Licensed Child Care Center · Houston, TX 77070
Between Oct 20, 2021 and Oct 20, 2026, the state cited Arka Montessori Academy for 60 deficiencies — the Texas HHSC term for rule violations — over 19 routine inspections and 3 other visits (investigations or paperwork reviews); 8 were under rules the state weights High. The rule cited most often here is 746.603 (5 times, most recently May 6, 2026).
The state lists Arka Montessori Academy as serving infant, toddler, pre-kindergarten, and school-age children, open 06:30 AM to 06:00 PM (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri). Programs on file: Before School Care, Meals Provided, After School Care, Snacks Provided. Program type: Child Care Program.
Of the 60 violations at Arka Montessori Academy, 8 fall under rules Texas weights High and 26 under Medium High; the state sets each rule’s weight by the risk a violation poses to children. How weights work
| Weight | Violations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| High | 8 | 13% |
| Medium High | 26 | 43% |
| Medium | 18 | 30% |
| Medium Low | 7 | 12% |
| Low | 1 | 2% |
Arka Montessori Academy had 60 violations in five years, more than the median of 11 across Houston’s 923 licensed child care centers, and 2.7 per routine inspection against a median of 1.0 — a count of state records, not a rating.
14 rules were cited more than once at Arka Montessori Academy in the last five years.
| Rule | Times | What the rule covers |
|---|---|---|
| 746.603 Medium | 5 | The center must keep a record for each enrolled child, including the enrollment agreement, admission information, a health statement from a health-care professional, and immunization records, plus items such as sign-in and sign-out records and medication records when they apply. These records must be kept at the center, available during operating hours, generally until three months after the child's last day. Official rule text Most recent: May 6, 2026 · first: Feb 9, 2023 |
| 746.1301 Medium High | 5 | New employees must complete orientation within seven days and before being alone with children, and caregivers must complete 24 hours of pre-service training (8 hours before being counted in the ratio and 16 more within 90 days) unless exempt. Caregivers and the director must complete pediatric first aid within 90 days and before being alone with children, and pediatric CPR within 90 days, keep both current, complete annual training every 12 months (24 hours for caregivers, 30 for the director), and take extra yearly training if they transport children under nine or take children to a pool. Official rule text (single-rule page) · rule revised September 2024 Most recent: Jul 3, 2024 · first: Jan 25, 2022 |
| 746.1203 Medium High | 4 | Caregivers must know and follow the state minimum standards and supervise children at all times. They must not be pulled away by tasks unrelated to caring for children, such as paperwork, janitorial work, or personal use of phones and other devices, and must pass along each child's information and parent instructions to the next shift. Official rule text · rule revised March 2023 Most recent: Mar 13, 2024 · first: Feb 9, 2023 |
| 746.401 Medium Low | 4 | The center must keep certain items posted at all times, including its license, the letter or form from its most recent licensing inspection or investigation, its emergency evacuation diagram, each group's activity plan, the daily menu, and a list of current employees' first and last names. It must also post required state notices and phone numbers and a list of children's food allergies that need an emergency plan. Official rule text Most recent: Mar 16, 2022 · first: Mar 16, 2022 |
| 746.1003 High | 3 | The director must make sure the center's daily operation and all employees follow the minimum standards, that staff assignments match their skills and training, and that employees are supervised. Caregivers may not be regularly scheduled for more than ten hours of direct child care in a 24-hour period, and qualified substitutes must be called in when needed to meet the standards. Official rule text Most recent: Aug 21, 2024 · first: Feb 22, 2024 |
