Navigating childcare provider licensing requirements in Texas for establishing a successful Daycare in Texas.

Starting a daycare center in Texas can greatly impact your local community. Before opening for business, you must meet specific licensing requirements to open and operate a preschool or daycare center at home or in a commercial facility.

As always, use Daycare.com as a resource for any and all of your daycare needs.

This guide will explain the licensing requirements to start a childcare center in Texas.

Do I need a childcare license in Texas?

The state of Texas requires all childcare providers to obtain a childcare license before operating. Depending on the type of childcare center you open, you’ll need an official license, a listing permit, or a registration permit.

Texas Health and Human Services manages and regulates Texas childcare licensing. This department ensures childcare providers meet state health and safety standards.

Your four licensing options include the following:

• Licensed Child Care Home
• Registered Child Care Home
• Listed Family Home
• Licensed Child Care Center

Licensed Child Care Home

Your daycare will fall under this category if you provide care to seven to 12 children ages 13 or younger for at least two hours, but less than 24 hours per day, for three or more days a week in the primary caregiver’s home.

Registered Child Care Home

To qualify for this license, you must provide care in the primary caregiver’s home. You can care for up to six children ages 13 and younger, and you can also care for six additional school-aged children during after-school hours. No more than 12 children can be in your home anytime, including the caregiver’s children.

You must provide care for at least four hours per day for three or more days out of the week for three or more consecutive weeks. An alternative is to open four hours daily for 40 or more days within 12 months.

Listed Family Home

You qualify for this license if you provide care for up to three unrelated children in the primary caregiver’s home for at least four hours per day, three or more days per week, for three or more consecutive weeks. Alternatively, you qualify for this type of license if you provide care for children for four hours per day for 40 or more days in 12 months.

Licensed Child Care Center

This is the only license option if you provide care outside the home. You may refer to it as a preschool, childcare center, after-school, or school-age program, among other variations. You can provide care for seven or more children under 14 years old. The center must be open at least two hours per day, three days per week; however, you can’t offer overnight services.

Childcare licensing requirements in Texas

Your licensing requirements may vary depending on the type of childcare facility you’re opening. Here’s an overview of the state’s licensing requirements.

Licensed and Registered Child Care Home licensing requirements

• Must be at least 21 years old
• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Meet specific educational requirements
• Have a certificate of completion of the licensing pre-application course dated within one year of the application date
• Meet background check requirements
• Hold a certification in pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR
• Obtain liability insurance coverage
• Meet all other requirements as outlined by Texas Health and Human Services

Listed Family Home licensing requirements

• The primary caregiver must be at least 18 years old
• Meet background check requirements
• Obtain liability insurance coverage
• Meet all other requirements as outlined by Texas Health and Human Services

Licensed Child Care Center licensing requirements

• Director must be 21 years of age and meet specific educational requirements
• Meet background check requirements
• Obtain liability insurance coverage
• Meet all other requirements as outlined by Texas Health and Human Services

Childcare license application in Texas

To obtain a childcare license in Texas, you must complete all steps in the application process. Below you’ll find a detailed outline of what to expect whether you want to open a home or center-based program.

Home-based center application process

Step 1: Attend a child care home pre-application class

You’re required to attend a pre-application training online. You can contact your local childcare regulation office to get more information on classes scheduled in your area. Once you complete all training modules you will receive a certificate which needs to be included with your application.

Step 2: Learn the childcare licensing requirements

Upon completing the pre-application course, you’ll receive additional information regarding the application process and forms to complete. You must learn all the licensing requirements before moving forward.

Step 3: Create an online childcare regulation account

Before submitting your license application, you’ll create an online childcare regulation account through Texas Health and Human Services. Doing so will allow you to submit your application and any required documentation.

Step 4: Submit your application and fees

The final step is to submit your application online. After submission, a Texas childcare licensure member will contact you to review your application status, answer questions, and provide you with an operation number. Once your application is approved, your operation number will become your business license number.

Childcare center application process

Step 1: Attend a licensed center pre-application class

The first step is to attend a licensed center pre-application training online or contact your local child care regulation office for classes scheduled in your area. You’ll learn pertinent information related to your application and receive forms to submit. Once you complete all training modules you will receive a certificate that will need to be included when you submit your application.

