Little Steps Academy

Licensed Center

Provider details

City / County / ZIP: Fort Worth / Tarrant / 76112
Street address: 3121 Forest Ave
Phone: (817) 881-2501
Capacity: 47
Ages served: Infant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
Hours / Days: 06:30 AM-06:30 PM / Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri
Permit type: Full Permit
Permit issued: December 21, 2016
Operation status:: Active
Corrective action: HHSC lists: No
Adverse action: HHSC lists: No
Temporarily closed: HHSC lists: No

Corrective action means HHSC requires steps to address compliance concerns; see the official HHSC record for details.

Adverse action means HHSC has taken enforcement action affecting an operation’s permit or ability to operate; see the official HHSC record for details.

Plain-English summary of cited deficiencies

State records list 26 cited deficiencies dated October 12, 2023 to May 15, 2026 (2 High, 16 Medium High, 6 Medium, 2 Medium Low risk). Correction status: 0 corrected at inspection, 26 with a correction date recorded, 0 with no correction date recorded.

High risk · Licensed Operations Required Fees (745.509)
Cited May 15, 2026 (correction date recorded: May 15, 2026; correction verified May 27, 2026; technical assistance given).
What the record describes: The operation had not paid the background check fee.
High risk · AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation (745.641)
Cited October 12, 2023 (correction date recorded: October 12, 2023; correction verified October 19, 2023; technical assistance given).
What the record describes: A caregiver whose background check was pending was present and alone with children.
Medium High risk · Infant Daily Report - Times and Amount of Food (746.2431(2))
Cited April 17, 2026 (correction date recorded: May 15, 2026; correction verified May 15, 2026; technical assistance given).
What the record describes: The operation was not providing parents of infants ages 0–17 months with daily reports noting the times and amounts of food their infants ate.
Medium High risk · Infant Daily Report - Times of Diaper Changes (746.2431(3))
Cited April 17, 2026 (correction date recorded: May 15, 2026; correction verified May 15, 2026; technical assistance given).
What the record describes: The operation was not providing parents of infants ages 0–17 months with daily reports noting the times of diaper changes.
Medium High risk · Maintenance Procedures for Active Play - Hazards Removed or Repaired (746.4751(c))
Cited January 2, 2026 (correction date recorded: January 9, 2026; correction verified January 7, 2026; technical assistance given).
What the record describes: The air conditioning unit was accessible to children.
Medium High risk · Safety - Areas Free From Hazards (746.3701)
Cited January 2, 2026 (correction date recorded: January 9, 2026; correction verified January 7, 2026; technical assistance given); October 12, 2023 (correction date recorded: October 16, 2023; correction verified October 19, 2023; technical assistance given).
What the record describes: Narratives describe three active ant piles in the outdoor play space and thorny vines around the fence. Loose cords were hanging from a TV in the classroom.
Medium High risk · Director's Absence - Caregiver in Charge Knows in Charge (746.1013(a)(1))
Cited July 11, 2025 (correction date recorded: September 17, 2025; correction verified October 2, 2025; technical assistance given).
What the record describes: There was no person in charge. The narrative links this to a DFPS abuse or neglect investigation.
Medium High risk · Crib Mattress Cover - Snug-Fitting and Thin (746.2415(c)(2))
Cited December 31, 2024 (correction date recorded: January 10, 2025; correction verified February 10, 2025; technical assistance given).
What the record describes: The sheets on the infant cribs did not fit tightly.
Medium High risk · Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Sufficient Number of Toys (746.2405(5))
Cited December 31, 2024 (correction date recorded: January 10, 2025; correction verified February 10, 2025; technical assistance given).
What the record describes: The infant room had a very limited selection of toys available for infants to engage with.
Medium High risk · Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - Pre-Service Training (746.1301(a)(2)(A))
Cited December 31, 2024 (correction date recorded: January 31, 2025; correction verified February 10, 2025).
What the record describes: Two caregivers did not have pre-service training or the required two years of experience in a regulated center.
Medium High risk · Maintenance Procedures for Active Play - Inspect Daily (746.4751(a))
Cited February 27, 2024 (correction date recorded: March 4, 2024; correction verified February 29, 2024).
