LIFE BYVardellChildcare
Report

TheVardellReport

The Next Step Learning Center LLC

Licensed child care center

5246 Blanco Rd
San Antonio, TX 78216

Report Date
Nov 1, 2026
Data Through
Oct 31, 2026
Report ID
VR-TX-1675900-2611
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The Vardell Report.The Next Step Learning Center LLC

The deeper story, beautifully organized. Available records, historical context, and questions worth asking.

Provider Category
Childcare
Location
San Antonio, TX
Record Period
2021–2026
Source Documents
19
Read the report

This report is free. Vardell does not certify, grade or endorse; it shows what the record documents.

01

The Essentials

Summary

Across 18 licensing visits from November 2021 to September 2026, HHSC cited 19 deficiencies at The Next Step Learning Center LLC; 19 have a recorded correction.

Visits
18
2021–2026, inspections, investigations and assessments
Deficiencies
19
Standards cited by HHSC inspectors
Corrected
19
Of 19 deficiencies, with a recorded correction date
Investigations
6
Licensing investigations, whatever prompted them

Deficiencies by Year

  • Deficiencies
  • Of which, high risk
2021: 1 deficiency across 4 visits120214 visits2022: 6 deficiencies across 3 visits620223 visits2023: 2 deficiencies across 3 visits220233 visits2024: 5 deficiencies across 1 visit520241 visit2025: 3 deficiencies across 5 visits320255 visits2026: 2 deficiencies across 2 visits22026*2 visits2021: 1 deficiency across 4 visits120214 visits2022: 6 deficiencies across 3 visits620223 visits2023: 2 deficiencies across 3 visits220233 visits2024: 5 deficiencies across 1 visit520241 visit2025: 3 deficiencies across 5 visits320255 visits2026: 2 deficiencies across 2 visits22026*2 visits

* Partial year, through October 31, 2026.

Deficiencies by year
YearVisitsDeficienciesOf which, high risk
2021410
2022360
2023320
2024150
2025530
2026220

What the Record Shows

  • 19 of 19 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.
  • 6 visits in this window included an investigation. HHSC publishes what an investigation cited, not what the report to it alleged.
  • The latest inspection, September 14, 2026, recorded 2 deficiencies (most serious: Medium-high risk).
02

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.

  1. 2026

    Inspection

    2 deficiencies

    • 746.613(b)Immunization Records, Exceptions, and Exemptions CurrentMedium-high riskCorrected Sep 28, 2026
    • 746.603(a)(3)Children's Records - Health StatementMedium riskCorrected Sep 28, 2026

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905118568

  2. 2026

    Inspection

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905118567

  3. 2025

    Inspection

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905118566

  4. 2025

    Investigation

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905226009

  5. 2025

    Inspection

    3 deficiencies

    • 746.3407(2)Machine Wash Cloth ToysMedium-high riskCorrected Sep 24, 2025
    • 746.3819Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care ProfessionalMedium-high riskCorrected Oct 1, 2025
    • 746.3809Medication No Longer UsedMedium riskCorrected Sep 24, 2025

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905118565

  6. 2025

    Inspection

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905118564

  7. 2025

    Investigation

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905226008

  8. 2024

    Inspection

    5 deficiencies

    • 746.4503(b)Cots, Beds, Mats Labeled With Child's NameMedium riskCorrected Oct 15, 2024
    • 746.4751(c)Maintenance Procedures for Active Play - Hazards Removed or RepairedMedium-high riskCorrected Oct 8, 2024
    • 746.801(3)Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Personnel and Training RecordsMedium riskCorrected Oct 22, 2024
    • 746.603(a)(4)Children's Records - ImmunizationsMedium riskCorrected Oct 22, 2024
    • 746.4601(2)Safety Requirements for Active Play Equipment - Used According to Manufacturer's InstructionsMedium-high riskCorrected Oct 8, 2024

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905118563

  9. 2023

    Inspection

    2 deficiencies

    • 746.3701(1)Safety - Electrical Outlets CoveredMedium-high riskCorrected Oct 19, 2023
    • 746.2409(a)(10)Safety Requirements for Cribs - Label for Each InfantMedium riskCorrected Oct 12, 2023

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905118562

  10. 2023

    Inspection

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905118561

  11. 2023

    Investigation

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905226007

  12. 2022

    Inspection

    6 deficiencies

    • 746.4503(b)Cots, Beds, Mats Labeled With Child's NameMedium riskCorrected Nov 11, 2022
    • 746.605(8)Required Admission Information - Transportation PermissionMedium riskCorrected Nov 11, 2022
    • 746.605(13)Required Admission Information - Special Needs StatementMedium-high riskCorrected Nov 11, 2022
    • 746.901Required Personnel RecordsMedium riskCorrected Nov 11, 2022
    • 746.3407(8)Garbage Inaccessible to Children; Maintained in Sanitary MannerMedium-high riskCorrected Nov 11, 2022
    • 745.651(2)(A)Background Check Validation ? Every 3 months each operation, other than a licensed, registered, or listed home, must validate current listMedium riskCorrected Nov 1, 2022

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905118560

  13. 2022

    Inspection

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905118559

  14. 2022

    Investigation

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905226006

  15. 2021

    Inspection

    1 deficiency

    • 746.4135(b)Children's Products- Annual CertificationMedium riskCorrected Dec 7, 2021

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905118558

  16. 2021

    Inspection

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905118557

  17. 2021

    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), 905226005

  18. 2021

    Investigation

    No deficiencies

    Source: Inspection, investigation or assessment, with the deficiencies cited (data.texas.gov: m5q4-3y3d and tqgd-mf4x), 905226004

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

03

Context

Patterns Worth Examining

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

  1. 1

    Cots, Beds, Mats Labeled With Child's Name, Cited in Two Visits

    HHSC inspectors cited 746.4503(b) in November 2022 and October 2024. The agency describes it this way: Cots, Beds, Mats Labeled With Child's Name. None rose above medium risk. Each citation has a recorded correction, and a repeat after correction is worth a direct question.

    212121212222222323232425252525252626746.4503(b) across all 18 visits, oldest to newest
04

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.

  1. 01

    What changed after 746.4503(b) was cited, and how do you check it now?

    Cots, Beds, Mats Labeled With Child's Name: cited in two visits, most seriously at medium risk.

  2. 02

    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.

  3. 03

    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.

05

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 · 1675900

    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 · 905226004

    Visit Nov 8, 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 · 905226005

    Visit Nov 16, 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 · 905118557

    Visit Nov 19, 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 · 905118558

    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 · 905226006

    Visit May 24, 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 · 905118559

    Visit May 31, 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 · 905118560

    Visit Nov 1, 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 · 905226007

    Visit Aug 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 · 905118561

    Visit Aug 15, 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 · 905118562

    Visit Oct 12, 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 · 905118563

    Visit Oct 8, 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 · 905226008

    Visit Mar 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 · 905118564

    Visit Mar 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 · 905118565

    Visit Sep 24, 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 · 905226009

    Visit Nov 18, 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 · 905118566

    Visit Dec 17, 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 · 905118567

    Visit Mar 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 · 905118568

    Visit Sep 14, 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.