Daycare RecordChild care inspection records

Kidz First Learning Academy

1600 Rocky Ridge Rd, Athens, TX 75751 · Henderson County
1 high-risk citation in last 12 monthsAccepts child care subsidies

Kidz First Learning Academy is a licensed child care center in Athens, TX, licensed for up to 115 children and serving infants through school-age children. It has held its Texas license since 2017. Since October 2021, state inspectors have visited 29 times and investigated 10 reports. Inspectors recorded 54 citations, 14 of them high-risk, most often for training & qualifications (8 of 54). 6 citations came in the last 12 months, including 1 high-risk. 6% were corrected during the inspection itself. Measured by risk-weighted citations per inspection, it is #5 of 7 centers in Athens and better than 8% of licensed centers statewide.

Inspection record

Better than 8%of 9,147 Texas licensed centers, comparing risk-weighted citations per inspection. Among the most cited
#5 of 7 centers in Athens
14High risk
24Medium High risk
15Medium risk
0Medium Low risk
1Low risk
54 citations from 29 inspections and 8 reports since Oct 1, 2021 · 6 in the last 12 months · last inspected Feb 17, 2026

Every state visit

20222023202420252026INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom)Feb 17, 2026 · Inspection · citation foundJan 6, 2026 · Inspection · no citationNov 20, 2025 · Inspection · no citationNov 18, 2025 · Report/investigation · citation foundSep 23, 2025 · Inspection · citation foundApr 9, 2025 · Inspection · no citationMar 25, 2025 · Inspection · citation foundJul 22, 2024 · Inspection · no citationJul 18, 2024 · Report/investigation · no citationJul 18, 2024 · Inspection · citation foundJun 24, 2024 · Inspection · no citationJun 20, 2024 · Report/investigation · no citationJun 18, 2024 · Inspection · no citationJun 14, 2024 · Report/investigation · no citationJun 11, 2024 · Inspection · no citationJun 7, 2024 · Report/investigation · no citationSep 7, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundAug 16, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundJun 15, 2023 · Inspection · no citationJun 13, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citationApr 28, 2023 · Inspection · no citationApr 24, 2023 · Report/investigation · no citationMar 9, 2023 · Inspection · no citationFeb 23, 2023 · Inspection · no citationFeb 16, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundFeb 6, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundDec 12, 2022 · Inspection · no citationNov 30, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundOct 12, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundSep 28, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundSep 1, 2022 · Inspection · no citationAug 25, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundAug 16, 2022 · Report/investigation · no citationAug 10, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundAug 9, 2022 · Report/investigation · citation foundMay 19, 2022 · Inspection · no citationMay 6, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundMay 4, 2022 · Report/investigation · no citationNov 12, 2021 · Inspection · citation found
Citation foundNo citation

What inspectors cited most

Training & qualifications8
Building & playground safety8
Staff ratios7
Health & medication5
Supervision5
Other standards5
Records & paperwork4
Sleep safety4
Food & feeding4
Transportation2
Caregiver conduct2

