Home Daycare Permit Requirements in San Antonio, 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 completion of a pre-application training course (online), background checks on all household members age 14+, a fire/safety inspection, CPR/first aid certification, and proof of liability insurance. The San Antonio/South Texas CCR regional office processes Bexar County applications.

   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 if you provide care for 7–12 children in your primary residence. Must meet all minimum standards under Chapter 747 of the Texas Administrative Code. Stringent inspection requirements apply and annual renewal is mandatory.

   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, with at least 8 hours completed before assuming sole responsibility for a group of children. Training must cover 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 current pediatric first aid and CPR certification from an approved provider (American Red Cross, American Heart Association). 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 San Antonio — Child Care Facility Permit (Day Care)

   The City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District requires child care facilities, including home-based daycare providers, to comply with local health and zoning ordinances. Contact San Antonio Metro Health at 210-207-8853 to confirm whether a local permit is required for your specific home-based operation and to schedule a pre-licensing consultation.

   Official government source

   Varies (contact San Antonio Metro Health for current fees)·2–4 weeks

   Varies (contact San Antonio Metro Health for current fees)

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• Texas HHS — Become a Child Care Home Provider
• Texas HHS — Child Care Regulation Minimum Standards
• City of San Antonio Metro Health — Day Care Permits
• Texas HHS — CCR Fee Schedule (Section 5200)

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