Licensed Child Care Center · Houston, TX 77063
Between Jan 12, 2024 (the first state visit on record) and Oct 20, 2026, the state cited Panda Bear Academy for 55 deficiencies — the Texas HHSC term for rule violations — over 16 routine inspections and 1 other visit (investigations or paperwork reviews); 14 were under rules the state weights High. The rule cited most often here is 746.3407 (5 times, most recently Apr 16, 2024).
The state lists Panda Bear Academy as serving infant, toddler, pre-kindergarten, and school-age children, open 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat). Programs on file: School Age Care, Before School Care, Accredited, Meals Provided, After School Care, Snacks Provided, Part Time Care, Transportation to/from School, Weekend Care, Field Trips. Program type: Child Care Program.
Of the 55 violations at Panda Bear Academy, 14 fall under rules Texas weights High and 27 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 | 14 | 25% |
| Medium High | 27 | 49% |
| Medium | 14 | 25% |
| Medium Low | 0 | 0% |
| Low | 0 | 0% |
Panda Bear Academy had 55 violations since Jan 12, 2024, a shorter record than most, more than the five-year median of 11 across Houston’s 923 licensed child care centers, and 3.4 per routine inspection against a median of 1.0 — a count of state records, not a rating.
12 rules were cited more than once at Panda Bear Academy since Jan 12, 2024.
| Rule | Times | What the rule covers |
|---|---|---|
| 746.3407 Medium High | 5 | The center must clean, repair, and maintain its building, grounds, and equipment to protect children's health. This includes sanitizing toys that children put in their mouths, keeping garbage out of children's reach, keeping floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair, and labeling cleaning supplies and storing them away from food and out of children's reach. Official rule text Most recent: Apr 16, 2024 · first: Jan 12, 2024 |
| 746.4751 Medium High | 4 | The director or a designee must check the active play space and equipment every day before play and do a fuller check at least monthly using a written checklist. Hazards or defects found must be removed or repaired promptly, children must be kept off the equipment until then, and inspection and repair records must be kept for at least three months. Official rule text Most recent: Apr 16, 2024 · first: Jan 12, 2024 |
| 746.603 Medium | 3 | 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: Jul 19, 2024 · first: Jan 12, 2024 |
| 746.2401 High | 2 | Infant care must include regular care by the same caregiver when possible, individual attention such as talking, playing, and holding, comforting infants who are upset, and prompt attention to feeding and diapering. The area must be kept free of objects infants or toddlers could choke on, and an infant may never be left unsupervised. Official rule text Most recent: Nov 5, 2024 · first: Apr 30, 2024 |
| 746.3317 Medium High | 2 | 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 Most recent: Oct 17, 2024 · first: Jan 12, 2024 |
| 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: Jul 19, 2024 · first: Apr 16, 2024 |
| 746.3805 Medium High | 2 | Medication must be given as the label directs or as the child's health-care professional changes in writing, only to the child it is meant for, from the original container labeled with the child's full name and the date it was brought in, and never after it expires. Each dose must be recorded with the child's name, the medication, the date, time, and amount, and the employee's full name, and the records kept for at least three months. Official rule text Most recent: Jul 19, 2024 · first: Jan 12, 2024 |
| 746.5617 High | 2 | Each vehicle used to transport children must carry a list of the children on board, their emergency medical authorization forms, parent and emergency phone numbers, the center's name and phone number, a fire extinguisher approved by a fire marshal, and a first-aid kit. The driver must have a current driver's license. Official rule text Most recent: May 16, 2024 · first: May 16, 2024 |
| 746.5625 High | 2 | A vehicle that seats eight or more, is used to transport children, and was bought or leased on or after December 31, 2013, must have an electronic child alarm that is installed and maintained per the maker's instructions and used on every trip with children. Before turning off the alarm at the rear of the vehicle, the driver or a designated employee must account for every child and walk through the vehicle to check that no child is left inside. Official rule text Most recent: May 16, 2024 · first: Jan 12, 2024 |
| 746.3819 Medium High | 2 | For each child with a food allergy diagnosed by a health-care professional, the center must have a food allergy emergency plan signed and dated by the child's health-care professional and parent. A copy must be kept in the child's file. Official rule text Most recent: Apr 16, 2024 · first: Jan 12, 2024 |
| 746.2409 Medium High | 2 | Each crib must have a firm, flat mattress made for that crib model that fits snugly with no added padding, snug-fitting sheets, secure hardware, slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, documentation that it meets federal crib standards, and a label with the infant's name (or a number with an assignment map). Cribs must be sanitized before another infant uses them, and an infant may never be left in a crib with the drop gate down. Official rule text Most recent: Jan 12, 2024 · first: Jan 12, 2024 |
| 746.4003 Medium | 2 | Each first-aid kit must hold a first-aid guide, adhesive tape, antiseptic, adhesive bandages, scissors, sterile gauze pads, a thermometer, tweezers, and waterproof disposable gloves. None of the supplies may be expired. Official rule text Most recent: Jan 12, 2024 · first: Jan 12, 2024 |
| Year | Routine inspections | All state visits | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 (from Jan 12) | 13 | 13 | 55 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2026 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
17 visits on record since Jan 12, 2024, newest first, including visits that found nothing.
