Daycare RecordChild care inspection records

Stepping Stones

1607 E Griffin Pkwy Ste A, Mission, TX 78572 · Hidalgo County
3 high-risk citations in last 12 months

Stepping Stones is a licensed child care center in Mission, TX, licensed for up to 25 children and serving infants through school-age children. It has held its Texas license since 2014. Since October 2021, state inspectors have visited 17 times. Inspectors recorded 48 citations, 5 of them high-risk, most often for building & playground safety (10 of 48). 14 citations came in the last 12 months, including 3 high-risk. 8% were corrected during the inspection itself. Measured by risk-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #59 of 61 centers in Mission and better than 3% of licensed centers statewide.

Inspection record

Better than 3%of 9,147 Texas licensed centers, comparing risk-weighted citations per inspection. Among the most cited
Tied for #59 of 61 centers in Mission
5High risk
16Medium High risk
27Medium risk
0Medium Low risk
0Low risk
48 citations from 17 inspections and 0 reports since Oct 1, 2021 · 14 in the last 12 months · last inspected Aug 17, 2026

Every state visit

20222023202420252026INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom)Aug 17, 2026 · Inspection · citation foundJul 20, 2026 · Inspection · citation foundApr 17, 2026 · Inspection · no citationApr 8, 2026 · Inspection · citation foundApr 2, 2026 · Inspection · citation foundMar 23, 2026 · Inspection · citation foundMar 13, 2026 · Inspection · citation foundSep 22, 2025 · Inspection · citation foundSep 12, 2025 · Inspection · citation foundOct 17, 2024 · Inspection · citation foundOct 27, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundApr 20, 2023 · Inspection · no citationApr 10, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundDec 2, 2022 · Inspection · no citationOct 21, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundJan 13, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundNov 22, 2021 · Inspection · citation found
Citation foundNo citation

What inspectors cited most

Building & playground safety10
Records & paperwork9
Staff ratios9
Training & qualifications7
Other standards5
Health & medication3
Sleep safety2
Child protection1
Supervision1
Food & feeding1

