rose above medium-high risk. Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

   2122222223232324252526262626262626746.3505(f) across all 17 visits, oldest to newest
8. 8

   Safety - Areas Free From Hazards, Cited in Two Visits

   HHSC inspectors cited 746.3701 in November 2021 and October 2022. The agency describes it this way: Safety - Areas Free From Hazards. None rose above medium-high risk. Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

   2122222223232324252526262626262626746.3701 across all 17 visits, oldest to newest
9. 9

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

   HHSC inspectors cited 746.5205(1) in September 2025 and July 2026. 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.

   2122222223232324252526262626262626746.5205(1) across all 17 visits, oldest to newest
10. 10

    Citation 746.801(1), Cited in Two Visits

    HHSC inspectors cited 746.801(1) in October 2022 and October 2023. The agency describes it this way: Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Children's Records. None rose above medium risk. Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    2122222223232324252526262626262626746.801(1) across all 17 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 746.1701 was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Child/Caregiver Ratio - 12 or Fewer Children: cited in five visits, most seriously at medium risk.

2. 02

   What changed after 746.603(a) was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Children's Records Maintained: cited in four visits, most seriously at medium risk.

3. 03

   What changed after 746.3407 was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment: cited in three visits, most seriously at medium-high risk.

4. 04

   What changed after 746.1309(a) was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Documented Annual Training Area - 24 Hours Required: cited in two visits, most seriously at medium risk.

5. 05

   What changed after 746.1311(a) was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Director Annual Training 30 Hours Required: cited in two visits, most seriously at medium risk.

6. 06

   What changed after 746.3313(1) was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Daily Menus - Record Comparable Substitutions: cited in two visits, most seriously at medium risk.

7. 07

   What changed after 746.3505(f) was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Citation 746.3505(f): cited in two visits, most seriously at medium-high risk.

8. 08

   What changed after 746.3701 was cited, and how do you check it now?

   Safety - Areas Free From Hazards: cited in two visits, most seriously at medium-high risk.

9. 09

   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.

10. 10

    What changed after 746.801(1) was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Citation 746.801(1): cited in two visits, most seriously at medium risk.

11. 11

    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.

12. 12

    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 · 1555531

  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 · 905099810

  Visit Nov 22, 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 · 905099811

  Visit Jan 13, 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 · 905099812

  Visit Oct 21, 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 · 905099813

  Visit Dec 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 · 905099814

  Visit Apr 10, 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 · 905099815

  Visit Apr 20, 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 · 905099816

  Visit Oct 27, 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 · 905099817

  Visit Oct 17, 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 · 905099818

  Visit Sep 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 · 905099819

  Visit Sep 22, 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 · 905099820

  Visit Mar 13, 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 · 905099821

  Visit Mar 23, 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 · 905099822

  Visit Apr 2, 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 · 905099823

  Visit Apr 8, 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 · 905099824

  Visit Apr 17, 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 · 905099825

  Visit Jul 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 · 905099826

  Visit Aug 17, 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.