Licensed Child Care Center · Houston, TX 77082
Between Oct 20, 2021 and Oct 20, 2026, the state cited US Academy for 31 deficiencies — the Texas HHSC term for rule violations — over 14 routine inspections and 6 other visits (investigations or paperwork reviews); 9 were under rules the state weights High. The rule cited most often here is 746.901 (3 times, most recently May 11, 2022).
The state lists US Academy as serving infant, toddler, pre-kindergarten, and school-age children, open 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri). Programs on file: School Age Care, Before School Care, Meals Provided, After School Care, Drop-In Care, Skill Classes, Transportation to/from School, Field Trips. Program type: Child Care Program.
Of the 31 violations at US Academy, 9 fall under rules Texas weights High and 12 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 | 9 | 29% |
| Medium High | 12 | 39% |
| Medium | 6 | 19% |
| Medium Low | 4 | 13% |
| Low | 0 | 0% |
US Academy had 31 violations in five years, more than the median of 11 across Houston’s 923 licensed child care centers, and 1.8 per routine inspection against a median of 1.0 — a count of state records, not a rating.
6 rules were cited more than once at US Academy in the last five years.
| Rule | Times | What the rule covers |
|---|---|---|
| 746.901 Medium | 3 | 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: May 11, 2022 · first: May 11, 2022 |
| 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: Aug 21, 2026 · first: Aug 21, 2026 |
| 746.603 Medium | 2 | 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 22, 2025 · first: May 11, 2022 |
| 746.1315 Medium High | 2 | 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 Most recent: Mar 13, 2025 · first: Apr 4, 2024 |
| 746.303 Medium Low | 2 | The center must tell the state in writing within five days when its designee, the head of its governing body, their address, or its director changes. Each year by January 15, it must report online how many employees stopped working there during the previous year. Official rule text Most recent: Jan 23, 2025 · first: Feb 25, 2022 |
| 746.4751 Medium High | 2 | 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: May 4, 2023 · first: Apr 20, 2023 |
| Year | Routine inspections | All state visits | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 (from Oct 20) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 2 | 7 |
| 2023 | 3 | 5 | 6 |
| 2024 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 2025 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| 2026 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
20 visits on record since Oct 20, 2021, newest first, including visits that found nothing.
| Date | Type | Rules checked | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 11, 2026 | Inspection | 9 | None |
| Aug 21, 2026 | Inspection | 216 | 7 |
| Aug 19, 2026 | Investigation (report) | 1 | None |
| Nov 18, 2025 | Inspection | 610 | None |
| Jul 22, 2025 | Inspection | 214 | 2 |
| Mar 13, 2025 | Inspection | 542 | 1 |
| Jan 23, 2025 | Assessment | 1 | 1 |
| Dec 10, 2024 | Inspection | 522 | 1 |
| Aug 6, 2024 | Inspection | 694 | 2 |
| Apr 4, 2024 | Inspection | 560 | 2 |
| Feb 20, 2024 | Inspection | 1 | None |
| Feb 16, 2024 | Investigation (report) | 5 | 2 |
| Date | Type | Rules checked | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 23, 2024 | Inspection | — | None |
| Sep 26, 2023 | Investigation (report) | 11 | 2 |
| Jun 13, 2023 | Inspection | — | None |
| May 4, 2023 | Inspection | 3 | 1 |
| Apr 20, 2023 | Inspection | 695 | 3 |
| Apr 17, 2023 | Investigation (report) | 3 | None |
| May 11, 2022 | Inspection | 536 | 6 |
| Feb 25, 2022 | Assessment | 1 | 1 |
4 rules cited at US 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 · Aug 21, 2026 · Inspection
The fire extinguisher was not observed to be properly secured.
Plain-English explanation above
High · Aug 21, 2026 · Inspection
9 of 9 children did not have documentation of emergency medical treatment and transportation authorization.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Aug 21, 2026 · Inspection
A car seat installed in the vehicle used for transportation was observed to have expired 3/26/2019
In plain English: Each child being transported must be secured in a car seat, booster seat, vest, harness, or seat belt that fits the child's age, height, and weight, meets federal crash-test standards, is installed per the maker's instructions, and has not expired, been damaged, or been in an accident. Children 12 and younger may not ride in the front seat. Official rule text
Medium High · Aug 21, 2026 · Inspection
Following outside play, water was not observed, Multiple children were heard requesting water but the caregiver was only observed serving water to 2 children. After approximately 5 minutes and continued request and questions from CCR the caregiver called to the director and requested children be served water.
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
High · Aug 21, 2026 · Inspection
There was no alarm installed on one vehicle used for transportation.
In plain English: 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
High · Aug 21, 2026 · Inspection
A 3mo old was observed to be sleep in a bouncer. There was no safe sleep exemption on file. The child was not removed even after notified by CCR the child was asleep
In plain English: An infant may not sleep in a restrictive device unless the center has a completed Sleep Exception Form with a health-care professional's signed statement that it is medically necessary. Without that form, if an infant falls asleep in such a device, the caregiver must move the infant to a crib as soon as possible. Official rule text
Medium High · Aug 21, 2026 · Inspection
A child was observed to be served an unrefrigerated water bottle of chocolate milk around 10:45am after outdoor play Note: Records indicated the children arrived to the operation at 7:30am and the director informed CCR the parents instructed the milk not to be refrigerated.
