Daycare RecordChild care inspection records

Little Explores Academy and Daycare

5711 N La Homa Rd, Mission, TX 78574 · Hidalgo County
Accepts child care subsidies

Little Explores Academy and Daycare is a licensed child care center in Mission, TX, licensed for up to 30 children and serving infants through school-age children. It has held its Texas license since 2020. Since October 2021, state inspectors have visited 21 times and investigated 3 reports. Inspectors recorded 36 citations, 8 of them high-risk, most often for building & playground safety (9 of 36). 6 citations came in the last 12 months. 3% were corrected during the inspection itself. Measured by risk-weighted citations per inspection, it is #50 of 61 centers in Mission and better than 10% of licensed centers statewide.

Inspection record

Better than 10%of 9,147 Texas licensed centers, comparing risk-weighted citations per inspection. Among the most cited
#50 of 61 centers in Mission
8High risk
19Medium High risk
8Medium risk
0Medium Low risk
1Low risk
36 citations from 21 inspections and 2 reports since Oct 1, 2021 · 6 in the last 12 months · last inspected Feb 25, 2026

Every state visit

20222023202420252026INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom)Feb 25, 2026 · Inspection · no citationJan 23, 2026 · Inspection · citation foundFeb 11, 2025 · Inspection · no citationJan 29, 2025 · Inspection · citation foundSep 3, 2024 · Inspection · citation foundAug 26, 2024 · Report/investigation · no citationFeb 8, 2024 · Inspection · no citationFeb 5, 2024 · Report/investigation · no citationSep 25, 2023 · Inspection · no citationSep 18, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundJun 30, 2023 · Inspection · no citationJun 21, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundMar 28, 2023 · Inspection · no citationMar 22, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundMar 21, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundMar 17, 2023 · Assessment · citation foundMar 15, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citationMar 15, 2023 · Inspection · no citationMar 7, 2023 · Inspection · no citationMar 1, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundFeb 23, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundJul 27, 2022 · Inspection · no citationJul 19, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundJul 11, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundJun 29, 2022 · Inspection · citation found
Citation foundNo citation

What inspectors cited most

Building & playground safety9
Training & qualifications7
Health & medication4
Sleep safety4
Records & paperwork3
Other standards3
Staff ratios3
Caregiver conduct1
Transportation1
Food & feeding1

