How to Start a Home Daycare in Texas?

Disclaimer: This page is for INFORMATION only. We recommend you should consult with your Licensing Agency for Texas directly.

Are you nurturing and patient? Do you have a passion for working with children? If you answered yes to both of these questions, starting a home daycare may be the perfect business opportunity! 

Though it may seem daunting at first, with a little bit of research and planning, starting your home daycare can be a relatively easy process by following these steps:

1. Startup Cost
2. State Requirements
3. Home Daycare Setup
4. Marketing
5. Liability insurance
6. Staff and training requirements

This guide will walk you through everything you need to do to start a successful home daycare business in Texas. From finding the right location to obtaining the necessary licenses and insurance, we’ll cover all the bases so you can get started on your new venture as quickly as possible!

1. Startup Cost

Starting an in-home daycare in Texas can be relatively affordable, depending on the number of children you plan to serve and the required state licenses. The cost of starting an in-home daycare will vary depending on your location, as fees may differ from county to county.

The initial costs typically include paying for background checks,

1. First aid and CPR training
2. Licenses and fees
3. Teaching materials
4. Insurance premiums
5. Childcare equipment

Depending on your available resources and the number of children you plan to serve in your daycare facility, these expenses can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.

1. First aid and CPR training

You may need to pay for background checks for yourself and all members of your staff, which could cost around $30-$50 each. In addition, you will likely need to pay for first aid and CPR training, as well as a license from the local health department to serve food from your daycare center.

2. Licenses and fees

In Texas, some counties require that you obtain a Child Care License from the Department of Family and Protective Services before you can open an in-home daycare.

Fees are typically required as part of applying, so ensure you understand all costs involved in acquiring a license or permit before starting the process.

The license cost depends on your facility’s size and the number of children you plan to serve but typically ranges from $50 to $250 per year.

3. Teaching materials

You will need to purchase teaching materials and childcare equipment such as toys, books, art supplies, furniture, and other items for your daycare facility. The items’ cost will vary depending on your facility’s size and the number of children you plan to serve.

4. Insurance premiums

Insurance premiums may also be required when starting an in-home daycare. These premiums can range from $500 to $2,000 per year.

5. Childcare equipment

You will need to purchase teaching materials and childcare equipment such as toys, books, art supplies, furniture, and other items for your daycare facility. 

2. State Requirement 

In Texas, the Child Care Licensing Division of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is actively responsible for safeguarding children’s health and safety in home daycare.

There are different permits for different home setups. 

• Listed family homes
• Registered home daycares
• Licensed home daycares

Orientation/Pre-Application Class

1. Before applying for registration, you will have to take a pre-application class and get your background checks cleared.
2. Have a certificate indicating completion of the licensing Pre-Application course within one year of your application date.

Action Item: For attending online orientation course, look for online training provider for daycare in Texas Provider Training | Texas Health and Human Services.

Listed Family Daycare

1. To run a listed family daycare, you must be 18 years old.
2. You are categorized in the listed family daycare if you care to have paid 1-3 children in your home without sharing any relation with them.
3. If you teach 4 hours per day in your home or more than 3 days a week, you need to become a “Listed family daycare.”
4. You will only have to file an application and undergo some background checks, as there are no minimum standards or training requirements.

Registered Home Daycare

1. To start a registered childcare at home, you must be 21 years old.
2. You can’t cater to more than 6 children under 14, including your children.
3. You will be qualified as registered home daycare if you are open for 4 hours a day, more than 3 days a week and 3 consecutive weeks in a month.
4. Registered home daycares go under inspection every 1-2 years and investigate if there are any reports of child abuse/neglect.

We couldn’t find online registering platform, but you can read about the eligibility criteria for home daycares. On the bases of your eligibility you will be able to open a daycare.

