Daycare RecordChild care inspection records

Little Explorers Education Center

124 N 1st St, Hidalgo, TX 78557 · Hidalgo County
Accepts child care subsidies

Little Explorers Education Center is a licensed child care center in Hidalgo, TX, licensed for up to 55 children and serving infants through school-age children. It has held its Texas license since 2016. Since October 2021, state inspectors have visited 21 times and investigated 4 reports. Inspectors recorded 38 citations, 9 of them high-risk, most often for training & qualifications (9 of 38). 1 citation came in the last 12 months. Its last 3 inspections found no violations. Measured by risk-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #357 of 397 centers in Hidalgo County and better than 10% of licensed centers statewide.

Inspection record

Better than 10%of 9,147 Texas licensed centers, comparing risk-weighted citations per inspection. Among the most cited
Tied for #357 of 397 centers in Hidalgo County
9High risk
16Medium High risk
10Medium risk
0Medium Low risk
3Low risk
38 citations from 21 inspections and 4 reports since Oct 1, 2021 · 1 in the last 12 months · last inspected Mar 11, 2026

Every state visit

20222023202420252026INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom)Mar 11, 2026 · Inspection · no citationJan 8, 2026 · Inspection · no citationDec 29, 2025 · Inspection · no citationDec 1, 2025 · Inspection · citation foundSep 3, 2025 · Inspection · no citationJul 28, 2025 · Inspection · no citationJun 26, 2025 · Inspection · no citationJun 9, 2025 · Inspection · no citationMay 28, 2025 · Inspection · citation foundMay 16, 2025 · Inspection · citation foundMay 15, 2025 · Report/investigation · citation foundMay 6, 2025 · Inspection · citation foundMay 6, 2025 · Report/investigation · no citationApr 28, 2025 · Inspection · citation foundApr 15, 2025 · Report/investigation · citation foundJul 3, 2024 · Inspection · no citationJun 25, 2024 · Inspection · citation foundJun 3, 2024 · Inspection · citation foundJun 21, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundAug 2, 2022 · Inspection · no citationJul 28, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundJul 18, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundMay 5, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundApr 25, 2022 · Assessment · citation foundApr 21, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundApr 19, 2022 · Report/investigation · no citation
Citation foundNo citation

What inspectors cited most

Training & qualifications9
Staff ratios9
Other standards5
Health & medication4
Sleep safety3
Building & playground safety3
Records & paperwork2
Food & feeding2
Supervision1

