Licensed Daycare in Texas
Find the right daycare in Texas in under 5 minutes. 15,142 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Texas Health and Human Services — Child Care Regulation. Free, no signup.
Listings updated May 2026 from official Texas licensing records.
Texas childcare by the numbers
Texas Childcare Licensing
In Texas, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Texas Health and Human Services — Child Care Regulation. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:9 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:15 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
What's distinctive about Texas: Texas has loose ratios (1:6 infants in some categories, 1:15 preschool) and rapid metro growth straining supply. Verify ratios in your child's specific room — center averages mask actual practice.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Texas Health and Human Services — Child Care Regulation
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:9
- Preschool ratio
- 1:15
- Avg infant cost
- $1,100/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $780/mo
Texas Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in Texas runs about $13,200/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from Texas center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in Texas
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Check eligibility for Texas Workforce Commission CCS (Child Care Services). Most Texas families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
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Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in Texas often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (800) 252-9240.
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Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
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Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the Texas Health and Human Services — Child Care Regulation database and tour during operating hours.
Texas Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Texas families can apply for Texas Workforce Commission CCS (Child Care Services) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (800) 252-9240
Official Texas & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Daycare in Texas — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Texas is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Texas?
How much does daycare cost in Texas?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Texas?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Texas daycare?
Where to get childcare help in Texas
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programTexas Workforce Commission CCS (Child Care Services) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(800) 252-9240 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Texas Health and Human Services — Child Care Regulation.
Official license searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for Texas are compiled from official Texas Health and Human Services — Child Care Regulation licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 15,142 Licensed Texas Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.