How to Start a Childcare Center in Texas: Everything You Need to Know

Callaway Childcare Construction
Jul 7
5 min read

^{It doesn’t matter if you're planning to open a preschool in Houston, a bilingual center in San Antonio, or a Montessori-inspired program in Dallas.}

^{If you’re not sure how to start a childcare center in Texas, the first step is understanding Texas’ unique childcare licensing requirements, zoning rules, and legal frameworks.}

^{This guide covers everything we know about opening a childcare center in the state of Texas, from obtaining your childcare center license to selecting a}^{childcare construction partner}^{(hi, we’re Callaway, nice to meet you!) who knows all the ins and outs of creating early learning environments.}

^At^{Callaway Childcare Construction}^{, we’ve helped educators and entrepreneurs across Texas and the nation turn their dreams into reality.}

^{Making Sense of Texas Childcare Licensing Requirements}

^{Most people who ask, “How do I get a childcare center license in Texas?”, don’t realize how detailed the process is or how early it should influence their design and planning.}

^{Pro tip:}^{See how our}^{Texas childcare construction services}^{help you meet local zoning and licensing standards without compromising your vision.}

^{To open a licensed childcare center in Texas, you must go through the}^{Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)}^{. They oversee all licensing, inspections, and minimum standards.}

^{Here are just a few of the boxes you’ll need to check to meet the}^{minimum standards for childcare centers in Texas}^:

^{Director qualifications}^{that combine formal education and childcare experience.}
^{Caregiver-to-child ratios}^{and maximum group sizes based on age.}
^{Annual training requirements}^{for staff, including child development and safety topics.}
^{Comprehensive background checks}^{for all staff and volunteers}
^{Health and safety protocols}^{, including sanitation, nutrition, and emergency preparedness.}
^{Adequate indoor and outdoor space}^{per child, with safe and developmentally appropriate furnishings.}
^{Curriculum guidelines}^{that support cognitive, emotional, and physical growth.}
^{Family engagement requirements}^{, such as open visitation and communication policies.}
^{Accurate and complete recordkeeping}^{for attendance, incidents, and health documentation.}
^{Ongoing inspections and compliance enforcement}^{by HHSC regulators.}

^{Pro tip: these requirements aren’t just paperwork. They shape your physical layout, classroom configurations, and even your HVAC and exit plans.}

^{You can find the full list of licensing must-haves on the}^{HHSC provider portal}^{. Or skip the guesswork and see how our}^{Texas Childcare Construction Services}^{help you meet every requirement.}

^{Zoning Requirements When Starting a Childcare Center in Texas}

^{A building may look perfect on paper, but Texas cities like Austin, Houston, and Fort Worth each enforce unique zoning codes.}

^{Austin: Evolving Zoning to Support Childcare}

^{Austin has updated its zoning regulations to make it easier to open childcare centers. The city now allows childcare facilities in more zoning districts, including residential areas, and has increased the maximum number of children permitted in such centers. These changes help reduce barriers to opening childcare centers and address the city's childcare shortage.}

^{Houston: Navigating Development Regulations Without Formal Zoning}

^{Houston doesn’t have formal zoning laws like most major U.S. cities, but it still has rules that affect where you can open a childcare center. These include requirements for concerns like building setbacks, parking, and lot sizes. Deed restrictions and neighborhood covenants can also limit what you’re allowed to build.}

^{Deed restrictions}^{are rules in a property's legal deed, usually created by developers or neighborhood associations for subdivision projects.}

^Covenants^{are agreements that apply to multiple properties in a neighborhood, often enforced by a homeowner’s association (HOA).}

^{Fort Worth: Specific Zoning Classifications and Permitting}

^{In Fort Worth, you must obtain a childcare-specific}^{Certificate of Occupancy}^{and comply with local health and safety regulations to open a childcare center. Depending on the location, you may also need to verify zoning or apply for a change of use.}

