Tiny Steps Learning Center
Tiny Steps Learning Center is a licensed child care center in Mercedes, TX, licensed for up to 22 children and serving infants through school-age children. It has held its Texas license since 2022. Since October 2021, state inspectors have visited 16 times. Inspectors recorded 21 citations, 5 of them high-risk, most often for building & playground safety (8 of 21). 3 citations came in the last 12 months. 14% were corrected during the inspection itself. Measured by risk-weighted citations per inspection, it is #10 of 11 centers in Mercedes and better than 22% of licensed centers statewide.
Inspection record
Every state visit
What inspectors cited most
Citations, newest first
Two children files are missing immunization records.
The following written operational policies are incomplete: (18) Promotion of indoor and outdoor physical activity that is consistent with Subchapter F policy must include: (A)-(G); (20)Parent rights that are consistent with the rules in Division 5 of this subchapter(relating to Parent Rights);(26) Preventing and responding to abuse and neglect of children (A)-(E); (30) Procedures for supporting inclusive services to children with special care needs. The policy must address the requirements outlined in 746.2202 of this chapter(relating to What are my responsibilities when planning activities for a child in care with special care needs?).
A caregivers file was not available for review during inspection.
Observed a 10 month old infant asleep in a crib while covered with a blanket.
Facility does not have a current annual sanitation inspection.
Facility does not have a current Fire Inspection.
Facility does not have a current annual certification regarding unsafe children's products.
A caregiver has not obtained one hour of training in the following topic: prevention, recognition and reporting of child maltreatment.
A caregiver has not obtained one hour of training in the following topics: recognizing and preventing shaken baby syndrome and abusive head trauma; understanding and using safe sleep practices and preventing sudden infant death syndrome and understanding early childhood brain development.
Staff files were reviewed and the following was not available for review: pre service for a caregiver and TB results; a second file was missing proof of education.
Facility is not current with children's products certification.
In reviewing staff sign in/out logs it was found that there was a person working with no cleared background check. This person has been working since 11/1. (NOTE: The person has not been present this week)
2 of the children's files reviewed were lacking immunizations. (NOTE: Corrected during inspection as immunizations were emailed to the director and she was able to print them)
The diaper changing mat in the infant room has several small tears that do not allow for proper sanitation.
Not all children washed their hands prior to eating lunch. (NOTE: Corrected during inspection as the children were asked to wash their hands.)
The electronic smoke detection system was not working properly when the button for a drill was activated. There was no alarm sound and the company did not call to verify a drill.
Although the operation is not licensed for afterschool children, the room assigned for the age group is currently not set up and is not organized and children's items are on the tables. (Pictures on file)
There have been no fire drills done since February. (One was attempted however the fire system was not operating properly)
Written operational policies are incomplete.
Children's products was not available for review during inspection.
Facility does not have a carbon monoxide in the building.
About this center
Common questions
Does Tiny Steps Learning Center take infants?
Yes. Texas licenses it to care for infants through school-age children.
What are Tiny Steps Learning Center’s hours?
6 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday, according to its state licensing record. Confirm holiday and summer hours with the center.
Does Tiny Steps Learning Center accept child care subsidies?
Yes, according to its state licensing record.
Has Tiny Steps Learning Center had any serious violations?
Inspectors recorded 5 high-risk citations since 2021. The most recent was on Nov 18, 2024: “AP Cribs - Only Snug Fitting Sheet and Crib Mattress Cover Allowed if Infant Younger than 12 Months of Age.” Each one is listed in full above.
How does Tiny Steps Learning Center compare with other daycares in Mercedes?
It is #10 of 11 centers in Mercedes by risk-weighted citations per inspection, and is better than 22% of licensed centers statewide (out of 9,147 Texas centers with enough inspection history).
When was Tiny Steps Learning Center last inspected?
Sep 16, 2026. No violations were found during that visit.
Licensed centers nearby
801 W 2nd St, Mercedes · under 0.1 mi away · 33 spotsFewer citations than mostCity Kids Learning Academy #2
1100 West Expressway 83, Mercedes · ZIP 78570 away · 146 spotsFewer citations than mostElly's Learning Center
50 N Vermont Ave, Mercedes · ZIP 78570 away · 61 spotsFewer citations than mostEasy Learning Preschoolers
101 N Virginia Ave, Mercedes · 0.1 mi away · 41 spotsAbout typicalTiny Tots Learning Center LLC
636 W 3rd St, Mercedes · 0.1 mi away · 40 spotsAmong the most citedUMOS MSHS Mercedes Center
124 N Vermont Ave, Mercedes · 0.2 mi away · 60 spotsFewer citations than most
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 1728893 on Search Texas Child Care. Data refreshed Sep 30, 2026.