Daycare RecordChild care inspection records

Montessori Childrens Cottage

4009 Sherwood Ln, Houston, TX 77092 · Harris County
3 high-risk citations in last 12 months

Montessori Childrens Cottage is a licensed child care center in Houston, TX, licensed for up to 85 children and serving toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children. It has held its Texas license since 1987. Since October 2021, state inspectors have visited 13 times and investigated 3 reports. Inspectors recorded 35 citations, 6 of them high-risk, most often for building & playground safety (14 of 35). 11 citations came in the last 12 months, including 3 high-risk. 14% were corrected during the inspection itself. Measured by risk-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #789 of 882 centers in Houston and better than 2% of licensed centers statewide.

Inspection record

Better than 2%of 9,147 Texas licensed centers, comparing risk-weighted citations per inspection. Among the most cited
Tied for #789 of 882 centers in Houston
6High risk
20Medium High risk
8Medium risk
0Medium Low risk
1Low risk
35 citations from 13 inspections and 2 reports since Oct 1, 2021 · 11 in the last 12 months · last inspected Aug 20, 2026

Every state visit

20222023202420252026INSPECTIONS (top) · REPORTS & INVESTIGATIONS (bottom)Aug 20, 2026 · Inspection · citation foundAug 4, 2026 · Inspection · citation foundAug 19, 2025 · Inspection · no citationAug 5, 2025 · Inspection · citation foundAug 23, 2024 · Inspection · no citationAug 6, 2024 · Inspection · citation foundAug 8, 2023 · Inspection · citation foundJan 3, 2023 · Inspection · no citationDec 22, 2022 · Report/investigation · citation foundAug 11, 2022 · Inspection · no citationAug 8, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundJan 26, 2022 · Inspection · no citationJan 19, 2022 · Report/investigation · no citationJan 18, 2022 · Inspection · citation foundNov 23, 2021 · Inspection · no citationNov 16, 2021 · Report/investigation · citation found
Citation foundNo citation

What inspectors cited most

Building & playground safety14
Records & paperwork4
Health & medication4
Training & qualifications3
Other standards3
Food & feeding2
Staff ratios2
Supervision2
Caregiver conduct1