| 746.801 Medium | 3 | The center must keep certain records ready for state review during operating hours, including children's records, staff and training records, the director's certificate, staff time sheets, proof of liability insurance (or written notice to parents that it has none), playground checklists, and records of emergency drills, fire extinguishers, and smoke detectors. It must also keep its most recent fire, sanitation, and (if needed) gas inspection reports and its daily sign-in and sign-out system. Official rule text Most recent: Jul 3, 2024 · first: Feb 9, 2023 |
| 746.1329 Medium Low | 3 | The center must keep the original certificate or letter for each employee's annual training in the employee's file, showing the person's name, the date, topic, trainer and trainer's qualifications, and length. Pediatric first aid and CPR certificates must also show an expiration or renewal date, and orientation and pre-service training need a signed, dated statement from the employee and the trainer or a certificate. Official rule text Most recent: Feb 26, 2024 · first: Feb 9, 2023 |
| 746.2405 Medium High | 3 | The infant area must have an adult-size rocker or chair, an individual crib for each non-walking infant under 12 months, and an individual crib, cot, bed, or waterproof or washable mat for each walking infant or infant 12 months or older. It must also have a hand-washing sink in the diaper-changing area and enough toys to keep infants engaged. Official rule text · rule revised March 2023 Most recent: Mar 16, 2022 · first: Mar 16, 2022 |
| 746.1205 High | 2 | Each caregiver must know which children they are responsible for, how many there are, and each child's name and age. The caregiver must stay close enough to see or hear what each child is doing, as the situation calls for, and be able to step in when needed. Official rule text Most recent: May 6, 2026 · first: Aug 21, 2024 |
| 746.1601 Medium High | 2 | In centers licensed for 13 or more children, one caregiver may supervise at most 4 infants under 12 months, 5 children 12 to 17 months, 9 children 18 to 23 months, 11 two-year-olds, 15 three-year-olds, 18 four-year-olds, 22 five-year-olds, or 26 children ages 6 to 13. The limit is based on the group's specified age as the rules define it. Official rule text (single-rule page) Most recent: May 6, 2026 · first: Aug 21, 2024 |
| 746.1107 Medium High | 2 | Each caregiver must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma, a high school equivalent, or a high school certificate of coursework completion, in addition to meeting the standards for all employees. Official rule text Most recent: Jun 4, 2025 · first: Feb 9, 2023 |
| 746.901 Medium Low | 2 | The center must keep a file at the center for each employee, caregiver, substitute, and volunteer, available during operating hours. It must include items such as start and end dates, proof of age and education qualifications, the required state affidavit forms (Forms 2985 and 2912), training records, proof that background checks were requested, and a copy of a photo ID. Official rule text · rule revised August 2024 Most recent: Aug 29, 2024 · first: Jan 26, 2024 |
| 746.201 High | 2 | The permit holder must set and follow policies that meet the state minimum standards, name a qualified director who is responsible on site every day, make sure staff report suspected abuse directly to the state hotline, and keep the number of children in care within the licensed capacity. It must also let parents visit any time during operating hours without prior approval and follow the state child-care licensing law and rules. Official rule text Most recent: Feb 22, 2024 · first: Jan 26, 2024 |
| 746.3417 Medium High | 2 | Children must wash their hands before eating and before water-table play, and after using the toilet or having a diaper changed, after outdoor activities, after playing in sand, and after feeding or touching animals. They must also wash any other time a caregiver has reason to believe they touched something that could harm them. Official rule text Most recent: Jan 26, 2024 · first: Feb 9, 2023 |
| Year | Routine inspections | All state visits | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 (from Oct 20) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 3 | 3 | 13 |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 | 12 |
| 2024 | 8 | 11 | 26 |
| 2025 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| 2026 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
22 visits on record since Oct 20, 2021, newest first, including visits that found nothing.
