Little Explorers Academy & Daycare 2
A licensed child care center in Alton, Texas 78573
2718 E Main Ave, Alton, Texas 78573. (956) 424-6209.
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. Texas’s own record is on its child care search.
The short answer
Record last released by Texas Workforce Commission on Nov 2, 2026.
- 14 deficiencies cited in the last three years Middle in Hidalgo County: 3
- 1 rated High by Texas, its most serious level (needs attention)
- 41 inspections on record
- 3-Star Texas Rising Star rating
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?
14 deficiencies cited in the last three years
The middle of the 479 child care providers in Hidalgo County had 3.
41 inspections on record. The latest, on Jul 20, 2026: 2 deficiencies cited.
Rated High by Texas: Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device, at the inspection on Sep 18, 2024
Texas HHSC, deficiencies (non-compliance data) and inspections and investigations. Released Oct 31, 2026. Updated daily.
When those deficiencies happened
13 deficiencies in 6 months of the last 36. Last cited Jul 2026. Most serious: High. The last 3 years, to Nov 2, 2026.
| 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.
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.
Jul 20, 2026: inspection2 deficiencies
-
Requirements for Feeding Infants - Label Bottles/Cups
“Several bottles in the infant room were not labeled with the infant’s first name and initial of last name. Note: This was CORRECTED at inspection as the bottles were labeled with the required information.”
-
Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment
The inspectors’ words, 126 words
“An external wall of the building in the outdoor playground required maintenance. Black mold was observed on the wall around pvc pipes. The mold posed a safety hazard as it was in an area withing children s reach. The fence in the outdoor playground was observed with three broken pickets. Cleaning supplies were stored under a sink cabinet without a safety latch in the infant room. The cleaning supplies observed were a can of Lysol disinfectant spray, a spray bottle of clorox with water, and plastic bags. This posed a safety hazard as the cleaning supplies and plastic bags were accessible to children. Note: This was addressed with the caregiver and the cleaning supplies and plastic bags were stored in an area out of children’s reach.”
Aug 25, 2025: inspection4 deficiencies
-
Transportation Safety Training -Director and Employee Complete 2 Hours Annually
“The director was missing current training in transportation safety.”
-
Director Annual Training 30 Hours Required
The inspectors’ words, 149 words
“The director was missing annual training for training year 4/7/2024 - 4/6/2025 on the following topics: (1).Serving children with special care needs; (2). Prevention, recognition, and reporting of child maltreatment; (3). Recognizing and preventing shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma; (4). Understanding and using safe sleep practices and preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS); (5). Understanding early childhood brain development; (6). Emergency preparedness: (7). Preventing and controlling the spread of communicable diseases, including immunizations; (8). Administering medication; (9). Preventing and responding to emergencies due to food or an allergic reaction; (10). 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 (11). 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?).”
-
First Aid Kit - Incomplete Kit
“1 of 2 transportation vehicles had an incomplete first aid kit. The first aid kit was missing a thermometer.”
-
Children’s Records - Immunizations
“2 of 4 childrens files reviewed did not have the child’s immunization record for review.”
Jan 7, 2025: inspection2 deficiencies
-
Children’s Records Maintained
“Six children’s records were reviewed. One file is missing health statement and a second file is missing updated immunization record.”
-
Required Personnel Records
“Three out of six staff files reviewed are missing personnel / training information. One file is missing notarized affidavit and the translation of a foreign high school diploma. A second file is missing certificates for 11 hours of annual training including the topics of SIDS/Shaken Baby/ Early Brain Development, Hazardous Materials, Food Allergies, Administering Medications, Emergency Preparedness, Communicable Diseases and Building & Physical Premises Safety. A third file is missing annual trainings on the topics of hazardous materials and building & physical premises safety.”
Sep 18, 2024: inspection3 deficiencies
-
Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device
“A 13mo child slept in a restrictive device during naptime.”
-
Documented Annual Training- Required Content
“Six staff training records were reviewed. One files is missing building / physical premises safety training and a second file is missing transportation training.”
-
Children’s Records - Immunizations
“One out of six children records reviewed is missing immunization records.”
Aug 19, 2024: report to the state1 deficiency
-
AP Report Child Injury Requiring Medical Treatment by a Health-Care Professional or Hospitalization
“Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, operation failed to report to CCR an incident that took place at operation which required a child to receive medical treatment.”
May 1, 2024: inspection1 deficiency
-
Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Use of Safety Straps
“An infant age child was not strapped while in a rocker. Note: This was corrected at inspection when the child was removed from the rocker and the blanket covering the straps was removed.”
