Find a program / Texas / Fort Worth / Little Steps Academy
Childcare center · Fort Worth, TX
Little Steps Academy
A licensed child care center in Fort Worth, Texas, with its state inspection history from Texas Health and Human Services (HHSC).
Program details
Program type: Licensed child care center
Address: 3121 FOREST AVE, Fort Worth, TX 76112
County: Tarrant County
Phone: (817) 881-2501
Licensed to serve: Infant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
Licensed capacity: 47 children
State ID (HHSC operation number): 1626087
Permit: Full Permit, issued December 21, 2016
On corrective action (HHSC): No
On adverse action (HHSC): No
Corrective action and adverse action are formal steps Texas HHSC can take on a permit. The official record explains any that apply.
View the official record on Texas HHSC's child care search (or search operation number 1626087 on the search page).
Inspection history
From November 12, 2023 to November 12, 2026
- 10 inspections
- 2 investigations
- 3 assessments
- 14 citations from these visits (risk level: High 1, Medium High 9, Medium 2, Medium Low 2)
A citation means an inspector found a rule wasn't met at the time of the visit; many are corrected the same day. Read the official record for details.
Below is every visit in the state's files from November 10, 2021 to September 2, 2026, newest first: 24 visits and 36 citations in all, so the totals can be higher than the 3-year counts above. An investigation is a visit to look into a report or complaint; many find no citations. Risk level is the level Texas HHSC assigns to each rule, from low to high, as published. Technical assistance means the inspector gave guidance on the rule. The state's file does not say whether the "correct-by" date is a deadline or the day the problem was fixed, so it can fall after the verified date or in the future.
September 2, 2026 · Inspection · No citations
May 27, 2026 · Inspection · No citations
May 15, 2026 · Assessment · 1 citation
745.509 - Licensed Operations Required Fees
Risk level: High · Correct-by date in the state file: May 15, 2026 · Correction verified: May 27, 2026 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
Operation has not paid background check fee.
April 21, 2026 · Inspection · No citations
April 17, 2026 · Investigation · 2 citations
746.2431(3) - Infant Daily Report - Times of Diaper Changes
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: May 15, 2026 · Correction verified: May 15, 2026 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
The inspector's notes for this citation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They are in the official record.
746.2431(2) - Infant Daily Report - Times and Amount of Food
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: May 15, 2026 · Correction verified: May 15, 2026 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
The inspector's notes for this citation may name a person, so we don't show them here. They are in the official record.
January 7, 2026 · Inspection · No citations
January 2, 2026 · Inspection · 2 citations
746.4751(c) - Maintenance Procedures for Active Play - Hazards Removed or Repaired
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: January 9, 2026 · Correction verified: January 7, 2026 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
The a.c unit is accessible to children.
746.3701 - Safety - Areas Free From Hazards
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: January 9, 2026 · Correction verified: January 7, 2026 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
The outdoor play space has three active ant piles and thorny vines around the fence.
October 2, 2025 · Inspection · No citations
July 11, 2025 · Investigation · 2 citations
746.1013(a)(2) - Director's Absence - Caregiver in Charge Knows Responsibilities
Risk level: Medium · Correct-by date in the state file: September 17, 2025 · Correction verified: October 2, 2025 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): No
Inspector's notes (as published)
Director did not leave a person in charge in their absence. The deficiency is related to a DFPS Abuse/Neglect investigation.
746.1013(a)(1) - Director's Absence - Caregiver in Charge Knows in Charge
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: September 17, 2025 · Correction verified: October 2, 2025 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
There was no person in charge. The deficiency is related to a DFPS Abuse/Neglect investigation.
February 10, 2025 · Inspection · No citations
January 16, 2025 · Assessment · 1 citation
746.303(b) - Report Number of Employees
Risk level: Medium Low · Correct-by date in the state file: January 24, 2025 · Correction verified: January 27, 2025 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
The provider did not report the number of employees that left in 2024 in the allotted timeframe required.
December 31, 2024 · Inspection · 4 citations
746.2405(5) - Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Sufficient Number of Toys
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: January 10, 2025 · Correction verified: February 10, 2025 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
Infant room had a very little selection of toys available for infant engagement.
746.2206(3)(A) - Written Activity Plan - Child-Initiated - Equipment/Materials In Reach
Risk level: Medium · Correct-by date in the state file: January 10, 2025 · Correction verified: February 10, 2025 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): No
Inspector's notes (as published)
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.
746.1301(a)(2)(A) - Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - Pre-Service Training
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: January 31, 2025 · Correction verified: February 10, 2025 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): No
Inspector's notes (as published)
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.
746.2415(c)(2) - Crib Mattress Cover - Snug-Fitting and Thin
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: January 10, 2025 · Correction verified: February 10, 2025 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
The sheets on the infant cribs were not tight fitting and created an entanglement hazard.
February 29, 2024 · Inspection · No citations
February 27, 2024 · Inspection · 1 citation
746.4751(a) - Maintenance Procedures for Active Play - Inspect Daily
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: March 4, 2024 · Correction verified: February 29, 2024 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): No
Inspector's notes (as published)
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.
January 17, 2024 · Assessment · 1 citation
746.303(b) - Report Number of Employees
Risk level: Medium Low · Correct-by date in the state file: January 18, 2024 · Correction verified: January 18, 2024 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
Report not submitted as of 1/16/2023.