Citations, newest first

Medium HighJan 23, 2026InspectionTraining & qualifications
Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking. §746.1315(a)
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.
Correction verified Jan 27, 2026
Medium HighJan 23, 2026InspectionHealth & medication
Diaper Changing Equipment - Smooth, Non-absorbent, Easy to Clean Surface §746.3503(a)
The diaper changing mat in the toddler room and Pre-k room were observed torn.
Correction verified Feb 25, 2026
Medium HighJan 23, 2026InspectionTraining & qualifications
Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR §746.1315(b)
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.
Correction verified Jan 27, 2026
Medium HighJan 23, 2026InspectionTraining & qualifications
Transportation Safety Training -Director and Employee Complete 2 Hours Annually §746.1316(a)
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.
Correction verified Jan 27, 2026
MediumJan 23, 2026InspectionRecords & paperwork
Notification of Change in Space §746.301(2)
Child Care Regulation was not notified before making changes to the infant room space. The infant room was switched with a Pre-K room.
Correction verified Feb 25, 2026
LowJan 23, 2026InspectionTraining & qualifications
Documentation PEDIATRIAC CPR-1st aid original certificate on file at center or copy available if licensing requests §746.1329(c)(2)
A caregiver's pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR training certificate was not available for review during the inspection.
Correction verified Jan 29, 2026
HighJan 29, 2025InspectionSleep safety
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 §746.2426(a)(2)
Two infants were asleep on a restrictive device (floor bouncer) for an undetermined amount of time in the infant room.
Correction verified Feb 11, 2025
MediumJan 29, 2025InspectionTraining & qualifications
Documented Annual Training- Required Content §746.1309(e)
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?).
Correction verified Feb 7, 2025
MediumJan 29, 2025InspectionHealth & medication
Children's Records - Immunizations §746.603(a)(4)
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.
Correction verified Feb 4, 2025
MediumJan 29, 2025InspectionTraining & qualifications
Director Annual Training - Additional required topics §746.1311(e)
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?).
Correction verified Feb 7, 2025
Medium HighJan 29, 2025InspectionHealth & medication
Diaper Changing Equipment - Smooth, Non-absorbent, Easy to Clean Surface §746.3503(a)
The diaper changing mat in the infant room and toddler room were observed torn.
Correction verified Feb 1, 2025
Medium HighSep 3, 2024InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Fire Inspection Report, Including Written Approval for Above/Below Ground Level Care §746.801(11)
The fire inspection report was not available for review.
Correction verified Sep 5, 2024
Medium HighSep 18, 2023InspectionOther standards
Personal use of electronic devices, such as cell phones, MP3 players, tablets, and video games §746.1203(3)(D)
A caregiver was using a cell phone while caring for a group of children.
Correction verified Sep 25, 2023
Medium HighSep 18, 2023InspectionSleep safety
Arrangement of Napping Equipment -Provides Sufficient Walking and Work Space §746.2909(3)
During nap time, the mats were arranged right next to each other with no walk and work space for caregivers between each mat.
Corrected during the visit
HighJun 21, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months §746.5101(a)
There was no current fire inspection. The last fire inspection was conducted on 06/09/22.
Correction verified Jun 26, 2023
HighMar 22, 2023InspectionStaff ratios
AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation §745.641
A staff member interacted with children and present during transportation route prior to operation receiving background check eligibility notice.
Correction verified Mar 23, 2023
Medium HighMar 21, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment §746.3407
There was a small opening/gap on the bottom of a section of the chain link fence in the outdoor play area.
Correction verified Mar 28, 2023
HighMar 17, 2023InspectionCaregiver conduct
Prohibited Punishments - Restrictive device for time out §746.2805(8)
A child was placed in a highchair by a caregiver for biting a child.
Correction verified Mar 21, 2023
Medium HighMar 1, 2023InspectionSleep safety
Safety Requirements for Cribs - Snug Fitting Sheets §746.2409(a)(2)
A 7 month old was asleep in a crib in which the sheet did not completely cover the mattress.
Correction verified Mar 7, 2023
Medium HighFeb 23, 2023InspectionTransportation
Types of Vehicles Used to Transport Children - Be Maintained Safely §746.5603(c)
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.
Correction verified Mar 1, 2023
Medium HighFeb 23, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment §746.3407
One cockroach was observed crawling on the wall in the infant classroom.
Correction verified Mar 1, 2023
MediumFeb 23, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Sanitation Inspection Report §746.801(12)
The current health/sanitation inspection report was not available for review.
Correction verified Mar 2, 2023
HighFeb 23, 2023InspectionHealth & medication
Required Equipment in Vehicles - Emergency Medical Information §746.5617(a)(2)
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.
Correction verified Feb 23, 2023
Medium HighJul 19, 2022InspectionStaff ratios
Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children §746.1601
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.
Correction verified Jul 27, 2022
Medium HighJul 11, 2022InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Proper Depth Maintained §746.4907(d)
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.
Correction verified Jul 12, 2022
Medium HighJul 11, 2022InspectionStaff ratios
Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children §746.1601
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.
Correction verified Jul 19, 2022
MediumJul 11, 2022InspectionRecords & paperwork
Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Children's Records §746.801(1)
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.
Correction verified Jul 19, 2022
Medium HighJul 11, 2022InspectionTraining & qualifications
Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR §746.1315(b)
A caregvier did not have a current CPR training.
Correction verified Jul 12, 2022
Medium HighJul 11, 2022InspectionSleep safety
Adequate Lighting During Naptime §746.2911
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.
Correction verified Jul 19, 2022
MediumJun 29, 2022InspectionRecords & paperwork
Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Children's Records §746.801(1)
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.
Correction verified Jul 11, 2022
HighJun 29, 2022InspectionBuilding & playground safety
No Blocked or Locked Doors as Exits §746.5209(c)
The main entrance exit door was locked during operating hours.
Correction verified Jul 8, 2022
HighJun 29, 2022InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Safety - Bodies of Water Inaccessible to Children §746.3701(8)
There was a bucket of water in the kitchen area which is in an open area and accessible to the children in care.
Correction verified Jul 8, 2022
Medium HighJun 29, 2022InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Proper Depth Maintained §746.4907(d)
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.
Correction verified Jul 11, 2022
HighJun 29, 2022InspectionFood & feeding
Mark Cleaning Supplies, Toxic Materials; Keep Separate from Food and Inaccessible to Children §746.3407(12)
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.
Correction verified Jul 8, 2022
Medium HighJun 29, 2022InspectionOther standards
Safety Requirements for Play Yards - Use and Clean According to Manufacturer's Instructions §746.2411(1)
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.
Correction verified Jul 8, 2022
MediumJun 29, 2022InspectionOther standards
Screen Time Activities - Not Used During Eating or Rest Times §746.2207(c)(4)
A group of children were watching a movie during snack time.
Correction verified Jul 8, 2022

About this center

Licensed capacity30 children
Ages servedInfant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
Hours07:00 AM-07:00 PM
DaysMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Licensed sinceJul 6, 2020
DirectorMaria Del Rosario Fortaneli
Phone9565985027
State operation #1698360

Common questions

Does Little Explores Academy and Daycare take infants?

Yes. Texas licenses it to care for infants through school-age children.

What are Little Explores Academy and Daycare’s hours?

7 AM to 7 PM, Monday through Saturday, according to its state licensing record. Confirm holiday and summer hours with the center.

Does Little Explores Academy and Daycare accept child care subsidies?

Yes, according to its state licensing record.

How much does Little Explores Academy and Daycare cost?

Texas does not publish individual centers’ prices, so ask Little Explores Academy and Daycare for its current tuition. For comparison, the median full-day price at licensed centers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley area, which includes Mission, is $35.60 a day for infants, $34.40 a day for toddlers and $33.40 a day for 3-year-olds (2025 Texas Child Care Market Rate Survey).

Has Little Explores Academy and Daycare had any serious violations?

Inspectors recorded 8 high-risk citations since 2021. The most recent was on Jan 29, 2025: “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.” Each one is listed in full above.

How does Little Explores Academy and Daycare compare with other daycares in Mission?

It is #50 of 61 centers in Mission by risk-weighted citations per inspection, and is better than 10% of licensed centers statewide (out of 9,147 Texas centers with enough inspection history).

When was Little Explores Academy and Daycare last inspected?

Feb 25, 2026. No violations were found during that visit.

Licensed centers nearby

Citations are quoted from Texas HHS inspection records. Many are corrected the same day, and a citation is a finding about one rule, not a judgment about a center overall.

To see the official record, search operation 1698360 on Search Texas Child Care. Data refreshed Sep 30, 2026.