Texas Childcare Licensing Requirements
Texas childcare centers 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 →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamRequired Handbook Sections
The following sections must appear in every Texas childcare parent handbook per state licensing rules.
| 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
Texas mandates the following maximum staff-to-child ratios by age group.
| 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
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Generate a Texas-Compliant Handbook for $29Frequently Asked Questions
How many sections must be in a Texas childcare parent handbook?
Texas childcare centers are required to include at least 13 mandatory sections in their parent handbooks per state licensing regulations enforced by the Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing.
Who oversees childcare licensing in Texas?
Childcare licensing in Texas is regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Licensing. You can find official licensing information at https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/protective-services-providers/child-care-licensing.
What happens if a Texas childcare center doesn't have a compliant handbook?
Non-compliance with Texas parent handbook requirements can result in: Fines up to $2,000/day per violation; corrective action plan; license denial, suspension, or revocation under Texas Human Resources Code §42.078
How often are Texas childcare centers inspected?
Texas childcare centers are subject to the following inspection schedule: Annual inspection; additional inspections for complaints or risk-based monitoring