| License type | Childcare center |
| Regulating agency | Texas Health and Human Services Commission — Child Care Regulation |
| Regulatory code | TX Admin. Code Title 26, Chapter 746 (Min. Standards for Child-Care Centers) |
| Infant ratio | 1:4 (max group: —) |
| Toddler ratio | 1:11 (max group: —) |
| Preschool ratio | 1:12 (max group: —) |
Texas licensed childcare center: Staff-to-child ratio requirements
Licensed childcare centers 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).
| Age group | Staff:child ratio | Max group size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (0–18 months) | 1:4 | — | Under 18 months; Ch. 746 |
| Toddler (18–36 months) | 1:11 | — | 18 months–3 years; Ch. 746 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 1:12 | — | Ages 3–4 years; Ch. 746 |
Source: TX Admin. Code Title 26, Chapter 746 (Min. Standards for Child-Care Centers), Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Always verify current ratios directly with HHSC.
Texas licensed childcare center: Credential & training requirements
Director / Operator requirements
Texas childcare center directors must meet minimum education and experience requirements established by Texas Health and Human Services Commission under TX Admin. Code Title 26, Chapter 746 (Min. Standards for Child-Care Centers). Most states require directors to hold a combination of early childhood education (ECE) college coursework, teaching or administrative experience, and a valid background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit. Contact Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the current director qualification standard applicable to your program type.
Teacher / Caregiver requirements
Lead teachers and caregivers in Texas licensed childcare centers must meet minimum education requirements set by Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Requirements often include ECE college coursework or an equivalent credential (such as a Child Development Associate — CDA credential), plus ongoing continuing education. Aides or assistant teachers typically must be at least 18 years old and work under the direct supervision of a qualified lead teacher.
Annual training requirements
All center staff in Texas are typically required to complete annual continuing education hours approved by Texas Health and Human Services Commission. CPR and pediatric first aid certification is required for most childcare center staff and must be kept current. Contact Texas Health and Human Services Commission for the current annual training hour requirement and approved training topics.
Texas licensed childcare center: Facility requirements
The following physical environment standards apply to licensed childcare centers in Texas under TX Admin. Code Title 26, Chapter 746 (Min. Standards for Child-Care Centers).
| Indoor space | Minimum square footage per child required; verify with HHSC for your age group and license type |
| Outdoor space | Fenced outdoor play area required; minimum square footage per child; age-appropriate equipment |
| Infant sleeping | Dedicated sleeping area; individual cribs or safe sleep surfaces for infants |
| Emergency exits | Clearly marked, unobstructed; fire evacuation plan posted; regular fire drills required |
| Background checks | Live Scan or equivalent fingerprint background check required for all staff with child contact |
| Health & safety | Health department and/or fire authority inspection required before license issuance |
How to get a childcare center license in Texas
The childcare center licensing process in Texas is administered by Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The general steps are:
- Contact Texas Health and Human Services Commission — Child Care Regulation to request a licensing application packet and pre-application guidance.
- Submit a completed application including facility information, disclosure forms, and background check authorization for all staff with child contact.
- Complete background checks (fingerprinting) for the owner/director and all staff.
- Obtain local fire clearance and any required health department inspection for the facility.
- Pass a pre-licensing site visit from a HHSC licensing analyst verifying compliance with TX Admin. Code Title 26, Chapter 746 (Min. Standards for Child-Care Centers) physical environment requirements.
- Receive your childcare center license from Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Each physical location requires a separate license.
Licensing contact: Texas Health and Human Services Commission — Child Care Regulation.
Official resource: https://hhs.texas.gov/providers/child-care-regulation/minimum-standards
Always be in ratio — brightwheel makes it automatic.
Brightwheel’s real-time attendance tracking alerts staff the moment any Texas classroom approaches ratio limits required under TX Admin. Code Title 26, Chapter 746 (Min. Standards for Child-Care Centers).
Frequently asked questions: Texas childcare center licensing
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.
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission — childcare center licensing
- ACF Licensing Regulations Database — Texas
Also in this guide: Texas Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Texas Large Family Child Care Home Requirements, Texas Preschool Requirements