| Date | Type | Rules checked | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 13, 2026 | Inspection | 2 | None |
| May 6, 2026 | Inspection | 761 | 4 |
| Jun 16, 2025 | Inspection | 2 | None |
| Jun 4, 2025 | Inspection | 513 | 5 |
| Aug 29, 2024 | Inspection | 3 | 1 |
| Aug 21, 2024 | Inspection | 3 | 3 |
| Aug 13, 2024 | Investigation (report) | 2 | None |
| Jul 30, 2024 | Inspection | — | None |
| Jul 16, 2024 | Inspection | 1 | 1 |
| Jul 3, 2024 | Investigation (report) | 5 | 3 |
| Jun 10, 2024 | Inspection | 749 | 1 |
| Mar 13, 2024 | Inspection | 2 | 1 |
| Date | Type | Rules checked | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 26, 2024 | Inspection | 4 | 2 |
| Feb 22, 2024 | Investigation (report) | 7 | 6 |
| Jan 26, 2024 | Inspection | 657 | 8 |
| Mar 15, 2023 | Inspection | 1 | None |
| Mar 10, 2023 | Inspection | 3 | 2 |
| Feb 16, 2023 | Inspection | 2 | 1 |
| Feb 9, 2023 | Inspection | 576 | 9 |
| Apr 18, 2022 | Inspection | 10 | None |
| Mar 16, 2022 | Inspection | 1184 | 10 |
| Jan 25, 2022 | Inspection | 826 | 3 |
5 rules cited at Arka Montessori Academy changed after some of these citations (marked “rule revised”), so the wording that applied at the time may differ from our plain-English explanation.
Medium · May 6, 2026 · Inspection
Two children files were observed missing the health statements for review during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium · May 6, 2026 · Inspection
The director did not have the 30 hours of annual training available for review during the inspection.
In plain English: A center director must complete 30 hours of training each year that fits the ages of the children served, including at least six hours on topics such as child development or guidance and discipline, at least one hour on preventing, recognizing, and reporting child abuse and neglect, and three to six hours on management or staff supervision depending on experience. At least six of the hours must be instructor-led. Official rule text
Medium High · May 6, 2026 · Inspection
One teacher from the infant classroom left their classroom leaving a caregiver with 9 infants ages 12-17mo alone during nap time.
Plain-English explanation above
High · May 6, 2026 · Inspection
A child was observed left alone unattended during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Jun 4, 2025 · Inspection
One caregiver did not have the proof of high school qualification available for review during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium · Jun 4, 2025 · Inspection
One classroom was observed out of ratio during naptime. This was corrected when an additional caregiver was brought into the classroom.
In plain English: When 13 or more children are in care, the center may reduce the naptime child-to-caregiver ratio by 50% for children 18 months and older, but only if those groups nap together in one central location and the caregivers stay in the napping room or area. Extra employees must be in the building (at least one when one caregiver supervises the nap group, or one for every two nap caregivers, rounded up, when more are needed), and the caregivers must be able to call them without leaving the room. Official rule text
Medium · Jun 4, 2025 · Inspection
The admission information for two children were not available for review during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium · Jun 4, 2025 · Inspection
One child in care did not have the health statement on file available for review.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Jun 4, 2025 · Inspection
A child was observed sleeping with a bottle in the crib during nap time. This was corrected when the caregiver was made aware and removed the bottle during the inspection.
In plain English: Caregivers must hold infants up to six months old, and older infants who cannot sit up on their own, while feeding them, and must never prop a bottle. Bottles and cups must be labeled with the infant's first name and last initial, infants may not walk around or sleep with a bottle or cup, the hand-washing sink and diaper-changing surface may not be used for food or bottle preparation, and high chair trays must be sanitized before each use. Official rule text
Medium Low · Aug 29, 2024 · Inspection
A new hire staff member did not have the required pre-employement affidavit on file for reviewed.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Aug 21, 2024 · Inspection
The 3-4yo classroom was observed being out of ratio when there were 20 children with specified age group 4yo with one caregiver during naptime.
Plain-English explanation above
High · Aug 21, 2024 · Inspection
Supervision was not maintained when a caregiver from the 3-4yo classroom walked to the infant classroom to replace the director leaving the children unattended during naptime.
