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Cost and Licensing Requirements for Starting a Daycare
- The average cost to start a daycare ranges from $5,000 to $50,000.
- Apply for a Day Care Permit from your local Child Care Licensing office.
- Gain local leaders’ trust who can voice their support. Understand the licenses required for your operation’s type and size.
Operating a Daycare in Texas
- When operating out of your home, the startup costs and risks are low when compared to other businesses.
- According to the Economic Policy Unit, the average annual cost of infant care in Texas is $9,324—that’s $777 per month. Child care for a 4-year-old costs $7,062—or $589 each month.
License and Care Requirements in Texas
- According to the 2021 Cost Of Care Survey, the national average for after-school child care is $976 (based on 15 hours per week). The average in Texas is $184.65, making Texas significantly lower than the national average.
Child Care Regulations in Texas
- A babysitter in Texas can care for a maximum of 12 children at once, including the babysitter’s own children.
- Providers must obtain at least 30 clock hours of annual training each year relevant to the age of the children they care for.