Nov 13, 2023: inspection1 deficiency
-
Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional
“Emergency Plan for a child diagnosed with a food allergy is missing the symptoms and steps take if the child has an allergic reaction.”
51 deficiencies older than three years
Oct 3, 2023: inspection5 deficiencies
-
Requirements during probation
“Two out of six children’s files were evaluated during inspection were not reviewed by operation as indicated under probation action item #4.”
-
Documented Annual Training Area - 24 Hours Required
“One out of five staff files reviewed is missing 13 hours of annual training including the following topics: -Abuse / Neglect -Hazardous materials -Food Allergies -Administering Medications -Emergency Preparedness -Building and Physical Premises -Communicable Diseases -Transportation”
-
Children’s Records Maintained
“Six children’s files were reviewed: #1 Missing emergency contact other than the parent #2 Missing health statement, parent signature and statement indicating policies were received #3 Missing statement indicating policies were received #4 Missing signed emergency medical authorization #5 Missing emergency contact address #6 Missing emergency contact address”
-
Documentation of Training Requirements - Trainer’s Qualifications
“Training certificates are missing trainer’s qualifications.”
-
Documentation PEDIATRIAC CPR-1st aid original certificate on file at center or copy available if licensing requests
“Four out of five staff training records reviewed include an unclear copy of the First Aid / CPR training.”
Apr 4, 2023: inspection1 deficiency
-
Incident/Illness Report Form Shared with Parent
“Incident report containing accurate information has not been shared with parent.”
Mar 21, 2023: inspection1 deficiency
-
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 infant-age children were obseved asleep in rockers.”
Feb 27, 2023: inspection3 deficiencies
-
Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device
“A 6mo old child was asleep in a rocker and covered with a blanket.”
-
Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
“A group of 11 children ages 10mo-4yo were combined in the school-age room watching a movie.”
-
Screen Time Activities - Not Used for Under Two
“Children ages 10mo to 4yo were watching the movie Sing.”
Feb 24, 2023: report to the state7 deficiencies
-
Director Responsibilities - Operate in Compliance
“Based on the information obtained during the course the investigation; Director provided inaccurate information, did not communicate well with staff nor ensured staff followed the required steps after an incident took place.”
-
Responsibilities of Employees and Caregivers -Demonstrate Competency, Good Judgment, Self-control
“Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, operation staff did not demonstrate good judgment when staff directed children to close a vehicle door that requires force which resulted in an injury, drove transportation van while a child was on the floor of the van and provided inaccurate statements.”
-
Critical Injury - Give First Aid or CPR
“Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, staff failed to provide the necessary first aid after an incident took place.”
-
Required Equipment in Vehicles - Emergency Medical Information
“Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation children’s information including emergency medical transport and treatment authorization forms and parent?s names and telephone numbers and emergency telephone numbers were missing from Transportation Binder taken during routes.”
-
Responsibilities of Caregivers - Share Information with Incoming Caregivers
“Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, staff failed to communicate between each other after an incident took place. This delayed a child from receiving medical attention and inaccuracy of the information provided under the incident report.”
-
Medication Authorization - Signed and Dated
“Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, a child was administered a medication without parent authorization.”
-
Incident/Illness Report Form Shared with Parent
“Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, incident Report was shared with parent 22 days after the incident took place and contains inaccurate information.”
Jan 13, 2023: inspection5 deficiencies
-
Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months
“Last fire inspection was conducted on 11/09/2021.”
-
Responsibilities of Caregivers - Children in Control
“Children in the toddler room were climbing onto furniture, tables and throwing toys.”
-
Safety Requirements for Play Yards - Label for Each Infant
“Play-yards in the infant room are not labeled.”
-
Diapering Procedures - Sanitizing Diaper Changing Area
“A caregiver did not sanitize the diapering surface after changing a child’s diaper. Caregiver also did not wash the child’s hands after the diaper change. Note: Caregiver washed the child’s hands after it brought to caregivers attention.”
-
Written Activity Plans - Plan Followed by Caregiver
“Staff in the infant room were not familiar with the activities indicated under the infant lesson plan. Toddler schedule was not being followed, indicated children participate in outdoor play at 10AM and staff indicated children go out of the playground at 11AM.”
Oct 14, 2022: inspection1 deficiency
-
Safety - Bodies of Water Inaccessible to Children
“There was a bucket filled with water in the younger playground. Note: This was corrected at inspection when provider dumped the water from the bucket.”