| Date | Type | Rules checked | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | Inspection | — | None |
| Jul 2, 2026 | Investigation (report) | 1 | None |
| Jan 30, 2026 | Inspection | 648 | None |
| Jul 29, 2025 | Inspection | 616 | None |
| Dec 12, 2024 | Inspection | 448 | None |
| Nov 21, 2024 | Inspection | 1 | None |
| Nov 5, 2024 | Inspection | 324 | 1 |
| Oct 17, 2024 | Inspection | 507 | 4 |
| Aug 28, 2024 | Inspection | — | None |
| Jul 19, 2024 | Inspection | 506 | 7 |
| Jun 14, 2024 | Inspection | 1 | None |
| May 29, 2024 | Inspection | 7 | 1 |
| Date | Type | Rules checked | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 16, 2024 | Inspection | 254 | 4 |
| Apr 30, 2024 | Inspection | 3 | 1 |
| Apr 16, 2024 | Inspection | 498 | 10 |
| Feb 8, 2024 | Inspection | 12 | 5 |
| Jan 12, 2024 | Inspection | 1252 | 22 |
One rule cited at Panda Bear 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.
High · Nov 5, 2024 · Inspection
Infant was sleeping with a pacifier containing a string attached to their clothing. Note: The string removed from the infants clothing during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Oct 17, 2024 · Inspection
Expired milk was served to children for breakfast during the inspection. Note: The provider purchased and provided new milk during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Oct 17, 2024 · Inspection
The operation combined a 6 month old infant with older children during the inspection. The oldest child in the group was 5 years old. The oldest child can be no older than 23 months old. Note: Caregivers transitioned children to their assigned classrooms during the inspection.
In plain English: In a center with 13 or more children in care, infants may be grouped with older children only if the oldest child in the group is no more than 18 months older than the youngest. Centers with 12 or fewer children in care may combine ages under a separate rule. Official rule text
Medium High · Oct 17, 2024 · Inspection
During the inspection the child to caregiver ratio was 11 children to 1 caregiver. The specified age group was 18-23 months and the maximum number of children allowed with this group should've been 9. Note: An additional caregiver was added to the group once they arrived.
In plain English: 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)
Medium · Oct 17, 2024 · Inspection
Children under two were observed watching television during the inspection. Note: Caregivers turned the television off during inspection.
In plain English: Centers may not use screen time for children under two. For older children, screen time may only add to other activities, not replace them, and it must be tied to planned learning goals, age-appropriate, no more than one hour a day, free of ads and violence, and not used during meals, snacks, naps, or rest times. Official rule text
High · Jul 19, 2024 · Inspection
A caregiver with provisional eligibility was observed in a classroom alone with children. The conditions of the caregivers background check were not followed during the inspection.
In plain English: If the state's background check unit finds a person ineligible, the operation must immediately remove that person from the operation and confirm it received the notice. If the person is eligible or provisionally eligible with conditions, the operation must limit the person's duties to follow those conditions. Official rule text
High · Jul 19, 2024 · Inspection
The operational policies provided for review did not contain the following information: A Safe Sleeping Policy for Infants under 12 Months The criteria the operation will use to determine when extreme weather conditions pose a significant health risk to children Information on vaccine-preventable diseases for employees Required annual trainings for employees in preventing and responding to abuse and neglect of children 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 Methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of prevention techniques for child abuse and neglect Strategies for coordination between the center and appropriate community organizations 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.
