Childcare centers in Texas must adhere to strict licensing regulations to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for children. However, violations still occur, often leading to penalties, license revocations, or even center closures. Understanding these common violations can help childcare providers stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.
In this blog, we’ll explore the The 10 Most Reported Violations in Texas Childcare Centers & What You Should Know in 2025, explain why they occur, and provide actionable solutions to help your daycare stay on the right track.
Understanding Texas Childcare Regulations
The Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) oversees childcare center regulations in Texas. Their Child Care Licensing Division enforces the Minimum Standards for Child Care Centers, which cover staffing, safety, supervision, and emergency preparedness. Centers that fail to meet these standards risk penalties ranging from citations to license suspensions.
To stay compliant, providers must:
- Maintain proper staff-to-child ratios
- Conduct thorough background checks
- Ensure facility safety
- Follow state-mandated reporting and supervision requirements
- For a complete list of Texas childcare regulations, visit the Texas HHS Child Care Licensing website.
The Top 10 Childcare Violations in Texas
1. Failure to Meet Staff-to-Child Ratios
Licensed childcare centers must adhere to state-mandated staff-to-child ratios, ensuring enough caregivers are available to provide quality care. Violations occur when centers operate with too few staff members, increasing risks of neglect and inadequate attention to children’s needs.
Regulation: Childcare centers must maintain a proper ratio of caregivers to children based on age groups.
Why It Happens:
- Understaffing due to budget constraints
- High staff turnover
- Failure to schedule staff effectively
Solution:
- Use scheduling software to track and maintain ratios
- Offer competitive wages to retain staff
- Conduct frequent internal audits to ensure compliance
State Requirement: Texas Minimum Standards Ratios
2. Inadequate Background Checks for Staff
Texas requires comprehensive background checks for all childcare employees to ensure the safety of children. Violations occur when centers fail to conduct checks properly or hire staff with disqualifying criminal records, putting children at risk.
Regulation: All childcare employees must pass a criminal background check before employment.
Why It Happens:
- Rushed hiring process
- Lack of proper verification tools
Solution:
- Require FBI fingerprinting and background checks before hiring
- Use state-approved screening services
- Maintain updated employee records
3. Unsafe or Unclean Facilities
Texas law requires childcare centers to maintain clean, safe, and well-maintained facilities. Common violations include mold growth, broken furniture, unsanitary restrooms, and hazardous materials within children's reach. These issues not only pose health risks but can also lead to license revocation if not addressed.
Regulation: Centers must provide a clean, hazard-free environment for children.
Why It Happens:
- Poor maintenance routines
- Overcrowded classrooms
- Lack of proper cleaning supplies
Solution:
- Conduct daily safety inspections
- Use CDC Cleaning Guidelines for childcare centers
- Implement an automated maintenance checklist
4. Lack of Supervision
One of the most frequently reported violations is inadequate supervision of children. Texas Child Care Regulations mandate a strict staff-to-child ratio to ensure children are always under adult supervision. Failure to meet this standard can lead to accidents, injuries, and potential legal consequences.
Regulation: Children must be supervised at all times, including during naps and outdoor play.
Why It Happens:
- Staff distractions
- Insufficient personnel
Solution:
- Install CCTV cameras in common areas
- Train staff on active supervision techniques
- Schedule breaks to ensure continuous coverage
5. Failure to Report Incidents
State laws mandate that childcare centers report any major injuries, abuse suspicions, or accidents to parents and authorities. Some centers violate this rule by delaying reports or failing to document incidents, leading to serious legal repercussions.
Regulation: All injuries, illnesses, and significant behavioral incidents must be documented and reported.
Why It Happens:
- Lack of awareness about reporting rules
- Fear of consequences
Solution:
- Use digital reporting tools to log incidents immediately
- Train staff on mandatory reporting laws
6. Improper Handling of Medications
Many childcare facilities fail to follow proper procedures for storing and administering medications. Violations include giving incorrect dosages, lack of parental authorization, and improper storage of medicines. This can result in severe health risks, allergic reactions, and legal penalties.
Regulation: Medications must be stored securely and administered only by authorized staff.
Why It Happens:
- Lack of documentation for medication schedules
- Unauthorized personnel administering medication
Solution:
- Keep medications in locked storage
- Require written parent consent for all medications
- Use medication-tracking software
7. Lack of Emergency Preparedness
Childcare centers must have emergency action plans for fires, natural disasters, and medical emergencies. However, many fail to maintain updated plans, conduct drills, or provide staff with proper training, leaving children vulnerable in crisis situations.
Regulation: Centers must have emergency evacuation plans and conduct routine drills.
Why It Happens:
- Infrequent staff training
- Outdated emergency plans
Solution:
- Conduct monthly fire and emergency drills
- Create digital emergency contact lists
- Follow FEMA’s Emergency Preparedness Guide
8. Unqualified or Undertrained Staff
Texas childcare laws require staff to have specific training, certifications, and ongoing professional development. Some facilities violate these rules by hiring unqualified staff or failing to provide continuous training, impacting the quality of care.
Regulation: Staff must complete required training and continuing education hours.
Why It Happens:
- High turnover leading to untrained hires
- Lack of time for ongoing education
Solution:
- Provide online training courses
- Offer incentives for staff to complete certifications
9. Unsafe Sleeping Environments for Infants
For childcare centers offering naptime services, violations include using unsafe cribs, allowing infants to sleep on their stomachs, or using soft bedding that increases the risk of suffocation or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Texas health guidelines require strict compliance with safe sleep practices.
Regulation: Infants must sleep on their backs in safety-approved cribs without blankets or pillows.
Why It Happens:
- Lack of staff training on SIDS prevention
- Use of unapproved cribs
Solution:
- Follow Safe Sleep Guidelines
- Inspect cribs weekly for compliance
10. Lack of Parent Communication & Documentation
Regulation: Childcare providers must keep parents informed about their child’s activities and health.
Why It Happens:
- Inefficient documentation systems
- Lack of regular parent meetings
Solution:
- Use childcare management software like MyKidReports
- Send digital daily reports
- Host quarterly parent meetings
How to Ensure Compliance in Texas Childcare Centers
To avoid these common violations, childcare centers should:
Regularly train staff on Texas childcare laws and safety regulations
Maintain accurate records of compliance, incidents, and staff qualifications
Conduct routine facility inspections to ensure cleanliness and safety
Stay updated with licensing regulations from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What happens if a childcare center in Texas receives multiple violations?
A: Repeated violations can lead to fines, temporary license suspension, or permanent closure if not resolved.
Q2: How can childcare owners stay updated on compliance requirements?
A: Owners should follow Texas HHSC’s Child Care Licensing Division and attend training sessions regularly.
Q3: Can parents report childcare violations?
A: Yes, parents can report violations directly to Texas Child Care Licensing or visit DFPS Texas Abuse Hotline for concerns about child safety.
Q4: What are the penalties for failing background checks in Texas childcare centers?
A: Hiring employees without proper background checks can result in severe fines, legal action, and loss of childcare license.
Q5: How often should emergency preparedness drills be conducted?
A: Fire and emergency drills should be conducted monthly to ensure staff and children are prepared for real-life emergencies.
