Know Your Daycare

Licensed Child Care Center · Houston, TX 77077

Smaller Scholars

1685 &1675 S DAIRY ASHFORD, Houston, TX 77077 · (281) 558-3515 · State permit no. 854951

Between Oct 20, 2021 and Oct 20, 2026, the state cited Smaller Scholars for 20 deficiencies — the Texas HHSC term for rule violations — over 17 routine inspections and 4 other visits (investigations or paperwork reviews); 5 were under rules the state weights High. The rule cited most often here is 746.3407 (6 times, most recently May 5, 2026).

The state lists Smaller Scholars as serving infant, toddler, pre-kindergarten, and school-age children, open 07:00 AM to 06:00 PM (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri). Programs on file: School Age Care, Accredited, Drop-In Care, Part Time Care. Program type: Child Care Program.

Violations by state risk weight

Of the 20 violations at Smaller Scholars, 5 fall under rules Texas weights High and 11 under Medium High; the state sets each rule’s weight by the risk a violation poses to children. How weights work

WeightViolationsShare
High525%
Medium High1155%
Medium420%
Medium Low00%
Low00%

Compared with other Houston licensed child care centers

Smaller Scholars had 20 violations in five years, more than the median of 11 across Houston’s 923 licensed child care centers, and 0.9 per routine inspection against a median of 1.0 — a count of state records, not a rating.

Violations in five years: Smaller Scholars 20, Houston five-year median 11This daycare20Houston median11

Repeat issues

4 rules were cited more than once at Smaller Scholars in the last five years.

RuleTimesWhat the rule covers
746.3407
Medium High		6The 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: May 5, 2026 · first: May 31, 2024
746.3809
Medium		2The center must throw away medication or return it to the parent when the child leaves the center, when the medication is out of date, or when the child no longer needs it.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
Most recent: May 5, 2026 · first: May 31, 2024
746.2805
High		2No child may be treated in a harsh, cruel, or unusual way. Banned methods include physical punishment or threats of it, punishment tied to food, naps, or toilet training, grabbing or pulling a child, yelling at or humiliating a child, and putting a child in a locked or dark room. Official rule text
Most recent: Aug 18, 2023 · first: Aug 18, 2023
746.1203
High		2Caregivers 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: Oct 13, 2022 · first: Jun 14, 2022

Year by year

Routine inspections and violations per year at Smaller Scholars, 2021 to 2026002021442022442023232024342025452026
YearRoutine inspectionsAll state visitsViolations
2021 (from Oct 20)000
2022454
2023454
2024223
2025344
2026455

Every state visit

21 visits on record since Oct 20, 2021, newest first, including visits that found nothing.

DateTypeRules checkedViolations
Oct 6, 2026Inspection—None
Aug 6, 2026Inspection—None
May 5, 2026Inspection6064
Mar 6, 2026Assessment11
Mar 6, 2026Inspection—None
Dec 5, 2025Assessment11
May 20, 2025Inspection—None
May 13, 2025Inspection6663
Mar 11, 2025Inspection—None
May 31, 2024Inspection5973
Jan 30, 2024Inspection3None
Nov 7, 2023Inspection1None
Show 9 earlier visits
DateTypeRules checkedViolations
Nov 2, 2023Inspection42
Aug 21, 2023Inspection—None
Aug 18, 2023Investigation (report)22
Jun 8, 2023Inspection470None
Oct 27, 2022Inspection1None
Oct 13, 2022Inspection11
Oct 4, 2022Investigation (self-report)1None
Jun 29, 2022Inspection1None
Jun 14, 2022Inspection6113

All 20 violations, newest first

3 rules cited at Smaller Scholars 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 5, 2026 · Inspection

746.2421(b) - Written Feeding Instructions - Review and Update Every 30 Days

It was observed that feeding instructions for two infants were not signed or updated by the parent/guardian within the last 30 days.