Sep 9, 2022: inspection2 deficiencies
-
Documented Annual Training- Required Content
“Four staff trainings records were reviewed. One staff member is missing 11 hours of annual training including abuse/neglect training. Transportation training for driver could not be located at the time of inspection.”
-
Children’s Records - Health Statement
“One out of four children’s records reviewed is missing a health statement.”
Aug 5, 2022: inspection1 deficiency
-
Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
“A total of 12 childen ages 12mo-12yo were observed combined in the school-age room.”
Jul 21, 2022: inspection1 deficiency
-
Medication Authorization - Signed and Dated
“Medications were administered to three children without written parent authorization.”
Jun 17, 2022: inspection3 deficiencies
-
Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
“A total of 14 children ages 12mo-6yo were combined in the school-age classroom.”
-
Screen Time Activities - Not Used for Under Two
“Children ages 12mo-6yo were watching TV in the school-age room.”
-
Cots, Beds, Mats Labeled With Child’s Name
“Napping mats are not labeled with the children’s name nor number assigned. Note: This was corrected at inspection when provider labeled the mats by number and generated a list with the mat assignment.”
Apr 22, 2022: inspection1 deficiency
-
AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation
“Two staff members were present at the operation without background check elegibility notice.”
Apr 13, 2022: inspection8 deficiencies
-
Responsibilities of Caregivers- Supervision of Children
“A caregiver was in charge of ten children, however, children were divided among two classrooms. There were four children in the school-age room ages 19mo to 4yo, one of them was in a high chair while an additional 6 children ages 18mo-4yo were napping in the toddler room.”
-
No Blocked or Locked Doors as Exits
“Front door which is labeled as an emergency exit was locked upon arrival. All staff present at the operation were in charge of a group of children and no other staff were readily available to allow access without leaving the classroom.”
-
Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children
“One caregiver was caring for five children ages 3mo, 3mo, 11mo, 12mo and 12mo. Specified Age Group is 0-11mo. Classroom was over ratio by one child.”
-
Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
“A total of 13 children ages 11mo-4yo were combined in the school-age room.”
-
Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment - Crib for Each Non-walking Infant Younger Than 12 Months of Age
“Operation did not have individually assigned cribs / play-yards for two children under the age of 12mo. This was corrected at inspection when provider assigned each of the children a play-yard and labeled them with their names.”
-
Nutrition and Food Service - Drinking Water Available and Served
“No water was offered or served during PM snack. No water jugs/cups were observed in the toddler room and water fountain in school-age room is not working.”
-
Food Service and Preparation Requirement - Safe and Sanitary
“Groceries including frozen chicken patties and ground meat were left at room temperature for over two hours.”
-
Storage of Medication - Refrigerate Separate from Food
“Children’s medication was stored in the fridge next to food items including sauce, pudin and yogurt.”
Mar 14, 2022: inspection1 deficiency
-
Screen Time Activities - Related to Planned Activities
“A group of nine children ages 11mo-6yo were watching the movie Sherk. Note: This was corrected at inspection when provider turned off the TV.”
Mar 3, 2022: inspection1 deficiency
-
Basic Requirements for Infants - Never Unsupervised
“An infant-age child was alone and unsupervised in the infant room.”
Feb 28, 2022: assessment1 deficiency
-
Report Number of Employees
“A review of the Employees Who Left Employment in 2021 data from February 23, 2022, revealed that the center had not reported the number of employees who left employment in 2021 by February 22, 2022, as required.”
Feb 25, 2022: inspection3 deficiencies
-
Activities for Infants - Not in Restrictive Device for more than 15 Minutes
“An infant-age child was awake and remained in a high chair for 25 minutes.”
-
Screen Time Activities - Not Used for Under Two
“Children ages 9mo-3yo were watching coco melon during inspection.”
-
Children’s Records - Immunizations
“Four children’s files were reviewed; one file is missing immunization records.”
Nov 19, 2021: inspection6 deficiencies
-
Child-Care Center Must be Equipped with a Working Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection System
“There is not a carbon monoxide detector at the operation.”
-
Emergency Preparedness Plan - Evacuation, relocation, and sheltering/lock-down procedures
“Emergency Preparedness Plan was reviewed and the following items are missing: -Procedure of how children under age 24 mo / with limited mobility will be evacuated -How will operation continue care after an emergency evacuation/relocation”
-
Emergency Evacuation and Relocation Diagram - Two Exits from Each Room
“Emergency Evacuation and Relocation diagrams are posted in all rooms, however, diagrams signal of which way to exit the rooms but do not indicate the path that staff/children need to take to evacuate or relocate. Diagrams are also posted at an adult’s eye level that would make difficult for young children to view.”
