Denton County, TX Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

Home-based childcare in unincorporated Denton County is governed entirely by state law through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), which replaced the Department of Family and Protective Services for childcare licensing. A Listed Family Home may care for 1-3 unrelated children and must register with HHSC, complete background checks, and maintain basic safety standards. A Licensed Child-Care Home may care for up to 12 children (with no more than 6 under 18 months) and requires HHSC licensing, pre-service training (24 hours), annual training (30 hours), fire inspection, and background checks for all household members over 14. Denton County itself does not impose additional regulations, permits, or inspections on home daycares. In unincorporated areas, septic system capacity should be evaluated for homes caring for large numbers of children. HOA deed restrictions commonly restrict or prohibit home daycare operations as commercial activity. Texas Human Resources Code Chapter 42 establishes the statewide framework. HHSC Child Care Licensing regional office for Denton County is in the Arlington region at 817-321-8604.