Daycare RecordChild care inspection records

Top Leaders Academy LLC

10704 S Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77071 · Harris County
Conditions on permitAccepts child care subsidies

Top Leaders Academy LLC is a licensed child care center in Houston, TX, licensed for up to 85 children and serving infants through school-age children. It has held its Texas license since 2023. Since October 2021, state inspectors have visited 14 times and investigated 1 report. Inspectors recorded 29 citations, 10 of them high-risk, most often for building & playground safety (7 of 29). 1 citation came in the last 12 months. 10% were corrected during the inspection itself. Measured by risk-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #713 of 882 centers in Houston and better than 5% of licensed centers statewide.

Inspection record

Better than 5%of 9,147 Texas licensed centers, comparing risk-weighted citations per inspection. Among the most cited
Tied for #713 of 882 centers in Houston
10High risk
13Medium High risk
4Medium risk
1Medium Low risk
1Low risk
29 citations from 14 inspections and 1 reports since Oct 1, 2021 · 1 in the last 12 months · last inspected Apr 30, 2026

Every state visit

20222023202420252026INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom)Apr 30, 2026 · Inspection · citation foundNov 12, 2025 · Inspection · no citationOct 23, 2025 · Inspection · no citationSep 30, 2025 · Inspection · citation foundSep 16, 2025 · Report/investigation · citation foundMay 13, 2025 · Inspection · citation foundJul 31, 2024 · Inspection · no citationFeb 28, 2024 · Inspection · no citationJan 30, 2024 · Inspection · citation foundJul 18, 2023 · Inspection · no citationMay 22, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundApr 6, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundFeb 28, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundNov 15, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundNov 9, 2022 · Assessment · citation foundNov 3, 2022 · Inspection · citation found
Citation foundNo citation

What inspectors cited most

Building & playground safety7
Records & paperwork4
Food & feeding3
Staff ratios3
Training & qualifications3
Health & medication2
Other standards2
Transportation2
Supervision2
Caregiver conduct1