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

Corrected at inspection:
No
Correction date:
May 19, 2026
Correction verified:
Jun 10, 2026
Technical assistance given:
No

Medium · May 5, 2026 · Inspection

746.2409(a)(10) - Safety Requirements for Cribs - Label for Each Infant

One infant was observed sleeping in a crib that was not labeled with the child's name

In plain English: 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

Corrected at inspection:
No
Correction date:
May 19, 2026
Correction verified:
Jun 10, 2026
Technical assistance given:
No

Medium High · May 5, 2026 · Inspection

746.3407(9) - Floors, ceilings and Walls in Good Repair and Clean

Observed ceiling tile hanging down in classroom with children present.

Plain-English explanation above

Corrected at inspection:
No
Correction date:
May 19, 2026
Correction verified:
Jun 10, 2026
Technical assistance given:
No

Medium · May 5, 2026 · Inspection

746.3809 - Medication No Longer Used

I observed expired emergency medication in the mediation cabinet. NOTE: This was corrected during the inspection by removing the medication to go back home with parents

Plain-English explanation above

Corrected at inspection:
Yes
Correction date:
May 5, 2026
Technical assistance given:
No

Medium High · Mar 6, 2026 · Assessment

746.3407(9) - Floors, ceilings and Walls in Good Repair and Clean

In rooms PR 4 and PR 5, I observed major cracks within the walls' interior. In the same rooms around the crack, the paint is starting to chip.

Plain-English explanation above

Corrected at inspection:
No
Correction date:
Mar 20, 2026
Correction verified:
Mar 17, 2026
Technical assistance given:
No

Medium High · Dec 5, 2025 · Assessment

746.3407(9) - Floors, ceilings and Walls in Good Repair and Clean

In rooms PR 4 and PR 5, I observed major cracks within the walls' interior. In the same rooms around the crack, the paint is starting to chip.

Plain-English explanation above

Corrected at inspection:
No
Correction date:
Feb 5, 2026
Correction verified:
Mar 6, 2026
Technical assistance given:
No

Medium High · May 13, 2025 · Inspection

746.5101(b) - Annual Fire Inspection - Conducted by Fire Marshal

The last fire inspection was conducted on 4/25/24.

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

Corrected at inspection:
No
Correction date:
Jun 20, 2025
Correction verified:
Jul 15, 2025
Technical assistance given:
No

Medium High · May 13, 2025 · Inspection

746.3407 - Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment

The wood borders around the playground were broken, exposing sharp parts of the wood and nails.

Plain-English explanation above

Corrected at inspection:
No
Correction date:
Jun 20, 2025
Correction verified:
Jul 18, 2025
Technical assistance given:
Yes

Medium High · May 13, 2025 · Inspection

746.3407(9) - Floors, ceilings and Walls in Good Repair and Clean

In rooms PR 4 and PR 5, I observed major cracks within the walls' interior. In the same rooms around the crack, the paint is starting to chip.

Plain-English explanation above

Corrected at inspection:
No
Correction date:
Oct 16, 2025
Correction verified:
Oct 2, 2025
Technical assistance given:
No

Medium · May 31, 2024 · Inspection

746.3809 - Medication No Longer Used

I observed expired emergency medication in the mediation cabinet. NOTE: This was corrected during the inspection by removing the medication to go back home with parents.

Plain-English explanation above

Corrected at inspection:
Yes
Correction date:
May 31, 2024
Technical assistance given:
No
Show 10 older violations

Medium High · May 31, 2024 · Inspection

746.3407(8) - Garbage Inaccessible to Children; Maintained in Sanitary Manner

I observed several rooms without trash cans covers.

Plain-English explanation above

Corrected at inspection:
No
Correction date:
Jun 14, 2024
Correction verified:
Jun 20, 2024
Technical assistance given:
No

Medium High · May 31, 2024 · Inspection

746.1315(b)(1) - CPR Training and Recertification Adhere to Guidelines-skill based

One employee did not have a valid hands on CPR training certificate.