What the record describes: The playground had PVC pipes and a black rubber covering for a water pipe identified as tripping hazards. There were also holes beside the building that needed to be filled and leveled.
Medium High risk · Children Handwashing After Toileting or Diapering (746.3417(3))
Cited October 12, 2023 (correction date recorded: October 13, 2023; correction verified October 19, 2023).
What the record describes: A child's hands were not washed after a diaper change.
Medium High risk · Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child (746.3415(4))
Cited October 12, 2023 (correction date recorded: October 13, 2023; correction verified October 19, 2023).
What the record describes: A caregiver did not wash their hands after changing a child's diaper.
Medium High risk · Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional (746.3819)
Cited October 12, 2023 (correction date recorded: October 20, 2023; correction verified October 19, 2023).
What the record describes: Two children with diagnosed food allergies did not have food allergy emergency plans on file.
Medium High risk · Posting Requirements - Child's Food Allergy Plans (746.403(b))
Cited October 12, 2023 (correction date recorded: October 16, 2023; correction verified October 19, 2023).
What the record describes: Two children's allergies were not posted in their classrooms or in the kitchen where food was prepared.
Medium High risk · Required Admission Information - Emergency Contact (746.605(6))
Cited October 12, 2023 (correction date recorded: October 16, 2023; correction verified October 19, 2023).
What the record describes: A child's enrollment form was missing the emergency contact's address.
Medium High risk · Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know children's names and ages (746.1205(a)(3))
Cited October 12, 2023 (correction date recorded: October 13, 2023; correction verified October 19, 2023).
What the record describes: A caregiver did not know the ages of the children in their care.
Medium risk · Director's Absence - Caregiver in Charge Knows Responsibilities (746.1013(a)(2))
Cited July 11, 2025 (correction date recorded: September 17, 2025; correction verified October 2, 2025).
What the record describes: The director did not leave a person in charge during their absence. The narrative links this to a DFPS abuse or neglect investigation.
Medium risk · Written Activity Plan - Child-Initiated - Equipment/Materials In Reach (746.2206(3)(A))
Cited December 31, 2024 (correction date recorded: January 10, 2025; correction verified February 10, 2025).
What the record describes: The classrooms had few or no toys available for children to start playing on their own. Toys were stored out of reach and had to be retrieved by a caregiver.
Medium risk · Children's Records - Health Statement (746.603(a)(3))
Cited October 12, 2023 (correction date recorded: October 20, 2023; correction verified October 19, 2023).
What the record describes: Three children's files were missing a statement from a health care professional.
Medium risk · Individual Cot, Bed, or Mat for Each Walking Child Through 4 Years of Age (746.4503(a))
Cited October 12, 2023 (correction date recorded: October 13, 2023; correction verified October 19, 2023; technical assistance given).
What the record describes: A child who could walk was placed in a crib with the crib bed positioned too high.
Medium risk · Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Employees' Attendance (746.801(5))
Cited October 12, 2023 (correction date recorded: October 16, 2023; correction verified October 19, 2023).
What the record describes: Two staff members did not have current attendance records on file.
Medium risk · Written Activity Plans - Plan Followed by Caregiver (746.2203(b))
Cited October 12, 2023 (correction date recorded: October 16, 2023; correction verified October 19, 2023).
What the record describes: The narrative states that caregivers are expected to follow the activity plan for consistency in children's daily activities.
Medium Low risk · Report Number of Employees (746.303(b))
Cited January 16, 2025 (correction date recorded: January 24, 2025; correction verified January 27, 2025; technical assistance given); January 17, 2024 (correction date recorded: January 18, 2024; correction verified January 18, 2024; technical assistance given).
What the record describes: Narratives describe employee reporting that was not submitted or was not completed within the required timeframe.

Counts, dates, risk levels and correction status come directly from the state data. The plain-English descriptions were written automatically from the inspectors' narratives and checked against them by a second automated reviewer; they cover citations dated October 11, 2023 to October 11, 2026. They may contain errors; the official record is authoritative.

