Darla Costlow
Larue, TX 75770 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
Kidz First Learning Academy
- licensed capacity
- 115
- open each week
- 5 days
- a week, county median
- $124
- year first permitted
- 2017
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About
About Kidz First Learning Academy
Kidz First Learning Academy is a licensed child care center in Athens, Texas. The state has permitted it since December 5, 2017, for up to 115 children, serving infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.
It is open Monday to Friday, 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Regulation made 16 visits in the last 3 years and cited 13 rules across 5 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.
InfantsSchool-ageAccepts child care subsidyOpens before 7 AM
Ages served: infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
6 wk
6 mo
1
2
3
4
5
6
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10
12 yr
Ask when you call: rates, current openings, staff-to-child ratio and teacher qualifications.
- Type
- Child care center
- Ages
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
- Hours today
- Closed today
- Licensed capacity
- 115 children
Hours
Hours
| Monday | 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | Not listed |
| SundayToday | Not listed |
Programs
Programs and care
| Ages | Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age childrenFrom the state license |
|---|---|
| Child care subsidy | Accepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license |
| Licensed capacity | 115 childrenFrom the state license |
Cost
Tuition and costs
Kidz First Learning Academy has not listed its tuition. For comparison, full-time infant care at a child care center in Henderson County has a median price of $124 a week (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022).
Ask the daycare for its ratesIt has not listed its tuition. The county medians below are a starting point.
Infant
Center$124
Home daycare$114
Toddler
Center$118
Home daycare$110
Preschool
Center$115
Home daycare$108
School age
Center$110
Home daycare$104
State record
Inspection reports for Kidz First Learning Academy
License
- Status
- Licensed and operating
- License type
- Full Permit
- Capacity
- 115 children
- Ages
- Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children
- Permit issued
- 2017
- License number
- #1649832
Summary
16 visits in the last 3 years · Last visit Feb 17, 2026: 4 rules cited
Rules cited on 6 of 16 visits · 13 rules in all · 13 corrected
- Staff training and qualifications 3
- Health, medication and illness 3
- Records and paperwork 2
- Transportation 2
- Supervision and ratios 2
- Food and nutrition 1
For comparison: 78% of Texas daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 3.
A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record
See all 39 visits
Feb 17, 2026Inspection4 rules cited
746.3317(6) - Food Service and Preparation Requirement - Use Sanitary Holders
“While serving morning snack, it was observed that the food was being placed directly on the table and not on a plate, napkin, or other sanitary manner. This was corrected when the caregivers gave each child a napkin to place their food on.”
Corrected during the visit
746.501(a)(1) - Written Operational Policies - Operating Times
“The operation was not able to provide the operational policies for review.”
The state verified the correction on Mar 9, 2026
746.1315(b) - Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric CPR
“The director did not have current CPR training.”
The state verified the correction on Mar 9, 2026
746.613(a) - Required Immunizations
“While reviewing immunization records, 1 child did not have an immunization record in their file.”
The state verified the correction on Mar 9, 2026
- Jan 6, 2026InspectionNo rules cited
- Nov 20, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
Nov 18, 2025Complaint investigation2 rules cited
746.5613 - One Seat Belt Per Person
“This standard was reviewed during an investigation and found deficient. There is evidence to support that multiple children are being buckled in the same seatbelt.”
The state verified the correction on Jan 6, 2026
746.5607(d) - Child Passenger Safety Seat System - Child 12 Years and Younger Must Not Ride in Front Seat
“This standard was reviewed during an investigation and found deficient. There is evidence to support that young children are being placed in the front seat during transportation to the operation.”
The state verified the correction on Jan 6, 2026
Sep 23, 2025Inspection1 rule cited
746.611(a)(1) - Required Health Statement - Written, dated within past year, indicates child is physically able to participate in operation's child-care program
“While reviewing files, 9 children files did not have a health statement.”
The state verified the correction on Oct 20, 2025
- Apr 9, 2025InspectionNo rules cited
Mar 25, 2025Inspection5 rules cited
746.1601 - Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children
“While doing a walk through, one caregiver was supervising 14 children aged 12 months-2 on the playground. This was corrected when a second caregiver joined the caregiver on the playground.”
The state verified the correction on Apr 9, 2025
746.613(b) - Immunization Records, Exceptions, and Exemptions Current
“While reviewing children's files for the HASA, 2 children did not have updated immunizations.”
The state verified the correction on Apr 7, 2025
746.401(1) - Posting Requirements - License
“The operation did not have the licenses posted.”
The state verified the correction on Apr 9, 2025
746.1315(a) - Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking.
