DaycareLens
TexasPharr › Kidz Explorer Daycare and Learning Center, LLC

Kidz Explorer Daycare and Learning Center, LLC

Child care center · 1610 S CAGE BLVD, Pharr, TX 78577-6365 · License 1676174

0Compliance score
Poor

Capacity 64. InfantToddlerPre-KindergartenSchool

Violation history (500)

SeverityDateStandard / narrativeCorrected
3 746.4503(c) - Napping Floor Mats Marked with Sleeping Side Distinguished
Napping mats are labeled with the children's names on both sides but do not have a way to distinguish the floor from the child's side. Cribs and play-yards in the infant room are not labeled with the children's names.
5 746.2805(8) - Prohibited Punishments - Restrictive device for time out
A child was placed in a high chair after misbehaving. Note: This was corrected at inspection when provider removed child from high chair.
3 746.2421(b) - Written Feeding Instructions - Review and Update Every 30 Days
Feeding instructions for 3 children not yet eating table food were last reviewed and signed by parent on 11/6/2022, 12/5/2022 and 12/6/2022.
1 746.805(3) - Electronic Records-Available During Business Hours
Children's attenance records incluing time of arrival / departure and employee or parent initials were not available for review at the time of inspection.
3 746.1309(e) - Documented Annual Training- Required Content
Two out of five staff training records are missing trainings on the following topics: transportation safe sleep/shaken baby/early brain development hazardous materials allergies medications emergency preparedness building safety communicable diseases
4 746.1601 - Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children
One caregiver was caring for 7 children ages 6mo, 7mo, 8mo, 13mo, 13mo, 14mo, 14mo. Note: A substitute caregiver arrived to operation to assist in the infant-age classroom.
4 746.2505(1) - Furnishings and Equipment for Toddlers - Age-appropriate
Three 2yo children were sited in bucket seats. All three children are mobile and able to seat in a regular chair and their feet reached the floor. Note: This was corrected at inspection when children were removed from bucket seats and given a place to seat with regular chair.
4 746.1605 - Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
Two caregivers were caring for 19 children ages 13 months to 4 years old. Age difference between youngest and oldest child was over 18 months.
4 746.1203(6) - Responsibilities of caregivers-Set appropriate behavior expectations
Children in the prek room were observed crying, screaming, fighting and throwing toys. Children were not observed participating in planned activities.
4 746.2419(8) - Requirements for Feeding Infants - Other Use of Handwashing Sink
There were children's bottles, gallon of water and formula container on the infant's hand washing sink. Note: Food items were removed from hand washing sink and formula was moved to the fridge in the kitchen.
Yes
5 746.1003(1) - Director Responsibilities - Operate in Compliance
Based on the information obtained during the of course the investigation, Directors failed to guide operation into compliance and were regularly absent during transition times.
4 746.1605(1) - Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
Fourteen children ages 16mo-7yo were combined in the school-age room for naptime.
4 746.1316(a) - Transportation Safety Training -Director and Employee Complete 2 Hours Annually
One out of six staff training records reviewed is missing transportation training.
4 746.3407 - Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment
Two of the restrooms are currently out of service and have storage items in them. Another restroom has a toilet out of service. Diaper changing mat in the infant room is torn. During inspection, a potty chair in the girl's restroom was observed with urine in it.
1 746.1329(c)(1)(B) - Documentation pediatric CPR-1st aid includes renewal date and expiration date
Two out of five staff records reviewed are missing CPR training. One staff member is missing first aid training.
4 746.5205(1) - Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes
Last fire drill and fire extinguisher check was conducted on 05/2021. No CO detector checks have been conducted nor documented for 2021. Note: A CO detector and fire extinguisher checks were conducted during inspection.
4 746.1203(6) - Responsibilities of caregivers-Set appropriate behavior expectations
Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, classrooms were out of control. Children were observed wandering in and out of classroom and climbing onto furniture.
5 746.2805 - Prohibited Punishments - No Harsh, Cruel or Unusual
Based on information obtained during course of investigation; a caregiver grabs children by their arms to sit them down on their chairs. On one occasion this lead to a child hitting his/her face with the back of the chair.
3 746.1309(a) - Documented Annual Training Area - 24 Hours Required