Plain-English explanation above
High · Aug 21, 2024 · Inspection
The operation did not have any substitute caregiver to ensure the ratio of the caregiver and children are being maintained. Additional caregiver was called during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium · Jul 16, 2024 · Inspection
Two children did not have the completed admission information for reviewed during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Jul 3, 2024 · Investigation (report)
Based on the information obtained from the investigation, a staff member did not have the current CPR certification for review during an inspection while in charge alone in a classroom with the children in care.
Plain-English explanation above · rule revised September 2024
Medium · Jul 3, 2024 · Investigation (report)
Based on the information obtained from the investigation, the staff member who regularly presented and assisted/left in charge of the classroom with children did not have the completed personnel and training qualifications to be a caregiver at the operation.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Jul 3, 2024 · Investigation (report)
Based on the information obtained from the investigation, the staff member did not have the current first aid certification for review during an inspection while in charge alone in a classroom with the children in care.
Plain-English explanation above · rule revised September 2024
Medium · Jun 10, 2024 · Inspection
Caregiver in charge did not have access to the required records requested for review during the inspection.
In plain English: Whenever the director is away during operating hours, a qualified caregiver or director must be named to be in charge, and that person must know their duties and for how long, have the information needed to contact parents and authorities, and have authority to run the center. All employees must know who is in charge, and for a long absence the center must name someone who meets director qualifications and report that person to the state. Official rule text
Medium High · Mar 13, 2024 · Inspection
A caregiver in 20-24mo classroom was observed using their personal cellphone while supervising 9 children during naptime. This was corrected when the caregiver was made aware and removed the cellphone.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium Low · Feb 26, 2024 · Inspection
A follow up insepction was completed, this standard was reviewed and recited. The training certificates from the staff training files were not valid as it was missing the date of the training given.
Plain-English explanation above
High · Feb 26, 2024 · Inspection
One 4 month old was observed sleeping swaddled. This was corrected when the caregiver was made aware and unswaddled the infant.
In plain English: A swaddled infant may not be laid down to sleep or rest on any surface unless the center has a completed Sleep Exception Form with a health-care professional's signed statement that swaddling for sleep is medically necessary. Official rule text
Medium · Feb 22, 2024 · Investigation (report)
Based on the information obtained from the investigation, this standard was reviewed and was determined not compliant when the caregivers at the operation did not have a complete understanding of the Minimum Standards to ensure children are being cared for appropriately.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Feb 22, 2024 · Investigation (report)
Based on the information obtained from the investigation, this standard was reviewed and is determined that the operation did not provide opportunities for staff to complete appropriate training based on the requirements from the Minimum Standards.
Plain-English explanation above
High · Feb 22, 2024 · Investigation (report)
Based on the information obtained from the investigation, this standard was reviewed and there is sufficient evidence to show training hours provided by the director were not documented truthfully and the information provided during the training information given by the director did not meet the requirements of the Minimum Standards. Training certificates provided documented 10 clock hours of training completed in one day when this did not occur
Plain-English explanation above
Medium · Feb 22, 2024 · Investigation (report)
Based on the information obtained from the investigation, it is determined the operation is not compliant when the certification of training given by the director did not address the clock hours for each training topic given on a certain date.
Official text of rule 746.1319
Low · Feb 22, 2024 · Investigation (report)
Based on the information obtained from the investigation, The certifications of training given by the director were reviewed and determined not compliant when there was no training assessment documentation completed by the staff members for review during the investigation.
Official text of rule 746.1317
Medium · Feb 22, 2024 · Investigation (report)
Based on the information obtained from the investigation, the attendance record for the director of the operation was not available for review during the investigation.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Jan 26, 2024 · Inspection
The training hours for 6 staff members files were observed missing from the total of 24 hours required annually. Two staff members' files did not have the training documents to review.
Plain-English explanation above · rule revised September 2024
High · Jan 26, 2024 · Inspection
The operational policies were reviewed and missing the required information as speciifed in subchapter 746.501.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium Low · Jan 26, 2024 · Inspection
Three employee files were reviewed and observed missing the signed affidavit for employment.