View the official state record · Report an issue with this page

Summary of the record

This summary is generated automatically from public HHSC records. It restates the official record and may lag behind it. The official state record is the authoritative source: official HHSC record.

Texas Health and Human Services records list 26 cited deficiencies for Little Steps Academy in the 3 years before October 10, 2026 (2 High, 16 Medium High, 6 Medium, 2 Medium Low).

Records list 12 inspections in this window. Most recent inspection: 2026-09-02.

HHSC risk weights of citations
Risk weight	Citations
High	2
Medium High	16
Medium	6
Medium Low	2
Low	0
Unknown	0

HHSC assigns each standard a risk weight from Low to High. A deficiency is a finding that a minimum standard was not met.

Recent citations in the summary window

2026-05-15 · 745.509 · High

Licensed Operations Required Fees

Operation has not paid background check fee.

Correction date recorded: 2026-05-15

2026-04-17 · 746.2431(3) · Medium High

Infant Daily Report - Times of Diaper Changes

Based on the investigation findings, this standard was reviewed and found to be in non-compliance with The Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers. The operation was not providing an infant daily report to the parents of infants ages 0-17 months old noting the times of diaper…

Correction date recorded: 2026-05-15

2026-04-17 · 746.2431(2) · Medium High

Infant Daily Report - Times and Amount of Food

Based on the investigation findings, this standard was reviewed and found to be in non-compliance with The Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers. The operation was not providing an infant daily report to the parents of infants ages 0-17 months old noting the times and amount…

Correction date recorded: 2026-05-15

Full citation history from HHSC (44)

