Little Explores Academy and Daycare

A licensed child care center in Mission, Texas 78574

5711 N La Homa Rd, Mission, Texas 78574. (956) 598-5027.

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The short answer

Record last released by Texas Workforce Commission on Nov 2, 2026.

12 deficiencies cited in the last three years Middle in Hidalgo County: 3
1 rated High by Texas, its most serious level (needs attention)
21 inspections on record
3-Star Texas Rising Star rating

The last 24 months 12 deficiencies in 3 months of the last 36. Last cited Jan 2026. Most serious: High. Every month

Each figure’s source sits beside it, in its section below.

What these words mean5

Inspection (survey): A visit by state inspectors, often unannounced, who check a place against the rules it must meet. For nursing homes and other places Medicare pays, CMS calls these visits surveys: a standard survey of a nursing home comes at least every 15 months, and a complaint survey whenever a complaint calls for one. Source: CMS; 42 CFR 488.308.
Deficiency, citation, violation: What inspectors write up when a place didn’t meet a rule: the rule, what they saw, and when. CMS calls it a deficiency; states may say citation or violation. It is the inspectors’ finding, not a court’s, and the place is usually asked for a plan to correct it. Source: CMS, statement of deficiencies (Form CMS-2567); each state’s licensing agency.
Texas’s risk levels: Texas gives each child care deficiency a risk level, by how likely it is to harm a child: Low, Medium Low, Medium, Medium High or High. High is its most serious. Source: Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation.
Licence status: Whether the state’s licence lets the place operate now, in the state’s own words: licensed, on probation (allowed to keep operating on conditions, after problems), provisional, pending or expired. Source: Each state’s licensing agency.
Capacity: The most people the licence or certification lets the place care for at once: residents, children, beds or apartments, as the state counts them. It isn’t how many are there now. Source: Each state’s licensing agency.

What did inspectors find?

12 deficiencies cited in the last three years

The middle of the 479 child care providers in Hidalgo County had 3.

21 inspections on record. The latest, on Feb 25, 2026: no violation found.

Rated High by Texas: Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device - Remove the infant from the device and place the infant in a crib as soon as possible, at the inspection on Jan 29, 2025

Texas HHSC, deficiencies (non-compliance data) and inspections and investigations. Released Oct 31, 2026. Updated daily.

When those deficiencies happened

12 deficiencies in 3 months of the last 36. Last cited Jan 2026. Most serious: High. The last 3 years, to Nov 2, 2026.

12 deficiencies by month over the last 3 years. Each cell is one month.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
2023												Dec
2024	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
2025	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
2026	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov

Hover or focus a month to read it.

No visit on record Visited, nothing cited A stronger orange is more serious, on its source’s own levels, read onto four bands: from the least serious it publishes to the most

Hearth Record drew this from the dates and levels in the source’s own records.

Each deficiency, in Texas’s words

Grouped by visit, newest first, with the risk level Texas gave it, from Low to High.

Texas HHSC, deficiencies (non-compliance data). Released Oct 31, 2026. Updated daily.

Jan 23, 2026: inspection6 deficiencies

Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking.

“A caregiver counted in child/caregiver ratio did not have current training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking. The training certificate available for review had a renewal date of 10/2025.”

Rule 746.1315(a). Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jan 30, 2026. Correction verified: Jan 27, 2026.
Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR

“A caregiver counted in child/caregiver ratio did not have current training in pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The training certificate available for review had a renewal date of 10/2025.”

Rule 746.1315(b). Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jan 30, 2026. Correction verified: Jan 27, 2026.
Transportation Safety Training -Director and Employee Complete 2 Hours Annually

“The director did not have current training in Transportation Safety. The transportation training certificate available for review had a date of completion 10/1/2024.”

Rule 746.1316(a). Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jan 27, 2026. Correction verified: Jan 27, 2026.
Diaper Changing Equipment - Smooth, Non-absorbent, Easy to Clean Surface

“The diaper changing mat in the toddler room and Pre-k room were observed torn.”

Rule 746.3503(a). Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jan 26, 2026. Correction verified: Feb 25, 2026.
Notification of Change in Space

“Child Care Regulation was not notified before making changes to the infant room space. The infant room was switched with a Pre-K room.”

Rule 746.301(2). Medium, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jan 26, 2026. Correction verified: Feb 25, 2026.
Documentation PEDIATRIAC CPR-1st aid original certificate on file at center or copy available if licensing requests

“A caregiver’s pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR training certificate was not available for review during the inspection.”

Rule 746.1329(c)(2). Low, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jan 26, 2026. Correction verified: Jan 29, 2026.

Jan 29, 2025: inspection5 deficiencies

Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device - Remove the infant from the device and place the infant in a crib as soon as possible

“Two infants were asleep on a restrictive device (floor bouncer) for an undetermined amount of time in the infant room.”

