The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Texas Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Texas. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
TEXAS Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
P.O. Box 149030, M.C. E-550, Austin, TX 78714-9030
(512) 438-3269
License renewal is required every year.
Indoor Space Requirements: 30 sf per child
|
|
0-11 Months |
12-17 Months |
18-23 Months |
2Years |
3Years |
4 Years |
5 Years |
6-8 Years |
9-13 Years |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher:Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:5 |
1:9 |
1:11 |
1:15 |
1:18 |
1:22 |
1:26 |
1:26 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
10 |
13 |
18 |
22 |
30 |
35 |
35 |
35
|
35
|
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
10 |
13 |
18 |
22 |
30 |
35 |
35 |
35 |
35 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
300 sf. |
390 sf. |
340 sf. |
660 sf. |
900 sf. |
1050 sf. |
1050 sf. |
1050 sf. |
1050 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 80 sf per child
- You must have enough square footage in the outdoor activity space to equal at least 25% of your licensed indoor capacity.
- If you were licensed before September 1, 2003, you do not have to comply with the outdoor activity space requirements specified above unless the permit issued prior to September 1, 2003, is no longer valid.
- Each fenced yard must have at least two exits. An entrance to the building may count as one exit, but one exist must be away from the building.
- Outdoor space gates locking mechanism must be accessible to all employees at all times. Employees must be able to open the gates immediately in an emergency and satisfactory demonstrate this ability to licensing staff upon request.
Building Code Requirements
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 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
13 |
If you are licensed to serve 13 or more children you must have one flush toilet for every 17 children who are 18 months and older. |
3 |
You have to maintain repair and inspections records for reviewing during the centers hours of operation for at least 3 months. |
1 |
In an emergency, the first responsibility of staff is to move the children to a designated safe area. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
You must not care for children on any level above or below ground level without written approval from the state or local fire marshal. |  |
Child Care Licensing (CCL) is required to perform a review of minimum standard rules every 6 years. |  |
You must care for children younger than 18 months in rooms and outdoor activity space areas separate from older children unless they are 12 months and younger. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019
Texas Childcare Licensing Process
You’re keen on making a difference in society by nurturing young minds. That’s fantastic! But before you embark on this rewarding journey, there’s one critical step you need to conquer – obtaining a childcare provider license in Texas. Don’t worry though, this Comprehensive Guide on Getting a Childcare Provider License in Texas is just what you need. It is a robust, step-by-step guide that will ease the process enormously. Whether you’re an aspiring childcare provider, or an experienced professional wanting to understand the licensing process in Texas, this guide is here to ensure that you’re well equipped with the necessary knowledge and procedures.
Understanding the Importance of a Childcare Provider License
As someone interested in providing child care services, there may be several questions on your mind. However, the first and foremost aspect to understand is the importance of having a childcare provider license. A license ensures that you meet state and local regulations for providing safe and effective childcare. It also establishes your credibility and trust as a professional childcare provider.
The Role of a Licensed Childcare Provider
Being a licensed childcare provider means more than just watching over children. Your role involves nurturing, educating, and creating a safe environment for them. As a key person in their early development, you contribute to their social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Your responsibility extends to their wellness, making sure they eat healthy meals and stay active. Importantly, possessing a license implies that you have met the standards and regulations set by the state, underscoring your commitment to providing quality care.
Why Licensing is Necessary
Licensing is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that children are cared for in a safe, secure, and healthy environment, ensuring their overall wellbeing. It ensures that the provider has met health, safety, and training standards. Furthermore, a license can give parents peace of mind in selecting you as their childcare provider, knowing that you’ve met certain standards and qualifications. Lastly, a license may enhance your opportunities for work in childcare centers, schools, and even for state or local government contracts.
Impact on the Quality of Childcare
A licensed provider can offer a higher quality of childcare. They have undergone the necessary training, which equips them with the knowledge and skills to provide a nurturing environment for child development. Moreover, they are aware of and follow the regulations and standards set to ensure children’s wellbeing and safety. Lastly, they understand the importance of creating a positive, educational, and stimulating environment, leading to better early childhood outcomes.
Childcare Provider Types in Texas
In Texas, childcare providers fall under different types with varying categories and specific requirements. It’s crucial to know the type of provider you want to be, as this will determine the licensing process and requirements you need to follow.
Definition of Childcare Center
A childcare center in Texas implies a commercial-type facility that cares for children away from their own homes. These facilities cater to larger groups of children and are primarily located in separate commercial spaces. Their licensing standards pertain to staff qualifications, health and safety standards, child-to-carer ratios, and more.
Family Homes
Family homes are childcare providers operating from their personal residences. The number of children looked after ranges from small to medium-sized groups. The family home category is further divided into Registered Childcare Homes and Listed Family Homes.
Registered Childcare Home
A registered home can care for up to 12 children under different age levels. The caregiver must meet several requirements in terms of health and safety training, CPR and First aid, along with others.