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 · Jul 22, 2025 · Inspection
There was no access to two out of four records requested for.
Medium · Jul 22, 2025 · Inspection
Health statement was not on record for one record checked.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Mar 13, 2025 · Inspection
One out of four staff files checked did not have the current first aid and CPR training.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium Low · Jan 23, 2025 · Assessment
All Licensed childcare centers must annually report to CCR the number of employees who left employment the previous year by January 15. The deadline for entering the number of employees who left employment in 2023 is 1/15/2024. If you have not already you must log in to your childcare regulation account and report the number of employees that left your employment in 2023
Plain-English explanation above
Medium Low · Dec 10, 2024 · Inspection
Current employee list was missing one staff. This was corrected during inspection.
In plain English: 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
Medium High · Aug 6, 2024 · Inspection
Operation combined 16 moths old child with almost 36 months with a difference of 20 months. This was corrected when the 16 months was moved to the infant room.
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
High · Aug 6, 2024 · Inspection
Operation did not have any current fire inspection.
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 · Apr 4, 2024 · Inspection
One out of four staff files checked did not have any first aid and cpr training.
Plain-English explanation above
High · Apr 4, 2024 · Inspection
One out of five files checked did not have any release information.
In plain English: Before admitting a child, the center must collect set information, including the child's name and birth date, how to reach the parents, an emergency contact for when parents can't be reached, the people allowed to pick up the child, and permission to get emergency medical care. It must also record the child's special care needs, any allergies with a food allergy emergency plan if needed, and permission for transportation, field trips, or water activities if the center offers them. Official rule text · rule revised September 2024
High · Feb 16, 2024 · Investigation (report)
A caregiver was with 15 children ages three through five years with the specified age of four years. Caregiver has not completed her finger print. You must receive notification from the CBCU that the subject of a background check is eligible, eligible with conditions or provisionally eligible with conditions before allowing the subject to be present at your operation. An administrative openalty in the amount of 100% of the daily maximum per HRC 42.078 will be recommended as a result of this citation. Operation must immediately remove the person from the operation until eligibility has been determine.
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 · Feb 16, 2024 · Investigation (report)
Incident did happened however the parent was not notified when she picked up her child. This was corrected when incident report was signed by parent the next day.
In plain English: When the center fills out an incident or illness report for a child, it must give the parent a copy and get the parent's signature showing they reviewed or received it within 48 hours of the incident. Official rule text
High · Sep 26, 2023 · Investigation (report)
Based on information obtained there is sufficient evidence of neglectful supervision. An administrative penalty will be recommended as a result of this citation
In plain English: Every center employee, including staff not counted in the child-to-caregiver ratio, must show competency, good judgment, and self-control around children and treat them with courtesy, respect, and patience. Employees must make sure no child is abused, neglected, or exploited in care, and must report suspected abuse or neglect to the state. Official rule text
High · Sep 26, 2023 · Investigation (report)
Based on information obtained a child was left unattended in the vehicle. Operation will receive admin penalty for this violation.
In plain English: Children must be loaded and unloaded at the curb or in a protected parking area or driveway, and a child may not cross a street without an adult. Staff must account for every child getting out before leaving the vehicle unattended, and a child may never be left alone in a vehicle. Official rule text
Medium High · May 4, 2023 · Inspection
I observed loose fence wire which could be a hazard to children. Pictures were taken.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · Apr 20, 2023 · Inspection
Two older infants on a high chair did not have any safety straps on. This was corrected during inspection.
In plain English: High chairs, swings, strollers, infant carriers, bouncer seats, and similar equipment used for infants must have straps, and the straps must be fastened whenever an infant is in the equipment. Official rule text
Medium High · Apr 20, 2023 · Inspection
I observed a hand washing sink that is pulled away about half an inche from the wall that needed to be fixed.
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 · Apr 20, 2023 · Inspection
I observed loose fence wire which could be a hazard to children. Pictures were taken.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium High · May 11, 2022 · Inspection
Fire drill was not documented for the month of April 2022
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 · May 11, 2022 · Inspection
Health statement was missing on file for one out of four records checked.
Plain-English explanation above
Medium · May 11, 2022 · Inspection
A copy of one caregiver driver's licensing was missing on file.
Plain-English explanation above · rule revised August 2024
Medium High · May 11, 2022 · Inspection
Operation has a new director, but licensing has not yet received her paper work.
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 · rule revised March 2023
Medium · May 11, 2022 · Inspection
How caregiver meet educational requirement was missing on file for one out of four files checked.
Plain-English explanation above · rule revised August 2024
Medium Low · May 11, 2022 · Inspection
Date of employment was missing for one caregiver. This was corrected during inspection.
Plain-English explanation above · rule revised August 2024
Medium Low · Feb 25, 2022 · Assessment
A review of the Employees Who Left Employment in 2021 data from February 23,2022, revealed that the center had not reported the number of employees who left employment in 2021 by February 22, 2022, as required.
Plain-English explanation above
Based on the kinds of rules cited at US Academy:
More in ZIP 77082 and all of Houston.
This page reports the state’s records for US 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).