“While reviewing personnel files, 2 caregivers did not have current CPR/First Aid training.”
The state verified the correction on Apr 9, 2025
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
“While doing a walk through of the operation, a caregiver walked off the playground to go potty leaving a group of children unsupervised. This was corrected when the director stepped outside with the children.”
The state verified the correction on Apr 9, 2025
- Jul 22, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
Jul 18, 2024Inspection1 rule cited
746.1301(a)(6)(A) - Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - 30 Annual Training
“While reviewing the director's file, there were only 17 of the required 30 hours availbale for review.”
The state verified the correction on Aug 23, 2024
Jul 18, 2024Visit1 rule cited
746.1301(a)(6)(A) - Training Requirements for Employees, Caregivers, and Directors - 30 Annual Training
“While reviewing the director's file, there were only 17 of the required 30 hours availbale for review.”
The state verified the correction on Aug 23, 2024
Show 29 earlier visits
- Jun 24, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
- Jun 20, 2024VisitNo rules cited
- Jun 18, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
- Jun 14, 2024VisitNo rules cited
- Jun 11, 2024InspectionNo rules cited
- Jun 7, 2024VisitNo rules cited
Sep 7, 2023Inspection1 rule cited
746.2409(a)(1) - Safety Requirements for Cribs - Snug Fitting, Firm, Flat Mattress Designed for Use in Crib
“A crib sheet was observed to be loose fitting and bundled up when an infant was sleeping. This was discussed with the caregivers and corrected at inspection.”
Corrected during the visit
Aug 16, 2023Inspection7 rules cited
746.2207(c)(4) - Screen Time Activities - Not Used During Eating or Rest Times
“During inspection it was observed that the children were eating their breakfast upon arrival and watching television.”
The state verified the correction on Sep 7, 2023
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
“During inspection a caregiver walked out of the breakfast area leaving 4 children alone to switch places with a caregiver outside.”
The state verified the correction on Sep 7, 2023
746.3407(12) - Mark Cleaning Supplies, Toxic Materials; Keep Separate from Food and Inaccessible to Children
“During inspection there was a container of lysol wipes and hand sanitizer on the shelf within the reach of the children.”
The state verified the correction on Sep 7, 2023
746.1315(a) - Each Caregiver and the Director Must Have Current Training in pediatric first aid with rescue breathing and choking.
“The HASA was conducted and one caregiver had an expired CPR and First Aid certification.”
The state verified the correction on Sep 1, 2023
746.4901(a) - Active Play Surfacing In Use Zones - Loose Fill or Unitary Surfacing
“A piece of equipment that bounces did not have the proper depth of loose fill around and under it as required.”
The state verified the correction on Sep 7, 2023
746.2203(a) - Written Activity Plans
“There were no activity plans posted in the classrooms.”
The state verified the correction on Sep 7, 2023
746.4751(b) - Maintenance Procedures for Active Play - Monthly Maintenance Checklist
“The HASA was conducted and the grounds checklist has not been conducted in the last 3 months.”
The state verified the correction on Sep 7, 2023
- Jun 15, 2023InspectionNo rules cited
- Jun 13, 2023VisitNo rules cited
- Apr 28, 2023InspectionNo rules cited
- Apr 24, 2023VisitNo rules cited
- Mar 9, 2023InspectionNo rules cited
- Feb 23, 2023InspectionNo rules cited
Feb 16, 2023Inspection2 rules cited
746.2407 - Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Use of Safety Straps
“During follow up inspection, 1 infant was observed unbuckled in the highchair table.”
The state verified the correction on Feb 23, 2023
746.2417(2)(B) - Activities for Infants - Not in Restrictive Device for more than 15 Minutes
“During follow up inspection, 1 infant was observed in a restrictive device for 50 minutes.”
The state verified the correction on Feb 23, 2023
Feb 6, 2023Inspection4 rules cited
746.2421(a) - Written Feeding Instructions - Signed and Dated by Parent or Health-Care Professional
“During POA inspection, the infant feeding sheets were not updated. One bottle fed infant did not have an infant feeding sheet.”
The state verified the correction on Feb 13, 2023
746.2407 - Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Use of Safety Straps
“During POA inspection, 1 infant was observed unbuckled in the highchair table.”
The state verified the correction on Feb 16, 2023
746.1203(3) - Responsibilities of Caregivers - Know Children's Names and Ages
“During POA inspection, the infant caregivers did not know the information for 1 infant they were responsible for.”
The state verified the correction on Feb 16, 2023
746.305(a)(1) - Report Unsafe Facility Occurrence
“The operation was closed 1/31/23 - 2/3/23 due to weather and did not notify CCR.”
