Home daycares in Houston are regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHS) under Human Resources Code Chapter 42, not by city ordinance. Three permit tiers exist: Listed Family Home (up to 3 unrelated children), Registered Home (up to 6), and Licensed Home (7-12).
Texas Human Resources Code Chapter 42 requires HHS to regulate child care operations. Houston does not have a separate municipal daycare licensing scheme. The three tiers are: Listed Family Home (up to 3 unrelated children, $20 annual renewal, minimal oversight), Registered Child Care Home (up to 6 unrelated children, renewed every 2 years, annual inspections), and Licensed Child Care Home (7-12 children, renewed every 2 years, annual inspections with strict safety standards). Operators must complete pre-application training, pass background checks, and apply through the HHS online portal. Processing takes 3-6 months. Since Houston has no zoning, there are no zoning-based restrictions on home daycares. Deed restrictions may impose limits. Listed family homes must notify parents in writing if they do not carry liability insurance.
Operating without required HHS registration/license is illegal under Texas law. HHS Child Care Regulation investigates violations and complaints. Penalties include suspension or revocation of permits.
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