Licensed Home Daycare

1. As a caretaker, you must be at least 21 years old.
2. A licensed home daycare can compensate 7-12 children under 14.
3. You can not cater to more than 12 kids, including your own.
4. To get licensed, you must complete the inspection process to meet minimum standards.
5. Licensed daycare is inspected once every year.

Online Licensing Daycare Account

Applying for a daycare license to do business in Texas is now fast and simple. Simply provide your name, address, and contact information on their website, then you can be approved within 24 hours or less!

It’s always been challenging for providers to complete the requirements to start serving their community with quality daycare services.

When registering for a Child Care Licensing Account, select “No” for the question inquiring about having a permit number and fill out the online form.

After submitting your request successfully, you’ll receive an email with a link to finalize account activation—check your spam folders if it doesn’t arrive within 24 hours (subject line: “Complete Registration”).

If you find any difficulty in the procedure of creating an account contact your local childcare regulation.

Action Item: Apply online to register your business at Online Licensing daycare account.

Background Checks

Before working with children in a childcare setting, certain individuals must undergo background checks which may include Central Registry (child abuse and neglect registry), FBI, and sex offender registry checks.

It is necessary to conduct these tests before beginning work. On an ongoing basis, those with a history of mistreatment or criminal records will be barred from the facility.

Action Item: I found this link to get your background checks completed: Child Care Regulation Background Checks | Texas Health and Human Services

Abuse and Neglect Class

The Health and Human Services Commission is mandated by Chapter 42 of the Texas legislature to oversee childcare activities and maintain regulations that ensure minimum standards are met in providing childcare.

Moreover, The Department of Family and Protective Services must investigate any claims of abuse or neglect reported at a childcare facility.

The Texas Child Care Regulation Department (CCR) of the Health and Human Services Commission is tasked with designing regulations for child care in the state. Once proposed, reviewed and adopted, these rules become part of the official law known as the Texas Administrative Code.

Minimum Standards are based on a chapter from this code corresponding to an issued permit type related to each child-care operation. Visit Chapter 42 of the Texas Human Resources Code to learn more.

Action Item: For online reporting of abuse and neglect I have this link Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). And to get online training check link Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).

First Aid and CPR

It is the responsibility of everyone to keep students safe. This is why Texas has designed CPR classes specifically for school.

It permits educators, administrators, and other staff members to become instructors who can teach the school community how to assist when an emergency arises—creating a secure campus environment where everyone knows what action to take if there is an alarming situation.

Through this Revision Notice, we can adhere to the federal Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) Act of 2014 by making its minimal standards clear-cut and consistent.

The amendments included will ensure that these requirements remain intact.

Staying current with required training courses is a must, especially regarding life-saving skills such as First Aid and CPR. As such, we must ensure that all personnel meet the qualifications for these essential programs.

Personnel records, minimum qualifications, professional development, field trips, and get-well care program.

Here is the link for Minimum Standards Revised Notice.

Action Item: There is an online platform as well providing excellent CPR training in Texas CPR Classes, Training & Certification in Texas | Red Cross

Eligibility Criteria

Registered Home Daycare Eligibility

1. To have a high school diploma or high school equivalent.
2. Have a certificate of having to attend the pre-application class within a year before registering.
3. To be able to prevent and control diseases.
4. Handling, disposing and storing of hazardous materials.
5. You are responsibly taking precautions if you provide transport facilities to the kids.

Licensed Home daycare Eligibility

1. Acquire a high school diploma or its equivalent;
2. Have a certificate indicating completion of the licensing Pre-Application course within one year of your application date.
3. Meet the criteria for Background Checks.
4. Have current CPR and first aid certification, including rescue breathing and choking.
5. Suppose the Texas Department of State Health Services or a local health authority requires it. In that case, you must have a current record of tuberculosis (TB) examination demonstrating that you are free of contagious TB.
6. At least complete 60 college credit hours, including 6 in child development and 3 in management, plus at least 1 year of experience in a licensed childcare center or registered childcare home.