The state verified the correction on Feb 16, 2023
- Dec 12, 2022InspectionNo rules cited
Nov 30, 2022Inspection4 rules cited
746.1601 - Child/ Caregiver Ratio - 13 or More Children
“During inspection, two classes were out of ratio. The two year old class was out of ratio by one child. The three year old class was out of ratio by three.”
The state verified the correction on Dec 12, 2022
746.2421(b) - Written Feeding Instructions - Review and Update Every 30 Days
“During inspection, three bottle fed infants did not have updated feeding instruction sheets.”
The state verified the correction on Dec 6, 2022
746.1301(2)(A) - Training Requirements for Employees and Caregivers - Pre-service Training
“One non-exempt caregiver with no previous training was counted in ratio before having the required 8 hours of training.”
The state verified the correction on Dec 6, 2022
746.2426 - Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device
“During inspection, an infant was observed sleeping in a restrictive device. The operation allowed a 6 week old infant asleep in a swing. During inspection on 11/30/2022, I observed a 6 week old asleep in a swing. Picture was taken showing the swing and sleeping infant. After I discussed Minimum Standard 746.2426 with the infant caregivers and director, the child was removed during inspection on 11/30/2022. An Administrative Penalty in the amount of 100% of the daily maximum per HRC 42.078(a-2) is being recommended for one day. Impose an Administrative Penalty in the amount of 100% of the daily maximum per statute, HRC ?42.078(a-2) and determine the appropriateness of requesting a risk analysis and/or imposing additional enforcement actions, including corrective or adverse action.”
The state verified the correction on Dec 12, 2022
Oct 12, 2022Inspection3 rules cited
746.1301(2)(A) - Training Requirements for Employees and Caregivers - Pre-service Training
“During inspection, 6 staff records were reviewed and not maintained.”
The state verified the correction on Oct 27, 2022
746.603(a) - Children's Records Maintained
“During inspection, 6 records were reviewed and 2 were missing updated immunization records.”
The state verified the correction on Oct 27, 2022
746.801(10) - Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Safety Documentation for Emergency Drills, Fire Extinguishers, & Smoke Detectors
“During inspection the emergency drills and detector monitoring was unavailable.”
The state verified the correction on Oct 27, 2022
Sep 28, 2022Inspection5 rules cited
746.801(10) - Required Records Maintained and Made Available - Safety Documentation for Emergency Drills, Fire Extinguishers, & Smoke Detectors
“During inspection the emergency drills and detector monitoring was unavailable.”
The state verified the correction on Oct 12, 2022
746.1301(2)(A) - Training Requirements for Employees and Caregivers - Pre-service Training
“During inspection, 6 staff records were reviewed and not maintained.”
The state verified the correction on Oct 12, 2022
746.3417(3) - Children Handwashing After Toileting or Diapering
“During inspection, 3 diaper changes were observed and all 3 did not wash the infants hands.”
The state verified the correction on Oct 12, 2022
746.603(a) - Children's Records Maintained
“During inspection, 6 records were reviewed and not maintained.”
The state verified the correction on Oct 12, 2022
746.1203(4) - Responsibilities of Caregivers - Supervision of Children
“During inspection, a 3 year old child was observed alone and unsupervised in the bathroom. CCR Inspector returned child to teacher. Teacher advised they were not aware child was gone.”
The state verified the correction on Oct 12, 2022
- Sep 1, 2022InspectionNo rules cited
Aug 25, 2022Inspection1 rule cited
745.641 - AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation
“A follow up was conducted. A caregiver was present supervising children alone and did not have an eligible status to be present.”
The state verified the correction on Sep 1, 2022
- Aug 16, 2022VisitNo rules cited
Aug 10, 2022Inspection2 rules cited
746.2426 - Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device
“During inspection, 1 infant was observed asleep in a swing. 2 infants were observed in the high chair table unstrapped. 2 infants were in highchairs unstrapped. TA was provided and the infants were removed from the restrictive devices.”
The state verified the correction on Aug 25, 2022
746.1203(4) - Responsibilities of Caregivers - Supervision of Children
“During inspection at naptime, it was observed 1 caregiver was supervising 3 areas of children. 1 classroom had 12 children ages 3 yrs - 5rs napping. 1 classroom had 14 children ages 1 yr - 2 yrs napping with the door closed and no teacher inside the room. The open area had 4 children ages 7yrs - 9yrs resting.”
The state verified the correction on Aug 25, 2022
Aug 9, 2022Complaint investigation3 rules cited
746.2407 - Infant Care Area Furnishings and Equipment -Use of Safety Straps
“During inspection, 2 infants were observed unstrapped in the high chair table.”
