Childcare Licensing Requirements in San Antonio, Texas
If you are opening or operating a childcare center in San Antonio, Texas, you must comply with Texas's licensing requirements administered by the Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing. As Texas's second-largest city with a population of 1.5 million, San Antonio has a substantial childcare market with many families relying on licensed centers.
Texas childcare centers in San Antonio must include 13 mandatory sections in parent handbooks per Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.1201.
Licensing Agency
Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing →Full State Page
See complete Texas licensing requirements →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamRequired Handbook Sections for San Antonio Childcare Centers
The following sections must appear in every Texas childcare parent handbook. These requirements apply to all licensed centers in San Antonio.
| Section | Description | Citation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours of Operation | Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy. | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.1201 | Required |
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps. | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.2601 | Required |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures. | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3601 | Required |
| Medication Administration Policy | Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements. | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3501 | Required |
| Emergency Procedures | Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes. | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3401 | Required |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees. | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.1209 | Required |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Meals and snacks provided; food allergy procedures; outside food policy. | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3301 | Required |
| Parent Communication Policy | Daily report procedures; how to reach staff; parent conference schedule. | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.1205 | Required |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Steps for resolving concerns; contact for unresolved complaints. | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.1207 | Required |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Mandatory reporter obligations; reporting procedures; state hotline. | Texas Family Code §261.101; TAC Title 26 §746.3703 | Required |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Enrollment process; tuition rates; payment schedule; refund policy. | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.1203 | Required |
| Health and Safety Policies | Handwashing procedures; diapering; sunscreen; rest time policies. | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3701 | Required |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Statement of equal access; protected classes covered. | Texas Human Resources Code §21.051; TAC Title 26 §746.101 | Required |
| Transportation Policy | Vehicle safety requirements; car seat policy; authorization procedures. | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3901 | Recommended |
| Field Trip Policy | Authorization requirements; supervision ratios during off-site activities. | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.2901 | Recommended |
Staff-to-Child Ratios in San Antonio
Texas mandates the following maximum staff-to-child ratios by age group. Every licensed childcare center in San Antonio must meet these minimums at all times.
| Age Group | Staff-to-Child Ratio |
|---|---|
| Infant (0-17 months) | 1:4 |
| Toddler (18-23 months) | 1:5 |
| Toddler (24-35 months) | 1:9 |
| Preschool (3 years) | 1:11 |
| Preschool (4-5 years) | 1:15 |
| School Age (6+ years) | 1:26 |
Immunization Requirements
- DTaP
- Polio (IPV)
- Hib
- Hepatitis B
- MMR
- Varicella
- Hepatitis A
- Pneumococcal
- Influenza (annual, 6-59 months)
Background Check Requirements
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) criminal history check
- FBI fingerprint-based national check
- Child Abuse/Neglect (CAN) registry check
- Sex offender registry check
Inspection Frequency
Annual inspection; additional inspections for complaints or risk-based monitoring
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Fines up to $2,000/day per violation; corrective action plan; license denial, suspension, or revocation under Texas Human Resources Code §42.078
Local Childcare Resources in San Antonio
In addition to state licensing requirements, San Antonio childcare operators can access support through local Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) agencies. Contact your local CCR&R for San Antonio-specific assistance with licensing applications, training, and family subsidy programs. The Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing also maintains regional offices that serve the San Antonio area.
For official Texas licensing information visit: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/protective-services-providers/child-care-licensing
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Generate a Texas-Compliant Handbook for $29Frequently Asked Questions
What are the childcare licensing requirements in San Antonio?
Childcare centers in San Antonio must comply with Texas state licensing requirements enforced by the Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing. This includes maintaining a compliant parent handbook with 13 required sections, meeting staff-to-child ratios by age group, ensuring all enrolled children have up-to-date immunizations, and completing background checks for all staff and volunteers.
How many staff do I need for a daycare in San Antonio?
In San Antonio, Texas mandates specific staff-to-child ratios by age group: Infant (0-17 months) requires a ratio of 1:4; Toddler (18-23 months) requires a ratio of 1:5; Toddler (24-35 months) requires a ratio of 1:9; Preschool (3 years) requires a ratio of 1:11; Preschool (4-5 years) requires a ratio of 1:15; School Age (6+ years) requires a ratio of 1:26. These ratios are set by the Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing and apply to all licensed childcare centers in San Antonio.
What immunizations are required for childcare in San Antonio?
Children enrolled in San Antonio childcare centers must have documentation of the following immunizations per Texas state requirements: DTaP, Polio (IPV), Hib, Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A, Pneumococcal, Influenza (annual, 6-59 months). These records must be on file at the childcare facility.