Texas child care facility & license
Indoor/outdoor space, license term, and inspection cadence. This page isolates the configured Texas figures, related explanations, and primary source links from the full licensing guide.
Cited to 26 TAC Chapter 746Verified July 2026Summary only, not legal advice
Facility & license
- Indoor space
- 30 sq ft/child
- Outdoor space
- 80 sq ft/child
- License term
- 2 years
- Inspections
- At least one inspection per year, with at least one annual visit unannounced (Tex. Hum. Res. Code §42.044(b); 26 TAC §745.8409(a)). HHSC may inspect as often as necessary (§745.8407), so the annual visit is a floor rather than a cap. A licensed day-care center with a history of substantial compliance may instead be designated for a biennial inspection, which must also be unannounced (§42.044(b-3)).
Citation: 26 TAC Chapter 746
Texas facility & license FAQ
What is the staff-to-child ratio for infants in Texas?
For infants 0 to 11 months, Texas requires one caregiver for every four children (1:4) with a maximum group size of 10 (§746.1601, §746.1609). Ratios loosen with age, reaching 1:11 at 2 years and 1:18 at 4 years; the full breakdown is in the ratio table on this page. Centers licensed for 12 or fewer children use a separate combination chart at §746.1701.
How much indoor and outdoor space does each child need?
At least 30 square feet of indoor activity space per licensed child (§746.4201) and at least 80 square feet of outdoor space per child using the area at one time (§746.4301(a)). The denominators differ: indoor per licensed child, outdoor per child in the area at once. Total outdoor space must also reach 25% of licensed indoor capacity (§746.4301(b)), inside a fence at least 4 feet high (§746.4305).
How long is a Texas child-care permit valid, and how often is a center inspected?
A permit is renewed every 2 years (§745.473(a)), and the renewal window opens 60 days before the anniversary date. Centers are inspected at least once a year, with at least one annual visit unannounced (Tex. Hum. Res. Code §42.044(b); §745.8409(a)). A center with a history of substantial compliance may instead be designated for a biennial inspection.
Disclaimer: These figures summarize 26 TAC Chapter 746 and its companion chapters for convenience; confirm current requirements directly with HHSC Child Care Regulation before making licensing decisions. This page is a summary for informational purposes only and is not legal or compliance advice. Confirm with Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Child Care Regulation.