Montessori Childrens Cottage
A licensed child care center in Houston, Texas 77092
4009 Sherwood Ln, Houston, Texas 77092. (713) 686-5427.
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The short answer
Record last released by Texas HHSC on Nov 5, 2026.
- 20 deficiencies cited in the last three years Middle in Harris County: 4
- 4 rated High by Texas, its most serious level (needs attention)
- 13 inspections on record
- Not rated 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?
20 deficiencies cited in the last three years
The middle of the 2,139 child care providers in Harris County had 4.
13 inspections on record. The latest, on Aug 20, 2026: 3 deficiencies cited.
Rated High by Texas: Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months, at the inspection on Aug 20, 2026
Rated High by Texas: Swimming Pools - Chemicals and Pumps Inaccessible to Children, at the inspection on Aug 4, 2026
Rated High by Texas: AP Required Admission Information - Child requires a personal flotation device, at the inspection on Aug 4, 2026
1 more rated High; all are listed below.
Texas HHSC, deficiencies (non-compliance data) and inspections and investigations. Released Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily.
When those deficiencies happened
20 deficiencies in 3 months of the last 36. Last cited Aug 2026. Most serious: High. The last 3 years, to Nov 5, 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 Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily.
Aug 20, 2026: inspection3 deficiencies
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Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months
“The operation’s fire inspection has not been completed since 8/12/2025.”
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Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment
“CCR observed that the acoustic ceiling in the pool house was damaged, with sections missing and cracks present. Correction made: The operation repaired the glass sliding door in the pool house.”
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Director Annual Training 30 Hours Required
“The director has not completed the required 30 clock hours of training during the annual period from 1/17/2025 to 1/17/2026.”
Aug 4, 2026: inspection8 deficiencies
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Swimming Pools - Chemicals and Pumps Inaccessible to Children
“CCR observed pool chemicals and the pump were not properly stored and were accessible to children during swimming lessons.”
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AP Required Admission Information - Child requires a personal flotation device
“CCR reviewed six children’s admission files and found that the operation does not include a question on the form regarding whether a child is required to wear a personal flotation device.”
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Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment
“CCR observed that the acoustic ceiling in the pool house was missing, cracked, and sagging. Additionally, the glass sliding door in the pool house was broken, preventing it from closing properly.”
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Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Six Inches if Equipment 5 Ft or Less
“The operation has a play structure with a slide that is under five feet in height; however, the loose fill beneath it measures less than 6 inches deep.”
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Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Nine Inches if Equipment Greater Than 5 Ft.
“The operation has a play structure with a slide exceeding five feet in height; however, the loose fill beneath it measures less than 9 inches deep.”
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AP Required Admission Information - Child able to swim competently
“CCR reviewed six children’s admission files and found that the operation does not include a question on the form regarding whether a child can swim competently.”
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Director Annual Training 30 Hours Required
“The director has not completed the required 30 clock hours of training during the annual period from 1/17/2025 to 1/17/2026.”
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Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Employees’ Attendance
“The director time sheets were not available during the inspection.”
Aug 5, 2025: inspection6 deficiencies
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Pest Extermination
“1 active ant bed is present on the playground.”
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Safety - Play Materials and Equipment Safe
“Two children’s play toys present on the playground had sharp and jagged edges. Note: this was corrected at inspection when the director removed them.”
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Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional
“1 child with a diagnosed food allergy needs an updated food allergy emergency plan, signed by both the parent and medical professional, along with the prescribed medication.”
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Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Fire Inspection Report, Including Written Approval for Above/Below Ground Level Care
“6 children were present upstairs with a caregiver and vendor for a specialized class without Fire Marshal approval. Note: this was corrected at inspection when the director moved the group of children downstairs.”
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Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Posts Marked to Proper Depth
“2 composite play structures on the playground are missing post markings that indicates the depth of the loose fill.”
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Documentation PEDIATRIAC CPR-1st aid original certificate on file at center or copy available if licensing requests
“2 out of 8 staff were missing the original certificate for pediatric CPR/first aid.”
Aug 6, 2024: inspection3 deficiencies
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Prohibited Punishments - Withholding Active Play
“During the inspection I observed a caregiver withholding active play for two children in care. The children’s classrooms outdoor time was ending by the time they were going outside.”
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Required Admission Information - Emergency Contact
“During review of record keeping 6 out of 10 records evaluated did not include the address for the emergency contact as required.”
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Medication No Longer Used
“During the inpsection the operation was found to have 3 expired epi-pens for children with food allergies and an expired inhaler for a child in care.”
15 deficiencies older than three years
Aug 8, 2023: inspection5 deficiencies
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Personal use of electronic devices, such as cell phones, MP3 players, tablets, and video games
“During the walkthrough I oberserved a caregiver on their phone when they were supposed to be supervising children during naptime.”
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Safety - Areas Free From Hazards
“During the walkthrough of the outdoor play area I oberved three broken fence boards, a wooden bench with a nail exposed, a rubber hose covering wire sticking out of the ground The caregiver in charge hammered the exposed nail flat during the inspection.”