2026-05-15 · 745.509 · High
Licensed Operations Required Fees
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2026-05-15. Correction verified: 2026-05-27.
Operation has not paid background check fee.
2026-04-17 · 746.2431(2) · Medium High
Infant Daily Report - Times and Amount of Food
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2026-05-15. Correction verified: 2026-05-15.
Based on the investigation findings, this standard was reviewed and found to be in non-compliance with The Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers. The operation was not providing an infant daily report to the parents of infants ages 0-17 months old noting the times and amount of food the infant was ingesting. The operation has since been providing this information to the parents of the children in the infant classroom.
2026-04-17 · 746.2431(3) · Medium High
Infant Daily Report - Times of Diaper Changes
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2026-05-15. Correction verified: 2026-05-15.
Based on the investigation findings, this standard was reviewed and found to be in non-compliance with The Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers. The operation was not providing an infant daily report to the parents of infants ages 0-17 months old noting the times of diaper changes. The operation has since been providing this information to the parents of the children in the infant classroom.
2026-01-02 · 746.4751(c) · Medium High
Maintenance Procedures for Active Play - Hazards Removed or Repaired
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2026-01-09. Correction verified: 2026-01-07.
The a.c unit is accessible to children.
2026-01-02 · 746.3701 · Medium High
Safety - Areas Free From Hazards
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2026-01-09. Correction verified: 2026-01-07.
The outdoor play space has three active ant piles and thorny vines around the fence.
2025-07-11 · 746.1013(a)(2) · Medium
Director's Absence - Caregiver in Charge Knows Responsibilities
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2025-09-17. Correction verified: 2025-10-02.
Director did not leave a person in charge in their absence. The deficiency is related to a DFPS Abuse/Neglect investigation.
2025-07-11 · 746.1013(a)(1) · Medium High
Director's Absence - Caregiver in Charge Knows in Charge
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2025-09-17. Correction verified: 2025-10-02.
There was no person in charge. The deficiency is related to a DFPS Abuse/Neglect investigation.
2025-01-16 · 746.303(b) · Medium Low
Report Number of Employees
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2025-01-24. Correction verified: 2025-01-27.
The provider did not report the number of employees that left in 2024 in the allotted timeframe required.
2024-12-31 · 746.1301(a)(2)(A) · Medium High
Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - Pre-Service Training
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2025-01-31. Correction verified: 2025-02-10.
At the time of the inspection, 2 caregivers did not have pre-service training and did not have the 2 years od required experince in a regulated center.
2024-12-31 · 746.2206(3)(A) · Medium
Written Activity Plan - Child-Initiated - Equipment/Materials In Reach
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2025-01-10. Correction verified: 2025-02-10.
The classrooms had little to no toys available for children to initiate play. Toys were put up out of reach and had to be retrived by a caregiver.
2024-12-31 · 746.2415(c)(2) · Medium High
Crib Mattress Cover - Snug-Fitting and Thin
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2025-01-10. Correction verified: 2025-02-10.
The sheets on the infant cribs were not tight fitting and created an entanglement hazard.
2024-12-31 · 746.2405(5) · Medium High
Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Sufficient Number of Toys
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2025-01-10. Correction verified: 2025-02-10.
Infant room had a very little selection of toys available for infant engagement.
2024-02-27 · 746.4751(a) · Medium High
Maintenance Procedures for Active Play - Inspect Daily
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2024-03-04. Correction verified: 2024-02-29.
The playground has multiple tripping hazards including PVC pipes and black rubber covering for the water pipe. There are also holes on the side of the building that need to be filled and leveled out to avoid risk of tripping.
2024-01-17 · 746.303(b) · Medium Low
Report Number of Employees
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2024-01-18. Correction verified: 2024-01-18.
Report not submitted as of 1/16/2023.
2023-10-12 · 746.1205(a)(3) · Medium High
Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know children's names and ages
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-10-13. Correction verified: 2023-10-19.
A caregiver did not know the ages of the children they were responsible for.
2023-10-12 · 746.3819 · Medium High
Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-10-20. Correction verified: 2023-10-19.
Two children with diagnosed food allergies did not have their food allergy emergency plan on file.
2023-10-12 · 746.603(a)(3) · Medium
Children's Records - Health Statement
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-10-20. Correction verified: 2023-10-19.
Three children's files were missing the healthcare professional statement.
2023-10-12 · 746.3701 · Medium High
Safety - Areas Free From Hazards
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-10-16. Correction verified: 2023-10-19.
There were loose cords hanging from a TV in the classroom.
2023-10-12 · 746.4503(a) · Medium
Individual Cot, Bed, or Mat for Each Walking Child Through 4 Years of Age
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-10-13. Correction verified: 2023-10-19.
A walking child was placed in a crib with a crib bed that was too high, causing risks of the child standing up and falling out, climbing out, and injuring themselves.
2023-10-12 · 746.801(5) · Medium
Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Employees' Attendance
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-10-16. Correction verified: 2023-10-19.
Two staff members did not have current attendance records on file.
2023-10-12 · 746.3417(3) · Medium High
Children Handwashing After Toileting or Diapering
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-10-13. Correction verified: 2023-10-19.
A child did not have their hands washed after diapering.
2023-10-12 · 746.605(6) · Medium High
Required Admission Information - Emergency Contact