-
Plan to Handle Transportation Emergencies
“Operation does not have an emergency transportation training.”
-
First Aid Kit - Incomplete Kit
“First Aid kit is missing tape, scissors, tweezers and cotton balls.”
-
Written Operational Policies - Promotion of Physical Activity
“Operational Policies were reviewed and the following items are missing: -Procedures for parental notifications -Physical and outdoor activities policy -Inform parents they may visit the child-care center at any time during your hours of operation without having to secure prior approval”
All 48 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 20, 2026 | Inspection | 2 deficiencies cited |
| Aug 25, 2025 | Inspection | 4 deficiencies cited |
| Jun 13, 2025 | Report to the state | No violation found |
| Jan 7, 2025 | Inspection | 2 deficiencies cited |
| Oct 1, 2024 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Sep 18, 2024 | Inspection | 3 deficiencies cited |
| Aug 23, 2024 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Aug 19, 2024 | Report to the state | 1 deficiency cited |
| Jun 17, 2024 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Jun 14, 2024 | Report to the state | No violation found |
| Jun 11, 2024 | Report to the state | No violation found |
| Jun 3, 2024 | Inspection | No violation found |
| May 1, 2024 | Inspection | 1 deficiency cited |
| Apr 1, 2024 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Mar 13, 2024 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Feb 15, 2024 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Jan 11, 2024 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Dec 20, 2023 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Nov 13, 2023 | Inspection | 1 deficiency cited |
| Oct 3, 2023 | Inspection | 5 deficiencies cited |
| Sep 7, 2023 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Aug 18, 2023 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Jul 6, 2023 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Jun 27, 2023 | Inspection | No violation found |
| May 19, 2023 | Report to the state | No violation found |
| Apr 17, 2023 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Apr 4, 2023 | Inspection | 1 deficiency cited |
| Mar 21, 2023 | Inspection | 1 deficiency cited |
| Mar 6, 2023 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Feb 27, 2023 | Inspection | 3 deficiencies cited |
| Feb 24, 2023 | Report to the state | 7 deficiencies cited |
| Jan 27, 2023 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Jan 13, 2023 | Inspection | 5 deficiencies cited |
| Oct 14, 2022 | Inspection | 1 deficiency cited |
| Sep 9, 2022 | Inspection | 2 deficiencies cited |
| Aug 11, 2022 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Aug 5, 2022 | Inspection | 1 deficiency cited |
| Jul 21, 2022 | Inspection | 1 deficiency cited |
| Jun 29, 2022 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Jun 17, 2022 | Inspection | 3 deficiencies cited |
| Apr 22, 2022 | Inspection | 1 deficiency cited |
| Apr 13, 2022 | Inspection | 8 deficiencies cited |
| Mar 14, 2022 | Inspection | 1 deficiency cited |
| Mar 3, 2022 | Inspection | 1 deficiency cited |
| Feb 28, 2022 | Assessment | 1 deficiency cited |
| Feb 25, 2022 | Inspection | 3 deficiencies cited |
| Jan 19, 2022 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Nov 19, 2021 | Inspection | 6 deficiencies cited |
Is it licensed?
- Licensed Center, permit issued Oct 28, 2022.
- Accepts state child care subsidies.
- Licensed for ages: Infant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School.
- Capacity: 49 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.
- 6 reports to the state on record; Texas doesn’t publish whether they were A complaint allegation the state investigated and found true: the evidence showed it more likely than not happened. Inconclusive means the evidence couldn’t show it either way. Neither inconclusive nor unsubstantiated proves it didn’t happen. Source: California Department of Social Services, complaint findings; each state’s licensing agency..
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 14.
Texas HHSC, deficiencies (non-compliance data). Released Oct 31, 2026. Updated daily.
| Place | Deficiencies, 3 years |
|---|---|
| Bright Minds Learning Center | 5 |
| Helping Hands Child Care | 12 |
| Einstein’s Academy, LLC | 15 |
| Sunrise Learning Academy | 4 |
| Handprints Playschool | 7 |
| Little Harvard Educational Center Preschool and Day Care | 12 |
| Umos Mshs Alton Center | 7 |
| His Little Ones Preschool & Daycare,llc | 9 |
| Future Leaders Daycare and Learning Center | 29 |
| Little Explorers Academy & Daycare 2 This child care provider | 14 |
| Little Diamondbacks Learning Center LLC | 7 |
| Salinas Elementary Head Start Campus | 5 |
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.