Citations, newest first

MediumFeb 17, 2026InspectionStaff ratios
Written Operational Policies - Operating Times §746.501(a)(1)
The operation was not able to provide the operational policies for review.
Correction verified Mar 9, 2026
Medium HighFeb 17, 2026InspectionStaff ratios
Food Service and Preparation Requirement - Use Sanitary Holders §746.3317(6)
While serving morning snack, it was observed that the food was being placed directly on the table and not on a plate, napkin, or other sanitary manner. This was corrected when the caregivers gave each child a napkin to place their food on.
Corrected during the visit
Medium HighFeb 17, 2026InspectionTraining & qualifications
Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR §746.1315(b)
The director did not have current CPR training.
Correction verified Mar 9, 2026
HighFeb 17, 2026InspectionHealth & medication
Required Immunizations §746.613(a)
While reviewing immunization records, 1 child did not have an immunization record in their file.
Correction verified Mar 9, 2026
Medium HighNov 18, 2025Found during an investigationTransportation
One Seat Belt Per Person §746.5613
This standard was reviewed during an investigation and found deficient. There is evidence to support that multiple children are being buckled in the same seatbelt.
Correction verified Jan 6, 2026
Medium HighNov 18, 2025Found during an investigationTransportation
Child Passenger Safety Seat System - Child 12 Years and Younger Must Not Ride in Front Seat §746.5607(d)
This standard was reviewed during an investigation and found deficient. There is evidence to support that young children are being placed in the front seat during transportation to the operation.
Correction verified Jan 6, 2026
LowSep 23, 2025InspectionStaff ratios
Required Health Statement - Written, dated within past year, indicates child is physically able to participate in operation's child-care program §746.611(a)(1)
While reviewing files, 9 children files did not have a health statement.
Correction verified Oct 20, 2025
Medium HighMar 25, 2025InspectionTraining & qualifications
Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking. §746.1315(a)
While reviewing personnel files, 2 caregivers did not have current CPR/First Aid training.
Correction verified Apr 9, 2025
MediumMar 25, 2025InspectionRecords & paperwork
Posting Requirements - License §746.401(1)
The operation did not have the licenses posted.
Correction verified Apr 9, 2025
Medium HighMar 25, 2025InspectionStaff ratios
Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children §746.1601
While doing a walk through, one caregiver was supervising 14 children aged 12 months-2 on the playground. This was corrected when a second caregiver joined the caregiver on the playground.
Correction verified Apr 9, 2025
HighMar 25, 2025InspectionSupervision
Supervision ensures each child’s safety, well-being, including physical proximity and auditory or visual awareness of each child’s on going activity §746.1205(a)(4)
While doing a walk through of the operation, a caregiver walked off the playground to go potty leaving a group of children unsupervised. This was corrected when the director stepped outside with the children.
Correction verified Apr 9, 2025
Medium HighMar 25, 2025InspectionHealth & medication
Immunization Records, Exceptions, and Exemptions Current §746.613(b)
While reviewing children's files for the HASA, 2 children did not have updated immunizations.
Correction verified Apr 7, 2025
Medium HighJul 18, 2024InspectionTraining & qualifications
Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - 30 Annual Training §746.1301(a)(6)(A)
While reviewing the director's file, there were only 17 of the required 30 hours availbale for review.
Correction verified Aug 23, 2024
Medium HighSep 7, 2023InspectionSleep safety
Safety Requirements for Cribs - Snug Fitting, Firm, Flat Mattress Designed for Use in Crib §746.2409(a)(1)
A crib sheet was observed to be loose fitting and bundled up when an infant was sleeping. This was discussed with the caregivers and corrected at inspection.
Corrected during the visit
Medium HighAug 16, 2023InspectionTraining & qualifications
Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking. §746.1315(a)
The HASA was conducted and one caregiver had an expired CPR and First Aid certification.
Correction verified Sep 1, 2023
MediumAug 16, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Maintenance Procedures for Active Play - Monthly Maintenance Checklist §746.4751(b)
The HASA was conducted and the grounds checklist has not been conducted in the last 3 months.
Correction verified Sep 7, 2023
HighAug 16, 2023InspectionFood & feeding
Mark Cleaning Supplies, Toxic Materials; Keep Separate from Food and Inaccessible to Children §746.3407(12)
During inspection there was a container of lysol wipes and hand sanitizer on the shelf within the reach of the children.
Correction verified Sep 7, 2023
MediumAug 16, 2023InspectionOther standards
Screen Time Activities - Not Used During Eating or Rest Times §746.2207(c)(4)
During inspection it was observed that the children were eating their breakfast upon arrival and watching television.
Correction verified Sep 7, 2023
MediumAug 16, 2023InspectionOther standards
Written Activity Plans §746.2203(a)
There were no activity plans posted in the classrooms.
Correction verified Sep 7, 2023
HighAug 16, 2023InspectionSupervision
Supervision ensures each child’s safety, well-being, including physical proximity and auditory or visual awareness of each child’s on going activity §746.1205(a)(4)
During inspection a caregiver walked out of the breakfast area leaving 4 children alone to switch places with a caregiver outside.
Correction verified Sep 7, 2023
Medium HighAug 16, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Active Play Surfacing In Use Zones - Loose Fill or Unitary Surfacing §746.4901(a)
A piece of equipment that bounces did not have the proper depth of loose fill around and under it as required.
Correction verified Sep 7, 2023
HighFeb 16, 2023InspectionOther standards
Activities for Infants - Not in Restrictive Device for more than 15 Minutes §746.2417(2)(B)
During follow up inspection, 1 infant was observed in a restrictive device for 50 minutes.
Correction verified Feb 23, 2023
Medium HighFeb 16, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Use of Safety Straps §746.2407
During follow up inspection, 1 infant was observed unbuckled in the highchair table.
Correction verified Feb 23, 2023
Medium HighFeb 6, 2023InspectionSupervision
Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know Children's Names and Ages §746.1203(3)
During POA inspection, the infant caregivers did not know the information for 1 infant they were responsible for.
Correction verified Feb 16, 2023
MediumFeb 6, 2023InspectionFood & feeding
Written Feeding Instructions - Signed and Dated by Parent or Health-Care Professional §746.2421(a)
During POA inspection, the infant feeding sheets were not updated. One bottle fed infant did not have an infant feeding sheet.
Correction verified Feb 13, 2023
Medium HighFeb 6, 2023InspectionRecords & paperwork
Report Unsafe Facility Occurrence §746.305(a)(1)
The operation was closed 1/31/23 - 2/3/23 due to weather and did not notify CCR.
Correction verified Feb 16, 2023
Medium HighFeb 6, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Use of Safety Straps §746.2407
During POA inspection, 1 infant was observed unbuckled in the highchair table.
Correction verified Feb 16, 2023
MediumNov 30, 2022InspectionFood & feeding
Written Feeding Instructions - Review and Update Every 30 Days §746.2421(b)
During inspection, three bottle fed infants did not have updated feeding instruction sheets.
Correction verified Dec 6, 2022
Medium HighNov 30, 2022InspectionStaff ratios
Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children §746.1601
During inspection, two classes were out of ratio. The two year old class was out of ratio by one child. The three year old class was out of ratio by three.
Correction verified Dec 12, 2022
Medium HighNov 30, 2022InspectionTraining & qualifications
Training Requirements for Employees and Caregivers - Pre-service Training §746.1301(2)(A)
