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Licensed Daycare in Houston, Texas

Q: How many licensed daycare centers are in Houston, Texas?

Our directory lists 1,624 licensed childcare centers in Houston, Texas, sourced from Texas Health and Human Services — Child Care Regulation. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

Q: What's the average daycare cost in Houston?

Statewide averages in Texas run roughly $1100/month for infants and $780/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

Q: What staff-to-child ratios apply in Houston daycares?

All licensed Texas centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:9 for toddlers, and 1:15 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Houston typically operate below these ceilings.

Q: Are subsidies available for daycare in Houston?

Texas families can apply for Texas Workforce Commission CCS (Child Care Services) (intake: (800) 252-9240). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide .

Choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions a family makes. We index every state-licensed provider so you can compare options side by side.

1,624

Licensed Centers

Infant Spots

$1,100/mo

Texas avg infant

1:4

State infant ratio

Childcare costs in Houston

ChildCare Aware reports the Texas average full-time cost at $1,100/month for infant care and $780/month for preschool. City-level prices in Houston vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.

The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Texas families may also qualify for Texas Workforce Commission CCS (Child Care Services) (intake: (800) 252-9240).

Full Texas licensing & cost overview

Quick facts

State regulator: Texas Health and Human Services — Child Care Regulation
Infant ratio: 1:4
Toddler ratio: 1:9
Preschool ratio: 1:15
Avg capacity: 78 kids

ZIP codes covered

77083 102 77084 84 77072 52 77089 47 77082 43 77095 37 77099 36 77004 34

Program types in Houston

Licensed Center

936 centers

Registered Child-Care Home

384 centers

Licensed Child-Care Home

107 centers

Listed Family Home

98 centers

General Residential Operation

59 centers

Child Placing Agency

40 centers

Houston

2 years - 12 years Cap 7

Each listing links to the full state-record details, including last inspection date if reported.

Common parent questions about licensing, ratios, and how to compare programs in this area.

How many licensed daycare centers are in Houston, Texas?

Our directory lists 1,624 licensed childcare centers in Houston, Texas, sourced from Texas Health and Human Services — Child Care Regulation. All listings hold a current state license at indexing time; verify status directly via the state's lookup tool before enrollment.

What's the average daycare cost in Houston?

Statewide averages in Texas run roughly $1100/month for infants and $780/month for preschool. City-specific costs vary — large metros and dense neighborhoods trend higher than rural ZIPs. Use the cost estimator for a closer ballpark.

What staff-to-child ratios apply in Houston daycares?

All licensed Texas centers must meet the state minimum: 1:4 for infants, 1:9 for toddlers, and 1:15 for preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers in Houston typically operate below these ceilings.

Are subsidies available for daycare in Houston?

Texas families can apply for Texas Workforce Commission CCS (Child Care Services) (intake: (800) 252-9240). Federal options like the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA stack on top. See our subsidies guide.

How do I verify a Houston daycare's license?

Look up the provider directly in the official Texas Health and Human Services — Child Care Regulation search. License status is the single most important credential to confirm before enrolling.