Citations, newest first

HighAug 20, 2026InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months §746.5101(a)
The operation's fire inspection has not been completed since 8/12/2025.
Correction verified Sep 3, 2026
Medium HighAug 20, 2026InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment §746.3407
CCR observed that the acoustic ceiling in the pool house was damaged, with sections missing and cracks present. Correction made: The operation repaired the glass sliding door in the pool house.
Correction verified Sep 9, 2026
MediumAug 20, 2026InspectionTraining & qualifications
Director Annual Training 30 Hours Required §746.1311(a)
The director has not completed the required 30 clock hours of training during the annual period from 1/17/2025 to 1/17/2026.
Correction verified Aug 31, 2026
HighAug 4, 2026InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Swimming Pools - Chemicals and Pumps Inaccessible to Children §746.5001(4)
CCR observed pool chemicals and the pump were not properly stored and were accessible to children during swimming lessons.
Correction verified Aug 20, 2026
MediumAug 4, 2026InspectionRecords & paperwork
Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Employees' Attendance §746.801(5)
The director time sheets were not available during the inspection.
Correction verified Aug 20, 2026
Medium HighAug 4, 2026InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Six Inches if Equipment 5 Ft or Less §746.4907(a)(1)
The operation has a play structure with a slide that is under five feet in height; however, the loose fill beneath it measures less than 6 inches deep.
Correction verified Aug 20, 2026
MediumAug 4, 2026InspectionTraining & qualifications
Director Annual Training 30 Hours Required §746.1311(a)
The director has not completed the required 30 clock hours of training during the annual period from 1/17/2025 to 1/17/2026.
Correction verified Aug 20, 2026
Medium HighAug 4, 2026InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Maintenance of Building, Grounds and Equipment §746.3407
CCR observed that the acoustic ceiling in the pool house was missing, cracked, and sagging. Additionally, the glass sliding door in the pool house was broken, preventing it from closing properly.
Correction verified Aug 20, 2026
Medium HighAug 4, 2026InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Nine Inches if Equipment Greater Than 5 Ft. §746.4907(a)(2)
The operation has a play structure with a slide exceeding five feet in height; however, the loose fill beneath it measures less than 9 inches deep.
Correction verified Aug 20, 2026
Medium HighAug 4, 2026InspectionRecords & paperwork
AP Required Admission Information - Child able to swim competently §746.605(16)(A)
CCR reviewed six children's admission files and found that the operation does not include a question on the form regarding whether a child can swim competently.
Correction verified Aug 17, 2026
HighAug 4, 2026InspectionRecords & paperwork
AP Required Admission Information - Child requires a personal flotation device §746.605(16)(B)
CCR reviewed six children's admission files and found that the operation does not include a question on the form regarding whether a child is required to wear a personal flotation device.
Correction verified Aug 17, 2026
Medium HighAug 5, 2025InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Safety - Play Materials and Equipment Safe §746.3701(5)
Two children's play toys present on the playground had sharp and jagged edges. Note: this was corrected at inspection when the director removed them.
Corrected during the visit
MediumAug 5, 2025InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Posts Marked to Proper Depth §746.4907(c)
2 composite play structures on the playground are missing post markings that indicates the depth of the loose fill.
Correction verified Aug 14, 2025
Medium HighAug 5, 2025InspectionOther standards
Pest Extermination §746.3427
1 active ant bed is present on the playground.
Correction verified Aug 12, 2025
Medium HighAug 5, 2025InspectionFood & feeding
Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional §746.3819
1 child with a diagnosed food allergy needs an updated food allergy emergency plan, signed by both the parent and medical professional, along with the prescribed medication.
Correction verified Aug 18, 2025
Medium HighAug 5, 2025InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Fire Inspection Report, Including Written Approval for Above/Below Ground Level Care §746.801(11)
6 children were present upstairs with a caregiver and vendor for a specialized class without Fire Marshal approval. Note: this was corrected at inspection when the director moved the group of children downstairs.
Corrected during the visit
LowAug 5, 2025InspectionTraining & qualifications
Documentation PEDIATRIAC CPR-1st aid original certificate on file at center or copy available if licensing requests §746.1329(c)(2)
2 out of 8 staff were missing the original certificate for pediatric CPR/first aid.
Correction verified Aug 12, 2025
MediumAug 6, 2024InspectionHealth & medication
Medication No Longer Used §746.3809
During the inpsection the operation was found to have 3 expired epi-pens for children with food allergies and an expired inhaler for a child in care.
Correction verified Aug 16, 2024
HighAug 6, 2024InspectionCaregiver conduct
Prohibited Punishments - Withholding Active Play §746.2805(9)
During the inspection I observed a caregiver withholding active play for two children in care. The children's classrooms outdoor time was ending by the time they were going outside.
Correction verified Aug 23, 2024
Medium HighAug 6, 2024InspectionRecords & paperwork
Required Admission Information - Emergency Contact §746.605(6)
During review of record keeping 6 out of 10 records evaluated did not include the address for the emergency contact as required.
Correction verified Aug 16, 2024
Medium HighAug 8, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Safety - Areas Free From Hazards §746.3701
During the walkthrough of the outdoor play area I oberved three broken fence boards, a wooden bench with a nail exposed, a rubber hose covering wire sticking out of the ground The caregiver in charge hammered the exposed nail flat during the inspection.
Correction verified Aug 15, 2023
Medium HighAug 8, 2023InspectionFood & feeding
Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional §746.3819
During review of safety the opeation did not have an emergency plan signed by parents and health care professional for two children with diagnosed food allergies.
Correction verified Aug 15, 2023
Medium HighAug 8, 2023InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Safety - Electrical Outlets Covered §746.3701(1)
During the inspection I oberved 2 electrical outlets uncovered
Correction verified Aug 11, 2023
MediumAug 8, 2023InspectionStaff ratios
Written Operational Policies - Promotion of Physical Activity §746.501(a)(18)
During review of administration the center's operational policies did not include promotion of Physical activity as requied by minimum standards.
Correction verified Aug 22, 2023
Medium HighAug 8, 2023InspectionOther standards
Personal use of electronic devices, such as cell phones, MP3 players, tablets, and video games §746.1203(3)(D)
During the walkthrough I oberserved a caregiver on their phone when they were supposed to be supervising children during naptime.
Corrected during the visit
Medium HighDec 22, 2022Found during an investigationBuilding & playground safety
Safety - Electrical Outlets Covered §746.3701(1)
I observed 4 electrical outlets that were not covered as required. This was corrected when the director replaced the plug covers.
Corrected during the visit
Medium HighDec 22, 2022Found during an investigationOther standards
Hand Sanitizer - Stored Out of Child's Reach When Not in Use §746.3420(5)
During my walkthrough I observed a bottle of sanitizer accessible to children in care. This was corrected when the caregiver removed the bottle of sanitizer.
Corrected during the visit
Medium HighAug 8, 2022InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Safety - Areas Free From Hazards §746.3701
During the walkthrough I observed two water hoses that were left out unraveled on the playground, I observed two broken fence boards as well as one board that was not secured. I observed a broken gate as well as a broken bench that appears to cover a concrete slab. I observed broken wooden barriers with rod iron exposed.
Correction verified Aug 25, 2022
HighAug 8, 2022InspectionSupervision
Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know Group Responsible For §746.1203(2)
During the walkthrough of the toddler class I had a caregiver state they were caring for 15 children when I observed 16 children present. During the walkthrough of the older toddler classroom a caregiver stated they were caring for 17 children when I observed 18 children present.
Correction verified Aug 11, 2022
Medium HighAug 8, 2022InspectionBuilding & playground safety
Installation and Maintenance of Loose-fill Surfacing - Proper Depth Maintained §746.4907(d)
The operation has failed to maintain their loose fill surfacing at a proper depth.
Correction verified Aug 26, 2022
MediumAug 8, 2022InspectionHealth & medication
Children's Records - Immunizations §746.603(a)(4)
During review of records 1 out of 8 evaluated did not have current immunizations.
Correction verified Aug 25, 2022
Medium HighAug 8, 2022InspectionHealth & medication
Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child §746.3415(4)
During the walkthrough I observed a caregiver change their gloves and proceeded to change another child's diaper without washing their hands.
Correction verified Aug 11, 2022
Medium HighJan 18, 2022InspectionStaff ratios
Maximum Group Size 13 or More Children §746.1609
During the follow up inspection completed one classroom is out of ratio by 2 children. The specified age group is 4 year old classroom with 37 children and two caregivers at nap time. Note: This was corrected when two children were moved to a different classroom.
Correction verified Jan 26, 2022
HighNov 16, 2021Found during an investigationSupervision
Responsibilities of Caregivers- Supervision of Children §746.1203(4)
It was found that on 09/20/2021 a child was bitten multiple times on the face and the caregivers were unaware of how the incident occurred.
Correction verified Jan 18, 2022
MediumNov 16, 2021Found during an investigationHealth & medication
Incident/Illness Report Form Shared with Parent §746.707
It was found that the incident report was not signed by the child's parents. The incident occurred on 09/20/2021.
Correction verified Jan 18, 2022