Step 2: Learn the childcare licensing requirements

Upon completing the pre-application course, you’ll receive additional information regarding the application process and forms to complete. You must learn all the licensing requirements before moving forward.

Step 3: Submit your application and fees

Submit your application to your local childcare regulation office. Contact your local office with questions regarding the requirements or how to complete your application correctly.

Step 4: Create your online account

When your application is accepted, you’ll receive an operation number for your childcare center. Then you can create your online childcare provider account. With this online system, you can easily submit any necessary forms or update information regarding your childcare center. Once your application moves to approval status, your operation number will become your license number.

Receiving your childcare license is just the start of your journey to owning a daycare center. Soon it’ll be time to think about other tasks needed to manage the ins and outs of your business. A tool like Daycare.com’s center management software helps you streamline enrollment, access child and staff records, and scale when you’re ready.

How to stay compliant with a daycare license in Texas

In addition to writing a daycare business plan and implementing marketing strategies, you’ll also need to ensure you keep your permit or license up to date.

Licensed Child Care Home

A license is issued to most types of daycare operations including Licensed Child Care Homes.  As long as you meet all minimum standards, you’ll have a full permit which remains in effect for two years until renewal.

Registered Child Care Home

A registration is issued to Registered Child Care Homes. This permit must be renewed every two years.

Listed Family Home

A listing is issued to Listed Family Homes. Your listing will remain active as long as you pay the annual renewal fee of $20.

Licensed Child Care Center

A license is issued to most types of daycare operations including Licensed Child Care Centers. Your license is valid for two years and must be renewed to remain active.

Start your daycare in Texas

Before starting a daycare center in Texas, you’ll need to determine which license is right for your business. Review the specific requirements and application process to have all the information you need to navigate licensing requirements. With careful planning, you’ll be on your way to managing a successful childcare business.

Become a Child Care Center-Based Provider

The process for getting a permit to operate a child care operation in Texas is designed to protect children by building a cooperative relationship between the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the applicant. Please become familiar with general requirements, rules and resources before you apply

Step 1 – Attend a Licensed Center Pre-Application Class

Contact your local Child Care Regulation office to get dates for pre-application classes in your area.

Step 2 – Become Familiar with Required Materials and Helpful Resources

You will receive an information packet during your pre-application class. The contents of information packets vary by location but will include supplemental forms to complete the application process, as well as contact information for local Child Care Regulation staff.

Please review the following links to learn more about some of the things you will need to consider when applying to become a child care provider

Licensing Requirements

CCR regulates child-care offered in center-based and home-based operations. Child care includes the care, supervision, training, or education of an unrelated child or children (13 or younger) for less than 24 hours per day in a place other than the child’s own home. There are three types of center-based operations: licensed child-care centers, before or after-school programs and school-age programs.

Background Checks

Certain persons at child-care operations are required to complete a background check, which may include a Central Registry (child abuse and neglect registry), FBI, and a sex offender registry check. Background checks must be completed before a person provides direct care or has direct access to children in care and on a recurring basis thereafter. If a person has a history of abuse or neglect or has a criminal history, then the person may be prohibited from being at a child-care operation.

Minimum Standards

Child Care Regulation develops rules for child-care in Texas. Each set of minimum standards is based on a particular chapter of the Texas Administrative Code and the corresponding child-care operation permit type. Minimum standards are designed to reduce risk for children by providing basic requirements to protect the health, safety, and well-being of children in out-of-home care.

Liability Insurance

Insurance coverage is an important protection for your business. Child Care Regulation requires applicants for a licensed child-care center, before or after-school program, or school-age program to obtain proof of coverage before Licensing issues a permit. Learn more in the Texas Administrative Code.

Application Materials

Your complete application packet includes the application form, application fee, and other supplemental forms and documents. For example, a Plan of Operation, including policies and procedures, is a document that is a key part of the application for some licensed operations. It requires your time and attention. It is your written plan showing how you plan to comply with minimum standards. For example, it needs to include information about who is responsible for ensuring minimum standards are met at all times, the physical facility, activities, child to caregiver ratios, safety, and sanitation.

Application Inspection

After you submit a completed application, Child Care Regulation staff will conduct an inspection to ensure you and your operation comply with the applicable law and minimum standards. Licensing staff periodically inspects your operation to make sure it continues to meet minimum standards. After you operation demonstrates compliance with minimum standards, Licensing staff will issue you an initial or full license.