^{Key Takeaways for Starting a Childcare Center in Texas}

^Austin^{: New zoning rules now make it easier to open childcare centers, especially in residential areas.}
^Houston^{: Although it lacks formal zoning, other rules and deed restrictions still influence where you can open childcare centers.}
^{Fort Worth}^{: You’ll need to follow strict zoning and permit rules to open a childcare center that meets city requirements.}

^At^{Callaway Childcare Construction}^{, we start every Texas childcare construction project with a detailed feasibility assessment. We look at zoning, utility capacity, and all key safety and licensing requirements to make sure your project is actually viable before you spend time, money, or energy moving forward.}

^{Want to explore a site you're considering?}^{Get in touch}^{, and we can set up a walkthrough.}

^{How Much Does It Cost to Start a Childcare Center in Texas?}

^{Starting a childcare center in Texas costs more than most people expect. From permits and plumbing to fire suppression and classroom furnishings, it all adds up fast. Renovating an existing space is more affordable than building from scratch, but both require serious planning and a realistic budget.}

^{Pro tip:}^{Want to know what you’re looking at cost-wise? We’ve broken it down here:}^{How Much Does It Cost to Open a Childcare Center?}

^{How to Start a Childcare Center in Texas: Legal Framework & Insurance}

^{Before you build anything, you need to determine your business structure and protect it. Your legal entity affects everything from taxes to liability to whether you can apply for grants.}

^{Here’s what to sort out:}

^{Choose a legal structure that fits your plan:}

^LLC^{: Offers personal liability protection and flexible tax options.}
^Non-profit^{: Opens the door to grants and donations, but requires a board.}
^{Sole proprietorship}^{: Easiest to form, but puts your personal assets at risk.}

^{Secure state-required insurance:}

^{General liability}^{: Mandatory for licensing.}
^{Property insurance}^{: Covers your building, equipment, and materials.}
^{Workers’ comp}^{: Required if you have employees.}
^{Abuse and molestation coverage}^{: Often required by childcare insurers.}

^{FYI: Texas Health and Human Services}^{won't approve your childcare license without proof of insurance}^{. You can review their}^{minimum licensing requirements here}^.

^At^{Callaway Childcare Construction}^{, we work closely with your legal and insurance advisors to align your}^{construction timeline and planning}^{with your goals.}

^{5 Mistakes to Avoid When Learning How to Start a Childcare Center in Texas}

^{Starting strong means avoiding the issues that can delay or derail projects.}

^{Here’s what to watch for:}

^{Signing a lease before confirming zoning.}^{The timeline and budget can quickly slip without approvals in place.}
^{Underestimating startup costs.}^{Licensing-driven upgrades like fire systems, ADA access, and site drainage add up fast.}
^{Delaying staff}^onboarding.^{You need to have qualified, background-checked staff ready for inspections.}
^{Separating design from licensing.}^{The most efficient projects integrate licensing requirements into planning from the beginning.}
^{Not aligning your layout with your model.}^{Program goals, like language immersion or Montessori, should shape the space, not adapt to it.}

^{How to Start a Childcare Center in Texas With a Waitlist}

^{A sound marketing plan helps build buzz around your new business, long before doors open.}

^{What helps:}

^{A clear, values-driven website with an interest form.}
^{Social and local listings with real-time progress updates.}
^{Partnerships with schools, pediatricians, and neighborhood groups.}
^{A construction-phase open house to bring families into the journey.}

^{We help you time your brand launch to your build schedule, so your first day feels like a grand opening.}

^{Ready to Start a Childcare Center in Texas?}

^{To start a childcare center in Texas, you need a strategic plan and a thorough understanding of Texas childcare licensing and zoning rules and regulations.}

^{But if you need more hands-on support, we’re here to help.}^{Callaway Childcare Construction}^{is a Houston, Texas-based firm that’s built many childcare centers across the state, and we’re ready to create yours.}

^{Get in touch with Callaway}^{and let’s bring your center to life.}

^Sources:

^{kinder.rice.edu}

^{en.wikipedia.org}

^{fortworthtexas.gov}

^{zaentznavigator.gse.harvard.edu}

^kut.org