Texas child care staff-to-child ratios
Maximum children per caregiver and group size by age band. 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
| Age group | Ratio | Max group |
|---|---|---|
| Infant (0 to 11 months)Birth–1 yr | 1:4 | 10 |
| Toddler (12 to 17 months)1 yr–18 mo | 1:5 | 13 |
| Toddler (18 to 23 months)18 mo–2 yr | 1:9 | 18 |
| 2 years (24 to 35 months)2 yr–3 yr | 1:11 | 22 |
| 3 years (36 to 47 months)3 yr–4 yr | 1:15 | 30 |
| 4 years (48 to 59 months)4 yr–5 yr | 1:18 | 35 |
| 5 years (60 to 71 months)5 yr–6 yr | 1:22 | 35 |
| 6 to 8 years (72 to 107 months)6 yr–9 yr | 1:26 | 35 |
| 9 to 13 years (108 to 167 months)9 yr–14 yr | 1:26 | 35 |
- Infant (0 to 11 months)Birth–1 yr1:4Max group: 10
- Toddler (12 to 17 months)1 yr–18 mo1:5Max group: 13
- Toddler (18 to 23 months)18 mo–2 yr1:9Max group: 18
- 2 years (24 to 35 months)2 yr–3 yr1:11Max group: 22
- 3 years (36 to 47 months)3 yr–4 yr1:15Max group: 30
- 4 years (48 to 59 months)4 yr–5 yr1:18Max group: 35
- 5 years (60 to 71 months)5 yr–6 yr1:22Max group: 35
- 6 to 8 years (72 to 107 months)6 yr–9 yr1:26Max group: 35
- 9 to 13 years (108 to 167 months)9 yr–14 yr1:26Max group: 35
Texas ratio calculator
Enter how many children you have in each age group to see the minimum number of caregivers Texas requires.
Estimates the legal minimum from each group's ratio and assumes single-age groupings. Mixed-age rooms must use the youngest child's ratio, and other rules (naptime, ages turning over) can change staffing. Always confirm against the official Texas regulations.
Citation: 26 TAC Chapter 746
Texas staff-to-child ratios 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 many annual training hours are required for staff in Texas?
A caregiver completes 24 clock hours a year, at least 5 instructor-led (§746.1309). A director completes 30, at least 6 instructor-led, plus 6 hours of management and leadership with 5 or fewer years of director experience (3 hours with more) (§746.1311). Pre-service training counts separately: 24 clock hours, 8 before a caregiver may be counted in ratio and 16 within 90 days.
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.