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-10-16. Correction verified: 2023-10-19.
A child's enrollment form did not have their emergency contact's address.
2023-10-12 · 746.403(b) · Medium High
Posting Requirements - Child's Food Allergy Plans
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-10-16. Correction verified: 2023-10-19.
Two children's allergies were not posted in their classrooms or in the kitchen where food gets prepared.
2023-10-12 · 746.3415(4) · Medium High
Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-10-13. Correction verified: 2023-10-19.
A caregiver did not wash their hands after diapering a child.
2023-10-12 · 745.641 · High
AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-10-12. Correction verified: 2023-10-19.
A caregiver with a pending background check was present and alone with children.
2023-10-12 · 746.2203(b) · Medium
Written Activity Plans - Plan Followed by Caregiver
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-10-16. Correction verified: 2023-10-19.
Caregivers are expected to follow the activity plan to ensure consistency in the children's daily activities.
2023-08-29 · 746.2405(1) · Medium High
Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment - Adult-sized Chair
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-08-29. Correction verified: 2023-09-06.
It was observed 3 infants unsupervised while a caregiver was in a room adjacent supervising another group of children.
2023-08-29 · 746.2403(6) · Medium High
Infant Care Area - Not Used as a Passageway
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-08-29. Correction verified: 2023-09-06.
It was observed children over the age of 2 years old, walking from another room to the infant room.
2023-08-29 · 746.2417(2)(B) · High
Activities for Infants - Not in Restrictive Device for more than 15 Minutes
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-08-29. Correction verified: 2023-09-06.
It was observed three infants on high chairs for more that 15 minutes.
2023-08-29 · 746.1615 · Medium
Child/Caregiver Ratio - Opening/Closing
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-08-29. Correction verified: 2023-09-06.
The operation had 22 children in care with one caregiver, the youngest child was under 12 months old and the oldest was around 11 years old.
2023-08-29 · 746.3701 · Medium High
Safety - Areas Free From Hazards
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-08-29. Correction verified: 2023-09-06.
It was observed a child having access to an electrical cable that was connected to a wall outlet.
2023-08-29 · 746.631(a) · Medium High
Sign-in and Sign-out Tracking System
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-08-29. Correction verified: 2023-09-06.
Tracking system did not have a complete information of the incoming children, did not showed the time of arrival and age of the children in care.
2023-08-29 · 746.1203(3)(B) · Medium High
Meal preparation, except when 12 or fewer children are in care
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-08-29. Correction verified: 2023-09-06.
It was observed the permit holder supervising and providing care for the infant room and an older children's room while serving meals to the older children group.
2023-08-28 · 746.1205(a)(4) · High
Supervision ensures each child?s safety, well-being, including physical proximity and auditory or visual awareness of each child?s on going activity
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-08-29. Correction verified: 2023-09-06.
The supervision provide did not ensure each child s safety and well-being based on physical proximity and auditory or visual awareness of each child s on going activity as appropriate.
2023-08-28 · 746.2401(7) · High
Basic Requirements for Infants - Never Unsupervised
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-09-01. Correction verified: 2023-09-06.
Infants were left unsupervised during opening hours.
2023-08-28 · 746.201(9) · Medium High
Complying with Laws and Rules
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2023-09-01. Correction verified: 2023-09-06.
The permit holder did not comply with Lawas and Rules, by not providing children supervision that ensure safety of all children in care.
2021-11-12 · 746.3703(a) · High
People Whose Behavior/Health Threatens Children Not Present
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2021-11-15. Correction verified: 2021-11-23.
The center staff was present at the center, exposing other staff and children, while being positive for COVID-19.
2021-11-12 · 746.2409(a)(4) · Medium High
Safety Requirements for Cribs - Secure Supports
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2021-11-15. Correction verified: 2021-11-23.
A child was sleeping in a crib with loose hardware. The child and mattress had sunken almost reaching the floor.
2021-11-12 · 746.3415(4) · Medium High
Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2021-11-15. Correction verified: 2021-11-23.
Caregiver did not wash hands after changing a diaper.
2021-11-12 · 746.3417(3) · Medium High
Children Handwashing After Toileting or Diapering
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2021-11-15. Correction verified: 2021-11-23.
A child did not have their hands washed after diapering.
2021-11-12 · 746.3505(e) · Medium High
Diapering Procedures - Sanitizing Diaper Changing Area
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2021-11-15. Correction verified: 2021-11-23.
Caregiver did not sanitize the diaper changing surface after changing a diaper.
2021-11-12 · 746.305(a)(4) · Medium High
Report Outbreak of Communicable Illness
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2021-11-15. Correction verified: 2021-11-23.
The operation did not notify licensing of a positive COVID-19 case.
2021-11-12 · 746.2409(a)(2) · Medium High
Safety Requirements for Cribs - Snug Fitting Sheets
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2021-11-15. Correction verified: 2021-11-23.
A crib did not have a snug fitted sheet covering the mattress.
2021-11-12 · 746.2409(a)(3) · Medium High
Safety Requirements for Cribs - Waterproof, Washable Mattress
Corrected at inspection: No. Correction date: 2021-11-15. Correction verified: 2021-11-23.
A crib mattress was torn up with tape covering the tears making the mattress not washable.

Source: Texas HHSC Child Care Regulation, via data.texas.gov (CC0). See the official record: https://childcare.hhs.texas.gov/Public/InspectionAndComplianceHistory?operationId=1244721

Records reflect only deficiencies published by the state after due process. This page does not rate or rank providers. Check the official record for the latest information.

Provider data fetched: October 10, 2026.