Citations, newest first

Medium HighDec 1, 2025InspectionTraining & qualifications
Additional Minimum Qualifications for Caregivers - HS Diploma, Equivalent, Certification of Completion §746.1107(2)
One personnel record reviewed, Caregiver does not meet education requierments.
Correction verified Dec 29, 2025
HighMay 28, 2025InspectionSleep safety
Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device §746.2426(a)(1)
Observed child sleeping in restrictive device.
Correction verified Jun 9, 2025
HighMay 16, 2025InspectionSleep safety
Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device §746.2426(a)(1)
Observed child sleeping in restrictive device.
Correction verified May 28, 2025
MediumMay 15, 2025Found during an investigationRecords & paperwork
Children's Records - Admission Information §746.603(a)(2)
It is determined that a child was present in operation with no admission information on file.
Correction verified Jun 26, 2025
LowMay 6, 2025InspectionTraining & qualifications
Documentation of Training Requirements - Trainer's Qualifications §746.1329(b)(5)
Certificate reviewed in file did not have documentation of how trainer met criteria to provide training.
Correction verified May 16, 2025
MediumMay 6, 2025InspectionHealth & medication
Health Statement parent sign - Dated within past yr, name/address health care professional, states child can participate. Follow by signed statement §746.611(a)(3)
One record reviewed with a Health Statement indicating one will be obtained within 12 months of enrollment and was not obtained. Enrollment date showed 1/17/24.
Correction verified May 7, 2025
Medium HighApr 28, 2025InspectionStaff ratios
Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age §746.1605(1)
A total of 14 children in operation. Infant observed to be grouped in a classroom with a child that exceeded the 18month age difference; the age difference in the room was 28months.
Correction verified May 6, 2025
Medium HighApr 28, 2025InspectionStaff ratios
Transportation Child/Caregiver Ratio - Children 2 Years and Older §746.1805(b)
Caregiver who provides transportation does not meet caregiver qualifications.
Correction verified May 6, 2025
Medium HighApr 28, 2025InspectionTraining & qualifications
Transportation Safety Training -Director and Employee Complete 2 Hours Annually §746.1316(a)
Record reviewed with no curent transportation traning. A training was last dated 4/25/2022.
Correction verified May 6, 2025
Medium HighApr 28, 2025InspectionFood & feeding
Nutrition and Food Service - Drinking water available at every snack, mealtime, and during and after active play §746.3301(f)(1)
Drinking water was not avialble durring outdoor active play time.
Correction verified May 6, 2025
MediumApr 28, 2025InspectionOther standards
Screen Time Activities - Not Used for Under Two §746.2207(a)
Observed a tablet held up with thumb pins on wall observed to be playing an animated video (Coco Melon) in room with children under two years of age present.
Correction verified May 6, 2025
Medium HighApr 28, 2025InspectionTraining & qualifications
Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - Pediatric CPR §746.1301(a)(4)(A)
2 of the 4 records reviewed did not have current Pediatric CPR records on file. One record indicated it expired in 1/2025. One record was missing Pediatric CPR in file.
Correction verified May 6, 2025
MediumApr 28, 2025InspectionHealth & medication
Health Statement parent sign - Dated within past yr, name/address health care professional, states child can participate. Follow by signed statement §746.611(a)(3)
One record reviewed with a Health Statement indicating one will be obtained within 12 months of enrollment and was not obtained. Enrollment date showed 1/17/24.
Correction verified May 6, 2025
LowApr 28, 2025InspectionTraining & qualifications
Documentation of Training Requirements - Trainer's Qualifications §746.1329(b)(5)
Certificate reviewed in file did not have documentation of how trainer met criteria to provide training.
Correction verified May 6, 2025
Medium HighApr 28, 2025InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Furnishings and Equipment for Toddlers - Age-appropriate §746.2505(1)
Two children sitting in bucket seats were observed sleeping on bucket seat table while caregiver was doing janitorial dutties.
Correction verified May 6, 2025
HighApr 15, 2025Found during an investigationStaff ratios
AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation §745.641
Based on DFPS investigation, a caregiver with a pending status on background checks was present in the operation caring for children.
Correction verified Apr 28, 2025
Medium HighApr 15, 2025Found during an investigationStaff ratios
Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children §746.1601
Based on DFPS investigation, there were 5 infants in care with one caregiver.
Correction verified Apr 28, 2025
Medium HighApr 15, 2025Found during an investigationTraining & qualifications
Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR §746.1315(b)
Based on the preponderance gathered throughout the course of the investigation, it is determined that a staff present in operation did not have up to date trainings in pediatric CPR/First Aid at time of investigation and had been left to supervise children during operating hours.
Correction verified Jul 28, 2025
HighJun 25, 2024InspectionSleep safety
Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device §746.2426(a)(1)
An 8mo old child was observed asleep in a swing and covered with a blanket.
Correction verified Jul 3, 2024
Medium HighJun 3, 2024InspectionStaff ratios
Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age §746.1605(1)
There were a total of fifteen children present at the operation. In the toddler room; eleven children ages 15mo-11yo were combined in one room for naptime. Age difference was greater than 18 months. Note: During inspection, two children ages 15mo and 23mo were moved from toddler to infant room. Infant room then had a total of six children ages 7mo-23mo with one caregiver and one volunteer. Infant room became over ratio by one child.
Correction verified Jun 25, 2024
MediumJun 3, 2024InspectionOther standards
Chairs - Safety Straps Used if Required by Manufacturer §746.4501(b)
A kidney table with bucket seats is missing safety straps for four of the seats. Three children were observed using the seats without the straps. Note: During inspection, children were moved to seats with straps.
Correction verified Jun 25, 2024
Medium HighJun 3, 2024InspectionTraining & qualifications
Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - Pediatric First Aid with Rescue Breathing §746.1301(a)(3)(A)
One out of four staff files reviewed is missing orientation, pre-service and first aid training.
Correction verified Jun 25, 2024
Medium HighJun 21, 2023InspectionTraining & qualifications
Director present-Minimum 75% §746.1011(a)
One out of two designed Directors is not regularly present at the operation.
Correction verified Jun 30, 2023
MediumJun 21, 2023InspectionRecords & paperwork
Required Personnel Records §746.901
Six staff files were reviewed. One file is missing copy of high school diploma or equivalent and attendance records. A second file is missing the translation / equivalence of a foreign high school diploma.
Correction verified Jun 30, 2023
LowJun 21, 2023InspectionOther standards
Center not on probation, suspension, emergency suspension, or revocation in two years preceding or admin penalty §746.1317(a)(6)(B)
One of our six staff trainings records reviewed has certificates for trainings provided by the Director. The trainings were provided within two years after operation was issued an administrative penalty.
Correction verified Jul 6, 2023
MediumJun 21, 2023InspectionOther standards
Chairs - Safety Straps Used if Required by Manufacturer §746.4501(b)
Toddler room has an eight bucket seats table. Five out of the eights seats are missing the safety straps.
Correction verified Jun 22, 2023
MediumJun 21, 2023InspectionStaff ratios
Written Operational Policies - Promotion of Physical Activity §746.501(a)(18)
Operational Policies were reviewed and the following is missing: (8) Suspension and expulsion policy (18)(a)(b)(c)(d)(g) Outdoor and Physical Activity Policies (19) Insect repellent and sunscreen policy
Correction verified Jun 30, 2023
HighJun 21, 2023InspectionHealth & medication
Required Equipment in Vehicles - Emergency Medical Information §746.5617(a)(2)
Transportation binder was reviewed and the following information is missing: -Emergency medical transport and treatment authorization form for three children. -Parent s names and telephone numbers and emergency telephone numbers for two children.
Correction verified Jun 22, 2023
Medium HighJul 28, 2022InspectionStaff ratios
Child/Caregiver Ratio - 18 Months Difference in Age §746.1605
A caregiver was caring for six children ages 5mo to 3yo. Age difference between youngest and oldest child is greater than 18months.
Correction verified Aug 2, 2022
HighJul 18, 2022InspectionFood & feeding
Requirements for Feeding Infants - Never Prop Bottles §746.2419(3)
A five month old child was awake and having a bottle in a swing, bottle was propped with a blanket.
Correction verified Jul 28, 2022
MediumJul 18, 2022InspectionHealth & medication
Children's Records - Immunizations §746.603(a)(4)
One out five children's records reviewed is missing immunization records.
Correction verified Jul 26, 2022
Medium HighJul 18, 2022InspectionTraining & qualifications
Documented Annual Training - Caregivers of Children Under 24 Months Required §746.1309(d)
One out of five staff trainings records reviewed is missing training on Safe Sleep / Shaken Baby / Early Brain Development.
Correction verified Jul 20, 2022
Medium HighJul 18, 2022InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes §746.5205(1)
Last fire drill, smoke/CO detector and fire extinguisher checks were conducted on 04/23/2022. Note: During inspection fire extinguisher and smoke/CO detector were checked. Smoke Detector in the school-age room was not working but batties were placed.
Correction verified Jul 28, 2022
Medium HighMay 5, 2022InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment §746.3407
Sewage material was observed coming out of an outdoor pipe located within the operation's playground. There is garbage in the playground including trash bags and used plate/cup. There is a broken slide in the playground.
Correction verified May 10, 2022
HighApr 25, 2022InspectionStaff ratios
AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation §745.641
A staff member was present at the operation and caring for children without prior background check eligibility notice. The role of a volunteer changed to an employee over a year ago. Operation has not submitted a renewal background check with the employee's current role.
Correction verified Apr 29, 2022
HighApr 21, 2022InspectionSupervision
Basic Requirements for Infants - Never Unsupervised §746.2401(7)
An infant-age child was left asleep and unsupervised in the infant room for approximately 35 minutes.
Correction verified Apr 25, 2022
MediumApr 21, 2022InspectionOther standards
Screen Time Activities - Not Used During Eating or Rest Times §746.2207(c)(4)
There were five children in the toddler room ages 8mo-2yo watching toy story while eating a snack. There were 11 children in the prek room watching sherk while eating a snack. Two out of the nine children in the school-age room were playing games in their cellphones.
Correction verified Apr 25, 2022
HighApr 21, 2022InspectionStaff ratios
AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation §745.641
A staff member was present at the operation and caring for children without prior background check eligibility notice. The role of a volunteer changed to an employee over a year ago. Operation has not submitted a renewal background check with the employee's current role.
Correction verified Apr 25, 2022

