Austin · Licensed center

KinderCare Learning Center

What these mean, and where they come from

Medium means the middle half of Austin-area’s 928 licensed centers by state-licensed capacity: 62 to 153 children. Small is 12 to 61; large is 154 to 731.

Shortlist doesn’t have these yet: cost, hours and late pickup, teaching approach, ratios and staff, a typical day, sick and biting policies.

What the state has found

This state publishes the visits that cited something but not the ones that cited nothing, so there is no city rate to set this beside.

From Texas HHSC’s published reports, last checked September 25, 2026.

Read every record and the state’s reports

State record — Texas HHSC

Last visit
May 7, 2026
On file
14 visits since August 2022 — all of them cited findings · 17 complaint investigations
Most serious
High — During the investigation, it was found that a caregiver dragged a child by her wrist from one area of the playground to another. · March 26, 2026

Texas HHSC describes each deficiency in writing and weights the standard behind it from high to low by the risk a violation presents to children. It publishes no inspection document.

May 2026 Licensing visit 1 finding

Licensing visit · May 7, 2026

746.2419(7) - Requirements for Feeding Infants - No Walking or Sleeping with Bottle or Cup · Medium High · No longer displayed by the state

One toddler was walking with their sippy cup in the toddler classroom when CCR inspector went for ratio and background information.

State licensing record

Apr 2026 Complaint

Complaint · April 13, 2026

746.3501(1) - Diaper Changing Steps- Prompt · Medium High

A caregiver failed to promptly change a diaper after a parent made mention of the soiled diaper.

State licensing record

Mar 2026 Complaint 4 findings

Complaint · March 26, 2026

746.2805(3) - Prohibited Punishments - Grabbing and Pulling · High

During the investigation, it was found that a caregiver dragged a child by her wrist from one area of the playground to another.

746.2805(5) - Prohibited Punishments - Humiliating, Rejecting, Yelling · High

During the investigation, it was found that a caregiver used harsh language when speaking to children.

746.305(a)(6) - Report Situation Placing Children at Risk · High

It was found that an inappropriate discipline incident occurred, but the operation did not report it to CCR.

746.701(5) - Licensing Incident/Illness Report Form - Situations Placing Children at Risk · Medium

During the investigation, it was found that the operation did not complete an incident report for an inappropriate discipline incident that placed a child at risk.

State licensing record

Mar 2026 Complaint

Complaint · March 26, 2026

746.305(a)(2) - AP Report Child Injury Requiring Medical Treatment by a Health-Care Professional or Hospitalization · Medium High

A child was hurt in care on 3/6/2026, and the operation did not call CCR to report the incident.

State licensing record

Feb 2026 Licensing visit 1 finding

Licensing visit · February 27, 2026

746.3417(3) - Children Handwashing After Toileting or Diapering · Medium High

One caregiver did not help a child wash their hands after diapering. She was walking him back to his napmat when I asked her to wash his hands.

State licensing record

Feb 2026 Licensing visit 10 findings

Licensing visit · February 12, 2026

746.603(a)(2) - Children's Records - Admission Information · Medium

Of the ten children files, two children did not have complet enrollment forms.

746.603(a)(3) - Children's Records - Health Statement · Medium

Of the ten children files reviewed, five did not have a statement of good health.

746.605(11) - Required Admission Information - Emergency Medical Authorization · High

Of the 10 children files I reviewed, 5 needed emergency care authorizations.

746.613(a) - Required Immunizations · High

Of the ten children files that were reviewed, 6 either needed updated records, or the record was not there at all.

746.901 - Required Personnel Records · Medium

The operation did not have a file available to review for one caregiver.

746.5205(1) - Fire Drill Monthly - Exit in 3 Minutes · Medium High

The last fire drill was documented 12/8/2025.

746.3401(a) - Annual Sanitation Inspection · Medium High

The sanitation inspection was dated 6/24/2024.

746.3819 - Food Allergy Emergency Plan Signed by Parents and Health Care Professional · Medium High

Two children have food allergies listed on their enrollment forms and neither child has an allergy action plan signed by a health care professional.

746.4135(b) - Children's Products- Annual Certification · Medium

The Children's Product Safety record was last completed on 1/10/2025.

746.5101(a) - Annual Fire Inspection - Before Initial Permit Issued and Every 12 Months · High

The fire inspection was dated 4/16/2024.

State licensing record

Oct 2025 Complaint 2 findings

Complaint · October 31, 2025

746.1315(b)(1) - CPR Training and Recertification Adhere to Guidelines-skill based · Medium High

During the investigation, it was discovered three caregivers had CPR/First Aid certificates that were from online-only sources. The caregivers did not do practice on a CPR manikin as part of the training as required.