October 19, 2023 · Inspection · No citations
October 12, 2023 · Inspection · 12 citations
746.3417(3) - Children Handwashing After Toileting or Diapering
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: October 13, 2023 · Correction verified: October 19, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): No
Inspector's notes (as published)
A child did not have their hands washed after diapering.
746.4503(a) - Individual Cot, Bed, or Mat for Each Walking Child Through 4 Years of Age
Risk level: Medium · Correct-by date in the state file: October 13, 2023 · Correction verified: October 19, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
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.
746.603(a)(3) - Children's Records - Health Statement
Risk level: Medium · Correct-by date in the state file: October 20, 2023 · Correction verified: October 19, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): No
Inspector's notes (as published)
Three children's files were missing the healthcare professional statement.
746.3701 - Safety - Areas Free From Hazards
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: October 16, 2023 · Correction verified: October 19, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
There were loose cords hanging from a TV in the classroom.
745.641 - AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation
Risk level: High · Correct-by date in the state file: October 12, 2023 · Correction verified: October 19, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
A caregiver with a pending background check was present and alone with children.
746.1205(a)(3) - Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know children's names and ages
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: October 13, 2023 · Correction verified: October 19, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): No
Inspector's notes (as published)
A caregiver did not know the ages of the children they were responsible for.
746.3415(4) - Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: October 13, 2023 · Correction verified: October 19, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): No
Inspector's notes (as published)
A caregiver did not wash their hands after diapering a child.
746.403(b) - Posting Requirements - Child's Food Allergy Plans
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: October 16, 2023 · Correction verified: October 19, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): No
Inspector's notes (as published)
Two children's allergies were not posted in their classrooms or in the kitchen where food gets prepared.
746.801(5) - Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Employees' Attendance
Risk level: Medium · Correct-by date in the state file: October 16, 2023 · Correction verified: October 19, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): No
Inspector's notes (as published)
Two staff members did not have current attendance records on file.
746.3819 - Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: October 20, 2023 · Correction verified: October 19, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): No
Inspector's notes (as published)
Two children with diagnosed food allergies did not have their food allergy emergency plan on file.
746.605(6) - Required Admission Information - Emergency Contact
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: October 16, 2023 · Correction verified: October 19, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): No
Inspector's notes (as published)
A child's enrollment form did not have their emergency contact's address.
746.2203(b) - Written Activity Plans - Plan Followed by Caregiver
Risk level: Medium · Correct-by date in the state file: October 16, 2023 · Correction verified: October 19, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): No
Inspector's notes (as published)
Caregivers are expected to follow the activity plan to ensure consistency in the children's daily activities.
September 6, 2023 · Inspection · No citations
August 29, 2023 · Inspection · 7 citations
746.2405(1) - Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment - Adult-sized Chair
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: August 29, 2023 · Correction verified: September 6, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
It was observed 3 infants unsupervised while a caregiver was in a room adjacent supervising another group of children.
746.3701 - Safety - Areas Free From Hazards
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: August 29, 2023 · Correction verified: September 6, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
It was observed a child having access to an electrical cable that was connected to a wall outlet.
746.2403(6) - Infant Care Area - Not Used as a Passageway
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: August 29, 2023 · Correction verified: September 6, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
It was observed children over the age of 2 years old, walking from another room to the infant room.
746.631(a) - Sign-in and Sign-out Tracking System
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: August 29, 2023 · Correction verified: September 6, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
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.
746.2417(2)(B) - Activities for Infants - Not in Restrictive Device for more than 15 Minutes
Risk level: High · Correct-by date in the state file: August 29, 2023 · Correction verified: September 6, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
It was observed three infants on high chairs for more that 15 minutes.
746.1615 - Child/Caregiver Ratio - Opening/Closing
Risk level: Medium · Correct-by date in the state file: August 29, 2023 · Correction verified: September 6, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): No
Inspector's notes (as published)
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.
746.1203(3)(B) - Meal preparation, except when 12 or fewer children are in care
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: August 29, 2023 · Correction verified: September 6, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
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.
August 28, 2023 · Investigation · 3 citations
746.2401(7) - Basic Requirements for Infants - Never Unsupervised
Risk level: High · Correct-by date in the state file: September 1, 2023 · Correction verified: September 6, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
Infants were left unsupervised during opening hours.
746.201(9) - Complying with Laws and Rules
Risk level: Medium High · Correct-by date in the state file: September 1, 2023 · Correction verified: September 6, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
The permit holder did not comply with Lawas and Rules, by not providing children supervision that ensure safety of all children in care.
746.1205(a)(4) - Supervision ensures each child's safety, well-being, including physical proximity and auditory or visual awareness of each child's on going activity
Risk level: High · Correct-by date in the state file: August 29, 2023 · Correction verified: September 6, 2023 · Inspector gave guidance (technical assistance): Yes
Inspector's notes (as published)
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.
November 1, 2022 · Inspection · No citations
November 23, 2021 · Inspection · No citations
November 12, 2021 · Inspection · No citations
November 10, 2021 · Investigation · No citations
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Sources
- HHSC CCL Daycare and Residential Operations Data: program details.
- HHSC CCL Inspection Investigation Assessment Data: visit dates and types.
- HHSC CCL Non-Compliance Data: citations, risk levels, corrections and inspector's notes.
All three are published by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Licensing, on data.texas.gov under CC0 1.0. State files updated November 12, 2026. We show the state's text as published, except that we restore apostrophes the files print as "?". Program details last checked October 21, 2026.