Texas childcare licensing is administered by Child Care Licensing within the Health and Human Services Commission. Any operation providing care for 7 or more children (or 4 or more unrelated children) must be licensed. Texas uses a Texas Rising Star (TRS) tiered quality rating system. SB 11 (2023) overhauled childcare licensing rules, and HB 2515 (2025) created a new childcare workforce scholarship program.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (0–17 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| Toddlers (18–23 months) | 1:9 | 18 |
| 24–35 months | 1:11 | 22 |
| Preschool (3 years) | 1:15 | 30 |
| 4 years | 1:18 | 35 |
| Prekindergarten (5 years) | 1:22 | 35 |
| School age (6–12 years) | 1:26 | 35 |
Admission and Enrollment Form
Child name, DOB, address, parent/guardian contact information, and authorized pickup list.
Immunization Records
Current immunization records per Texas DSHS schedule required on file prior to enrollment.
Health Statement
Parent or healthcare professional statement on child health status required within 30 days.
Emergency Contact Information
Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts and authorized pickup persons.
Emergency Medical Authorization
Parental consent for emergency medical care.
Allergy and Dietary Information
Documentation of any food allergies or special dietary needs.
Parent's Guide Acknowledgment
Receipt of the state-issued 'A Parent's Guide to Day Care'.
Medication AuthorizationConditional
Written parental authorization for any medication to be administered.
Exemption Policy
Medical exemptions (signed by a licensed physician) and conscientious exemptions (personal or religious beliefs) are permitted. Conscientious exemptions require an official DSHS affidavit renewed every 2 years.
Minimum Age
18 years for caregivers. Assistants may be 16+ under direct supervision.
Background Check
Texas DPS criminal history check, FBI fingerprint check, Central Registry (child abuse), and sex offender registry check required for all staff and volunteers.
Lead Teacher Education
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or 12 credit hours in child development or ECE required. 24 hours of annual training required.
Assistant Education
High school diploma or GED preferred. Must complete pre-service training before working with children.
CPR / First Aid
Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required. At least one certified staff member on-site at all times.
Continuing Education
24 hours of annual training required for all caregivers. Specific mandatory topics per Chapter 746.
Director Qualifications
Director must be at least 21 years old with a degree in ECE or CDA credential, plus director-specific training.
Inspection Frequency
At least two unannounced inspections annually for licensed centers.
License Renewal
Annual permit renewal required.
Application Process
Apply through HHSC Child Care Licensing. Includes background checks, fire safety inspection, and facility inspection.
Licensing Fee
Varies by capacity. Contact HHSC for current fee schedule.
Daycare Enrollment Forms Checklist: Every Document You Need Per Child
The complete list of documents required per child, with state-specific variations.
How to Prepare for a Daycare Licensing Inspection
Step-by-step checklist covering child files, staff records, ratios, and facility safety.
Staff-to-Child Ratios by State: The Complete Comparison
Compare infant, toddler, and preschool ratio requirements across all 50 states.
Daycare Immunization Requirements by State
Required vaccines and exemption policies — medical only, religious, or philosophical.
See exactly what's missing for every child. Compliance checklists, automated parent reminders, phone document scanning. $99/month, unlimited staff.