About this center

Licensed capacity55 children
Ages servedInfant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
Hours07:00 AM-06:00 PM
DaysMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Licensed sinceSep 8, 2016
DirectorMaribel Marentes
Phone9568005404
State operation #1582597

Common questions

Does Little Explorers Education Center take infants?

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

What are Little Explorers Education Center’s hours?

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

Does Little Explorers Education Center accept child care subsidies?

Yes, according to its state licensing record.

How much does Little Explorers Education Center cost?

Texas does not publish individual centers’ prices, so ask Little Explorers Education Center for its current tuition. For comparison, the median full-day price at licensed centers in the Lower Rio Grande Valley area, which includes Hidalgo, is $35.60 a day for infants, $34.40 a day for toddlers and $33.40 a day for 3-year-olds (2025 Texas Child Care Market Rate Survey).

Has Little Explorers Education Center had any serious violations?

Inspectors recorded 9 high-risk citations since 2021. The most recent was on May 28, 2025: “Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device.” Each one is listed in full above.

How does Little Explorers Education Center compare with other daycares in Hidalgo County?

It is tied for #357 of 397 centers in Hidalgo County by risk-weighted citations per inspection, and is better than 10% of licensed centers statewide (out of 9,147 Texas centers with enough inspection history).

When was Little Explorers Education Center last inspected?

Mar 11, 2026. No violations were found during that visit.

Licensed centers nearby

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 1582597 on Search Texas Child Care. Data refreshed Sep 30, 2026.