Technical Assistance

Child Care Regulation staff will assist you every time you need it. We will support you at your pre-application class, at every inspection, over the phone, and on-line. We encourage you to use the forms and documents created for you. Visit the on-line Technical Assistance Library.

Fees

CCR is required to charge fees for processing applications, issuing permits, and conducting background checks. CCR also collects an annual fee that is due each year on the anniversary date of the issuance of your license. The money from fees is deposited in the state’s general revenue fund.

Compliance History

Information about your home and its compliance history will be available to anyone on our public Search Texas Child Care website.

Zoning, Building Codes and other Legal Requirements

In some areas, you may need to meet zoning, building code, home owner association, and other requirements concerning the location and construction of a child-care operation. These are not licensing requirements, but you may have to meet them before local authorities will perform fire and sanitation inspections.

FAQs

The Frequently Asked Questions page helps you find general topics and specific information on many topics. It helps providers and applicants review policies and learn about recent changes too.

Contact

Contact your local Child Care Licensing Office .

Step 3 – Submit an Application

Complete the application form and send it along with other required forms/documentation to your local Child Care Regulation office.

• Form 2910, Application for a License or Certification to Operate a Child Daycare Facility
• Form 2948, Plan of Operation for Licensed Center and Home Operations
• Form 2911, Child Care Licensing Governing Body/Director Designation
• Form 2760, Controlling Person – Child Care Regulation
• Form 2985, Affidavit for Applicants for Employment with a Licensed Operation or Registered Child-Care Home

Step 4 – Create a Child Care Licensing Account

Complete Online Registration to create your provider account once Child Care Regulation has accepted your application and has provided you an operation number.

Licensing Standards for Daycare Centers

Frequently Asked Questions for Center Based Child-Care

What type of individual storage space must I have for school-age children?

• 746.4505 requires individual adequate storage space for each child’s personal belongings. This may be separate hooks, shelves, lockers, or cubicles. Other ideas for storage space include laundry baskets, buckets, carpet squares or placemats on a floor or table. Individual storage space encourages children to organize and be responsible for their personal possessions and offers children a sense of belonging when they can recognize the space as their own. Providing separate space for personal belongings also reduces the spread of lice, scabies and ringworm, which are the most common diseases spread in child care settings.

Will backpacks comply with this requirement for storage space?

Individual backpacks laid out in a way that children can easily identify their own belongings, may comply; however, you should also consider where these children would store a coat, art project, or sports equipment that does not fit into a backpack. Adequate storage would include individual space to accommodate all of a child’s personal belongings.

If I use a baby monitor that allows me to hear the children when I am out of the room, will this comply with the minimum standard for supervision?

Auditory awareness is only one component of the standard §746.1205, requiring supervision at all times. You must consider the ages of the children, their individual differences and abilities, the layout of the building and other hazards or risks. You must also have physical proximity to the children in your care and must intervene when necessary to ensure children’s safety. The use of the baby monitor would depend on each of these variables.

Does a “listed” phone number have to be in the local phone book or only listed in the enrollment agreement I provide to parents?

For purposes of this minimum standard, §746.4507, a listed telephone number is referring to a telephone number that may be obtained from directory assistance by a parent or other person wishing to contact the child-care center.

I want to operate a licensed child-care center in my home. Will this be possible after September 1, 2003?

After September 1, 2003, operations licensed as a child-care center must provide care at a location other than the caregiver’s own home. To be considered as operating in a location other than the caregiver’s own home, the location where care is being provided must be at a different address from the permit holder’s residence. (§746.107)

I purchase a curriculum for use with children in my care that includes activities for each day, a monthly calendar, and classroom tools and activities for teaching basic concepts to children. The supplier says my caregivers can earn annual training hours for using this curriculum; is this acceptable to DFPS?

Using a purchased curriculum designed for use with children would not be acceptable training for caregivers unless the training materials also include self-instructional materials designed for the adult caregiver.

In order for training to be counted toward annual training requirements, you must ensure the training meets criteria specified in §746.1325 including specifically stated learning objectives for adults, a curriculum designed for adult use which includes experiential or applied activities, an assessment tool, review, test or other activity that is used to determine whether the person has obtained the information necessary to meet the stated objectives and a certificate of successful completion from the training source as specified in §746.1329. If this program meets these criteria, then it may be counted toward annual training requirements up to 7.5 of the 15 annual hours as specified in §746.1327.

