Back to School! - post

Schools are back in session and with the ongoing nationwide teacher shortage, now is the time to start your career in early childhood education.

Get started with our approved online training: 24 Hour Texas Pre-Service Buy Now $192.00 and Texas Director Credential Buy Now $256.00, both designed to meet Texas requirements and to build your classroom skills quickly.

What training does Texas require for new child-care caregivers?

In the state of Texas, new caregivers in child-care are required to have a minimum of 8 hours of training before being given responsibility for a group of children and to be counted in the staff/child ratio, and an additional 16 hours within 90 days of employment. This adds up to the 24 Hours of Pre-Service Training required by Rule §746.1305 of the Texas Administrative Code regarding, “What must be covered in pre-service training for caregivers?” For the full text, including training requirements, see Minimum Standards for Child-Care Centers as published by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation.

H&H Child Care Training Center is now offering the 24 Hour Texas Pre-Service Buy Now $192.00.

Become the caregiver every parent wants for their child, and every center director wants on their team!  This 24 Hour Texas Pre-Service Buy Now $192.00, self-paced, online training is designed specifically to help you on your way to being that superstar caregiver!

Do you believe that your time is valuable and it shouldn’t be spent having to piece together a dozen or more trainings and certificates, only to wonder if you’ve met the requirements?  We think so, and to prove it we’ve created this all-in-one online only course for just that reason!

This online only course provides 24 clock hours of pre-service training as required by Rule §746.1305 of the Texas Administrative Code regarding, “What must be covered in pre-service training for caregivers?

This course includes the requirements necessary, as part of Rule §746.1305, to provide care for children of all ages, including those younger than 24 months of age. This course has been approved by The Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System (TECPDS).

Texas Core Competency areas covered in this course include:

• Area 1:Child Growth and Development
• Area 2:Responsive Interactions and Guidance
• Area 3:Learning Environments, Planning Framework, Curriculum, and Standards
• Area 6:Diversity and Dual Language Learners
• Area 8:Health, Safety, and Nutrition

What records, background checks, and health documentation does Texas require for new caregivers?

New caregivers in Texas must complete not only pre-service training but also specific screening and documentation steps employers and licensing representatives review. The items below describe the documents and records centers commonly require, how to organize them, and how they connect to Texas minimum standards.

1. Background checks and fingerprinting: Texas requires criminal history background checks and any fingerprinting prescribed by Health and Human Services. Employers must verify clearance before assigning caregiving duties and retain the verification in the staff file.
2. Proof of pre-service training and timelines: Provide certificates showing the initial 8 hours that let you be counted in ratios and the additional 16 hours completed within 90 days (24 total). Record course titles, completion dates, and certificate IDs; upload certificates to TECPDS where applicable so employers and licensing staff can verify training history.
3. Health, immunizations, and care plans: Centers commonly collect current immunization records or exemption documentation, health statements when required by the employer, and documentation of chronic health conditions (for example, asthma or severe allergies) so staff can follow written care plans and medication protocols.
4. Identification and eligibility-to-work documents: Provide government-issued photo ID and any documentation required for employment eligibility; employers keep copies consistent with their HR policy.
5. Ongoing documentation and renewals: Keep certificates of continuing education, medication administration training, and any license/credential renewals accessible for inspections. Note expiration dates and schedule refresh training before certificates lapse.

Practical recordkeeping tips: create a single digital folder per employer containing scanned PDFs named by date and course title, keep an index (spreadsheet) of certificate dates and renewal deadlines, and add TECPDS record numbers when you upload certificates. Ask your director or HR representative which originals they require versus acceptable electronic copies. Maintaining an organized employee file reduces compliance risk and speeds verification during a licensing visit.

How do I complete the 24-hour Texas Pre-Service course and get credit?

This online, self-paced 24 Hour Texas Pre-Service Buy Now $192.00 course bundles the topic areas required under Rule §746.1305 and is approved for credit in Texas. Complete the modules, pass the knowledge checks, and download your certificate of completion. If you use TECPDS to track your training, upload your certificate there to show proof to your employer or licensing representative; for help using TECPDS see our article on what Texas providers need to know about TECPDS. (Keep copies of certificates and any supporting documentation required by your employer.)

What other Texas-approved credentials should I consider to grow my career?

After pre-service training, many caregivers pursue additional credentials that increase responsibility and pay. Consider the Texas Director Credential Buy Now $256.00 if you aim for administration, or the Texas Director Credential Renewal Buy Now $120.00 if you are maintaining a director credential. For an overview of certificates and pathways in Texas, see How to Get an ECE Certificate in Texas and Daycare Teacher Certification Requirements in Texas.

Where can Texas providers find free or low-cost training and career supports?

Statewide supports and local workforce funds can reduce training cost. Read our guide on free and low-cost training with certificates and the article about TECPDS career pathways to identify local offerings, grants, and employer-sponsored learning. If you are seeking fully online options that meet training rules, see Online Early Childcare Courses in Texas for vetted course options and documentation guidance.

How can caregivers support children's back-to-school readiness, health, and routines?

Caregivers play a key role in supporting transitions: establish sleep and meal routines, reinforce consistent daily schedules, and coordinate with families about health needs and medications. Practical, evidence-based guidance on routines, mental health supports, and school readiness is available from public-health resources; see the CDC’s back-to-school guidance for school health and preparedness (CDC Back to School) and parent-focused tips from Nemours KidsHealth (KidsHealth Back to School) for ideas you can share with families.

Visit H&H Child Care Training Center to learn more about this training and the many others we offer to child care providers.

Summary

Completing the 24-hour Texas Pre-Service course gets you the pre-service credit Texas requires and positions you to pursue further credentials such as the Texas Director Credential. Use TECPDS or your employer's documentation process to retain certificates, seek low-cost local funding where available, and apply practical back-to-school supports that improve child wellbeing and learning. #Texas #ECE #training #TECPDS #preservice