The state verified the correction on Aug 25, 2022
745.641 - AP Background check results - Must receive notification prior to allowing subject to be present at your operation
“The operation allowed a newly hired staff member to be present at the operation before receiving notice from the CBCU regarding the person's eligibility. Another citation related to background checks within the next 6 months may result in a penalty. Another citation related to background checks within the next 6 months may result in an additional penalty and other enforcement actions. An Administrative penalty in the amount of 100% of the daily maximum, per HRC 42.078(a-2) will be recommended as a result of this citation.”
The state verified the correction on Aug 25, 2022
746.2805(10) - Prohibited Punishments - Using Inappropriate Long Period of Silence or Inactivity Including Requiring Child to Remain in a Restrictive Device
“This standard was reviewed in relation to the reported allegation and found to be deficient. Caregivers advised that children are strapped into high chairs while other tasks, such as diapering other children, are conducted.”
The state verified the correction on Aug 25, 2022
- May 19, 2022InspectionNo rules cited
May 6, 2022Inspection6 rules cited
746.2207(c)(3) - Screen Time Activities - Not Exceed One Hour Daily
“While reviewing video footage it was found that the operation kept their television on for 2 and a half hours in the morning with children.”
The state verified the correction on May 19, 2022
746.1201(1) - Responsibilities of Employees and Caregivers -Demonstrate Competency, Good Judgment, Self-control
“This standard was found to out of compliance when reviewing video footage. It was found that the operation's caregivers did not demonstrate good judgment when they left a toddler in a high chair for 2 and a half hours during the morning.”
The state verified the correction on May 19, 2022
746.3415(4) - Employee Handwashing After Diapering a Child
“While reviewing video footage it was found that caregivers were not washing their hands after diaper changes. The caregivers were also not cleaning the infants hands either.”
The state verified the correction on May 19, 2022
746.2203(b) - Written Activity Plans - Plan Followed by Caregiver
“This Minimum Standard was found to be out of compliance while reviewing video footage. The operation did not follow their activity plan when they had children watching television for 2.5 hours and had a toddler restricted in a high chair for 2.5 hours.”
The state verified the correction on May 19, 2022
746.3505(e) - Diapering Procedures - Sanitizing Diaper Changing Area
“While reviewing video footage it was found that caregivers were not sanitizing the diaper changing mat after use.”
The state verified the correction on May 19, 2022
746.2426 - Infant May Not Sleep in a Restrictive Device
“This Standard was found to be out of compliance while reviewing video footage. Video shows that a child was left sleeping in a restrictive device.”
The state verified the correction on May 19, 2022
- May 4, 2022VisitNo rules cited
Nov 12, 2021Inspection3 rules cited
746.2421(b) - Written Feeding Instructions - Review and Update Every 30 Days
“Three infant feeding instructions were not up to date.”
The state verified the correction on Dec 29, 2021
746.3701(1) - Safety - Electrical Outlets Covered
“An electrical outlet did not have a cover and a cover was found and put in during inspection.”
Corrected during the visit
746.1309(e) - Documented Annual Training- Required Content
“Four staff records were reviewed and all four need required training related to health and safety.”
The state verified the correction on Dec 29, 2021
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FAQ
Questions about Kidz First Learning Academy
Is Kidz First Learning Academy licensed?
Yes. Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Regulation lists it as licensed and operating, with a permit issued December 5, 2017.
When was Kidz First Learning Academy last inspected?
Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Regulation lists the most recent visit on February 17, 2026, with 4 rules cited. It lists 16 visits in the last 3 years.
Has Kidz First Learning Academy had rules cited by the state?
Yes. Inspectors cited 13 rules across 6 of 16 visits in the last 3 years; 13 show a correction in the state record. For comparison: 78% of Texas daycares had at least one rule cited in the last 3 years; the typical daycare had 3. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
How many children can Kidz First Learning Academy care for?
115, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.
Does Kidz First Learning Academy accept child care subsidies?
Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.
What are Kidz First Learning Academy's hours?
Monday to Friday, 5:30 AM to 6:00 PM. These are the hours on the state record. Holiday hours can differ.
How much does Kidz First Learning Academy cost?
It has not listed its tuition. Call (903) 292-5132 to ask.
What is Kidz First Learning Academy's phone number?
(903) 292-5132.
Where is Kidz First Learning Academy?
1600 Rocky Ridge Rd, Athens, TX 75751. The nearest other daycare we list is Angel Keepers Pre-School & Eastern Hills Christian School, 1.1 miles away.