How To Obtain A Texas Child Care Center License?

To become a Child Care Center-Based Provider, you must attend a Licensed Center Orientation Class to learn about the application process and what it takes. The Child-Care Licensing Division (DFPS) is responsible for protecting the health, safety, and well-being of children who attend or reside in regulated child-care facilities and homes. On September 1, 2017, Child Care Licensing (CCL) became part of Texas Health and Human Services (HHS). To become a child care provider, you must first decide what type of child care operation you will run. The type of operation will determine the steps you need to take.

To create a Child Care Licensing Account, you must attend an in-person Pre-Application Class or online training. You can call your local Child Care Licensing office to learn about the requirements, shared services alliances, and other relevant information. Licensed and Registered Child Care Home licensing requirements include being at least 21 years old, having a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and meeting specific requirements.

To get started, visit the Texas HHS website to find a child care licensing office near you and contact your local office. Due to COVID-19, online training has been offered for pre-applications. As a new daycare or afterschool program in Texas, you will need to take an online course from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The first step is to attend a licensed center pre-application training online or contact your local child care regulation office for classes scheduled in your area. The application process for Texas daycare licensing varies depending on the type of child care facility you operate.

Do I need a license to babysit in my home in Texas?

Texas babysitters are largely free from legal regulation, except for home daycare providers who regularly care for multiple children. This lack of regulation makes it easier to find and earn money by caring for children. However, it also places greater responsibility on parents to vet babysitting prospects and for babysitters to educate themselves about the age, number of children, under what circumstances, and for how long they are prepared to be responsible for.

Medical professionals recommend that babysitters be no younger than 11 years old, but young and inexperienced babysitters should gain experience gradually and under safe conditions. To help young and inexperienced babysitters, start by caring for a child while the parent is at home or nearby, begin by babysitting for short periods, start with one child, and ensure the novice babysitter has resources readily available.

How long does it take to get a CDA in Texas?

The CDA Credential requires candidates to complete 120 hours of formal early childhood education training, covering the growth and development of children aged birth to 5 years. This includes 10 training hours in each of the 8 CDA Subject Areas, such as planning a safe learning environment, advancing children’s physical and intellectual development, supporting children’s social and emotional development, building productive relationships with families, managing effective program operations, maintaining professionalism, observing and recording children’s behavior, and understanding principles of child development and learning.

The training must be earned through an agency or organization with expertise in early childhood teacher preparation and verified through an official transcript, certificate, or letter. Additionally, 480 hours of professional work experience with young children are required, with the correct age according to the CDA setting.

Can you run a daycare out of your home in Texas?

Texas providers can operate three types of in-home child care:

1. Provides care and supervision for seven to 12 children 13 or younger, providing at least two hours per day for three or more days a week.
2. Provides care for up to six unrelated children 13 or younger during school hours, and can also provide care for six additional school-age children after school hours.
3. Provides care for at least four hours a day, three or more days a week, for three or more consecutive weeks or for 40 or more days in a 12-month period.
4. Provides care in the primary caregiver’s home, meeting minimum standards.
5. Is not routinely inspected unless a report is received alleging child abuse or neglect, an immediate risk of danger to the child’s health or safety, or the caregiver is caring for too many children.

What is the difference between registered and licensed child care in Texas?

The registration process in Texas involves providers applying to the state, undergoing an inspection, completing an orientation class, and obtaining background checks. This process differs from licensing, which relies more on self-monitoring and parental monitoring. Registered facilities have fewer children to care for. Home-based child care providers must “list” themselves with the state, with a total number of children in their care, including their own children, not exceeding 12. This is different from licensing, which requires more state involvement.

What are the requirements to be a daycare teacher in Texas?

Daycare teachers in Texas must have a high school diploma or GED, documentation of a recognized program by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) or another public educational entity, at least 18 years of age, at least 1 year of child care experience (if applicable), Pediatric CPR/First Aid Certified, complete a notarized Licensing Affidavit for Applicants for Employment form, and successfully pass a background check and fingerprinting check. Professional development is an added benefit for daycare jobs, and teachers interested in furthering their education can obtain the CDA (Child Development Associate) credential.

To learn more about obtaining a CDA credential for approved child care programs in Texas, visit the Council for Professional Recognition. Having more experience and education is always an added benefit when applying for daycare jobs.

How much is daycare per hour in Texas?

As of September 2024, the average starting rate for child care providers in Dallas, TX is $19. 43 per hour, with a weekly cost of $777 and a monthly cost of approximately $2, 526 for 130 hours of work. This information is based on rates reported by service providers listed on Care. com. The average starting rate for babysitters, overnight sitters, mother’s helpers, nannies, night nannies, newborn nannies, live-in nannies, daycares, family daycares, preschools, child care centers, after school child care, drop-in child care, and special needs child care is $19. 48 per hour.

How many kids can you legally babysit in Texas?

If you are babysitting less than six children at a time and not providing regular care, you may not need a childcare license. However, if you plan to provide regular care to someone else’s children, the regulations can be complicated. Child Endangerment Laws under Texas Penal Code Section 22. 041 make it a felony for anyone with custody, care, or control of a child under 15 years old to intentionally leave the child without providing reasonable and necessary care.

This law is not clearly defined in the context of leaving a child in another’s care, and it is up to a jury to decide if leaving the child under another’s care would be a reasonable action by a reasonable adult.

Do you need a degree to own a daycare in Texas?

A high school diploma or GED is a standard requirement for opening a daycare center, whether it’s a commercial or in-home setting. Most states require basic education for working with children. Other certifications needed include a Family Child Care Home License, Commercial “Group” Child Care License, Background Checks, Orientation and Certifications, General Business License, Food Handler Certification, First Aid and CPR Certification, Inspections, Zoning Regulations, Facility Requirements, and Health Checks.

Owning and operating a daycare can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to have a strong foundation in these areas. This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of the necessary certifications and requirements for opening a daycare center.

How much is a daycare license in Texas?

The Child Care Commission (CCL) charges fees for licensed child care operations, including full licenses, full license renewals, full licenses, annual fees, amendment fees, and background checks. Unless exempted, all revenue collected from fees, except for the $1 per background check fee, is deposited in the state’s general revenue fund. The fees include application, initial license, renewal, full license, annual fees, amendment fees, and background check fees. These fees are outlined in the Human Resources Code.

How many hours is child care licensing training in Texas?

Licensed Child Care Center employees must obtain 24 clock hours of ongoing training annually, relevant to the age of the children they care for. Operation directors and program directors of before or after-school programs or school-age directors must obtain 20 clock hours of training annually, relevant to the age of the children they care for. Caregivers and site directors of before or after-school programs or school-age programs employees must obtain at least 15 clock hours of training annually, relevant to the age of the children they care for.