How To Obtain A Texas Childcare Provider Certification?

The Child-Care Licensing Division (CCL) in Texas is responsible for protecting the health, safety, and well-being of children in regulated child-care facilities and homes. CCL develops rules for child care in Texas, with each set of minimum standards based on a particular chapter of the Texas Administrative Code. Prospective providers can learn more about the requirements for becoming a provider and the application process by signing up for orientation classes.

On September 1, 2017, CCL became part of Texas Health and Human Services (HHS), and most CCL webpages have moved to the HHS website. To become a child care home provider in Texas, one must attend an in-person pre-application class or online training. To become a fully licensed child care provider in Texas, one must apply for a license online and complete a pre-application interview.

Minimum qualifications for starting a daycare center in Texas include being at least 21 years old, having a high school diploma or equivalent, and having one of the following combinations of qualifications. To become a fully licensed child care provider, one must attend an in-person pre-application class or online training.

All licensed and registered child-care home providers must obtain 30 clock hours of training each year relevant to the age of the children for whom the home serves. As providers progress through the levels of TRS provider certification, they contribute progressively more to the development of the children they serve daily.

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 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.

How much does it cost to open a daycare in Texas?

Starting a home-based daycare costs between $10, 000 and $50, 000, while daycare center franchises can range from $59, 000 to $3 million. Non-franchise centers’ costs depend on the building and can range from $95, 000 to $95, 000. Commercial spaces require lease or loan payments, which can be expensive depending on real estate costs. However, larger commercial spaces can increase income by caring for more children. Lease costs for commercial spaces range from 60 cents to $2. 50 a square foot.

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 have in a daycare in Texas?

A Registered Child Care Home in Texas requires a minimum age of 21 and can accommodate up to six children under 14 in exchange for compensation. The number of children allowed is determined by the ages of the children, and no more than 12 children can be in care at any time, including the caregiver’s own children. The caregiver must care for at least 4 hours a day, 3 or more days a week, and for more than 3 consecutive weeks to qualify as a Registered Child Care Home.

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.

Is it illegal to babysit in your home in Texas?

Texas has no specific babysitting laws, but medical professionals recommend that babysitters be no younger than 11. There are no statutory minimum age or specific training requirements for babysitting in Texas. However, depending on the location, the number of children, and the number of children, a person may run afoul of Texas childcare licensing regulations and/or child endangerment laws.

Texas laws on daycares and childcare facilities are vague, poorly written, and difficult to understand. They state that no person may operate a child-care facility or child-placing agency without a license. However, there is more regulation when babysitting outside one’s home, on a regular basis, and with children not related to the parent.

In summary, Texas has no specific laws addressing babysitting, but it is important to be cautious when operating daycares and childcare facilities.

How many kids can you babysit without a license 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.

How many kids can you care for without a license in Texas?

To operate a home-based child care business in Texas, you must start the licensing process for home-based providers. Once successful, you will receive a license, registration, or permit to start child care operations. If you plan to operate a center-based care program, you need to apply for the Licensed Child Care Center designation. To apply, candidates must attend a Licensed Center Pre-Application Class at child care licensing offices throughout Texas. To find a local office, visit the Texas HHS website and contact them directly to find classes and register.

What state pays daycare workers the most?

The mean salary for childcare workers in the United States is $33, 242. The lowest mean salary is in California at $15. 98, while the highest is in Massachusetts at $32, 836. The mean salaries for childcare workers in Alaska and Maine are $32, 545 and $32, 381, respectively.