Rule 746.2426(a)(2). High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jan 29, 2025. Correction verified: Feb 11, 2025.
Diaper Changing Equipment - Smooth, Non-absorbent, Easy to Clean Surface

“The diaper changing mat in the infant room and toddler room were observed torn.”

Rule 746.3503(a). Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jan 31, 2025. Correction verified: Feb 1, 2025.
Documented Annual Training- Required Content

The inspectors’ words, 122 words
“A caregiver was missing annual training for training year 10/30/2023-10/29/2024 on the following topics: (1)Emergency preparedness; (2)Preventing and controlling the spread of communicable diseases, including immunizations; (3)Administering medication, if applicable, including compliance with ?746.3803 of this chapter (relating to What authorization must I obtain before administering a medication to a child in my care?); (4)Preventing and responding to emergencies due to food or an allergic reaction; (5)Understanding building and physical premises safety, including identification and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic; and (6)Handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous materials including compliance with ?746.3425 of this chapter (relating to Must caregivers wear gloves when handling blood or bodily fluids containing blood?).”

Rule 746.1309(e). Medium, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Feb 14, 2025. Correction verified: Feb 7, 2025.
Director Annual Training - Additional required topics

The inspectors’ words, 124 words
“Both director’s were missing annual training on the following topics: (1) Emergency preparedness; (2) Preventing and controlling the spread of communicable diseases, including immunizations; (3) Administering medication, if applicable, including compliance with 746.3803 of this chapter (relating to What authorization must I obtain before administering a medication to a child in my care?); (4) Preventing and responding to emergencies due to food or an allergic reaction; (5) Understanding building and physical premises safety, including identification and protection from hazards that can cause bodily injury such as electrical hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic; and (6) Handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous materials including compliance with 746.3425 of this chapter (relating to Must caregivers wear gloves when handling blood or bodily fluids containing blood?).”

Rule 746.1311(e). Medium, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Feb 14, 2025. Correction verified: Feb 7, 2025.
Children’s Records - Immunizations

“Two of four children’s files reviewed did not have the children’s current immunization record. NOTE: One of the children’s current immunization record was obtained during the inspection.”

Rule 746.603(a)(4). Medium, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Feb 7, 2025. Correction verified: Feb 4, 2025.

Sep 3, 2024: inspection1 deficiency

Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Fire Inspection Report, Including Written Approval for Above/Below Ground Level Care

“The fire inspection report was not available for review.”

Rule 746.801(11). Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Sep 5, 2024. Correction verified: Sep 5, 2024.

24 deficiencies older than three years

Sep 18, 2023: inspection2 deficiencies

Personal use of electronic devices, such as cell phones, MP3 players, tablets, and video games

“A caregiver was using a cell phone while caring for a group of children.”

Rule 746.1203(3)(D). Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Sep 18, 2023. Correction verified: Sep 25, 2023.
Arrangement of Napping Equipment -Provides Sufficient Walking and Work Space

“During nap time, the mats were arranged right next to each other with no walk and work space for caregivers between each mat.”

Rule 746.2909(3). Medium High, by Texas’s label. Corrected during the inspection. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Sep 18, 2023.

Jun 21, 2023: inspection1 deficiency

Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months

“There was no current fire inspection. The last fire inspection was conducted on 06/09/22.”

Rule 746.5101(a). High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jun 28, 2023. Correction verified: Jun 26, 2023.

Mar 22, 2023: inspection1 deficiency

AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation

“A staff member interacted with children and present during transportation route prior to operation receiving background check eligibility notice.”

Rule 745.641. High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Mar 22, 2023. Correction verified: Mar 23, 2023.

Mar 21, 2023: inspection1 deficiency

Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment

“There was a small opening/gap on the bottom of a section of the chain link fence in the outdoor play area.”

Rule 746.3407. Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Mar 21, 2023. Correction verified: Mar 28, 2023.

Mar 17, 2023: assessment1 deficiency

Prohibited Punishments - Restrictive device for time out

“A child was placed in a highchair by a caregiver for biting a child.”

Rule 746.2805(8). High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Mar 17, 2023. Correction verified: Mar 21, 2023.

Mar 1, 2023: inspection1 deficiency

Safety Requirements for Cribs - Snug Fitting Sheets

“A 7 month old was asleep in a crib in which the sheet did not completely cover the mattress.”

Rule 746.2409(a)(2). Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Mar 1, 2023. Correction verified: Mar 7, 2023.

Feb 23, 2023: inspection4 deficiencies

Required Equipment in Vehicles - Emergency Medical Information

“There was no emergency medical transport and treatment authorization form for twelve children who are transported from school to the childcare operation. Corrected at Inspection: Copies of the emergency medical transport and treatment authorization were placed in the transportation binder.”

