Daycare RecordChild care inspection records

Mariner Montessori at The Heights

5317 Darling St, Houston, TX 77007 · Harris County

Mariner Montessori at The Heights is a licensed child care center in Houston, TX, licensed for up to 80 children and serving infants through school-age children. It has held its Texas license since 2023. Since October 2021, state inspectors have visited 19 times and investigated 3 reports. Inspectors recorded 35 citations, 4 of them high-risk, most often for records & paperwork (9 of 35). 2 citations came in the last 12 months. 6% were corrected during the inspection itself. Measured by risk-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #598 of 882 centers in Houston and better than 11% of licensed centers statewide.

Inspection record

Better than 11%of 9,147 Texas licensed centers, comparing risk-weighted citations per inspection. Among the most cited
Tied for #598 of 882 centers in Houston
4High risk
17Medium High risk
12Medium risk
2Medium Low risk
0Low risk
35 citations from 19 inspections and 2 reports since Oct 1, 2021 · 2 in the last 12 months · last inspected Feb 24, 2026

Every state visit

20222023202420252026INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom)Feb 24, 2026 · Inspection · citation foundDec 8, 2025 · Inspection · no citationSep 18, 2025 · Inspection · citation foundSep 12, 2025 · Inspection · no citationJan 21, 2025 · Assessment · citation foundDec 20, 2024 · Inspection · no citationNov 12, 2024 · Inspection · no citationNov 8, 2024 · Report/investigation · citation foundSep 30, 2024 · Inspection · no citationAug 26, 2024 · Inspection · no citationJul 17, 2024 · Inspection · no citationJul 15, 2024 · Inspection · citation foundJul 1, 2024 · Report/investigation · citation foundJun 27, 2024 · Inspection · no citationJun 20, 2024 · Report/investigation · citation foundApr 10, 2024 · Inspection · no citationMar 27, 2024 · Inspection · citation foundNov 8, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundSep 18, 2023 · Inspection · no citationAug 29, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundJun 14, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundMay 18, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundMar 24, 2023 · Inspection · citation found
Citation foundNo citation

What inspectors cited most

Records & paperwork9
Building & playground safety6
Staff ratios5
Health & medication3
Other standards3
Caregiver conduct2
Food & feeding2
Training & qualifications2
Transportation1
Supervision1
Sleep safety1