Plain-English explanation above · rule revised August 2024
Medium High · Jan 26, 2024 · Inspection
The children from the Toddlers classroom were observed sitting on the floor drinking milk from paper cups during lunch time. This was corrected when staff were made aware and removed the children from the floor.
In plain English: Food and drinks must be stored, prepared, and served in sanitary conditions, including sanitizing dishes and utensils after each use, serving food on plates or other clean holders rather than a bare table, and covering food stored in the refrigerator. Caregivers with open wounds or casts may not prepare food, foods that infants and toddlers could choke on may not be served, and cleaning supplies and toxic materials may not be stored with food. Official rule text
Medium High · Jan 26, 2024 · Inspection
The children in the Toddlers classroom was observed did not wash their hands after having their diaper changed. This was corrected when the caregiver was made aware and washed the children hands
Plain-English explanation above
Medium Low · Jan 26, 2024 · Inspection
The training certificates from the staff training files were not available for reviewed. It was observed only training records were documented in the file.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Jan 26, 2024 · Inspection
The CPR/FA for the director and two other caregiver was not available for reviewed.
In plain English: Each caregiver and the center director must hold a current certificate in pediatric first aid (including rescue breathing and choking) and in pediatric CPR. A new caregiver may work with children before getting the CPR certificate, but at least one employee or caregiver with a current pediatric CPR certificate must be on the premises whenever children are in care. Official rule text
Medium High · Jan 26, 2024 · Inspection
Caregiver in the Toddlers classroom was observed did not wash their hands after completed changing diaper for the children. This was corrected when the caregiver was made aware and washed their hand during the inspection.
In plain English: Employees must wash their hands at set times, including on arrival, before handling food or medication or feeding a child, after diapering or helping a child use the toilet, after their own toileting, and after wiping noses or handling other bodily fluids. They must also wash after outdoor activities, handling animals or raw food, eating or smoking, using cleaners or chemicals, and removing gloves. Official rule text
High · Mar 10, 2023 · Inspection
One of the caregivers on the playground with a group a children ages 3-5 stated there were 22 children in care. There were 25 children in care at the time.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Mar 10, 2023 · Inspection
There were only 11 children out of 25 children signed in on the sign in/out sheet the caregivers provided for review of the pre k classroom on the playground. Note: This was discussed with the caregivers and all children were signed in.
In plain English: The center must have a system that tracks each child's arrival and departure every day, with the child's name, the date and times, and the initials or unique code of the employee or parent. All caregivers must be able to use it to see which children are in care during their shift, at caregiver changes, and during an evacuation. Official rule text
Medium High · Feb 16, 2023 · Inspection
The Toddlers classroom was determined out of ratio when three caregivers with 20 children ages 18-23 months old with specified age group 23 months old were observed on the playground during the follow up inspection.
In plain English: When 13 or more children are in care, a group, even with two or more caregivers, may have at most 10 infants under 12 months, 13 children 12 to 17 months, 18 children 18 to 23 months, 22 two-year-olds, 30 three-year-olds, or 35 children ages four through 13. The limit is based on the group's specified age. Official rule text (single-rule page)
Medium · Feb 9, 2023 · Inspection
The immunization records for three children were not available for review during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium · Feb 9, 2023 · Inspection
The Safety Emergency documentation was reviewed and missing the documentaion for the month of January 2023 for Fire Extinguisher, smoke detector and CO2 detector.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium · Feb 9, 2023 · Inspection
The CPSC form was observed has not been certified during the inspection. This was corrected when the form was certified by the director during the inspection.