Listed Family Homes
Listed family homes offer services to 1-3 unrelated children or more related children in the caregiver’s own home. The prime requirements for listed family homes include background checks and basic safety precautions.
Basic Qualifications for Childcare Provider License
Getting a license requires meeting specific qualifications set by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
Age Requirements
To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old.
Education and Training
While formal education requirements vary, you’re required to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, comprehensive training in areas such as child development, CPR, first aid, and health and safety is mandatory.
Background Checks and Fingerprinting
Background checks are required to ensure the safety of the children. You and every adult living in the home need to go through this process.
Health and Safety Training Requirements
Safety is paramount when it comes to child care, hence you’re required to attend and complete approved health and safety training courses.
The Childcare Provider Licensing Process in Texas
Obtaining a license involves several steps, from fulfilling eligibility criteria to understanding the associated costs.
Initial Steps
These comprise establishing the type of child care you wish to provide, getting aware of the licensing regulations, and garnering local community support.
Fulfilling Licensing Requirements
This involves meeting the prerequisites such as age, education, training, and background checks.
Application Process
To obtain a license, you must fill out the appropriate application form, submit necessary documentation, and pay a required fee.
Understanding Fees and Costs
The licensing fee varies by provider type and capacity. It’s important to understand these fees well in advance.
Required Training for Childcare Providers
Training ensures that children are cared for in a safe and nurturing environment.
CPR and First Aid Training
Being certified in CPR and first aid is essential to handle any medical emergencies that might occur.
Child Growth and Development Training
Understanding how children grow and develop equips you to aid their learning and overall development.
Health and Safety Training
Courses related to health and safety ensure that caregivers are equipped to provide a secure environment.
Continuing Education
Continuing Education is necessary for childcare providers to stay updated on latest child care related developments and approaches.
Comprehensive Background Checks Requirement
Background checks are crucial to ensure the safety of children.
Purpose of Background Checks
This helps identify individuals with a past that might pose a risk to the safety and well-being of children.
Process of Getting a Background Check
Background checks involve fingerprinting and a review of criminal history by the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Review of Criminal History
This review assists in identifying any past offences that would disqualify one from providing childcare.
Criminal History Risk Assessment
Should any criminal history be discovered, a risk assessment process determines if the individual is suitable to provide childcare.
Creating a Safe and Healthy Environment
Child safety and wellness are your utmost responsibilities as a caregiver.
Child Safety Procedures
These include emergency procedures, safety checks, and maintaining secure indoor and outdoor spaces.
Health and Sanitation Standards
Maintaining hygiene involves regular cleaning and sanitizing facilities and toys, and ensuring children follow good hygiene habits.
Creating a Stimulating Environment
A safe environment is not merely free of hazards, but also stimulating and enriching for the child’s development.
Emergency Planning
Planning for emergencies includes being prepared for health and emergency evacuations.
Facility Standards for Licensed Childcare Providers
A facility should meet the standards set by the Texas Health and Human Services in order to operate.
The Role of Texas Health and Human Services
They handle childcare licensing in Texas, ensuring quality care for children.
Requirements for Indoor Space
These include sufficient, safe space for children to play and rest, secure storage for their belongings, and proper sanitary facilities.
Requirements for Outdoor Space
Outdoor space should be safe, fenced, and provide opportunities for physical play.
Basic Infrastructure and Amenities
Facilities include proper lighting, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation, safe furniture, and secure areas for food preparation.
Renewal and Maintenance of Childcare Provider License
Keeping your license up-to-date is an ongoing task.
Understanding Renewal Process
Renewing your childcare license involves completing required training, documentation, and paying renewal fees.
Required Documentation for Renewal
Documentation includes proof of training and inspections reports, among other things.
Ongoing Training Requirements
You need to complete certain hours of training each year to be eligible for license renewal.
License Suspension and Revocations
Failure to comply with rules and regulations can result in license suspension or revocation.
Understanding Inspections and Regulatory Oversight
Regulations ensure the quality and safety of childcare.
Agency Responsible for Inspections
The Texas Health and Human Services conducts regular inspections of childcare facilities.
Frequency and Nature of Inspections
Inspections occur at least once a year and include health and safety assessments.
Dealing with Violations and Citations
Violations need to be corrected promptly and can lead to penalties or revocation of the license.
Maintaining Compliance with Regulations
Regularly adhering to rules and trainings helps maintain compliance and keep the childcare license active.
With these guidelines, you’re now on your way to obtaining your childcare provider license in Texas. Remember your role goes beyond “babysitting”; it involves shaping young minds and creating a solid foundation for their future. Here’s wishing you luck on this rewarding journey!
-This article was written by Rebecca Calbert.
With over 35 years of experience, Rebecca leads the way at Calbert Design Group. She is dedicated to guiding her clients through the complexities commercial real estate development.
Discover more of her valuable insights and resources at SaveOnBuilding.com , where Rebecca’s “purpose” is to educate small business owners and protect them them from what they don’t know.