Texas Childcare Licensing
Texas Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Texas sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infant (0-17 months) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Texas licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamTexas Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Texas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infant (0-17 months) age group is 1:4.
In Texas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (18-23 months) age group is 1:5.
In Texas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (24-35 months) age group is 1:9.
In Texas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (3 years) age group is 1:11.
In Texas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (4-5 years) age group is 1:15.
In Texas, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School Age (6+ years) age group is 1:26.
Texas does not impose a fixed maximum group-size cap per age band
26 TAC Sec. 746.1609
for child-care centers a 'maximum group size' under 26 TAC Sec. 746.1609 becomes operative only when 13 or more children are in care under two or more caregivers, with the specific limits set in a chart in that rule (commonly summarized as twice the single-caregiver child/caregiver ratio for the youngest age in the group, a formula that could not be confirmed in quotable .gov text because the chart is published as an image)
under 26 TAC Sec.
otherwise classroom size is governed by the staff-to-child ratio.
26 TAC Sec. 746.1609
Texas Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| 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 |
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Texas Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Texas?
Texas requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 for the Infant (0-17 months) age group.
Does Texas cap maximum group size?
Texas does not impose a fixed maximum group-size cap per age band; for child-care centers a 'maximum group size' under 26 TAC Sec. 746.1609 becomes operative only when 13 or more children are in care under two or more caregivers, with the specific limits set in a chart in that rule (commonly summarized as twice the single-caregiver child/caregiver ratio for the youngest age in the group, a formula that could not be confirmed in quotable .gov text because the chart is published as an image); otherwise classroom size is governed by the staff-to-child ratio. (26 TAC Sec. 746.1609)
How many staff do I need for my Texas classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Texas ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
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.