How to Find Child Care
Research
Child care recommendations from friends and family can be a good place to start. You can also use TxChildCareSearch.org to view regulated providers in your area, check their services and read inspection results.
Visit and Evaluate
After narrowing down your options, visit potential child care centers. If possible, bring your child to meet and interact with the caregiver. Ask the caregiver or director questions and express any concerns. If you aren’t sure, consider returning unannounced for a follow-up visit.
Know Your Rights
When your child is under the care of a child care facility, you have rights as their parent or guardian. You have the right to review the facility's policies, access inspection reports, enter the facility during operational hours without prior notice and more.
Stay Involved
Regularly communicate with the caregiver to stay in the loop about how your child is adjusting. Ask your child questions about how their day went or if anything special happened.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a child care environment that supports your child’s growth and your family’s needs.
For more information, visit Exploring Day Care.
Visit Texas Child Care Solutions for additional resources or use TxChildCareSearch.org to find a high-quality provider.
Child Care Regulation
Child Care Regulation is a Texas program that regulates child care operations. It inspects and investigates these operations, ensuring they meet state standards.
Child Care Regulation also investigates complaints of possible violations of minimum standards, rules or laws, including providers that might be operating without a permit. Inspection reports are available online so you can make informed decisions.
To learn more, visit the Health and Human Services Child Care page.
Texas Rising Star
Texas Rising Star is a program that recognizes high-quality child care and early learning centers across Texas. To be Texas Rising Star-certified, child care programs must meet high standards beyond the basic regulatory requirements.
The program assigns a star rating to certified centers, making it easy for parents and caregivers to identify quality child care facilities.
Find a Texas Rising Star-Certified Program or learn more by visiting Texas Rising Star online.
Financial Support for Child Care
Paying for child care can be expensive, but Texas has programs to help families cover those costs. The Child Care Services program offers financial help for families that qualify.
Child Care Services
The Child Care Services program supports families with young children by providing financial aid to cover child care costs. Eligible families must select a child care provider that meets local and state requirements.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility may vary across the state. Generally, financial assistance for child day care is available to families with children under age 13 if:
- Parents are receiving or transitioning off public assistance.
- Children are receiving or needing protective services.
- Families are low-income.
To learn more visit Texas Child Care Solutions.
Other Programs
You may be able to get help with child care from local services in your area. Learn more by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211texas.org.