One non-exempt caregiver with no previous training was counted in ratio before having the required 8 hours of training.
Correction verified Dec 6, 2022
HighNov 30, 2022InspectionSleep safety
Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device §746.2426
During inspection, an infant was observed sleeping in a restrictive device. The operation allowed a 6 week old infant asleep in a swing. During inspection on 11/30/2022, I observed a 6 week old asleep in a swing. Picture was taken showing the swing and sleeping infant. After I discussed Minimum Standard 746.2426 with the infant caregivers and director, the child was removed during inspection on 11/30/2022. An Administrative Penalty in the amount of 100% of the daily maximum per HRC 42.078(a-2) is being recommended for one day. Impose an Administrative Penalty in the amount of 100% of the daily maximum per statute, HRC ?42.078(a-2) and determine the appropriateness of requesting a risk analysis and/or imposing additional enforcement actions, including corrective or adverse action.
Correction verified Dec 12, 2022
MediumOct 12, 2022InspectionRecords & paperwork
Children's Records Maintained §746.603(a)
During inspection, 6 records were reviewed and 2 were missing updated immunization records.
Correction verified Oct 27, 2022
Medium HighOct 12, 2022InspectionTraining & qualifications
Training Requirements for Employees and Caregivers - Pre-service Training §746.1301(2)(A)
During inspection, 6 staff records were reviewed and not maintained.
Correction verified Oct 27, 2022
MediumOct 12, 2022InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Safety Documentation for Emergency Drills, Fire Extinguishers, & Smoke Detectors §746.801(10)
During inspection the emergency drills and detector monitoring was unavailable.
Correction verified Oct 27, 2022
MediumSep 28, 2022InspectionRecords & paperwork
Children's Records Maintained §746.603(a)
During inspection, 6 records were reviewed and not maintained.
Correction verified Oct 12, 2022
Medium HighSep 28, 2022InspectionTraining & qualifications
Training Requirements for Employees and Caregivers - Pre-service Training §746.1301(2)(A)
During inspection, 6 staff records were reviewed and not maintained.
Correction verified Oct 12, 2022
Medium HighSep 28, 2022InspectionHealth & medication
Children Handwashing After Toileting or Diapering §746.3417(3)
During inspection, 3 diaper changes were observed and all 3 did not wash the infants hands.
Correction verified Oct 12, 2022
HighSep 28, 2022InspectionSupervision
Responsibilities of Caregivers - Supervision of Children §746.1203(4)
During inspection, a 3 year old child was observed alone and unsupervised in the bathroom. CCR Inspector returned child to teacher. Teacher advised they were not aware child was gone.
Correction verified Oct 12, 2022
MediumSep 28, 2022InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Safety Documentation for Emergency Drills, Fire Extinguishers, & Smoke Detectors §746.801(10)
During inspection the emergency drills and detector monitoring was unavailable.
Correction verified Oct 12, 2022
HighAug 25, 2022InspectionStaff ratios
AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation §745.641
A follow up was conducted. A caregiver was present supervising children alone and did not have an eligible status to be present.
Correction verified Sep 1, 2022
HighAug 10, 2022InspectionSupervision
Responsibilities of Caregivers - Supervision of Children §746.1203(4)
During inspection at naptime, it was observed 1 caregiver was supervising 3 areas of children. 1 classroom had 12 children ages 3 yrs - 5rs napping. 1 classroom had 14 children ages 1 yr - 2 yrs napping with the door closed and no teacher inside the room. The open area had 4 children ages 7yrs - 9yrs resting.
Correction verified Aug 25, 2022
HighAug 10, 2022InspectionSleep safety
Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device §746.2426
During inspection, 1 infant was observed asleep in a swing. 2 infants were observed in the high chair table unstrapped. 2 infants were in highchairs unstrapped. TA was provided and the infants were removed from the restrictive devices.
Correction verified Aug 25, 2022
Medium HighAug 9, 2022Found during an investigationBuilding & playground safety
Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Use of Safety Straps §746.2407
During inspection, 2 infants were observed unstrapped in the high chair table.
Correction verified Aug 25, 2022
HighAug 9, 2022Found during an investigationStaff ratios
AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation §745.641
The operation allowed a newly hired staff member to be present at the operation before receiving notice from the CBCU regarding the person's eligibility. Another citation related to background checks within the next 6 months may result in a penalty. Another citation related to background checks within the next 6 months may result in an additional penalty and other enforcement actions. An Administrative penalty in the amount of 100% of the daily maximum, per HRC 42.078(a-2) will be recommended as a result of this citation.
Correction verified Aug 25, 2022
HighAug 9, 2022Found during an investigationCaregiver conduct
Prohibited Punishments - Using Inappropriate Long Period of Silence or Inactivity Including Requiring Child to Remain in a Restrictive Device §746.2805(10)
This standard was reviewed in relation to the reported allegation and found to be deficient. Caregivers advised that children are strapped into high chairs while other tasks, such as diapering other children, are conducted.
Correction verified Aug 25, 2022
MediumMay 6, 2022InspectionOther standards
Written Activity Plans - Plan Followed by Caregiver §746.2203(b)
This Minimum Standard was found to be out of compliance while reviewing video footage. The operation did not follow their activity plan when they had children watching television for 2.5 hours and had a toddler restricted in a high chair for 2.5 hours.
Correction verified May 19, 2022
HighMay 6, 2022InspectionCaregiver conduct
Responsibilities of Employees and Caregivers -Demonstrate Competency, Good Judgment, Self-control §746.1201(1)
This standard was found to out of compliance when reviewing video footage. It was found that the operation's caregivers did not demonstrate good judgment when they left a toddler in a high chair for 2 and a half hours during the morning.
Correction verified May 19, 2022
MediumMay 6, 2022InspectionOther standards
Screen Time Activities - Not Exceed One Hour Daily §746.2207(c)(3)
While reviewing video footage it was found that the operation kept their television on for 2 and a half hours in the morning with children.
Correction verified May 19, 2022
Medium HighMay 6, 2022InspectionHealth & medication
Diapering Procedures - Sanitizing Diaper Changing Area §746.3505(e)
While reviewing video footage it was found that caregivers were not sanitizing the diaper changing mat after use.
Correction verified May 19, 2022
HighMay 6, 2022InspectionSleep safety
Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device §746.2426
This Standard was found to be out of compliance while reviewing video footage. Video shows that a child was left sleeping in a restrictive device.
Correction verified May 19, 2022
Medium HighMay 6, 2022InspectionHealth & medication
Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child §746.3415(4)
While reviewing video footage it was found that caregivers were not washing their hands after diaper changes. The caregivers were also not cleaning the infants hands either.
Correction verified May 19, 2022
MediumNov 12, 2021InspectionFood & feeding
Written Feeding Instructions - Review and Update Every 30 Days §746.2421(b)
Three infant feeding instructions were not up to date.
Correction verified Dec 29, 2021
MediumNov 12, 2021InspectionTraining & qualifications
Documented Annual Training- Required Content §746.1309(e)
Four staff records were reviewed and all four need required training related to health and safety.
Correction verified Dec 29, 2021
Medium HighNov 12, 2021InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Safety - Electrical Outlets Covered §746.3701(1)
An electrical outlet did not have a cover and a cover was found and put in during inspection.
Corrected during the visit