Citations, newest first

MediumAug 17, 2026InspectionRecords & paperwork
Children's Records Maintained §746.603(a)
Two of the children are no longer enrolled and health statement for two children are missing.
Correction verified Aug 20, 2026
MediumAug 17, 2026InspectionChild protection
Written Operational Policies - Preventing and Responding to Abuse and Neglect §746.501(a)(26)
Operational policies are missing the following: (26)(C) Methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of prevention techniques for child abuse and neglect; (26)(D)Strategies for coordination between the center and appropriate community organizations; and (26)(E) Actions that the parent of a child who is a victim of abuse or neglect should take to obtain assistance and intervention.
Correction verified Aug 19, 2026
MediumJul 20, 2026InspectionStaff ratios
Written Operational Policies - Immunizations §746.501(a)(11)
Operational policies were reviewed and missing th following information: (11) immunization requirements; (12) hearing and vision screening requirements; (13) enrollment procedures; (18)(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f) and (g) indoor and outdoor physical activity policy; (20) parent's rights; (23)(a) how parents may access the minimum standards online; (23)(c) how parents may access HHSC website; (26)(A) Abuse / Neglect required annual training for employees; (26)(B) Methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of issues regarding child abuse and neglect; (26)(C) Methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of prevention techniques for child abuse and neglect; (26)(D)Strategies for coordination between the center and appropriate community organizations; (26)(E) Actions that the parent of a child who is a victim of abuse or neglect should take to obtain assistance and intervention; and (3) Procedures for supporting inclusive services for children with special needs.
Correction verified Aug 17, 2026
Medium HighJul 20, 2026InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes §746.5205(1)
Emergency practices form was reviewed: last fire drill and Fire Extinguisher / CO - Smoke detectors checks were completed on 03/24/2026.
Correction verified Aug 4, 2026
MediumJul 20, 2026InspectionStaff ratios
Child/Caregiver Ratio - 12 or Fewer Children §746.1701
One caregiver was providing care for 10 children: three children 0-17mo, five 18mo-4yo, and two 5yo and up.
Correction verified Aug 17, 2026
MediumJul 20, 2026InspectionRecords & paperwork
Children's Records Maintained §746.603(a)
Four children's records were reviewed. One file was not available for review. Three files are missing health statement. One file is missing start date and another file is missing clarification regarding an allergy.
Correction verified Aug 17, 2026
MediumJul 20, 2026InspectionTraining & qualifications
Required Personnel Records -Training Hours §746.901(6)
Records for the last full training year for two out of two staff files reviewed were not available at the time of inspection.
Correction verified Aug 5, 2026
MediumApr 8, 2026InspectionStaff ratios
Child/Caregiver Ratio - 12 or Fewer Children §746.1701
One caregiver was providing care for nine children; three children 0-17mo and six children 18mo-4yo.
Correction verified Apr 16, 2026
HighApr 8, 2026InspectionSupervision
Supervision ensures each child’s safety, well-being, including physical proximity and auditory or visual awareness of each child’s on going activity §746.1205(a)(4)
One caregiver was providing care for 9 children, however, 3 of the children were in separate classroom with the lights off.
Correction verified Apr 16, 2026
MediumApr 2, 2026InspectionStaff ratios
Child/Caregiver Ratio - 12 or Fewer Children §746.1701
One caregiver was providing care for six children; 3 children 0-17mo and 3 children 18mo-4yo.
Correction verified Apr 8, 2026
MediumMar 23, 2026InspectionStaff ratios
Child/Caregiver Ratio - 12 or Fewer Children §746.1701
One caregiver was providing care for eight children; 3 children 0-17mo and 4 children 18mo-4yo.
Correction verified Apr 2, 2026
HighMar 23, 2026InspectionSleep safety
AP Cribs - Only Snug Fitting Sheet and Crib Mattress Cover Allowed if Infant Younger than 12 Months of Age §746.2415(b)
An infant under 12mo was observed asleep in play-yard with two blankets and two cuddle plush blankets.
Correction verified Apr 2, 2026
MediumMar 13, 2026InspectionOther standards
Written Activity Plans - Plan Followed by Caregiver §746.2203(b)
Staff and children were not observed participating / following the daily schedule.
Correction verified Mar 23, 2026
HighMar 13, 2026InspectionOther standards
Activities for Infants - Not in Restrictive Device for more than 15 Minutes §746.2417(2)(B)
An infant-age child remained in high chair and exerciser for over 15 minutes.
Correction verified Mar 23, 2026
Medium HighSep 22, 2025InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment §746.3407
Vinyl baseboards in restrooms remain detached and there is a broken floor tile in the main room. Note: Broken toy-car was removed from playground. No dead insects were observed during inspection. Electric panel in the infant room was covered.
