Texas Child Care Licensing Requirements

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

https://hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/doing-business-with-hhs/provider-portal/protective-services/ccl/min-standards/chapter-746-centers.pdf

(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with the outdoor activity space requirements specified above unless the permit issued prior to September 1, 2003, is no longer valid.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


CHILD FIXTURES	ADULT FIXTURES	DRINKING FOUNTAINS	MOP SINK	BATH TUB/ SHOWER

1: 15	1:50	1:100	1	1
2015 International Building Code

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.
2015 NFPA 1 Fire Code

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.

To access Texas Child Care requirements along with other states please see our interactive Child Care Requirements US map here.

Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019