In plain English: 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
Medium · Jul 19, 2024 · Inspection
10 employee records were evaluated and were missing the following information: Proof of Background Check Eligibility Letter Signed and Updated Personnel and Operation Policies from staff Notarized Employment Affidavit Forms Dates of Employment Completion of Orientation
In plain English: 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
Medium · Jul 19, 2024 · Inspection
Children's admissions information was evaluated and missing the following documentation: Dates of Admission Incomplete Health Statements Incomplete Emegency Contact Information Incomplete Signature for the Receipt of Operational Policies Missing Special Needs Statements Missing Signatures on the Authorization for Emergency Medical Transporation and Treatment
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Jul 19, 2024 · Inspection
The medication log was missing the name of medication that was administered to a child in care. The name of medication was listed as pain medication. Note: The provider found the medication that was given and documented it on the medication log during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium · Jul 19, 2024 · Inspection
The feeding instructions for 1 infant was last signed and dated by the parent on 3/7/2024.
In plain English: For an infant who is not yet eating table food, the center must get written feeding instructions signed and dated by a parent or health-care professional, and must follow them. The center must review and update the instructions with the parent every 30 days until the infant can eat table food. Official rule text
Medium High · Jul 19, 2024 · Inspection
A caregiver did not have information available to them in the classroom showing all of the children's ages who were in care during the inspection. Note: The provider updated the children's ages during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · May 29, 2024 · Inspection
Children did not wash their hands before eating their snack during the follow up inspection.
In plain English: 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
Medium High · May 16, 2024 · Inspection
Children were observed fighting one another during the inspection.
In plain English: 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
High · May 16, 2024 · Inspection
The child safety alarm in the white van is not functioning properly. When the driver pressed the button to turn the alarm off it continued going off after testing multiple times.
Plain-English explanation above
High · May 16, 2024 · Inspection
The first aid kit in the van was missing gauze and antiseptics solution.
Plain-English explanation above
High · May 16, 2024 · Inspection
Emergency phone #'s were missing for 2 children who were transported. Note: One child's emergency phone # was corrected during inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
High · Apr 30, 2024 · Inspection
During the follow up inspection, 5 infants were left unsupervised and there was no caregiver present in the room. Note: A caregiver returned to the classroom during the inspection. Discussed with the provider that infants are never to be left alone and another staff must step in when the caregiver needs to leave the room.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Apr 16, 2024 · Inspection
Observed a broken fence on the outdoor play area with nails that are exposed and accessible to children.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Apr 16, 2024 · Inspection
A food allergy emergency plan was not available for review for a child with a food allergy to peanuts.
Plain-English explanation above
High · Apr 16, 2024 · Inspection
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors were not tested in February of 2024.
In plain English: The director or a designee must test all smoke detectors every month and record the date and the name of the employee who did the test. These records must be kept at the center for review during operating hours. Official rule text
Medium · Apr 16, 2024 · Inspection
The use zone for stationary equipment did not meet the 6 feet requirement. Note: The provider arranged the equipment during the inspection so that it meets 6 feet on all sides.
In plain English: The use zone around stationary play equipment (other than slides and soft contained play equipment) must extend at least six feet in every direction from the equipment's edge, and it may not overlap other use zones. Official rule text
High · Apr 16, 2024 · Inspection
Lysol spray was observed on a low shelf in reach of children during the inspection. Note: The provider removed the cleaning supplies from the shelf during inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium · Apr 16, 2024 · Inspection
The maintenance checklists do not document broken equipment observed on the playground.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Apr 16, 2024 · Inspection
The emergency preparedness plan does not address the designated sheltering/lock-down location within the center where children should gather.
In plain English: The center's written emergency plan must explain how staff will evacuate, relocate, or shelter and lock down children, including children under 24 months and those who need extra help, and how every child will be accounted for. It must also cover how the center will contact authorities and parents, bring each child's emergency contacts and medical authorization, keep caring for children until they are picked up, and reunite them with parents. Official rule text
Medium · Apr 16, 2024 · Inspection
The daily menu showed pineapples were to be served for lunch when children were served fruit cocktail. Note: The provided noted the substitution on the menu during inspection.
Official text of rule 746.3313
High · Apr 16, 2024 · Inspection
A caregiver did not know the correct number of children they were responsible for during the inspection. The caregiver stated there were 14 children when only 13 children were accounted for.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Apr 16, 2024 · Inspection
Fire drills were not conducted in February of 2024.