Correction verified Sep 29, 2025
Medium HighSep 12, 2025InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment §746.3407
There is a broken toy-cart in the playground. A dead roach, spider webs and an uncovered eletric panel were observed in the infant room. Vinyl baseboards in one of the restrooms are detached.
Correction verified Sep 22, 2025
HighSep 12, 2025InspectionOther standards
Child-Care Center Must be Equipped with a Working Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection System §746.5531
Operation does not have a carbon monoxide detector. Infant room does not have a smoke detector.
Correction verified Sep 22, 2025
MediumSep 12, 2025InspectionRecords & paperwork
Daily Menus - Record Comparable Substitutions §746.3313(1)
Food items served during the day do not match the menu posted.
Correction verified Sep 22, 2025
MediumSep 12, 2025InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Children's Products- Annual Certification §746.4135(b)
Children's Products Certification form was last signed / certified on 08/25/2022.
Correction verified Sep 22, 2025
MediumSep 12, 2025InspectionSleep safety
Cots, Beds, Mats Labeled With Child's Name §746.4503(b)
Infant play-yards are not labeled and napping mats are labeled by number but assignment list is not up to date.
Correction verified Sep 22, 2025
Medium HighSep 12, 2025InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes §746.5205(1)
Last fire drill and Smoke Detector / Fire Extinguisher checks were conducted on 05/2025. Prior drills were completed within 5-10 minutes.
Correction verified Sep 22, 2025
MediumSep 12, 2025InspectionHealth & medication
Children's Records - Immunizations §746.603(a)(4)
Three out of four children's files reviewed are missing immunization records.
Correction verified Sep 22, 2025
MediumOct 17, 2024InspectionRecords & paperwork
Children's Records Maintained §746.603(a)
There were no records available for review for two children in care. A child's record reviewed was missing the immunization documentation.
Correction verified Oct 21, 2024
HighOct 17, 2024InspectionRecords & paperwork
Policies Comply with Rules §746.201(1)
The operational policies reviewed were missing the followng information: (1) Promotion of indoor and outdoor physical activity that is consistent with Subchapter F of this chapter (relating to Developmental Activities and Activity Plan); policies must include: (A) The benefits of physical activity and outdoor play; (B) The duration of physical activity at your operation, both indoor and outdoor; (C) The type of physical activity (structured and unstructured) that children may engage in at your operation; (D) Each setting in which your physical activity program will take place; (E) The recommended clothing and footwear that will allow a child to participate freely and safely in physical activities; (F) The criteria you will use to determine when extreme weather conditions pose a significant health risk that prohibits or limits outdoor play; and (G) A plan to ensure physical activity occurs on days when extreme weather conditions prohibit or limit outdoor play. (2) Parent rights; (3) Preventing and responding to abuse and neglect of children, including: (A) Required annual training for employees; (B) Methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of issues regarding child abuse and neglect, including warning signs that a child may be a victim of abuse or neglect and factors indicating a child is at risk for abuse or neglect; (C) Methods for increasing employee and parent awareness ofprevention techniques for child abuse and neglect; (D) Strategies for coordination between the center and appropriate community organizations; and (E) Actions that the parent of a child who is a victim of abuse or neglect should take to obtain assistance and intervention, including procedures for reporting child abuse or neglect; (4) Procedures for supporting inclusive services to children with special care needs. The policy must address the requirements outlined in minimum standard rule ?746.2202
Correction verified Oct 25, 2024
MediumOct 17, 2024InspectionOther standards
Written Activity Plan - Group Name and Dates §746.2205(a)(1)
The activity plans posted in the infant room and toddler/pre-k room did not include the age group the activity plan is designed for and the dates (daily, weekly, or monthly) the plan covers. Note: This was CORRECTED during the inspection as the missing information was documented on the activity plans.
Corrected during the visit
MediumOct 27, 2023InspectionRecords & paperwork
Daily Menus - Record Comparable Substitutions §746.3313(1)
The daily menu posted in the front lobby and kitchen were not current. The menu was from the month of August and did not match the food items served during lunch. Note: This was CORRECTED during the inspection as the current menu was printed and posted in the front lobby and kitchen.
Corrected during the visit
MediumOct 27, 2023InspectionRecords & paperwork
Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Children's Records §746.801(1)
A record was not available for review for a child in care. 1 of 4 children's records reviewed was missing the child's immunization record.
Correction verified Nov 10, 2023
Medium HighApr 10, 2023InspectionStaff ratios
Naptime Child/Caregiver Ratio - Additional Employee Required §746.1613(a)(4)
An additional employee was not present in the building during naptime when more than 13 children were in care.
Correction verified Apr 20, 2023
Medium HighApr 10, 2023InspectionStaff ratios
Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age §746.1605(1)
There was more than an 18 month difference when older children of varying ages and an infant were combined during naptime. The oldest child in the group was 4 years of age and the youngest child was 15 months old.
Correction verified Apr 20, 2023
MediumOct 21, 2022InspectionStaff ratios
Child/Caregiver Ratio - 12 or Fewer Children §746.1701
Child/Caregiver ratios were not met when a caregiver was caring for 8 children of varying ages. The children in the group were an infant between 0-12 months of age and 7 children between 18 months to 3 years of age. Based on the ratio chart the number of children one caregiver may supervise when 12 or fewer children are present at the child-care center is 1 infant between 0-17 months of age and a maximum of 5 children between the ages of 18 months to 4 years age. The group was of ratio by 2 children.
Correction verified Dec 2, 2022
MediumOct 21, 2022InspectionRecords & paperwork
Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Children's Records §746.801(1)
There were no records available for review for two children in care.
Correction verified Dec 2, 2022
Medium HighOct 21, 2022InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Safety - Areas Free From Hazards §746.3701
The caregivers personal purse was observed on top of a children's shelf. The purse posed a safety hazard as it was within children's reach. A fence in the outdoor playground enclosing the air conditioner unit was not maintained. The fence was observed with an exposed screw. This posed a safety hazard as the thread and tip of the screw were exposed and accessible to children. Note: The purse was removed and stored in an area out of children's reach.
Correction verified Oct 24, 2022
MediumOct 21, 2022InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Safety Documentation for Emergency Drills, Fire Extinguishers, & Smoke Detectors §746.801(10)
The emergency practices form was not maintained. The last fire drill document was on April 2022. The safety documentation for fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and Carbon Monoxide detector was not maintained. The last date documented on the form was April 2022.
Correction verified Oct 26, 2022
MediumOct 21, 2022InspectionTraining & qualifications
Director Annual Training 30 Hours Required §746.1311(a)
The directorr was missing 30 of 30 clock hours in required annual training for the training year 11/25/2020 - 11/24/2021.
Correction verified Nov 8, 2022
MediumOct 21, 2022InspectionTraining & qualifications
Documented Annual Training Area - 24 Hours Required §746.1309(a)
A caregiver was missing 24 of 24 clock hours in required annual training for the training year 11/25/2020 - 11/24/2021.
Correction verified Nov 8, 2022
Medium HighJan 13, 2022InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment §746.3407
The metal door leading into the center from the outdoor playground was observed with rust and significant amounts of loose corrosion. The rust at the bottom part of the door ate through the metal, leaving holes in the door which pose a safety hazard to children during outdoor play. Plastic bags containing soiled diapers were observed hanging from the door handle in the outdoor playground. Note: The plastic bags with soiled diapers were removed and discarded.
Correction verified Jan 20, 2022
Medium HighJan 13, 2022InspectionHealth & medication
Diapering Procedures-Soiled Diapers Kept in a Sanitary Manner §746.3505(f)
Soiled diapers were observed in the same trash can with no cover next to the infant room. This standard was re-cited. Note: This was addressed with the director and the trash bag containing the soiled diapers was removed and disposed of.
Correction verified Jan 17, 2022
MediumNov 22, 2021InspectionTraining & qualifications
Documented Annual Training Area - 24 Hours Required §746.1309(a)
A caregiver was missing 14 of 24 clock hours in required annual training for the training year 11/25/2019 - 11/24/2020.
Correction verified Jan 10, 2022
Medium HighNov 22, 2021InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Safety - Areas Free From Hazards §746.3701
A water hose was observed on the floor in the outdoor playground within children's reach posing as a tripping hazard. Note: This was CORRECTED during the inspection as the water hose was stored out of children's reach.
Corrected during the visit
Medium HighNov 22, 2021InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Use of Safety Straps §746.2407