4. Liability Insurance

Liability insurance to protect your business and yourself is essential for all home daycare providers in Texas. Liability insurance can help protect you from financial losses related to negligence, property damage, lawsuits, or other unexpected events.

Choosing a policy that covers the specific risks associated with running your daycare and ensures that you are fully protected is important.

When shopping for liability insurance in Texas, consider the following factors:

1. The type of policy that best suits your needs.
2. The amount and types of coverage you need.
3. Any special conditions or exclusions.
4. The cost of premiums and deductibles.
5. Your provider’s reputation and customer service record.
6. The payment and claims process.

By checking around and comparing different policies, you can find the right coverage for your home daycare at an affordable rate. With a quality liability insurance policy in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that your business and yourself are protected against unexpected events.

Read more on Liability insurance.

5. Inspections

1. Licensed daycare is inspected once every year.
2. Registered home daycares go under inspection every 1-2 years and investigate if there are any reports of child abuse/neglect.

We have link here which will take you directly to Reports, Inspections and Enforcement Actions.

6. The Subsidy Provided to Daycare Businesses

There has yet to be an online record of subsidy benefits for daycare businesses. You may consult your area policies.

7. Home Daycare Setup

Your home must meet certain requirements to open a family child care in Texas. According to the DFPS, we have documented your indoor and outdoor space requirements.

Please remember that these regulations apply only to Registered or Licensed Family Homes, not Listed Homes.

Indoor setup

Each child in your Registered or Licensed childcare home must have at least 30 square feet of indoor usable activity space.

The DFPS will limit the number of children you can care for based on the amount of indoor usable activity space available in the childcare home.

1. There must be cribs for all infants and enough space available in the room to fit all cribs.
2. You should have enough space for eating meals at mealtime.
3. There should be a selected space for individual or group activities.
4. Without written permission from the state or local fire marshal, you may not take care of children on any level above or below ground level.
5. You may not share the indoor usable activity space with other programs while children are in your care.
6. Children must have access to at least one sink and one flush toilet. Sinks and toilets must be located inside the childcare home and allow for caregiver supervision as needed.
7. Hand washing must be accessible to children safely and independently.
8. For children to dry their hands, single-use disposable towels or an individual towel labeled with the child’s name may be provided.
9. Potty chairs are allowed but are not a substitute for the required flush toilet.
10. There must be a way to open the door from the outside in an emergency. The keys must be handled carefully by the caregiver.

Outdoor Setup

1. Unless all the kids using the outdoor activity space are five or older, you must enclose it with a fence at least four feet high.
2. Each fenced-in yard must have two exits. Your childcare home entrance may be exit one, but the other exit must be away.
3. In case of any emergency, caretakers must have the keys to open the gates immediately.
4. Appropriate equipment.
5. Must have a friendly neighborhood and zero crime rate for the located daycare.
6. You can get medical assistance in case of injury and illness at your location.
7. Safety on swings and swimming pools, if there is any.

For more information on home requirements and Department of Family and Protective Services.

Furniture and Equipment

1. It would help if you guaranteed that any table or seat a kid utilizes is protected, simple to clean, and of a level and size that the kid can utilize securely and without any problem.
2. Home daycares require safety belts on a seat that should be secure at any point a child uses.
3. It would help if you gave or had the parent give an individual cot, bed, or mat that is waterproof or washable for each strolling kid through four years.
4. Floor mats utilized for resting should be stamped or colored so the sleeping side can be recognized from the floor side.
5. It would be best to have individual storage spaces, desk areas, containers, separate hooks and shelves, or other storage for every kid’s things. You should mark the extra room with the kid’s name, a photo of the kid, or another image the kid can easily recognize.
6. You should have a functioning phone or PDA at your daycare with a verified phone number.
7. There must be handrails for all steps and stairs for children to grab when walking on them.
8. Platforms should be higher than 20 inches and must have protective barriers to prevent children from crawling over, going to fall through, or getting stuck.
9. Climbing equipment and swings must be installed in concrete or pavement with unitary surface material.
10. All equipment must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid sliding, tripping, and collapsing.
11. Equipment must not have any edges or openings that may entangle children’s clothes around their necks.