One out of six staff training records reviewed is missing 12 of annual training including 1 hr of Abuse / Neglect training.
3 746.1309(e) - Documented Annual Training- Required Content
One out of five staff training records is missing trainings on the following topics: communicable diseases
4 746.4907(a)(1) - Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Six Inches if Equipment 5 Ft or Less
There are two slides in the playground; one with a height of 24 in and the second with a height of 21 inches. There is no surfacing surrounding the slides.
4 746.3407(9) - Floors, ceilings and Walls in Good Repair and Clean
Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, it was determined floors were not regularly cleaned and a rug was observed with multiple stains.
3 746.2205(a)(4) - Written Activity Plan - No Long Waiting Periods
Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, children remain in highchairs for long periods of time and without activities.
4 746.3407(13) - Using, Storing and Disposing of Hazardous Materials
Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, cleaning products are kept accessible to children. Cleaning products were observed on a low cabinet in the restroom and children were observed using restroom unsupervised.
4 746.1311(d) - Director Annual Training - Caring for children under 24 months
One out of four staff files reviewed is missing safe sleep / shaken baby training.
4 746.3407(8) - Garbage Inaccessible to Children; Maintained in Sanitary Manner
Girl's school-age and toddler restrooms have trash cans without lids. Used toilet paper and a diaper were observed in the trash cans.
5 746.2415(b) - AP Cribs - Only Snug Fitting Sheet and Crib Mattress Cover Allowed if Infant Younger than 12 Months of Age
Two children ages 4mo and 11mo were observed asleep with a blanket.
5 746.5617(a)(1) - Required Equipment in Vehicles - List of Children
A list of the children being transported was not available for review at the time of inspection.
4 746.4907(a)(1) - Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Six Inches if Equipment 5 Ft or Less
There are two slides in the playground; one with a height of 24 in and the second with a height of 21 inches. There is no surfacing surrounding the slides.
4 746.1315(b) - Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR
One out of six staff training records reviewed has a first aid / CPR certification that expired 4/7/2023.
4 746.1605(1) - Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
A total of 13 children were present at the operation. 6 children ages 15mo-35mo were combined in the toddler room. The age difference between the youngest child and oldest child exceed 18 months. Note: This was corrected at inspection when one oldest child was moved to the prek room.
4 746.1203(3)(A) - Administrative and clerical duties that take caregiver's attention away from children
Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, caregivers step in and out of classrooms to tend to parent's needs during pick up time.
5 746.1205(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
Children were observed crying, climbing onto furniture, hitting each other and throwing toys.
5 746.2805(8) - Prohibited Punishments - Restrictive device for time out
Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, it was found that staff has placed children in highchairs and used safety straps to prevent children from getting up during time-out.
4 746.3701 - Safety - Areas Free From Hazards
Five electric outlets were observed with covers in the prek room. Three staff purses were observed on a table in the prek room, area is accessible to children.
4 746.4309 - Fenced Outdoor Activity Space -Gates Locked
Outdoor gate was locked. Caregiver supervising a group a children in the playground indicated key is located in the office.
5 746.5209(c) - No Blocked or Locked Doors as Exits
Exits out of the toddler and prek rooms were blocked with bookcases.
4 746.1605(1) - Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
Two caregivers were providing care for five children in the toddler room. The youngest child is 8mo and oldest is 30 months old. Age difference between youngest and oldest child exceeds 18 months. There were a total of 15 children present at the operation.
3 746.501(a)(18)(F) - Written Operational Policies - Criteria for Extreme Weather
Operational policies were reviewed and the following items are missing: (18)(A) Benefits of physical activity and outdoor play; (18) (B) The duration of physical activity at your operation, both indoor and outdoor; (18) (F) The criteria you will use to determine when extreme weather conditions pose a significant health risk that prohibits or limits outdoor play; (30) Procedures for supporting inclusive services to children with special care needs.
5 746.1205(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
Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, children were out of control and without proper supervision. Children were observed crying, getting up from their chairs during breakfast, throwing toys and climbing onto furniture. A 3yo child was left unsupervised in the restroom.
3 746.603(a)(4) - Children's Records - Immunizations
One out of five children's records is missing immuizatioin records.
4 746.1605(1) - Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
A total of 15 children were present at the operation. A group of six children were combined for naptime ranging from 16mo to 3yo. Age different is over 18months.
4 746.3407(8) - Garbage Inaccessible to Children; Maintained in Sanitary Manner
Rodent droppings were observed on the kitchen floor and cabinets and a dead rat/mouse was found in a sticky strap inside a storage room.
4 746.3427 - Pest Extermination
Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, building was treated for pests by a non-licensed individuals and operation was not treated by a licensed company during an on-going rodent issue.
4 746.1605(1) - Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
Two staff members were providing care for 14 children ages 11mo to 3yo3mo. Age difference between youngest and oldest child was 27 months.
5 746.1205(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
Prek classroom was observed out of control. Children were hiting each other, climbing onto furniture and window sill.
3 746.1309(e) - Documented Annual Training- Required Content
Six staff trainings records were reviewed. One of the files was not available for review at the time of the inspection. Two of the files are missing trainings on the following topics: Hazardous Materials Food Allergies Administering Medications Emergency Preparednesses Communicable Diseases Building and Physical Premises Safety
3 746.4751(b) - Maintenance Procedures for Active Play - Monthly Maintenance Checklist
Active play space and equipment checks were last documented 6/15/2022.
4 746.1013(a) - Director's Absence - Qualified Caregiver in Charge
A person in charge was designated during Director's absence, however, person in charge was absent at arrival and no other person had been designated as person in charge.
4 746.1605(1) - Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
Two staff members were providing care for 13 children ages 11mo to 4yo4mo. Age difference between youngest and oldest child was 41 months.
4 746.201(9) - Complying with Laws and Rules
Based on the information obtained during the course the investigation, permit holder's actions resulted in multiple deficiencies and included the provision of a forged document.
3 746.4135(b) - Children's Products- Annual Certification
Children's Products Recall list was reviewed and certified on 12/4/2019.
4 746.613(b) - Immunization Records, Exceptions, and Exemptions Current
One out of six children's records reviewed is missing immunizations exemption affidavit.
5 746.5101(a) - Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months
Last Fire Inspection was conducted on 06/21/2022.
4 746.3407 - Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment
One out of two toilets in the girl's toddler restroom is out of service. The same toilet was observed dirty as well as the urinal in the boy's toddler restroom.
4 746.3301(b) - Nutrition and Food Service - Follow Meal Patterns
Based on the information obtained during the course of the inspection, food items served during breakfast meal did not meet the meal patterns established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Child and Adult Care Food Program.
3 746.501(a)(26) - Written Operational Policies - Preventing and Responding to Abuse and Neglect
Policies were reviewed and the following information is missing: (B) 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; (C) Methods for increasing employee and parent awareness of prevention techniques for child abuse and neglect; and (E) 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.
4 746.1605(1) - Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
Children ages 4mo-7yo were combined in one classroom. A total of 22 children were present at the operation.
3 746.1309(e) - Documented Annual Training- Required Content
Three staff training reviewed and missing trainings on the following topics: Food Allergies Administering Medications Communicable Diseases Building and Physical Premises Safety
4 746.3701(5) - Safety - Play Materials and Equipment Safe
Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, operation's playground had broken toys.
4 746.1107(2) - Additional Minimum Qualifications for Caregivers - HS Diploma, Equivalent, Certification of Completion
Two out of four staff files reviewed have certificates that are not equivalent to a high school diploma.
4 746.3701(5) - Safety - Play Materials and Equipment Safe
Broken toys and pieces of broken plastic were observed in the playground.
5 745.635(2) - AP Background check determination - If ineligible then you must immediately remove subject from operation and confirm to CBCU receipt of notice letter
Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, an individual with an ineligible background check determination has been present at the operation during operational hours.
4 746.5537(a)(2) - Electronic or Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Detector-Check All Detectors Monthly
No carbon monoxide and fire extinguisher checks have not been conducted nor documented for 2022. Last fire drill was documented on 6/3/2022, per provider a fire drill was conducted during July but was not documented.
4 746.1013(a)(1) - Director's Absence - Caregiver in Charge Knows in Charge
Staff member designated as person in charge was not aware of the assignment.
4 746.1203(3)(B) - Meal preparation, except when 12 or fewer children are in care
A staff member counted towards ratio stepped out of room and into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
3 746.4135(b) - Children's Products- Annual Certification
Children's Products Certiication Form was last certified / signed on 06/30/2022.
3 746.901 - Required Personnel Records
One out of four staff / contractor files reviewed is missing start date, orientation / policies received statements, preemployment affidavit and notarized affidavit.
4 746.1013(a) - Director's Absence - Qualified Caregiver in Charge
A person in charge was not designated during Director's absence.
3 746.901 - Required Personnel Records
Four out of five staff files reviewed are missing: Hired Date Notarized Affidavit Orientation Statement Personnel and Center Policy Statement One staff files has a foreign high school that has not been translated to identify its equivalent to a high school diploma/GED.
3 746.901 - Required Personnel Records
Six staff files were reviewed. One file is missing start date, center and personnel policies statement and orientation. Second file is missing foreign high school diploma. Third file is missing start date. Fourth file is start date, high school diploma, personnel / center policies statement, orientation and annual trainings (if applicable). Three out of six files reviewed are missing pre-employment affidavit.
4 746.1311(d) - Director Annual Training - Caring for children under 24 months
One out of four staff files reviewed is missing safe sleep / shaken baby training.
4 746.1203(6) - Responsibilities of caregivers-Set appropriate behavior expectations
Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, classrooms were out of control. Children were observed wandering in and out of classroom and climbing onto furniture.
4 746.3407 - Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment
Two of the restrooms are currently out of service and have storage items in them. Another restroom has a toilet out of service. Diaper changing mat in the infant room is torn. During inspection, a potty chair in the girl's restroom was observed with urine in it.
4 746.1013(a) - Director's Absence - Qualified Caregiver in Charge
A person in charge was designated during Director's absence, however, person in charge was absent at arrival and no other person had been designated as person in charge.
1 746.805(3) - Electronic Records-Available During Business Hours
Children's attenance records incluing time of arrival / departure and employee or parent initials were not available for review at the time of inspection.
4 746.1605 - Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
Two caregivers were caring for 19 children ages 13 months to 4 years old. Age difference between youngest and oldest child was over 18 months.
4 746.1605(1) - Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age
Two caregivers were providing care for five children in the toddler room. The youngest child is 8mo and oldest is 30 months old. Age difference between youngest and oldest child exceeds 18 months. There were a total of 15 children present at the operation.
4 746.4309 - Fenced Outdoor Activity Space -Gates Locked
Outdoor gate was locked. Caregiver supervising a group a children in the playground indicated key is located in the office.
4 746.5537(a)(2) - Electronic or Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Detector-Check All Detectors Monthly
No carbon monoxide and fire extinguisher checks have not been conducted nor documented for 2022. Last fire drill was documented on 6/3/2022, per provider a fire drill was conducted during July but was not documented.
3 746.1309(e) - Documented Annual Training- Required Content
Two out of five staff training records are missing trainings on the following topics: transportation safe sleep/shaken baby/early brain development hazardous materials allergies medications emergency preparedness building safety communicable diseases
5 746.5101(a) - Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months
Last Fire Inspection was conducted on 06/21/2022.
5 746.2805(8) - Prohibited Punishments - Restrictive device for time out
Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, it was found that staff has placed children in highchairs and used safety straps to prevent children from getting up during time-out.
3 746.1309(e) - Documented Annual Training- Required Content
One out of five staff training records is missing trainings on the following topics: communicable diseases
4 746.3301(b) - Nutrition and Food Service - Follow Meal Patterns
Based on the information obtained during the course of the inspection, food items served during breakfast meal did not meet the meal patterns established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Child and Adult Care Food Program.
5 746.5617(a)(1) - Required Equipment in Vehicles - List of Children
A list of the children being transported was not available for review at the time of inspection.
3 746.501(a)(18)(F) - Written Operational Policies - Criteria for Extreme Weather
Operational policies were reviewed and the following items are missing: (18)(A) Benefits of physical activity and outdoor play; (18) (B) The duration of physical activity at your operation, both indoor and outdoor; (18) (F) The criteria you will use to determine when extreme weather conditions pose a significant health risk that prohibits or limits outdoor play; (30) Procedures for supporting inclusive services to children with special care needs.
4 746.1316(a) - Transportation Safety Training -Director and Employee Complete 2 Hours Annually
One out of six staff training records reviewed is missing transportation training.
4 746.3701(5) - Safety - Play Materials and Equipment Safe
Broken toys and pieces of broken plastic were observed in the playground.
3 746.4503(c) - Napping Floor Mats Marked with Sleeping Side Distinguished
Napping mats are labeled with the children's names on both sides but do not have a way to distinguish the floor from the child's side. Cribs and play-yards in the infant room are not labeled with the children's names.
5 745.635(2) - AP Background check determination - If ineligible then you must immediately remove subject from operation and confirm to CBCU receipt of notice letter
Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, an individual with an ineligible background check determination has been present at the operation during operational hours.
3 746.1309(e) - Documented Annual Training- Required Content
Six staff trainings records were reviewed. One of the files was not available for review at the time of the inspection. Two of the files are missing trainings on the following topics: Hazardous Materials Food Allergies Administering Medications Emergency Preparednesses Communicable Diseases Building and Physical Premises Safety
4 746.1601 - Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children
One caregiver was caring for 7 children ages 6mo, 7mo, 8mo, 13mo, 13mo, 14mo, 14mo. Note: A substitute caregiver arrived to operation to assist in the infant-age classroom.
4 746.4907(a)(1) - Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Six Inches if Equipment 5 Ft or Less
There are two slides in the playground; one with a height of 24 in and the second with a height of 21 inches. There is no surfacing surrounding the slides.
4 746.3701(5) - Safety - Play Materials and Equipment Safe
Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, operation's playground had broken toys.
4 746.201(9) - Complying with Laws and Rules
Based on the information obtained during the course the investigation, permit holder's actions resulted in multiple deficiencies and included the provision of a forged document.
4 746.3427 - Pest Extermination
Based on the information obtained during the course of the investigation, building was treated for pests by a non-licensed individuals and operation was not treated by a licensed company during an on-going rodent issue.
4 746.1107(2) - Additional Minimum Qualifications for Caregivers - HS Diploma, Equivalent, Certification of Completion
Two out of four staff files reviewed have certificates that are not equivalent to a high school diploma.
1 746.1329(c)(1)(B) - Documentation pediatric CPR-1st aid includes renewal date and expiration date
Two out of five staff records reviewed are missing CPR training. One staff member is missing first aid training.
4 746.1203(3)(B) - Meal preparation, except when 12 or fewer children are in care
A staff member counted towards ratio stepped out of room and into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Severity 5 = most serious. Source: official state record.

Inspections (184)

184 inspection record(s) on file from TX-HHSC.

Nearby alternatives

FacilityScoreCityDistance
Maria Alonso 0 Pharr
Looney Tunes Daycare Center 0 Pharr
Miracle Learning Center 0 Pharr
Griselda Cecilia Slayton 0 Pharr
Little One's Discovery Center II Inc. 0 Pharr
Wee Care Child Day Care 0 Pharr

Licensed facilities near this one, highest compliance score first.

Get violation alerts for this daycare

We'll email you when a new inspection or violation is posted. Free.