About this center

Licensed capacity85 children
Ages servedToddler, Pre-Kindergarten, School
Hours07:00 AM-06:00 PM
DaysMon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Licensed sinceNov 22, 1987
DirectorKarla Larsson
Phone7136865427
State operation #63812

Common questions

Does Montessori Childrens Cottage take infants?

No. Its Texas license covers toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children, not infants.

What are Montessori Childrens Cottage’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 Montessori Childrens Cottage accept child care subsidies?

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

How much does Montessori Childrens Cottage cost?

Texas does not publish individual centers’ prices, so ask Montessori Childrens Cottage for its current tuition. For comparison, the median full-day price at licensed centers in the Gulf Coast area, which includes Houston, is $40.80 a day for toddlers, $39.40 a day for 3-year-olds and $37.20 a day for school-age children (2025 Texas Child Care Market Rate Survey).

Has Montessori Childrens Cottage had any serious violations?

Inspectors recorded 6 high-risk citations since 2021. The most recent was on Aug 20, 2026: “Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months.” Each one is listed in full above.

How does Montessori Childrens Cottage compare with other daycares in Houston?

It is tied for #789 of 882 centers in Houston by risk-weighted citations per inspection, and is better than 2% of licensed centers statewide (out of 9,147 Texas centers with enough inspection history).

When was Montessori Childrens Cottage last inspected?

Aug 20, 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 63812 on Search Texas Child Care. Data refreshed Sep 30, 2026.