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Safety - Electrical Outlets Covered
“During the inspection I oberved 2 electrical outlets uncovered”
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Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional
“During review of safety the opeation did not have an emergency plan signed by parents and health care professional for two children with diagnosed food allergies.”
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Written Operational Policies - Promotion of Physical Activity
“During review of administration the center’s operational policies did not include promotion of Physical activity as requied by minimum standards.”
Dec 22, 2022: report to the state2 deficiencies
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Hand Sanitizer - Stored Out of Child’s Reach When Not in Use
“During my walkthrough I observed a bottle of sanitizer accessible to children in care. This was corrected when the caregiver removed the bottle of sanitizer.”
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Safety - Electrical Outlets Covered
“I observed 4 electrical outlets that were not covered as required. This was corrected when the director replaced the plug covers.”
Aug 8, 2022: inspection5 deficiencies
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Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know Group Responsible For
“During the walkthrough of the toddler class I had a caregiver state they were caring for 15 children when I observed 16 children present. During the walkthrough of the older toddler classroom a caregiver stated they were caring for 17 children when I observed 18 children present.”
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Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child
“During the walkthrough I observed a caregiver change their gloves and proceeded to change another child’s diaper without washing their hands.”
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Safety - Areas Free From Hazards
“During the walkthrough I observed two water hoses that were left out unraveled on the playground, I observed two broken fence boards as well as one board that was not secured. I observed a broken gate as well as a broken bench that appears to cover a concrete slab. I observed broken wooden barriers with rod iron exposed.”
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Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Proper Depth Maintained
“The operation has failed to maintain their loose fill surfacing at a proper depth.”
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Children’s Records - Immunizations
“During review of records 1 out of 8 evaluated did not have current immunizations.”
Jan 18, 2022: inspection1 deficiency
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Maximum Group Size 13 or More Children
“During the follow up inspection completed one classroom is out of ratio by 2 children. The specified age group is 4 year old classroom with 37 children and two caregivers at nap time. Note: This was corrected when two children were moved to a different classroom.”
Nov 16, 2021: report to the state2 deficiencies
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Responsibilities of Caregivers- Supervision of Children
“It was found that on 09/20/2021 a child was bitten multiple times on the face and the caregivers were unaware of how the incident occurred.”
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Incident/Illness Report Form Shared with Parent
“It was found that the incident report was not signed by the child’s parents. The incident occurred on 09/20/2021.”
All 16 visits on record
| Date | Visit | What the record says |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 20, 2026 | Inspection | 3 deficiencies cited |
| Aug 4, 2026 | Inspection | 8 deficiencies cited |
| Aug 19, 2025 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Aug 5, 2025 | Inspection | 6 deficiencies cited |
| Aug 23, 2024 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Aug 6, 2024 | Inspection | 3 deficiencies cited |
| Aug 8, 2023 | Inspection | 5 deficiencies cited |
| Jan 3, 2023 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Dec 22, 2022 | Report to the state | 2 deficiencies cited |
| Aug 11, 2022 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Aug 8, 2022 | Inspection | 5 deficiencies cited |
| Jan 26, 2022 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Jan 19, 2022 | Report to the state | No violation found |
| Jan 18, 2022 | Inspection | 1 deficiency cited |
| Nov 23, 2021 | Inspection | No violation found |
| Nov 16, 2021 | Report to the state | 2 deficiencies cited |
Is it licensed?
- Licensed Center, permit issued Nov 22, 1987.
- Licensed for ages: Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School.
- Capacity: 85 children.
Texas HHSC, child care operations. Released Nov 5, 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 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 Nov 5, 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?
- Not rated in Texas Rising Star.
Texas Workforce Commission, subsidy providers and Texas Rising Star. Released Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily.
How does it compare nearby?
- Among 2139 child care providers in Harris County, the middle value for deficiencies cited in the last three years was 4; this one had 20.
Texas HHSC, deficiencies (non-compliance data). Released Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily.
| Place | Deficiencies, 3 years |
|---|---|
| Montessori Childrens Cottage This child care provider | 20 |
| Childrens Cottage Infant Center | 11 |
| Advent’s Beloved Children Abc Learning Center | 3 |
| Laugh N’ Discover Early Learning Center | 3 |
| The New Day School | 4 |
| Little Hands Day Care | 12 |
| Small World Learning Academy | 5 |
| Kce Champions LLC @ Kipp Nexus | 9 |
| The Nest of Grace Childcare | 16 |
| The Learning Express Houston | 8 |
| Gethsemane Lutheran Mdo | 1 |
| Maria Granados | 9 |
| St Ambrose Early Childhood Center | 3 |
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
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Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child care operations (bc5r-88dy).
Released Nov 5, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily. Creative Commons 1.0 Universal (Public Domain Dedication).
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Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Inspections and investigations (m5q4-3y3d).
Released Nov 5, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily. Creative Commons 1.0 Universal (Public Domain Dedication).
-
Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Deficiencies (non-compliance data) (tqgd-mf4x).
Released Nov 5, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 2026. Updated daily. Creative Commons 1.0 Universal (Public Domain Dedication).
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Texas Workforce Commission, Subsidy providers and Texas Rising Star.
Released Nov 5, 2026 and checked Nov 5, 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 5, 2026.
From the provider
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