Why are there two different “recipes” for a self-made disinfecting solution?

The disinfection process uses chemicals (or hot water) that are stronger than soap and water, to kill germs and therefore prevent the spread of disease. Disinfection usually requires soaking or drenching the item for several minutes to give the chemical time to kill the remaining germs. §746.3411 (1)(A) lists a weaker self-made disinfecting solution (One tablespoon of regular strength liquid household bleach to each gallon of water) to be used on those items which children routinely place in their mouth. The weaker solution is adequate to kill most infectious germs if the proper steps are followed; however, the residue is nontoxic to children.

Toxic cleaners should not be used on surfaces likely to be mouthed by children. §746.4311(1)(B) lists a stronger self-made disinfecting solution (One quarter cup of bleach to one gallon of water) for disinfecting surfaces, which children do not routinely mouth, but nevertheless carry a significant number of germs such as changing tables, door knobs, floors, bathrooms, low shelving and other surfaces touched by children wearing diapers. After soaking for 10 minutes with this stronger self-made or a commercial disinfecting solution, if the surface is likely to be mouthed by children, it should be thoroughly wiped with a fresh towel moistened with tap water.

Can I count pre-service training as annual clock hours for my caregivers if taken for a refresher course?

In §746.1301, the 15 clock hours of annual training are exclusive of the pre-service training requirements. Pre-service training is meant to provide a caregiver with a basic understanding of children and how to work with them, before being given responsibility for a group. In most cases, a caregiver who has been in the classroom will not benefit from this basic level of training. Annual training hours build on this basic foundation and provide an opportunity for a caregiver to learn new techniques or develop specific skills. Training topics are similar for both pre-service training and annual training requirements; therefore, some topics may be repeated during annual training if you determine the caregiver needs additional training in these areas.

Our child-care center is located in the church building and the church secretary answers the telephone for us. Do we need to have a separate listed number for the child-care center?

If the child-care center shares a telephone with the church or school and does not have its own listed telephone number, child-care center employees must have access to a telephone located in the same building for use in an emergency and where a person is available to receive incoming calls, transmit messages immediately, and make outgoing calls. Generally, parents will know the name of the church or school their children are attending and generally, there is a listed telephone number for this location. If a cellular phone is being used as the child-care center telephone, the phone number should be listed with directory assistance so parents and others may reach the child-care center.

Is there a change in the child/caregiver ratios for daycare centers?

The numbers of children that may be supervised by one classroom caregiver in a daycare center will not change September 1, 2003. The current minimum standards provide a range for numbers of children in a group; however, this range has often been applied incorrectly and therefore was removed during the rule revision process to simplify the child/staff ratio chart. Determining group size and child/caregiver ratio by the specified age group depends upon the ages and numbers of children in each group at any given time. These numbers can fluctuate daily in centers where children attend sporadically or children are regrouped to accommodate staffing needs. A new rule (§746.1507), which addresses how to determine the specified age group, will increase consistency in enforcement and increase understanding for providers, parents, and others.

How can I release training records to my employees who no longer work for me and also keep these records in my files for three months after the employee leaves?

• 746.907 (a) requires you keep all records for at least three months after an employee’s last day on the job, with the exception of annual training records. Training records for the last full training year and current year are to be maintained on current directors and caregivers. Persons no longer employed at the center are not considered current employees. This allows an employer to release original training certificates to an existing employee, if they choose to. Caregivers moving to a new position in child-care may be able to use these certificates according to §746.1323 and §746.1039.

As a child-care center director, why can’t I obtain credit toward my annual training hours by training others?

• 746.1311(g) states training hours may not be earned for presenting training to others. Training others does not satisfy the purpose of obtaining training annually, which is to learn the newest techniques for dealing with children, learn the latest findings in what children need and how they develop, and to refresh and energize caregiver skills.

Training that you attend to learn new information (which you may share with others at a later date) is acceptable annual training, if it complies with §746.1311 and §746.1317.