Rule 746.5617(a)(2). High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Feb 23, 2023. Correction verified: Feb 23, 2023.
Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment

“One cockroach was observed crawling on the wall in the infant classroom.”

Rule 746.3407. Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Feb 24, 2023. Correction verified: Mar 1, 2023.
Types of Vehicles Used to Transport Children - Be Maintained Safely

“The transportation vehicle was observed with trash (candy wrappers, snack crumbs, and on AA battery) on the floor. Note: The trash was picked up during the inspection.”

Rule 746.5603(c). Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Feb 23, 2023. Correction verified: Mar 1, 2023.
Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Sanitation Inspection Report

“The current health/sanitation inspection report was not available for review.”

Rule 746.801(12). Medium, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Mar 3, 2023. Correction verified: Mar 2, 2023.

Jul 19, 2022: inspection1 deficiency

Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children

“Recite: There was one caregiver caring for 6 infants. The specified age for the group was 12-17months which allows 5 infants to 1 caregiver. Note The ratios were left in compliance as an additional caregiver was put in the classroom.”

Rule 746.1601. Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jul 19, 2022. Correction verified: Jul 27, 2022.

Jul 11, 2022: inspection5 deficiencies

Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR

“A caregvier did not have a current CPR training.”

Rule 746.1315(b). Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jul 13, 2022. Correction verified: Jul 12, 2022.
Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children

“There was one caregiver caring for 6 infants. The specified age for the group was 12-17months which allows 5 infants to 1 caregiver. Note The ratios were left in compliance as an additional caregiver was put in the classroom.”

Rule 746.1601. Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jul 11, 2022. Correction verified: Jul 19, 2022.
Adequate Lighting During Naptime

“There was no adequate lighting during nap time for a school age group of children. The children were sharing a blanket and the caregiver was unable to see them because of the darkness in the room. Note: A lamp was turned on in the room for appropriate lighting.”

Rule 746.2911. Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jul 11, 2022. Correction verified: Jul 19, 2022.
Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Proper Depth Maintained

“Recite: Loose fill surfacing (mulch) was not observed to be maintained at the proper depth for a play structure in the outdoor play area. The dirt and grass underneath the mulch was visible.”

Rule 746.4907(d). Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jul 13, 2022. Correction verified: Jul 12, 2022.
Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Children’s Records

“Two personnel records were not available for review. The current fire inspection was now available for review. The infant feeding instructions for one infant was now available for review.”

Rule 746.801(1). Medium, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jul 13, 2022. Correction verified: Jul 19, 2022.

Jun 29, 2022: inspection7 deficiencies

Mark Cleaning Supplies, Toxic Materials; Keep Separate from Food and Inaccessible to Children

“There were cleaning supplies accessible to the children in care. There was liquid cleaner, Pine-Sol, on the floor in front of the water dispenser used by the children. There was a bleach container on top of the water sink used by the children. Note: The cleaning supplies were removed.”

Rule 746.3407(12). High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jun 29, 2022. Correction verified: Jul 8, 2022.
Safety - Bodies of Water Inaccessible to Children

“There was a bucket of water in the kitchen area which is in an open area and accessible to the children in care.”

Rule 746.3701(8). High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jun 29, 2022. Correction verified: Jul 8, 2022.
No Blocked or Locked Doors as Exits

“The main entrance exit door was locked during operating hours.”

Rule 746.5209(c). High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jun 29, 2022. Correction verified: Jul 8, 2022.
Safety Requirements for Play Yards - Use and Clean According to Manufacturer’s Instructions

“The play yards were observed with plywood on the bottom for support. The play yards were not labeled with the infant s name. Note: The play yards were labeled, and the plywood boards were removed from the play yards.”

Rule 746.2411(1). Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jun 29, 2022. Correction verified: Jul 8, 2022.
Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Proper Depth Maintained

“Loose fill surfacing (mulch) was not observed to be maintained at the proper depth for a play structure in the outdoor play area. The dirt and grass underneath the mulch was visible.”

Rule 746.4907(d). Medium High, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jul 1, 2022. Correction verified: Jul 11, 2022.
Screen Time Activities - Not Used During Eating or Rest Times

“A group of children were watching a movie during snack time.”

Rule 746.2207(c)(4). Medium, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jun 29, 2022. Correction verified: Jul 8, 2022.
Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Children’s Records

“The staff personnel records were not available for review. The current fire inspection was not available for review. The infant feeding instructions for one infant was not available for review.”

Rule 746.801(1). Medium, by Texas’s label. Correction date, as Texas HHSC recorded it: Jul 1, 2022. Correction verified: Jul 11, 2022.