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 High · Feb 8, 2024 · Inspection
During the follow up inspection, toilet seats were broken and observed broken toilet roll despenser.The tiles in the restroom used by school age children are in need of repair.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Feb 8, 2024 · Inspection
During the follow up inspection, a screw was observed under the play structure.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium · Feb 8, 2024 · Inspection
During the follow up inspection, children's records were still missing special care needs statements and complete emergency contact information.
Plain-English explanation above
High · Feb 8, 2024 · Inspection
Observed a bottle of Clorox and Draino in an unlocked cabinet in the 4's and 5's room during the follow up inspection. Note: The provider removed the cleaning supplies during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Feb 8, 2024 · Inspection
The use zone for rotating and bouncing equipment on the playground does not extend 6 feet.
Official text of rule 746.4813
Medium High · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
Observed a bottle in the infant room filled with a brown protein mixture. Documentation of written consent from a health care professional or dietician was not available upon request.
Official text of rule 746.3311
Medium High · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
The medication log was missing dates and amounts of medication given to children on various dates,
Plain-English explanation above
High · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
A fire inspection has not been conducted since December 15th, 2022.
In plain English: The center must have a fire inspection by a state or local fire marshal before its first permit is issued and at least once every 12 months. Centers in public school buildings run by the local school district are exempt, and if no inspection is available the center must get written proof of that from a fire marshal or county judge. Official rule text
Medium High · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
Observed several nails, screws and washers in the outdoor play area that pose a safety hazard to children.
Plain-English explanation above
High · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
A caregiver was observed in the 4 & 5 year old classroom with direct access to children. The provider has not received an eligiblity determination from CBCU stating they can be present.
In plain English: An operation must get notice from the state's background check unit that a person is eligible, eligible with conditions, or provisionally eligible with conditions before letting that person be at the operation. While waiting, the person may attend orientation or pre-service training only if they have no contact with children in care. Official rule text
Medium High · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
A lightbulb was out in the toddler room restroom.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
There were no scissors in the first aid kit.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
The operation is sharing space with another program. A written plan of shared space was not available for review during the inspection.
Official text of rule 746.4215
High · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
The van used to transport chidren is not equipped with a child safety alarm.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
A physician's statement was missing on a food allergy emergency plan for a child with a known food allergy.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
Water was not made readily available to children during lunch.
In plain English: The center must serve children who eat table food regular meals and morning and afternoon snacks that follow the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program meal patterns, and a child may not go more than three hours without being offered food unless asleep. Drinking water must always be available, sugary drinks are only for special occasions unless the program allows them, food may not be used as a reward, and a child may not be served any food listed on their food allergy emergency plan. Official rule text
Medium · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
The last Children's Product Certification has not been completed since December 12th, 2022.
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 · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
Observed expired medication during the inspection that has not been disposed. Note: The provider put the expired medication in the trash can during the inspection.
In plain English: The center must throw away medication or return it to the parent when the child leaves the center, when the medication is out of date, or when the child no longer needs it. Official rule text
Medium High · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
Observed two broken tissue roll holders in the 3 &4's classroom. The deck in the outdoor play area contains uneven surfaces that pose a tripping hazard.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
Observed a box of disinfectant spray stored in the pantry where the food is located.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
Sheets in a crib in the infant room were not snug fitting and had to be tied to fit to the mattress.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
1 out of 5 staff files is in need of skill based CPR training.
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 · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
An infants crib was not labeled with their name during the inspection.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
Children's records for 5 children in care did not contain the following information: 3 were missing consent for field trips, transportation and water activities. 1 was missing signature from the parent authorization for emergency medical treatment. 1 was missing the school name and phone #. 1 was missing an immunization record.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
Expired alcohol wipes were observed in the first aid kit,
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
A fenced in area to the outdoor play area cannot be properly opened by each caregiver.
Official text of rule 746.4309
Medium High · Jan 12, 2024 · Inspection
Documentation showing the current annual smoke detection system testing was not available for review upon request.
Official text of rule 746.5315
Based on the kinds of rules cited at Panda Bear Academy:
More in ZIP 77063 and all of Houston.
This page reports the state’s records for Panda Bear 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).