An infant was observed sitting on a high chair without the safety straps fastened.
Correction verified Jan 13, 2022
MediumNov 22, 2021InspectionTraining & qualifications
Director Annual Training 30 Hours Required §746.1311(a)
The director was missing 9 of 30 clock hours in required annual training for the training year 11/25/2019 - 11/24/2020.
Correction verified Jan 10, 2022
Medium HighNov 22, 2021InspectionTraining & qualifications
Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR §746.1315(b)
The director and a caregiver did not have current training in pediatric CPR. The expiration dates on the certificates were July 2021 and August 2021.
Correction verified Dec 2, 2021
Medium HighNov 22, 2021InspectionOther standards
Safety Requirements for Play Yards - Snug Fitting Sheets §746.2411(2)(B)
There was no sheet covering the mattress of a play yard that was in use for an infant. Note: This was CORRECTED during the inspection as a fitted sheet was provided and placed on the play yard's mattress.
Corrected during the visit
MediumNov 22, 2021InspectionStaff ratios
Written Operational Policies - Promotion of Physical Activity §746.501(a)(18)
The operational policies reviewed were missing the following information: The Promotion of indoor and outdoor physical activity that is consistent with Subchapter F of this chapter (relating to Developmental Activities and Activity Plan); your policies must include: (A) The benefits of physical activity and outdoor play; (B) The duration of physical activity at your operation, both indoor and outdoor; (C) The type of physical activity (structured and unstructured) that children may engage in at your operation; (D) Each setting in which your physical activity program will take place; (E) The recommended clothing and footwear that will allow a child to participate freely and safely in physical activities; and (F) A plan to ensure physical activity occurs on days when extreme weather conditions prohibit or limit outdoor play.
Correction verified Jan 13, 2022
Medium HighNov 22, 2021InspectionFood & feeding
Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional §746.3819
The food allergy emergency plan reviewed for a child with a known food allergy was incomplete and missing the child's heath care professional's signature.
Correction verified Dec 1, 2021
Medium HighNov 22, 2021InspectionTraining & qualifications
Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking. §746.1315(a)
The director and a caregiver did not have current training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking. The expiration dates on the certificates were July 2021 and August 2021.
Correction verified Dec 2, 2021
Medium HighNov 22, 2021InspectionHealth & medication
Diapering Procedures-Soiled Diapers Kept in a Sanitary Manner §746.3505(f)
A caregiver did not properly sanitize the diaper changing table after conducting a diaper change. The caregiver was observed only spraying a mixture of clorox and water to sanitize the diaper changing mat. A soiled diaper was observed in a trash can with no cover next to the infant room. Note: This was addressed with the operation and the trash bag containing the soiled diapers was removed and disposed of.
Correction verified Jan 13, 2022
MediumNov 22, 2021InspectionRecords & paperwork
Children's Records Maintained §746.603(a)
There were no records available for review for two children in care. One of 4 records reviewed was missing the child's immunization record.
Correction verified Dec 29, 2021

About this center

Licensed capacity25 children
Ages servedInfant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
Hours07:00 AM-06:00 PM
DaysMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Licensed sinceNov 19, 2014
DirectorAlejandra Gonzalez
Phone9564249700
State operation #1555531

Common questions

Does Stepping Stones take infants?

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

What are Stepping Stones’s hours?

7 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, according to its state licensing record. Confirm holiday and summer hours with the center.

Does Stepping Stones accept child care subsidies?

Not according to its state licensing record. Ask the center directly, since participation can change.

Has Stepping Stones had any serious violations?

Inspectors recorded 5 high-risk citations since 2021. The most recent was on Apr 8, 2026: “Supervision ensures each child’s safety, well-being, including physical proximity and auditory or visual awareness of each child’s on going activity.” Each one is listed in full above.

How does Stepping Stones compare with other daycares in Mission?

It is tied for #59 of 61 centers in Mission by risk-weighted citations per inspection, and is better than 3% of licensed centers statewide (out of 9,147 Texas centers with enough inspection history).

When was Stepping Stones last inspected?

Aug 17, 2026. Inspectors cited at least one rule 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 1555531 on Search Texas Child Care. Data refreshed Sep 30, 2026.