Citations, newest first

Medium HighApr 30, 2026InspectionHealth & medication
Diapering Procedures - Sanitizing Diaper Changing Area §746.3505(e)
The diaper changing mat in the infant room was observed to be torn in mutiple placed. Due to the tears, the mat could not be sanitized.
Correction verified May 6, 2026
Medium HighSep 30, 2025InspectionOther standards
Complying with Laws and Rules §746.201(9)
Based on information obtained by staff. Another operation transports children enrolled at Top Leaders Academy. The children are not enrolled at the other operation. Vehicles are borrowed from other operations when there are issues with their vehicle.
Correction verified Oct 23, 2025
HighSep 30, 2025InspectionHealth & medication
Required Equipment in Vehicles - Emergency Medical Information §746.5617(a)(2)
The 1st aid kit was observed having expired antiseptic 3/25, non working thermometer, no tweezers, and no tape. Note: Corrected at inspection.
Corrected during the visit
Medium HighSep 16, 2025Found during an investigationTransportation
Types of Vehicles Used to Transport Children - Be Maintained Safely §746.5603(c)
The van was observed to have 6 broken seatbelts. 4 towards the back of the van doesn't have a buckle to hook to, and 2 on the 1st row has a stuck seatbelt that won't unhook. The Air conditioner was observed to be not working.
Correction verified Oct 23, 2025
Medium HighMay 13, 2025InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Children's Products- Review list and Remove unsafe products §746.4135(a)
A boppy pillow recalled 9/2021 was observed to be in the infant room. NOTE: Operation completed annual children's product safety certification 1/23/2025.
Correction verified May 16, 2025
Medium HighMay 13, 2025InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Prohibited Equipment for Infants - Baby Walkers §746.2415(a)(1)
A baby walker was observed in the infant room
Correction verified May 16, 2025
Medium HighMay 13, 2025InspectionFood & feeding
Required Admission Information-Child's allergies and Completed Food Allergy Plan §746.605(15)
2 children with documented diagnosed allergies did not have an allergy plan on file.
Correction verified May 16, 2025
Medium HighMay 13, 2025InspectionFood & feeding
Posting Requirements - Child's Food Allergy Plans §746.403(b)
A list of all children with diagnosed food allergies was not observed to be posted in the kitchen area.
Correction verified May 16, 2025
Medium HighJan 30, 2024InspectionStaff ratios
Food Service and Preparation Requirement - Safe and Sanitary §746.3317
A bag of hamburger buns was observed to be in the pantry. The buns had an expiration date of 1/10/2024 and some of the buns were observed to have mold. NOTE: Corrected at inspection. The hamburger buns were discarded during the inspection.
Corrected during the visit
HighJan 30, 2024InspectionRecords & paperwork
Policies Comply with Rules §746.201(1)
The operation handbook was reviewed, the operations open door policy does not comply with Minimum Standards. The policy states that it is up to the discretion of the director or on-duty staff to allow or deny parental visitation The following policies were observed to be missing: (8)Suspension and Expulsion of children (18) Promotion of indoor and outdoor physical activity that is consistent with Subchapter F of this chapter (relating to Developmental Activities and Activity Plan) [Medium]; your policies must include: (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 and (F) The criteria you will use to determine when extreme weather conditions pose a significant health risk that prohibits or limits outdoor play (26) Preventing and responding to abuse and neglect of children, including: (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 of prevention techniques for child abuse and neglect (D) Strategies for coordination between the center and appropriate community organizations [Medium]; 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 (30) Procedures for supporting inclusive services to children with special care needs. The policy must address the requirements outlined in ?746.2202 of this chapter (relating to What are my responsibilities when planning activities for a child in care with special care needs?)
Correction verified Feb 6, 2024
HighJan 30, 2024InspectionOther standards
Basic Requirements for Infants - Free from Choking Objects That May Cause Choking in Infants or Toddlers §746.2401(6)
A 12 mo old was observed to be sleeping in a crib with a pacifier clipped to their clothing. NOTE: Pacifier clip was removed from the infant during the inspection.
Correction verified Feb 21, 2024
MediumJan 30, 2024InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Children's Products- Annual Certification §746.4135(b)
The children's products safety certificate (CPSC) has not been completed annually. NOTE: The CPSC was last completed 10/26/2022
Correction verified Feb 21, 2024
MediumMay 22, 2023InspectionRecords & paperwork
Required Personnel Records- Meets Requirements §746.901(2)
Two emploeyees did not have the high school diploma available to review during the inspection.
Correction verified Jun 30, 2023
LowMay 22, 2023InspectionTraining & qualifications
Documentation PEDIATRIAC CPR-1st aid original certificate on file at center or copy available if licensing requests §746.1329(c)(2)
One employee did not have the CPR and First Aid training to review.
Correction verified Jun 2, 2023
Medium LowMay 22, 2023InspectionRecords & paperwork
Required Personnel Records - Required Affidavit §746.901(4)
One employee did not the affidavit form signed by a notary officer.
Correction verified May 30, 2023
HighApr 6, 2023InspectionTransportation
Required Equipment in Vehicles - Fire Extinguisher §746.5617(a)(5)
The fire extinguisher was not observed secured in the vehicle.
Correction verified Apr 24, 2023
Medium HighApr 6, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes §746.5205(1)
The fire drill for the month of March was not conducted.
Correction verified Apr 11, 2023
Medium HighFeb 28, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment §746.3407
Two broken ride-on cars were observed on the playground. One car was missing the door and the other was missing the steering wheel. A metal stationary car was observed to have 4 bolts protuding out. NOTE: The two ride-on cars were removed from the playground during the inspecction
Correction verified Mar 7, 2023
MediumFeb 28, 2023InspectionFood & feeding
Posting Requirements - Daily menu, including all snacks and meals served by the child care center §746.401(6)
A copy of the operations daily menu was not observed to be posted. NOTE:Corrected at inspection menu was made available for review during the inspection.
Corrected during the visit
HighNov 15, 2022InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months §746.5101(a)
The operation has not had an initial inspection conducted by the Fire Marshal.
Correction verified Nov 30, 2022
MediumNov 15, 2022InspectionStaff ratios
Background Check Validation - You must inactivate a subject who is no longer associated with your operation within 7 days of leaving §745.651(1)
A caregiver whose last day was 11/7 was still observed to have an active background check
Correction verified Nov 15, 2022
Medium HighNov 15, 2022InspectionTraining & qualifications
Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - Orientation §746.1301(1)(A)
Records were reviewed for 3 caregivers. Documentation was not available to verify staff received orientation training.
Correction verified Nov 30, 2022
HighNov 15, 2022InspectionSupervision
Electronic Child Safety Alarm - installed and maintained according to manufacturer's instructions §746.5625(b)
The van alarm was not observed to be operating during the time of the visit.
Correction verified Nov 30, 2022
Medium HighNov 15, 2022InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Activities for Pre-Kindergarten Age - Outdoor Play §746.2607(1)
Chidren enrolled have not engaged in outdoor/active play. According to the director, since they started 11/1/22 children have not gone outside. It is unknown when the last time children went outside
Correction verified Nov 30, 2022
Medium HighNov 15, 2022InspectionTraining & qualifications
Transportation Safety Training -Director and Employee Complete 2 Hours Annually §746.1316(a)
Transportation training for the director and driver was not available for review.
Correction verified Nov 30, 2022
HighNov 15, 2022InspectionRecords & paperwork
Policies Comply with Rules §746.201(1)
Policies were reviewed and observed to be missing the following: (8) Suspension and expulsion of children; (9) Safe sleep policy for infants from birth through 12 months old that is consistent with the rules in Subchapter H of this chapter (relating to Basic Requirements for Infants) that relate to sleep requirements and restrictions, including sleep positioning, and crib requirements and restrictions, including mattresses, bedding, blankets, toys, and restrictive devices; (18) 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. (19) Procedures for providing and applying, as needed, insect repellent and sunscreen, including what types will be used, if applicable; (20) Procedures for parents to review and discuss with the child-care center director any questions or concerns about the policies and procedures of the child-care center; (21) Procedures for parents to participate in the child-care center's operation and activities; (22) Procedures for parents to review a copy of the child-care center's most recent Licensing inspection report and how the parent may access the minimum standards online; (23) Instructions on how a parent may contact the local Licensing office, access the Texas Abuse and Neglect Hotline, and access the HHSC website; (26) Preventing and responding to abuse and neglect of children, including: (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 of prevention 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; (27) Procedures for conducting health checks, if applicable; and (28) Information on vaccine-preventable diseases for employees, unless your center is in the home of the permit holder. The policy must address the requirements outlined in ?746.3611 of this chapter (relating to What must a policy for protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases include?). They may visit the child-care center at any time during your hours of operation to observe their child, the program activities, the building, the premises, and the equipment without having to secure prior approval; and
Correction verified Nov 30, 2022
HighNov 9, 2022InspectionStaff ratios
AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation §745.641
On 10/18 the owner was observed to be present at the operation without notification of eligibility from the background check unit. The owner did not submit their background check until 10/27.
Correction verified Nov 9, 2022
HighNov 9, 2022InspectionCaregiver conduct
Prohibited Punishments - Humiliating, Rejecting, Yelling §746.2805(6)
Based on information received, as a form of time-out discipline, children are made to stand facing a corner or wall for an unknown amount of time.
Correction verified Nov 15, 2022
HighNov 3, 2022InspectionSupervision
Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know Group Responsible For §746.1203(2)
Caregivers in care of a group of 7 children 2-9yrs old were not aware of the of the children in their care. When asked, the caregiver stated the oldest child was 5yrs old. NOTE: The oldest in care was 9yrs old.
Correction verified Nov 15, 2022