8. Marketing

Promoting your home daycare can be a great way to get the word out about your services and welcome new families into your space. There are many ways you can promote your home daycare, from creating an online presence to hosting events in your local area. Here are some tips for promoting your home daycare:

1. Create a website or social media page to showcase your daycare.
2. Network with other childcare professionals in your area and join online groups for home daycare providers.
3. Use local resources such as libraries, child activity centers, and parenting blogs to get the word out about your services.
4. Attend local events, festivals, and fairs to meet potential parents and show off your daycare.
5. Develop relationships with local businesses interested in partnering with you, such as schools and health care providers.
6. Create a referral program to encourage current families to bring in new ones.
7. Utilize print media such as flyers and brochures to advertise your daycare.
8. Offer discounts or free trials to attract new families.

By promoting your home daycare, you can ensure that your services reach the right people and that more families have access to quality childcare in your area.

See more on How to promote your daycare business.

9. Staff and training requirements

Staff and training requirements for home daycare vary depending on the state where you operate, but all providers must meet certain standards to ensure the safety of children in their care.

In Texas, the Department of Family and Protective Services requires that home daycare providers have at least one person who is 18 years or older supervising at all times. All home daycare staff must complete 30 hours of training within six months of starting the job.

This training should include topics such as

1. Child development
2. Safety
3. Nutrition
4. First aid and CPR
5. Sanitation and hygiene
6. Emergency Preparedness
7. Creating a stimulating learning environment
8. Behavior management techniques, and more.

It’s also important to provide ongoing staff training to stay up-to-date on best practices and new regulations.

For more information, check Texas Training Requirements.

FAQs

What are the benefits of running a home daycare?

Having a home daycare business can be a very rewarding experience. With the right planning and preparation, you can become your boss and provide quality childcare to children in the comfort of your home. Here are some of the benefits that come with having a home daycare:

1. Flexibility – As an at-home daycare provider, you can choose when and how much you work. You can set your hours, allowing parents to drop off and pick up their children at times convenient for both of you.
2. Cost Savings – With a home daycare business, you can save money on overhead costs since you are using your own home. You won’t have to pay rent or utilities, and since you provide the labor, it also eliminates payroll costs.
3. Quality Care – As an at-home daycare provider, you get to know each child and family personally, which can help ensure quality care is provided. You can also tailor the activities and lessons to each child’s individual needs, which can help them develop their skills more quickly.
4. Tax Benefits – When you run a home daycare business, it allows you to take advantage of tax deductions for things such as food, supplies, and certain expenses related to running the business.
5. Personal Satisfaction – Having a home daycare business can be very rewarding. Not only are you providing a necessary service, but you are also playing an important role in each child’s development and growth.

What are the challenges of running a home daycare?

Running a home daycare can be challenging, especially for those who have never operated on one. One of the most important and difficult aspects of running a home daycare is finding a balance between providing quality care to children and being financially successful.

Operating a daycare center can be expensive, with expenses such as rent, utilities, insurance, supplies, and staff. Additionally, daycare owners must know relevant laws and regulations to keep their businesses compliant.

Conclusion

Starting a home daycare in Texas can be an incredibly rewarding experience. You can provide quality childcare for local families and contribute to your community.

To get started, ensure you understand the regulations and requirements in your area, such as zoning laws, licensing, insurance, background checks for employees, and other pertinent information. Additionally, create a plan for setting up your space and budgeting accordingly.

Lastly, but most importantly, make sure to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children in your care. With dedication and proper planning, starting a home daycare in Texas can be successful and enjoyable!

Thank you for reading about how to start a home daycare in Texas. We hope this information was helpful, and we wish you the best of luck with your new childcare business!

Happy daycare!