How To Get a Daycare License In Texas - post

Opening a daycare is exciting but in Texas, you can’t just “open your doors” and start caring for children. You must follow state rules and get the right permit (license) first. This helps protect children, families, and your business. #TexasChildCare #DaycareLicense

What does a daycare license mean in Texas?

In Texas, a daycare “license” is usually called a permit. It means the state has reviewed your program and agrees you can legally provide child care.

Texas permits are issued by Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Child Care Regulation (CCR).

When you are licensed/regulated, you agree to follow Texas minimum standards (basic safety and care rules). These rules cover things like:

• Safe buildings and playgrounds

• Staff-to-child ratios (enough adults for the number of children)

• Background checks

• Training and supervision

• Health, safety, and emergency plans

Why is a daycare license required?

Texas requires child care permits to help make sure:

• Children are in a safe place

• Staff are screened and trained

• Families can trust the program

• Programs are inspected and held accountable

Texas also has a system for inspections and compliance history once you are regulated.

What type of permit do you need in Texas?

Texas has different permit types depending on where you provide care and how many children you serve.

You may hear these terms:

• Listed family home 

• Registered child-care home

• Licensed child care home

• Child care center 

• Some special programs may use a compliance certificate

A simple first step is to decide: home-based or center-based care. The Texas Child Care Connection site explains that the type of operation you choose changes the steps you must take to get a permit.

Tip: If you’re not sure what fits your plan, start here for a helpful overview: https://www.childcare.texas.gov/for-providers/starting-a-child-care-business

What training or experience do you need before you apply?

Texas licensing focuses on safe care and qualified staff. Even before you open, it helps to understand the training and role requirements you’ll need.

1) You need a qualified director (for many centers).
Texas minimum standards describe the director as the adult responsible for daily, on-site operation and compliance.
They also state that a director for a larger center must meet minimum qualifications (for example: at least 21, high school diploma/equivalent, plus an education/experience combination).

A strong training option that supports this role is:
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-texas-director-credential.html

2) Your caregivers need pre-service training.
Texas requires 24 hours of pre-service training for new caregivers. ChildCareEd explains that caregivers need 8 hours before being counted in ratio, plus 16 more hours within 90 days (total 24).

A course built for this requirement is:
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-24-hour-texas-pre-service.html

3) Ongoing training matters after you open.
Directors in Texas may have annual training requirements (often 30 hours), and staying trained helps you stay compliant.

A related option is:
https://www.childcareed.com/courses-30-hour-texas-director-annual-online.html

#ChildCareBusiness

What paperwork and planning should you do first?

Before you apply, gather key information. This makes the process faster and less stressful.

Here’s a simple pre-application checklist:

• Decide your operation type (home or center)

• Choose your location and check local rules (zoning/building rules can vary by city/county)

• Plan your staffing (director, teachers/caregivers, substitutes)

• Prepare basic policies (hours, sick policy, drop-off/pick-up rules)

• Set up safety basics (emergency contacts, evacuation plans, safe sleep if you serve infants)

You can also start with this ChildCareEd Texas form resource to see what the application looks like:
https://www.childcareed.com/r-00340-texas-application-for-a-license-or-certification-to-operate-child-care-facility.html

And for a bigger “start-up” guide, this article is a great companion:
https://www.childcareed.com/a/how-to-start-and-open-a-daycare-in-texas-what-you-need-to-know.html

How do you apply for a daycare license in Texas?

Texas child care licensing pages have moved to HHSC systems, and the state uses online tools for providers. DFPS notes that child care licensing moved to HHSC and that key provider tools are on the HHSC child care site.

Here is a simple step-by-step path many applicants follow:

• Step 1: Create your online provider account.
  The HHSC online provider system lets you submit applications and other items.
  Start here: https://childcare.hhs.texas.gov/Provider/AccountLogin

• Step 2: Complete the application and gather documents.
  You may need information about:

  • The operation type and address

  • The people who own/control the operation

  • Your planned capacity (how many children)

  • Your director and staff plan

  • Policies and safety plans

• Step 3: Prepare for background checks.
  Texas requires background checks for many people connected to a child care operation. DFPS points providers to the “Provider Login & Background Checks” tools on the HHSC child care site.

• Step 4: Get ready for inspections and minimum standards.
  Licensed programs are inspected to help prevent risk to children and to check compliance with standards.

What happens after you apply?

After you apply, expect a process, not an instant approval.

Common next steps include:

• Reviews of your application and documents

• Background check steps

• An inspection(s) to confirm your space is safe and ready

• Follow-up questions or corrections if something is missing

If you get a request to fix something, don’t panic. Many programs have to adjust a policy, add a safety item, or update paperwork.

How do you stay licensed once you open?

Getting your permit is the beginning. Staying licensed means keeping strong daily habits.

Focus on:

• Training: meet pre-service and annual training expectations

• Records: keep staff and child records organized

• Ratios: make sure you always have enough staff

• Health and safety: cleaning routines, emergency plans, safe sleep when needed

• Compliance: be ready for inspections and keep correcting issues quickly

Where can you get more help and support?

If you want more guidance while you plan, start with the Texas Child Care Connection provider resources: https://www.childcare.texas.gov/for-providers/starting-a-child-care-business

And for quick tips, updates, and training reminders, follow ChildCareEd on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/childcareed/

Starting a licensed daycare in Texas takes planning—but it’s doable when you take it one step at a time. Build your plan, train your team, complete your application carefully, and keep your focus on safe, high-quality care.