Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Austin, TX
Everything you need to know about permits and licenses for starting a home daycare in Austin, Travis County, Texas.
Important Disclaimer
This information is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Permit requirements, fees, and timelines may change. Always verify current requirements directly with your local government authority before making business decisions.
Last verified:
Estimated Total Cost
$200 – $600
Estimated Timeline
8–16 weeks to complete training, background checks, inspections, and receive state permit
Austin / Travis County Requirements
City of Austin Zoning Clearance — Child Care Services (Accessory Use)
Home-based daycare caring for 12 or fewer children in Austin qualifies as an accessory use to a residential structure. No separate Development Services permit is required for this accessory use, but operators must confirm their zoning district allows home-based child care. Contact Austin Development Services at 512-978-4000 to verify your specific address.
Texas State Requirements
Texas HHS Registered Child Care Home Permit
Required to operate a home-based daycare for 1–6 unrelated children in your primary residence. A Registered Child Care Home is inspected annually by Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Regulation (CCR). The process includes a pre-application training course (online via TexasChildCare.hhs.texas.gov), background checks for all household members age 14+, CPR/first aid certification, fire and safety inspection, and proof of liability insurance. Capacity is limited to 6 unrelated children at a time.
Texas HHS Licensed Child Care Home Permit
Required if you provide care for 7–12 children in your primary residence. Requires the same pre-application training, background checks, CPR/first aid, fire inspection, and insurance as a registered home, plus additional minimum standards compliance under Chapter 747 of the Texas Administrative Code. Annual renewal required.
Background Checks (Texas HHS CCR)
All household members age 14 and older, and any employee with unsupervised access to children, must complete a background check through Texas HHS Child Care Regulation. Checks include the Texas Central Registry (child abuse/neglect), FBI fingerprint check, and sex offender registry search.
Pre-Service Training (24 Clock Hours)
Texas HHS requires all child care home operators to complete 24 hours of pre-service training before accepting children. At least 8 of those hours must be completed before any caregiver is given sole responsibility for a group of children. Training must cover child development, health, safety, and nutrition. Accredited courses are available online through Child Care Careers and Texas Rising Star.
Pediatric First Aid and CPR Certification
All primary caregivers must hold a current pediatric first aid and CPR certification from an approved provider (e.g., American Red Cross, American Heart Association). Certification must remain current throughout the permit period.
Federal Requirements
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Also needed for accepting Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy payments. Free to obtain from the IRS.
Official Sources
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