About this center

Licensed capacity115 children
Ages servedInfant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
Hours05:30 AM-06:00 PM
DaysMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Licensed sinceDec 5, 2017
DirectorMahalia Warren
Phone9032925132
State operation #1649832

Common questions

Does Kidz First Learning Academy take infants?

Yes. Texas licenses it to care for infants through school-age children.

What are Kidz First Learning Academy’s hours?

5:30 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, according to its state licensing record. Confirm holiday and summer hours with the center.

Does Kidz First Learning Academy accept child care subsidies?

Yes, according to its state licensing record.

Has Kidz First Learning Academy had any serious violations?

Inspectors recorded 14 high-risk citations since 2021. The most recent was on Feb 17, 2026: “Required Immunizations.” Each one is listed in full above.

How does Kidz First Learning Academy compare with other daycares in Athens?

It is #5 of 7 centers in Athens by risk-weighted citations per inspection, and is better than 8% of licensed centers statewide (out of 9,147 Texas centers with enough inspection history).

When was Kidz First Learning Academy last inspected?

Feb 17, 2026. Inspectors cited at least one rule during that visit.

Other centers near 75751

Citations are quoted from Texas HHS inspection records. Many are corrected the same day, and a citation is a finding about one rule, not a judgment about a center overall.

To see the official record, search operation 1649832 on Search Texas Child Care. Data refreshed Sep 30, 2026.