What Texas inspectors cite the most

Staff must have a cleared, active, eligible background check before being present at the operation.

• Program director without active background check on file in CLASS database
• New hire allowed to start before fingerprint clearance returned
• Returning seasonal staff not re-screened

Caregivers must directly supervise each child with physical proximity and visual or auditory awareness.

• Children left without direct supervision during transitions
• Caregiver out of sight of children during routine activities
• Lack of supervision during outdoor play

Annual fire inspection required from local authority before initial permit and every 12 months thereafter.

• Fire inspection expired more than 12 months ago
• No documentation of last fire inspection on file
• Fire inspection completed but not by authorized local authority

Daily safety checks of building, grounds, and equipment to identify and address hazards.

• Damaged or hazardous equipment in child-use areas
• Daily safety check log not maintained
• Hazards observed during inspection that were missed in daily checks

Caregivers must demonstrate competency, good judgment, and self-control with children at all times.

• Caregiver loss of temper observed during interaction with child
• Inappropriate response to behavioral incident
• Caregiver judgment failure during minor incident

Maintain required child-to-caregiver ratio at all times — including during transitions and breaks.

• Multiple classrooms out of ratio across consecutive days (per video review)
• Ratio exceeded during caregiver break periods
• Late-arriving caregiver caused start-of-day ratio violation

Each child record must include current immunization documentation, with exemptions properly documented.

• Child file with no immunizations on file
• Immunizations not up to date for age
• Immunization record present but not signed by health-care provider

Annually report to CCR by January 15 the number of employees who left in the prior calendar year.

• Annual employee-turnover report not submitted by January 15 deadline
• Report submitted but with incomplete data
• Report submitted but for wrong calendar year

Caregivers must not leave children unattended at any time, including during transitions, naps, or routines.

• Child left unattended in classroom during recess transition
• Caregiver stepped away while children were sleeping
• Children unattended in bathroom or hallway

Indoor and outdoor areas must be safe and free from hazards, including damaged or unsafe equipment.

• Damaged or cracked toys with sharp edges
• Hazardous equipment not removed from child areas
• Cleaning supplies stored within child reach

Written feeding instructions for infants must be reviewed and updated by parents every 30 days.

• Infant feeding instructions older than 30 days on file
• Multiple infant files with outdated instructions
• Feeding instructions present but not reviewed/initialed by parent

Annual sanitation inspection required from local health authority.

• Sanitation inspection expired more than 12 months ago
• Inspection requested after compliance deadline
• Sanitation inspector deficiencies not addressed

Caregivers must complete required annual training on specific topics within mandated timeframes; documentation maintained.

• Annual emergency-preparedness training not completed
• Communicable-disease training not on file
• Training completed but not documented in personnel records

Food allergy emergency plan required; caregivers must be aware of each child individual allergies.

• Caregiver provided child food containing known allergen
• Food allergy emergency plan not signed by parent and physician
• Allergy posting not current in food preparation area

Each child record must include a current statement of health from a health-care professional.

• Child file missing health professional statement
• Statement on file but expired
• Statement not signed by licensed practitioner