Tarrant County, TX Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Regulator
- Texas HHSC Child Care Regulation
- Listed Home
- Up to 3 children, minimal rules
- Registered Home
- Up to 6 children plus 6 school-age
- Licensed Home
- Up to 12 children, stricter rules
- City Add-On
- Certificate of Occupancy required
Summary
Home daycares in Tarrant County must be licensed or registered by Texas HHSC Child Care Regulation. Registered homes may care for up to 6 children, licensed homes up to 12. Cities add zoning requirements.
Child Care Regulation: Texas Health and Human Services Commission protects children by regulating and educating child care providers. Child Care Regulation (CCR) responsibilities include: Regulating all child care operations and child-placing agencies to protect the health, safety, and well-being of children in care. Permitting and monitoring operations and agencies for compliance with state regulation standards, rules and laws. Investigating complaints alleging violations of minimum standards in child care and residential child care operations. Informing parents and the public about child care, including how specific child care and residential child care operations are complying with minimum standards of care. Giving child care providers technical assistance on meeting CCR minimum standards, rules, and laws.
Full Breakdown
Home daycare operations in Tarrant County are regulated primarily by Texas Health and Human Services Commission Child Care Regulation under Texas Human Resources Code Chapter 42 and 26 TAC Chapter 746 and 747. Three state categories apply: Listed Family Homes (care for 1 to 3 unrelated children, minimal requirements), Registered Child Care Homes (up to 6 children plus 6 school-age before and after school), and Licensed Child Care Homes (up to 12 children with more stringent rules). All providers must pass background checks, complete preservice and annual training, meet health and safety standards, and submit to HHSC inspections.
Fort Worth and Arlington additionally require a Certificate of Occupancy for registered and licensed homes, plus compliance with residential zoning which allows in-home daycare as a home occupation in most districts. Daycares above 12 children must operate in a commercial facility. Fire marshal inspections are required for licensed homes. Home daycares must follow adult-to-child ratios set by HHSC, maintain current immunization records, and report serious incidents within 48 hours.
Violations & Fines
Operating a daycare without HHSC registration or license is a Class B misdemeanor under Texas Human Resources Code Section 42.075. Fines can reach 1,000 dollars per day, plus HHSC can order immediate closure. Cities add zoning violations with fines up to 2,000 dollars per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kids can I watch at a home daycare in Tarrant County?
Do I need a city permit for a home daycare in Fort Worth or Arlington?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tarrant County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Tarrant County to another location·View the Texas home business overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.