746.3701(5) - Safety - Play Materials and Equipment Safe · Medium High

A toddler was injured by a rough edge on a toy that is meant to be used by preschool aged children, according to the listed instructions.

State licensing record

Sep 2025 Complaint 2 findings

Complaint · September 10, 2025

746.305(a)(6) - Report Situation Placing Children at Risk · High

The operation didn't notify Child Care Regulation that there were allegations that the child was inappropriately disciplined by a caregiver.

746.307(b)(4) - Parental Communication - Situation that Placed a Child at Risk · High

The operation didn't notify a child's parents that there were allegations that the child was inappropriately disciplined by a caregiver.

State licensing record

Jun 2025 Complaint

Complaint · June 11, 2025

746.3407(12) - Mark Cleaning Supplies, Toxic Materials; Keep Separate from Food and Inaccessible to Children · High

At the conclusion of the investigation, it was determined that the operation recently left a cleaning chemical accessible to children in care.

State licensing record

Jun 2025 Complaint 2 findings

Complaint · June 6, 2025

Reported to the state by the program

Self-report is Texas HHSC’s own field on its complaint investigation record.

746.1205(a)(4) - Supervision ensures each child?s safety, well-being, including physical proximity and auditory or visual awareness of each child?s on going activity · High

At the conclusion of this investigation, it was determined that a child in care was found unsupervised on the operations playground during operation hours.

746.707 - Incident/Illness Report Form Shared with Parent · Medium

The operation did not provide an incident report to the parent and have them sign it within 2 days.

State licensing record

Mar 2025 Licensing visit 1 finding

Licensing visit · March 11, 2025

746.801(10) - Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Safety Documentation for Emergency Drills, Fire Extinguishers, & Smoke Detectors · Medium

The operation did not have documentation of recent emergency drills or checks of their fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, or CO detectors. This was corrected at inspection when the operation completed the drills and checks in front of the inspector.

State licensing record

Nov 2024 Licensing visit 1 finding

Licensing visit · November 1, 2024

746.603(a) - Children's Records Maintained · Medium

I conducted a follow-up inspection and re-reviewed children's records for completion. Out of the ten records reviewed, two were missing immunization records, three required updated immunization records, and one was missing a health statement.

State licensing record

Sep 2024 Complaint

Complaint · September 5, 2024

746.1601 - Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children · Medium High

The operation is frequently out of compliance with the required staff-to-child ratio, particularly during the morning hours.

State licensing record

Aug 2024 Licensing visit 6 findings

Licensing visit · August 28, 2024

746.1301(a)(1)A - Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - Orientation · Medium High

Three employees did not have completed copies of their orientation to the center.

746.1301(a)(5)(A) - Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - 24 Annual training · Medium High

One employee was short their 24 hours of annual training.

746.1315(b) - Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR · Medium High

Three employees did not have current CPR training or proof of certification.

746.401(2) - Posting Requirements - Letter or form from the most recent Licensing Inspection or Investigation · Medium

The operation did not have their most recent investigation results or the required emergency numbers posted.

746.603(a) - Children's Records Maintained · Medium

Out of ten children's files reviewed, four were missing health statements, one lacked documentation for authorization of emergency care, one was missing immunization records, and two had outdated immunizations.

746.901 - Required Personnel Records · Medium

One employee's file was missing a copy of their identification, several files lacked a date of hire, three files did not include documentation of how employees meet education requirements, and three files were missing notarized affidavits.

State licensing record

Aug 2024 Licensing visit 3 findings

Licensing visit · August 14, 2024

746.1601 - Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children · Medium High

A classroom was out of ratio. The allowed ratio for a median age of five years is 22 children per caregiver, but the classroom had 25 children with only one caregiver.

746.3317(6) - Food Service and Preparation Requirement - Use Sanitary Holders · Medium High

Food was being served directly on a shared table between three children.

746.3417(1) - Children Handwashing Before Eating · Medium High

Children did not wash their hands before being served lunch.

State licensing record

Aug 2024 Complaint

Complaint · August 12, 2024

746.2805 - Prohibited Punishments - No Harsh, Cruel or Unusual · High

Caregivers were found using prohibited forms of punishment, including yelling and corporal punishment.

State licensing record

Aug 2024 Complaint

Complaint · August 1, 2024

Reported to the state by the program

Self-report is Texas HHSC’s own field on its complaint investigation record.

746.2803(3) - Discipline - Teaches Acceptable Behavior and Self-control · Medium High

A caregiver pushed a child's arms down to stop them from engaging in a specific behavior.