All 25 visits on record

Inspections, investigations and reports to the state
Date	Visit	What the record says
Feb 25, 2026	Inspection	No violation found
Jan 23, 2026	Inspection	6 deficiencies cited
Feb 11, 2025	Inspection	No violation found
Jan 29, 2025	Inspection	5 deficiencies cited
Sep 3, 2024	Inspection	1 deficiency cited
Aug 26, 2024	Report to the state	No violation found
Feb 8, 2024	Inspection	No violation found
Feb 5, 2024	Report to the state	No violation found
Sep 25, 2023	Inspection	No violation found
Sep 18, 2023	Inspection	2 deficiencies cited
Jun 30, 2023	Inspection	No violation found
Jun 21, 2023	Inspection	1 deficiency cited
Mar 28, 2023	Inspection	No violation found
Mar 22, 2023	Inspection	1 deficiency cited
Mar 21, 2023	Inspection	1 deficiency cited
Mar 17, 2023	Assessment	1 deficiency cited
Mar 15, 2023	Report to the state	No violation found
Mar 15, 2023	Inspection	No violation found
Mar 7, 2023	Inspection	No violation found
Mar 1, 2023	Inspection	1 deficiency cited
Feb 23, 2023	Inspection	4 deficiencies cited
Jul 27, 2022	Inspection	No violation found
Jul 19, 2022	Inspection	1 deficiency cited
Jul 11, 2022	Inspection	5 deficiencies cited
Jun 29, 2022	Inspection	7 deficiencies cited

Is it licensed?

Licensed Center, permit issued Jul 6, 2020.
Accepts state child care subsidies.
Licensed for ages: Infant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School.
Capacity: 30 children.

Texas HHSC, child care operations. Released Oct 31, 2026. Updated daily.

Has Texas acted against it?

No corrective or adverse action by Texas on record.
3 reports to the state on record; Texas doesn’t publish whether they were .

Texas HHSC, child care operations and inspections and investigations. Released Oct 31, 2026. Updated daily.

Who does the caring?

Texas doesn’t publish staffing levels for individual providers. State rules set staff-to-child ratios by age.

Who owns it?

Texas’s open data doesn’t list owners.

How is it rated?

Texas Rising Star: 3-Star (the middle of three levels).

Texas Workforce Commission, subsidy providers and Texas Rising Star. Released Nov 2, 2026. Updated daily.

How does it compare nearby?

Among 479 child care providers in Hidalgo County, the middle value for deficiencies cited in the last three years was 3; this one had 12.

Texas HHSC, deficiencies (non-compliance data). Released Oct 31, 2026. Updated daily.

11 of the 479 in Hidalgo County, as the source lists them, same ZIP code first
Place	Deficiencies, 3 years
Giggles and Scribbles Day Care and Learning Center, Inc.	2
Super Star Kids Learning Center L.L.C.	3
Martha Alicia Garcia	10
Little Explores Academy and Daycare This child care provider	12
Umos Mshs Palmview Center	6
Kids Joy Academy LLC	8
Little Lobos Daycare	8
Abc Little Learners Academy LLC	7
Little Scholars Daycare LLC	3
Palmview Academy	3
The Edutainment Zone 4 LLC	18
Little Lobos Daycare #2 LLC	15

What the record doesn’t say

Texas doesn’t publish whether a complaint was substantiated.
Texas rates some paperwork slips as High risk, so read what was actually cited.
Texas doesn’t publish staffing levels or owners for individual providers.

Sources

Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child care operations (bc5r-88dy).

Released Oct 31, 2026 and checked Nov 2, 2026. Updated daily. Creative Commons 1.0 Universal (Public Domain Dedication).
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Inspections and investigations (m5q4-3y3d).

Released Oct 31, 2026 and checked Nov 2, 2026. Updated daily. Creative Commons 1.0 Universal (Public Domain Dedication).
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Deficiencies (non-compliance data) (tqgd-mf4x).

Released Oct 31, 2026 and checked Nov 2, 2026. Updated daily. Creative Commons 1.0 Universal (Public Domain Dedication).
Texas Workforce Commission, Subsidy providers and Texas Rising Star.

Released Nov 2, 2026 and checked Nov 2, 2026. Updated daily. No licence stated.

If you believe something here is wrong, a correction starts with the agency whose record this copies: Texas HHSC or Texas Workforce Commission. Texas’s own record is on its child care search. If Hearth Record copied something wrongly, it will fix it and log the correction publicly, with its date: how corrections work.

This copy of the record was made on Nov 2, 2026.

From the provider

The public record above comes first. Anything the provider adds will appear here, below it, and say who wrote it.

Replies

None. Replies aren’t open yet. When they open, the provider will be able to answer any finding for free, and the reply will show beside that finding, unedited and dated.

Paid listing

None. Paid listings aren’t open yet. When they open, anything paid for will say “Paid by the provider”, and paying will never change a finding, a rating or the order of results.