Home Daycare Permit Requirements in Dallas, TX

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Also required to accept CCDF childcare subsidy payments. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Texas HHS Registered Child Care Home Permit

   Required to provide care for 1–6 unrelated children in your primary residence. Texas Health and Human Services Child Care Regulation (CCR) issues this permit after a pre-application training course, background checks on all household members age 14+, fire/safety inspection, CPR/first aid certification, and proof of liability insurance. The Dallas/North Texas CCR regional office handles applications for Dallas County.

   Official government source

   $35 application fee + $1 per child of permitted capacity (annual renewal fee also applies)·8–16 weeks from application to permit issuance

   $35 application fee + $1 per child of permitted capacity (annual renewal fee also applies)

   8–16 weeks from application to permit issuance

2. Texas HHS Licensed Child Care Home Permit

   Required to provide care for 7–12 children in your primary residence. Must comply with all minimum standards under Chapter 747 of the Texas Administrative Code. More stringent inspection and compliance requirements apply compared to a registered home.

   Official government source

   $35 application fee + $1 per child of permitted capacity (annual renewal fee applies)·8–16 weeks from application to permit issuance

   $35 application fee + $1 per child of permitted capacity (annual renewal fee applies)

   8–16 weeks from application to permit issuance

3. Background Checks (Texas HHS CCR)

   All household members age 14 and older and any employee with unsupervised access to children must pass a background check through Texas HHS CCR, including the Central Registry for child abuse/neglect, FBI fingerprint check, and sex offender registry search.

   Official government source

   $40–$50 per person (fingerprinting fees)·1–4 weeks

   $40–$50 per person (fingerprinting fees)

   1–4 weeks

4. Pre-Service Training (24 Clock Hours)

   All child care home operators must complete 24 hours of pre-service training before accepting children. At least 8 hours must be completed before having sole responsibility for a group of children. Topics must include child development, health, safety, and nutrition.

   Official government source

   $0–$100 depending on provider·Completed before permit issuance

   $0–$100 depending on provider

   Completed before permit issuance

5. Pediatric First Aid and CPR Certification

   All primary caregivers must hold a current pediatric first aid and CPR certification from an approved provider (American Red Cross, American Heart Association, etc.). Must remain current throughout the permit period.

   Official government source

   $50–$100·Same day (courses available locally)

   $50–$100

   Same day (courses available locally)

1. City of Dallas Home Occupation Permit

   Dallas zoning ordinances regulate home-based businesses, including daycare operations. A home daycare may require a home occupation permit to verify compliance with zoning regulations for residential areas. Contact the Dallas Development Services Department to confirm requirements for your specific zoning district before accepting children into care.

   Official government source

   $50–$100 (varies by zoning district)·1–3 weeks

   $50–$100 (varies by zoning district)

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Texas HHS — Become a Child Care Home Provider
• Texas HHS — Child Care Regulation Minimum Standards
• City of Dallas — Building Inspection Permits
• Texas HHS — CCR Fee Schedule (Section 5200)

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