About this center

Licensed capacity85 children
Ages servedInfant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
Hours06:00 AM-07:00 PM
DaysMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Licensed sinceJul 21, 2023
DirectorSharlean Phillips
Phone7134855761
State operation #1757290

Common questions

Does Top Leaders Academy LLC take infants?

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

What are Top Leaders Academy LLC’s hours?

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

Does Top Leaders Academy LLC accept child care subsidies?

Yes, according to its state licensing record.

How much does Top Leaders Academy LLC cost?

Texas does not publish individual centers’ prices, so ask Top Leaders Academy LLC for its current tuition. For comparison, the median full-day price at licensed centers in the Gulf Coast area, which includes Houston, is $42.60 a day for infants, $40.80 a day for toddlers and $39.40 a day for 3-year-olds (2025 Texas Child Care Market Rate Survey).

Has Top Leaders Academy LLC had any serious violations?

Inspectors recorded 10 high-risk citations since 2021. The most recent was on Sep 30, 2025: “Required Equipment in Vehicles - Emergency Medical Information.” Each one is listed in full above.

How does Top Leaders Academy LLC compare with other daycares in Houston?

It is tied for #713 of 882 centers in Houston by risk-weighted citations per inspection, and is better than 5% of licensed centers statewide (out of 9,147 Texas centers with enough inspection history).

When was Top Leaders Academy LLC last inspected?

Apr 30, 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 1757290 on Search Texas Child Care. Data refreshed Sep 30, 2026.