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

Corrected at inspection:
No
Correction date:
Jun 7, 2024
Correction verified:
Jun 20, 2024
Technical assistance given:
Yes

High · Nov 2, 2023 · Inspection

745.641 - AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation

The operation had one caregiver present who was counted in the child caregiver ratio and did not have an eligible background check.

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

Corrected at inspection:
No
Correction date:
Nov 2, 2023
Correction verified:
Nov 7, 2023
Technical assistance given:
Yes

Medium High · Nov 2, 2023 · Inspection

746.3701(5) - Safety - Play Materials and Equipment Safe

During the walkthrough on the playground, there was a plywood with a sharp nail sticking out. Along the toddlers playground fence there was a nail sticking up out of the board. NOTE: This was corrected during the inspection with the plywood being removed and nail being hammerd down into the wood.

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

Corrected at inspection:
Yes
Correction date:
Nov 2, 2023
Technical assistance given:
Yes

High · Aug 18, 2023 · Investigation (report)

746.2805(7) - Prohibited Punishments - Placing Child in Locked or Dark Room

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that a caregiver locked a child in the restroom.

Plain-English explanation above

Corrected at inspection:
No
Correction date:
Oct 16, 2023
Correction verified:
Nov 2, 2023
Technical assistance given:
Yes

High · Aug 18, 2023 · Investigation (report)

746.2805(1) - Prohibited Punishments - Corporal Punishment

During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that a caregiver used prohibited punishment on a child in care.

Plain-English explanation above

Corrected at inspection:
No
Correction date:
Oct 16, 2023
Correction verified:
Nov 2, 2023
Technical assistance given:
Yes

High · Oct 13, 2022 · Inspection

746.1203(2) - Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know Group Responsible For

The caregiver in room PR6 stated there were 17 children present, however 16 were counted.

Plain-English explanation above · rule revised March 2023

Corrected at inspection:
No
Correction date:
Oct 13, 2022
Correction verified:
Oct 26, 2022
Technical assistance given:
Yes

Medium High · Jun 14, 2022 · Inspection

746.1309(d) - Documented Annual Training - Caregivers of Children Under 24 Months Required

2 caregiver in charge of children under 24 months old did not have the following trainings: 1. Understanding early childhood brain development. 2. Recognizing and preventing shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma.

In plain English: A caregiver's 24 hours of yearly training must fit the ages of the children in their care and cover set topics, including at least six hours on areas such as child development or guidance and discipline, and at least one hour on preventing, recognizing, and reporting child abuse and neglect. At least five of the hours must be instructor-led, and caregivers of children under 24 months must also have one hour on shaken baby syndrome, infant sleep practices and SIDS, and early brain development. Official rule text · rule revised September 2024

Corrected at inspection:
No
Correction date:
Jun 28, 2022
Correction verified:
Jun 28, 2022
Technical assistance given:
No

High · Jun 14, 2022 · Inspection

746.1203(2) - Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know Group Responsible For

The caregiver in room TR1 stated there were 8 children present, but there were 9 children present. The caregiver in room PR8 stated there were 8 children, then stated there were 9 children, but there were 10 children present.

Plain-English explanation above · rule revised March 2023

Corrected at inspection:
No
Correction date:
Jun 14, 2022
Correction verified:
Jun 29, 2022
Technical assistance given:
Yes

Medium High · Jun 14, 2022 · Inspection

746.631(b) - Caregivers Have Access to Tracking System

The caregiver in room PR8 had 4 children napping in another classroom during her shift, but the children were not signed out on the name to face log. Note: This was corrected during the inspection.

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

Corrected at inspection:
Yes
Correction date:
Jun 14, 2022
Technical assistance given:
Yes

What to ask on a visit

Based on the kinds of rules cited at Smaller Scholars:

Building, equipment, and products

Discipline and guidance

Medication and first aid

Supervision and caregiver duties

More Houston daycares with state records

More in ZIP 77077 and all of Houston.

Source and corrections

This page reports the state’s records for Smaller Scholars; 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).