How Do I Get My License to Open a Daycare in Houston, Texas?

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services provides day care licensing.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) is the regulating authority of child care in Houston. The department ensures that each registered child care facility and day care home meets with Texas licensing standards. Individuals desiring to obtain a child care license in Houston must submit a completed application for the type of facility planned. Texas provides licensing for operations of various types: Child Care Centers, Licensed Child Care Homes, Registered Child Care Homes, Listed Family Homes, and 24-Hour Residential Care facilities.

Instructions

1. Visit the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services website, and click "Become a Day Care Center Provider." Click "Child Day Care Licensing Application, 2910" to print and complete the licensing application. This application is required for all child care facilities.

2. Submit your application and your application fee by mail to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services; P.O. Box 16017; Houston, Texas 77222. As of May 2011, the application fee is $35.

3. Contact the Houston area TDFPS office at 713-940-3009 and schedule an appointment to attend the pre-application class in Houston. The pre-application class provides information about the minimum standards for day care centers.

4. Complete the required documentation included in the forms provided during the pre-application session. This documentation includes the Personal History Statement, Form 2982 for each applicant who is a sole proprietor or partner; the Plan of Operation, Form 2948; and the Controlling Person Form, 2760.

5. Provide a floor plan of the indoor and outdoor space of the proposed child care facility. This should include measurements of all spaces and a listing of the purpose for each location. Ensure that your facility meets with all zoning requirements set by the city of Houston. Your TDFPS licensing agent will notify you of any inspection requirements during your facility inspection.

6. Submit to a facility inspection performed by a TDFPS licensing agent.

7. Complete background checks for all individuals who will be working for the facility including the director or the applicant. You can complete your background checks by navigating to the TDFPS website and clicking "Provider Login & Background Checks." After creating an account, you will be able to provide the name and social security number of the potential employees for background verification.

8. Provide proof of Liability Insurance, except for with licensed child care homes. You must obtain at least $300,000 for each occurrence of negligence. If you do not obtain insurance, you must submit a written explanation why you have failed to do so.

9. Complete Form 2988, Child Care Fee Schedule. You must submit a $35 initial permit fee along with your Child Care Fee Schedule. All documents must be submitted to the Houston TDFPS office. Your application information will be reviewed for completeness and accuracy. If your information meets with the requirements set by the TDFPS, you will receive a license to operate your child care facility.

References

• Texas Department of Family and Protective Services: Child Care Licensing
• Texas Department of Family and Protective Services: Local Child Care Licensing Offices
• Texas Department of Family and Protective Services: Guide To Child Care in Texas