Texas Childcare Licensing
Texas Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)
Texas childcare licensing is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing. A licensed Texas center must maintain a parent handbook covering 13 state-mandated policy areas, each tied to a specific administrative-code citation. Annual inspection; additional inspections for complaints or risk-based monitoring
Licensing Agency
Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamTexas Licensing Requirements: The Specifics
Texas childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.1201.
Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.1201
Texas childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.2601.
Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.2601
Texas childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3601.
Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3601
Texas childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3501.
Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3501
Texas childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3401.
Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3401
Texas childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.1209.
Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.1209
Texas Licensing Requirements at a Glance
| Hours of Operation | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.1201 |
|---|---|
| Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.2601 |
| Illness and Exclusion Policy | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3601 |
| Medication Administration Policy | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3501 |
| Emergency Procedures | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3401 |
| Arrival and Departure Procedures | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.1209 |
| Nutrition and Meals Policy | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3301 |
| Parent Communication Policy | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.1205 |
| Grievance and Complaint Procedure | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.1207 |
| Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting | Texas Family Code §261.101; TAC Title 26 §746.3703 |
| Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.1203 |
| Health and Safety Policies | Texas Administrative Code Title 26 §746.3701 |
| Nondiscrimination Policy | Texas Human Resources Code §21.051; TAC Title 26 §746.101 |
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Texas Licensing Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Texas?
Childcare licensing in Texas is regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing. Official licensing information is published at https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/protective-services-providers/child-care-licensing.
How many handbook policy sections does Texas require?
Texas requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.
How often does Texas inspect licensed childcare centers?
Annual inspection; additional inspections for complaints or risk-based monitoring
What happens if a Texas center is out of compliance?
Fines up to $2,000/day per violation; corrective action plan; license denial, suspension, or revocation under Texas Human Resources Code §42.078
Texas childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Texas administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.