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Texas Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Texas. Texas also administers a state-funded preschool program — Texas Prekindergarten Program — with additional requirements.

Texas Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with HHSC)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:12, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	Texas Health and Human Services Commission — Child Care Regulation
Regulatory code	TX Admin. Code Title 26, Chapter 746 (Min. Standards for Child-Care Centers)
State-funded program	Texas Prekindergarten Program

Texas preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Texas must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Texas Health and Human Services Commission under TX Admin. Code Title 26, Chapter 746 (Min. Standards for Child-Care Centers).

Texas state-funded preschool: Texas Prekindergarten Program — a state-funded program that may have different ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for provider qualification and funding details.

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:12	—	Ages 3–4 years; Ch. 746
State-funded preschool (Texas Prekindergarten Program)	Contact administering agency	—	May differ from center license ratios

Source: TX Admin. Code Title 26, Chapter 746 (Min. Standards for Child-Care Centers), Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Always verify current ratios with HHSC.

Texas preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Texas childcare center license require a director meeting Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s qualification standards under TX Admin. Code Title 26, Chapter 746 (Min. Standards for Child-Care Centers). Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Texas must meet minimum education requirements set by Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Texas-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Texas

Private preschool programs in Texas follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Texas Health and Human Services Commission:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Texas Health and Human Services Commission center license (private preschool) or Texas Prekindergarten Program contract (state-funded preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Texas Health and Human Services Commission — Child Care Regulation. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under TX Admin. Code Title 26, Chapter 746 (Min. Standards for Child-Care Centers).
For a state-funded preschool: contact TX HHSC (Health and Human Services Commission) or your local school district or county office of education to apply for a Texas Prekindergarten Program contract.
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Texas Health and Human Services Commission — Child Care Regulation.
Official resource: https://hhs.texas.gov/providers/child-care-regulation/minimum-standards

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Frequently asked questions: Texas preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Texas need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Texas that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Texas Health and Human Services Commission under TX Admin. Code Title 26, Chapter 746 (Min. Standards for Child-Care Centers). The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:12 with a maximum group size of —. Contact Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Texas preschool teacher need?

Texas preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Texas Health and Human Services Commission under TX Admin. Code Title 26, Chapter 746 (Min. Standards for Child-Care Centers). Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Texas preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Texas Health and Human Services Commission in Texas, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:12, with a maximum group size of —. For state-funded programs (Texas Prekindergarten Program), different ratios may apply — contact the administering agency for details.

What is the Texas Prekindergarten Program and who qualifies?

Yes — Texas administers Texas Prekindergarten Program. This state-funded program typically serves income-eligible children ages 3–5 and uses different staff ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for eligibility criteria, provider requirements, and funding availability.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Texas?

Kindergarten in Texas is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Texas Health and Human Services Commission under TX Admin. Code Title 26, Chapter 746 (Min. Standards for Child-Care Centers) and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

Sources & references

This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Texas Health and Human Services Commission before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: Texas Childcare Center Requirements, Texas Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Texas Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Texas Health and Human Services Commission at https://hhs.texas.gov/providers/child-care-regulation/minimum-standards before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.