Smaller Scholars
Smaller Scholars is a licensed child care center in Houston, TX, licensed for up to 238 children and serving infants through school-age children. It has held its Texas license since 2005. Since October 2021, state inspectors have visited 16 times and investigated 2 reports. Inspectors recorded 20 citations, 5 of them high-risk, most often for building & playground safety (8 of 20). 6 citations came in the last 12 months. 20% were corrected during the inspection itself. Measured by risk-weighted citations per inspection, it is tied for #484 of 882 centers in Houston and better than 20% of licensed centers statewide.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
Observed ceiling tile hanging down in classroom with children present.
One infant was observed sleeping in a crib that was not labeled with the child's name
I observed expired emergency medication in the mediation cabinet. NOTE: This was corrected during the inspection by removing the medication to go back home with parents
It was observed that feeding instructions for two infants were not signed or updated by the parent/guardian within the last 30 days.
In rooms PR 4 and PR 5, I observed major cracks within the walls' interior. In the same rooms around the crack, the paint is starting to chip.
In rooms PR 4 and PR 5, I observed major cracks within the walls' interior. In the same rooms around the crack, the paint is starting to chip.
In rooms PR 4 and PR 5, I observed major cracks within the walls' interior. In the same rooms around the crack, the paint is starting to chip.
The last fire inspection was conducted on 4/25/24.
The wood borders around the playground were broken, exposing sharp parts of the wood and nails.
One employee did not have a valid hands on CPR training certificate.
I observed expired emergency medication in the mediation cabinet. NOTE: This was corrected during the inspection by removing the medication to go back home with parents.
I observed several rooms without trash cans covers.
During the walkthrough on the playground, there was a plywood with a sharp nail sticking out. Along the toddlers playground fence there was a nail sticking up out of the board. NOTE: This was corrected during the inspection with the plywood being removed and nail being hammerd down into the wood.
The operation had one caregiver present who was counted in the child caregiver ratio and did not have an eligible background check.
During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that a caregiver used prohibited punishment on a child in care.
During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that a caregiver locked a child in the restroom.
The caregiver in room PR6 stated there were 17 children present, however 16 were counted.
The caregiver in room PR8 had 4 children napping in another classroom during her shift, but the children were not signed out on the name to face log. Note: This was corrected during the inspection.
2 caregiver in charge of children under 24 months old did not have the following trainings: 1. Understanding early childhood brain development. 2. Recognizing and preventing shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma.
The caregiver in room TR1 stated there were 8 children present, but there were 9 children present. The caregiver in room PR8 stated there were 8 children, then stated there were 9 children, but there were 10 children present.
About this center
Common questions
Does Smaller Scholars take infants?
Yes. Texas licenses it to care for infants through school-age children.
What are Smaller Scholars’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 Smaller Scholars accept child care subsidies?
Not according to its state licensing record. Ask the center directly, since participation can change.
Has Smaller Scholars had any serious violations?
Inspectors recorded 5 high-risk citations since 2021. The most recent was on Nov 2, 2023: “AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation.” Each one is listed in full above.
How does Smaller Scholars compare with other daycares in Houston?
It is tied for #484 of 882 centers in Houston by risk-weighted citations per inspection, and is better than 20% of licensed centers statewide (out of 9,147 Texas centers with enough inspection history).
When was Smaller Scholars last inspected?
Aug 6, 2026. No violations were found during that visit.
Licensed centers nearby
12543 Westella Dr Ste A, Houston · 0.1 mi away · 73 spotsAmong the most citedAmerica's Choice Children Center
1910 S Dairy Ashford Rd, Houston · 0.3 mi away · 152 spotsAmong the most citedLittle Scholars Learning Academy
12525 Whittington Dr, Houston · 0.3 mi away · 182 spotsAbout typicalKid Fit Christian Academy
12674 Goar Rd, Houston · 0.3 mi away · 50 spotsAbout typicalKingdom Kids Learning Center
1315 S Dairy Ashford Rd, Houston · 0.4 mi away · 289 spotsFewer citations than mostAshford Child Enrichment Center
2201 S Dairy Ashford Rd, Houston · 0.5 mi away · 118 spotsAmong the most cited
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 854951 on Search Texas Child Care. Data refreshed Sep 30, 2026.