Texas childcare licensing is regulated by the Child Care Regulation (CCR) department within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). All child care operations must meet minimum standards outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, primarily Chapter 746 for child care centers and Chapter 747 for child care homes.
Texas uses a tiered licensing system with different permit types depending on facility size, location, and capacity. Minimum standards are assigned risk weights (high, medium-high, medium, medium-low, low) based on the potential danger to children if violated.
The state requires a completed application, criminal background checks for all staff and household members, compliance with facility safety standards, and passing an initial inspection before a permit is issued.
Licensed Child Care Center
Provides care outside the home for any number of children. Includes daycare centers, preschools, before/after school programs, and employer-sponsored care.
Licensed Child Care Home
7–12 childrenProvides care in the caregiver's home for 7 to 12 children ages 13 or younger.
Registered Child Care Home
Up to 12 childrenProvides care in the caregiver's home for up to 6 children plus up to 6 school-age children after school. Max 12 at any time.
Listed Family Home
Up to 3 unrelated childrenProvides care for up to 3 unrelated children. Minimal regulation — no inspections or standards.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0–11 months) | 1:4 | 10 |
| Infants (12–17 months) | 1:5 | 13 |
| Toddlers (18–23 months) | 1:9 | 18 |
| 2 years | 1:11 | 22 |
| 3 years | 1:15 | 30 |
| 4 years | 1:18 | 35 |
| 5 years | 1:22 | 35 |
| 6–8 years | 1:26 | 35 |
| 9–12 years | 1:26 | 35 |
Admission Form
Child's name, DOB, address, parent/guardian contact information.
Emergency Contact Information
Names and phone numbers of authorized pickup persons and emergency contacts.
Immunization Records
Current records per Texas DSHS schedule. Must comply with minimum age and interval requirements.
Vision and Hearing Screening
Required for children 4 years and older.
Health Statement
Parent or healthcare professional statement on child's health status and special care needs.
Allergy and Dietary Information
Food allergies, medication allergies, and special dietary requirements.
Emergency Medical Treatment Authorization
Written parental consent for emergency medical care.
Medication AuthorizationConditional
Parental authorization for any medication, in original labeled container.
Parent's Guide Acknowledgment
Receipt of the state-issued "A Parent's Guide to Day Care."
Pick-Up Authorization List
All persons authorized to pick up the child with valid ID requirements.
Texas requires all children in licensed child care to be immunized per the DSHS immunization schedule. Documentation must be on file before admission.
Exemption Policy
Texas allows medical exemptions (signed by a licensed physician) and conscientious exemptions (personal or religious beliefs). Conscientious exemptions require an official DSHS affidavit renewed every 2 years.
| Vaccine | Doses | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DTaP | 4–5 doses depending on age | — |
| Polio (IPV) | 3–4 doses depending on age | — |
| MMR | 1–2 doses | 1st dose on or after 1st birthday |
| Hepatitis B | 3 doses | — |
| Hepatitis A | 2 doses | 1st dose on or after 1st birthday |
| Varicella | 1–2 doses | Or documented disease history |
| Hib | 1–4 doses | Required through age 59 months |
| PCV13 (Pneumococcal) | 1–4 doses | Required through age 59 months |
Director
Min. age 21Degree in child development or ECE, CDA credential, or combination of coursework and experience. Director-specific training required.
Caregiver
Min. age 18High school diploma or equivalent. Must complete pre-service training before working with children.
Assistant Caregiver
Min. age 16No formal education requirement. Must work under direct supervision at all times.
Indoor Space
At least 30 square feet of usable indoor activity space per child (excludes hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, storage).
Outdoor Space
At least 80 square feet of outdoor activity space per child. Areas must be fenced with a minimum 4-foot fence.
Inspection Frequency
At least one unannounced inspection per year. More frequent for new operations or based on complaints.
License Renewal
Permits renewed annually with ongoing compliance required.
Announced Visits
No
Unannounced Visits
Yes
Texas conducts primarily unannounced inspections. Violations are weighted by risk level. High-weight violations may trigger immediate enforcement action.
Staff-to-child ratio violations
High RiskNot maintaining required ratios, especially during transitions, outdoor play, or staff absences.
Background check non-compliance
High RiskStaff or volunteers present before background check clearance.
Supervision lapses
High RiskChildren not within sight and sound of a caregiver at all times.
Incomplete child records
Medium RiskMissing enrollment forms, outdated immunization records, or incomplete emergency contacts.
Training hour deficiencies
Medium RiskStaff not completing 24 hours of annual training or missing pre-service requirements.
Facility safety issues
Medium RiskBroken equipment, unsecured cleaning supplies, inadequate fencing, or temperature violations.
Pre-Service
Pre-service training required before being counted in ratios. Directors need additional qualification-specific training. The 90-hour certification is foundational for many Texas child care roles.
Annual Training
24 hours of annual training for all caregivers and directors covering required topics per Chapter 746.
Required Topics
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