In plain English: The center must check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall list and keep recalled children's products out of the center, except antiques or items being repaired that children cannot use or reach. Each year it must certify in writing on a state form that it has done this, and it must post a notice telling parents and staff how to find the recall list. Official rule text
Medium High · Feb 9, 2023 · Inspection
Five employees personnel files were reviewed and missing the proof of high school or equivalent documentation.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Feb 9, 2023 · Inspection
A caregiver in the Primary 1 with 3-4 years old did not know the age of the children when being asked during the inspection. This was corrected when a clip board contains children name and age were provided to the caregiver during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above · rule revised March 2023
Medium High · Feb 9, 2023 · Inspection
One employee file did not have the annual training certificates available for reviewed during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above · rule revised September 2024
Medium Low · Feb 9, 2023 · Inspection
The training documentation for nine employees file was observed not in a original certification form.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Feb 9, 2023 · Inspection
One children from the Primary Classroom was observed not washing their hands after finished using the toilet.
Plain-English explanation above
High · Feb 9, 2023 · Inspection
Two children from the Primary classroom were observed entered the building to use the bathroom without being unsupervised during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above · rule revised March 2023
Medium High · Mar 16, 2022 · Inspection
The AC units located on the side of the building were observed uncovered during the inspection.
In plain English: All areas children can reach must be free of hazards. The rule lists examples such as childproof covers on outlets for children under five, heaters and fans mounted out of reach or guarded, poisonous plants kept out of reach, pools, buckets, and other water kept away from children, and TVs anchored so they cannot tip over. Official rule text · rule revised September 2024
Medium High · Mar 16, 2022 · Inspection
Infant Classroom was observed missing at least one adult size rocker/chair for the infant care area.
Plain-English explanation above · rule revised March 2023
Medium Low · Mar 16, 2022 · Inspection
List of current employees was observed missing during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Mar 16, 2022 · Inspection
There were no furnitures, toys, and nap equipment available for the Toddlers Classroom.
In plain English: Toddler areas must have age-appropriate seats, tables, and nap equipment, enough popular toys that toddlers are not forced to compete for them, and low shelves or containers they can reach on their own. Bottles and training cups must be labeled or assigned to each toddler and cleaned and sanitized between uses, and toddlers may never sleep or walk around with them. Official rule text
Medium High · Mar 16, 2022 · Inspection
There were toys avaiable for the Infant Classroom observed during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above · rule revised March 2023
Medium High · Mar 16, 2022 · Inspection
There were no cribs avaialble for the Infants Classroom.
Plain-English explanation above · rule revised March 2023
Medium · Mar 16, 2022 · Inspection
Age appropriate furniture, nap equipment for school age children were observed not available during the inspection.
Official text of rule 746.2705
Medium Low · Mar 16, 2022 · Inspection
Required telephone numbers was observed missing during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium · Mar 16, 2022 · Inspection
The Keeping Children Safe posting was observed missing during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Mar 16, 2022 · Inspection
The Evacuation diagram posting for each classrooms was observed missing during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium · Jan 25, 2022 · Inspection
The Fire Drill for the month of December was observed not documented properly.
In plain English: The center must hold a fire drill every month, and the children must be able to get out of the building within three minutes. It must also hold a severe-weather sheltering drill and a lock-down drill at least four times a year each, and record the date, time, and length of every drill. Official rule text
Medium · Jan 25, 2022 · Inspection
One employee background check status were not inactivated after their last day of employment. This was corrected, the employee BGC was inactivated during the inspection.
In plain English: When a person with a background check stops being associated with the operation, the operation must mark them inactive within seven days. It must also confirm its current list of people with background checks every three months, or once a year for licensed and registered child-care homes and listed family homes. Official rule text
Medium High · Jan 25, 2022 · Inspection
The CPR/FA for one employee was not available for review during inspection. The employee was observed having unsupervised access to children in care.
Plain-English explanation above · rule revised September 2024
Based on the kinds of rules cited at Arka Montessori Academy:
More in ZIP 77070 and all of Houston.
This page reports the state’s records for Arka Montessori Academy; it is not a rating, a recommendation, or a background check, and may not be used for employment, tenant, credit, or insurance decisions.
Explanations follow the current rules (HHSC minimum standards, revised December 2025).