State licensing record

Jun 2024 Licensing visit 2 findings

Licensing visit · June 10, 2024

745.641 - AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation · High

An employee without a submitted background check was present in a classroom with children. The employee was asked to leave.

746.1601 - Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children · Medium High

Two classrooms were observed to be out of ratio. The specified age group for one classroom was six years old, with an allowed ratio of 1:26. The other classroom had a specified age group of four years old, with an allowed ratio of 1:18.

State licensing record

Jun 2024 Complaint 6 findings

Complaint · June 5, 2024

746.1205(a)(5) - Responsibilities of Caregivers - Intervene to ensure each child's safety · High

A caregiver was unable to intervene promptly in a fight that broke out between several children.

746.1601 - Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children · Medium High

Evidence was found during the investigation that classrooms have been out of ratio on multiple occasions.

746.2203(b) - Written Activity Plans - Plan Followed by Caregiver · Medium

Two classrooms were observed not adhering to their written activity plans.

746.305(a)(6) - Report Situation Placing Children at Risk · High

The operation did not report a fight that broke out between several children to licensing.

746.307(b)(4) - Parental Communication - Situation that Placed a Child at Risk · High

The operation failed to notify a parent that their child was involved in a non-routine situation that could have put the child at risk.

746.701(5) - Licensing Incident/Illness Report Form - Situations Placing Children at Risk · Medium

No incident reports were created for the children involved in a non-routine situation that could have placed them at risk.

State licensing record

May 2024 Licensing visit 2 findings

Licensing visit · May 10, 2024

746.3415(4) - Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child · Medium High

A caregiver did not wash their hands after changing a child's diaper.

746.3417(3) - Children Handwashing After Toileting or Diapering · Medium High

A child did not wash their hands after having their diaper changed.

State licensing record

May 2024 Complaint 5 findings

Complaint · May 9, 2024

746.3301(e) - Nutrition and Food Service - Second Serving · Medium

The operation faces challenges in providing second servings of food to the children.

746.1301(a)(1)(A) - Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - Orientation · Medium High

Two new employees did not have their orientation to the center documented.

746.1309(d) - Documented Annual Training - Caregivers of Children Under 24 Months Required · Medium High

An infant caregiver did not have documentation of their SIDS and shaken baby syndrome training.

746.1601 - Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children · Medium High

Evidence was found during the investigation that classrooms have been out of ratio on multiple occasions

746.3407(11) - Sanitize Tables Tops, Furniture and Similar Equipment · Medium High

Several classrooms were observed to have remnants of old food and spilled drinks present on both the tables and floors, which are areas frequented by the children.

State licensing record

Apr 2024 Licensing visit 3 findings

Licensing visit · April 10, 2024

746.1309(e) - Documented Annual Training- Required Content · Medium

There were seven caregivers missing trainings in the required topics.

746.1315(b) - Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR · Medium High

There was a caregiver that did not have a current training in pediatric CPR.

746.5101(b) - Annual Fire Inspection - Conducted by Fire Marshal · Medium High

The operation did not have an annual fire inspection.

State licensing record

Mar 2024 Licensing visit 1 finding

Licensing visit · March 27, 2024

746.1601 - Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children · Medium High

There was a classroom out of ratio that had five infants to one caregiver with a specified age of 11 months. The correct ratio is one caregiver to four infants with that specified age group. This was corrected when the operation released a child to their parent and the fifth child was moved to another classroom.

State licensing record

Jan 2024 Complaint 2 findings

Complaint · January 9, 2024

746.1205(a)(4) - Supervision ensures each child?s safety, well-being, including physical proximity and auditory or visual awareness of each child?s on going activity · High

There was a lack of supervision when a child was bit 8 times in the classroom.

746.307(c) - Parental Notification of Less Serious Injuries · Medium

A child was bitten while in care, and parents were not notified about the bite marks.

State licensing record

Jan 2024 Licensing visit 1 finding

Licensing visit · January 5, 2024

746.5101(b) - Annual Fire Inspection - Conducted by Fire Marshal · Medium High

A current fire inspection was not available for review.

State licensing record

Showing 25 of 31 records. The rest are in the state record linked above.

Details

5124437765

Address
6434 S Congress Ave
License
853832, active
Chain
KinderCareSource: kindercare.com
Owner
Publicly traded (NYSE: KLC). Its majority stockholder is Partners Group.From KinderCare's quarterly report to the SEC, filed August 13, 2026. sec.gov

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Sources and dates

Where every fact on this page came from, and when Shortlist last checked it against that source. Anything Shortlist could not source is named here rather than left blank.

State record

Every state visit and complaint on file, shown in full and never edited. Open a date to read what the state wrote.

Details