Citations, newest first

Medium HighFeb 24, 2026InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment §746.3407
During the walk-through, CCR observed specks of dirt under the changing mats on the diaper-changing table in the infants classroom. Correction: A caregiver cleaned the diaper changing table and mat.
Corrected during the visit
Medium HighFeb 24, 2026InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment - Hand-washing Sink §746.2405(4)
CCR observed two infants having their diapers changed across the infant room, not near the designated diaper changing sink area.
Correction verified Mar 9, 2026
Medium HighSep 18, 2025InspectionRecords & paperwork
Required Admission Information - Emergency Contact §746.605(6)
4 of out 8 child records were missing the required emergency contact information.
Correction verified Sep 26, 2025
MediumSep 18, 2025InspectionHealth & medication
Medication No Longer Used §746.3809
During the inspection medication for one child in care was found to be expired. The epinephrine injection has been expired since May of 2025
Correction verified Oct 13, 2025
Medium LowJan 21, 2025InspectionRecords & paperwork
Report Number of Employees §746.303(b)
A review of the Employees Who Left Employment in 2023 data from January 17, 2025, revealed that the center had not reported the number of employees who left employment in 2024 by January 15, 2025, as required.
Correction verified Jan 21, 2025
HighNov 8, 2024Found during an investigationCaregiver conduct
Prohibited Punishments - Corporal Punishment §746.2805(1)
A caregiver pinched a child while in care.
Correction verified Dec 19, 2024
Medium HighJul 15, 2024InspectionStaff ratios
Maximum Group Size 13 or More Children §746.1609
The infant two classroom had 12 children Specified Age Group was 0-11 months old. The classroom was two over the required ratio of that age group.
Correction verified Jul 17, 2024
HighJul 1, 2024Found during an investigationCaregiver conduct
Responsibilities of Employees and Caregivers -Demonstrate Competency, Good Judgment, Self-control §746.1201(1)
A caregiver did not demonstrate good judgment when she fell asleep while caring for infants.
Correction verified Aug 26, 2024
Medium HighJun 20, 2024Found during an investigationStaff ratios
Maximum Group Size 13 or More Children §746.1609
The infant room #2 class had 15 infants at time of walk-through, the specified age group is 12-17months, maximum group size is 13 infants, over by 2 infants.
Correction verified Jul 17, 2024
Medium HighMar 27, 2024InspectionOther standards
Space Requirements - Under 18 Months of Age Separate from Older Children §746.4203
They were two children ages three and four years old in a classroom with children specified age group 12-17 months old. The two children were more then 18 months from the youngest child 11 months old.
Correction verified Apr 10, 2024
Medium HighMar 27, 2024InspectionStaff ratios
Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children §746.1601
One caregiver had 7 children specified age group 12-17 months old, they were 2 children over the ratio for one caregiver.
Correction verified Apr 10, 2024
MediumMar 27, 2024InspectionRecords & paperwork
Provide Parents With Copy of Policies §746.503
Two children did not have information that parents received the operational policies.
Correction verified Apr 10, 2024
MediumMar 27, 2024InspectionRecords & paperwork
Notification of Change in Space §746.301(2)
The operation did not notify licensing when they change the outside playground to another area, the change was made .
Corrected during the visit
MediumMar 27, 2024InspectionHealth & medication
Children's Records - Health Statement §746.603(a)(3)
Six children are missing healthcare statements or information on when they would bring one if they have been enrolled less then 12 months.
Correction verified Apr 10, 2024
Medium HighMar 27, 2024InspectionRecords & paperwork
Required Admission Information - Reasonable Accommodations or Modifications §746.605(13)(B)(i)
Five children did not have information on if they needed special care.
Correction verified Apr 10, 2024
MediumMar 27, 2024InspectionRecords & paperwork
Required Admission Information - Physician Information §746.605(11)
Seven children did not have information for they healthcare provider or emergency care authorization.
Correction verified Apr 10, 2024
MediumMar 27, 2024InspectionTransportation
Required Admission Information - Transportation Permission §746.605(8)
Eight children did not have information on if the operation could transport them in case of an emergency.
Correction verified Apr 10, 2024
MediumMar 27, 2024InspectionHealth & medication
Children's Records - Immunizations §746.603(a)(4)
Four children did not have immunization records on file.
Correction verified Apr 10, 2024
Medium HighMar 27, 2024InspectionFood & feeding
Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional §746.3819
Three children with a food allergy plan did not have the health-care professional signature.
Correction verified Apr 10, 2024
Medium HighMar 27, 2024InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Emergency Preparedness Plan - Evacuation, relocation, and sheltering/lock-down procedures §746.5202(1)
The operation does not have how they would get children 24 months and younger or children with limited mobility out of the building in case of an emergency.
Correction verified Apr 10, 2024
Medium HighNov 8, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Fenced Outdoor Activity Space §746.4305
The playground fence is not enclose and has two openings towards the back of the fence area.
Correction verified Nov 13, 2023
Medium HighAug 29, 2023InspectionStaff ratios
Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children §746.1601
In the infant classroom they was one caregiver with 6 children specify age group 0 to 11 months old, the caregiver had one children over the ratio. Corrected: When another caregiver came in from the restroom.
Correction verified Sep 18, 2023
Medium HighAug 29, 2023InspectionFood & feeding
Required Admission Information-Completed Food Allergy Plan §746.605(16)
One child with a food allergy did not have a food allergy plan on file.
Correction verified Sep 18, 2023
Medium HighAug 29, 2023InspectionTraining & qualifications
Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking. §746.1315(a)
One caregivers first aid training expired on 4/2020 and the other caregiver first aid training was not eligible to read the card.
Correction verified Sep 18, 2023
Medium HighAug 29, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Emergency Preparedness Plan - Evacuation, relocation, and sheltering/lock-down procedures §746.5202(1)
The operation did not have in their emergency preparedness plan on how they would get children 24 months and younger out of the building.
Correction verified Sep 18, 2023
Medium HighAug 29, 2023InspectionTraining & qualifications
Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR §746.1315(b)
One caregivers CPR training expired on 4/2020 and the other caregiver CPR training was not eligible to read the card. Another caregivers CPR training was conducted online.
Correction verified Sep 18, 2023
HighAug 29, 2023InspectionSupervision
Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know number of children responsible for §746.1205(a)(2)
Two caregivers in different classrooms were unsure of how many children they had in care. One caregiver stated 7 then 6 and the other caregiver stated 6 then 5 children in care.
Correction verified Sep 18, 2023
MediumAug 29, 2023InspectionRecords & paperwork
Provide Parents With Copy of Policies §746.503
One child's file was missing information on the parents receiving the operational policies.
Correction verified Sep 19, 2023
Medium LowAug 29, 2023InspectionRecords & paperwork
Required Personnel Records - Required Affidavit §746.901(4)
One caregiver did not have an affidavit in their file.
Correction verified Sep 19, 2023
MediumJun 14, 2023InspectionRecords & paperwork
Posting Requirements - Letter or form from the most recent Licensing Inspection or Investigation §746.401(2)
The operation did not have the most recent inspection form posted, the last inspection form posted was from 3/24/2023 the last inspection at the operation was on 4/18/2023.
Correction verified Jun 15, 2023
MediumMay 18, 2023InspectionOther standards
Storage for Individual Belongings §746.4505
In some of the classrooms the children's storage area was not labeled with the children's names.
Correction verified May 22, 2023
MediumMay 18, 2023InspectionSleep safety
Cots, Beds, Mats Labeled With Child's Name §746.4503(b)
The cots and infant beds were not labeled with children's names.
Correction verified May 22, 2023
Medium HighMar 24, 2023InspectionOther standards
746.5533 carbon monoxide detection system installed §746.5533
The operation did not have an carbon monoxide system.
Correction verified Mar 24, 2023
MediumMar 24, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Furnishings and Equipment for Pre-Kindergarten Age Interest Centers Clearly Defined §746.2605(1)(A)
During the inspection the center did not was have equipment or activities for school age children.
Correction verified Mar 24, 2023
HighMar 24, 2023InspectionStaff ratios
Written Operational Policies - Safe Sleep for Infants 12 Months and Younger §746.501(a)(9)
The operation did not have in their operational policy about safe sleep for infants.
Correction verified Mar 24, 2023