The Best Way to Market Your New Daycare and Childcare Center in Texas

To best market your daycare and utilize coming tools such as all-in-one waitlist management, payment processing, and single scan solutions for parent updates, sign up at https://daycare.com/signup. Where can I look to find the best childcare and daycare. Daycare.com. Hundreds of thousands of daycare listings in every major city.  If you are looking to find the best child care in Dallas, click below. You can also find the best daycares, and preschools in cities like Houston by also clicking below.  How to find the best daycares in Austin is easy. Use the Daycare.com search engine! https://daycare.com/ and enter any city or zip you need to find childcare in any city.

You can start here with all the major cities in Texas:

10 Most Populated Cities in Texas and Their Childcare Needs

1. **Houston**

   – **Population**: Approximately 2.3 million

   – **Childcare Needs**: As the largest city in Texas, Houston has a high demand for childcare services. Parents can find numerous options for childcare and daycare by searching “how to find childcare in Houston” or “daycares in Houston.” The city offers a variety of childcare centers, preschools, and after-school programs to cater to its diverse population.

2. **San Antonio**

   – **Population**: Approximately 1.5 million

   – **Childcare Needs**: San Antonio has a substantial need for childcare services. Parents often look up “how to find childcare in San Antonio” or “daycares in San Antonio” to locate suitable options. The city’s childcare facilities range from home-based daycares to large daycare centers and early childhood education programs.

3. **Dallas**

   – **Population**: Approximately 1.3 million

   – **Childcare Needs**: Dallas residents frequently seek quality childcare solutions. By searching “how to find childcare in Dallas” or “daycares in Dallas,” parents can find a wide range of options, including bilingual daycares, Montessori schools, and traditional daycare centers.

4. **Austin**

   – **Population**: Approximately 1 million

   – **Childcare Needs**: Austin’s growing population creates a significant demand for childcare. Keywords like “how to find childcare in Austin” or “daycares in Austin” can help parents find various childcare services, including eco-friendly daycares, play-based learning centers, and more.

5. **Fort Worth**

   – **Population**: Approximately 935,000

   – **Childcare Needs**: Fort Worth has a diverse array of childcare needs. Searches like “how to find childcare in Fort Worth” or “daycares in Fort Worth” guide parents to numerous childcare centers, from small, family-run daycares to larger, established childcare facilities.

6. **El Paso**

   – **Population**: Approximately 680,000

   – **Childcare Needs**: El Paso requires extensive childcare options to meet its population’s needs. Parents often search “how to find childcare in El Paso” or “daycares in El Paso” to find suitable facilities. The city offers both traditional and specialized childcare services.

7. **Arlington**

   – **Population**: Approximately 400,000

   – **Childcare Needs**: Arlington parents look for dependable childcare services, using searches like “how to find childcare in Arlington” or “daycares in Arlington.” The city provides various options, including part-time care, full-time care, and after-school programs.

8. **Corpus Christi**

   – **Population**: Approximately 326,000

   – **Childcare Needs**: With a growing need for childcare, parents in Corpus Christi often search “how to find childcare in Corpus Christi” or “daycares in Corpus Christi.” The city has numerous childcare centers, including those focusing on early education and development.

9. **Plano**

   – **Population**: Approximately 290,000

   – **Childcare Needs**: Plano’s families have a significant demand for quality childcare. Searching “how to find childcare in Plano” or “daycares in Plano” can help parents find a variety of childcare services, from high-quality preschools to home-based daycares.

10. **Laredo**

    – **Population**: Approximately 261,000

    – **Childcare Needs**: Laredo’s growing population increases the need for reliable childcare. Parents can search “how to find childcare in Laredo” or “daycares in Laredo” to locate appropriate facilities. The city offers diverse childcare options, including bilingual daycare centers and early learning programs.

General Tips for Finding Childcare in Texas Cities

– **Research Online**: Use search engines with specific terms like “how to find childcare in [city name]” or “daycares in [city name].”

– **Local Resources**: Check local government websites, community centers, and parent forums for recommendations and reviews.

– **Visit Facilities**: Schedule visits to multiple childcare centers to compare environments, staff qualifications, and programs.

– **Ask for References**: Seek recommendations from friends, family, and other parents.

– **Check Licensing and Accreditation**: Ensure the childcare providers are licensed and accredited by relevant authorities.

Finding the right childcare is crucial for working parents, and Texas cities offer a range of options to meet diverse needs.

Local Child Care and Daycare Licensing Offices