About this center

Licensed capacity80 children
Ages servedInfant, Toddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
Hours07:00 AM-06:00 PM
DaysMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Licensed sinceSep 26, 2023
DirectorNataly Barrera
Phone2818886036
State operation #1766836

Common questions

Does Mariner Montessori at The Heights take infants?

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

What are Mariner Montessori at The Heights’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 Mariner Montessori at The Heights accept child care subsidies?

Not according to its state licensing record. Ask the center directly, since participation can change.

How much does Mariner Montessori at The Heights cost?

Texas does not publish individual centers’ prices, so ask Mariner Montessori at The Heights for its current tuition. For comparison, the median full-day price at licensed centers in the Gulf Coast area, which includes Houston, is $42.60 a day for infants, $40.80 a day for toddlers and $39.40 a day for 3-year-olds (2025 Texas Child Care Market Rate Survey).

Has Mariner Montessori at The Heights had any serious violations?

Inspectors recorded 4 high-risk citations since 2021. The most recent was on Nov 8, 2024: “Prohibited Punishments - Corporal Punishment.” Each one is listed in full above.

How does Mariner Montessori at The Heights compare with other daycares in Houston?

It is tied for #598 of 882 centers in Houston by risk-weighted citations per inspection, and is better than 11% of licensed centers statewide (out of 9,147 Texas centers with enough inspection history).

When was Mariner Montessori at The Heights last inspected?

Feb 24, 2026. Inspectors cited at least one rule 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 1766836 on Search Texas Child Care. Data refreshed Sep 30, 2026.