There are many different child-care choices available and the quality of programs can vary quite seriously. It is your responsibility to choose the best child care operation for your child. In Texas, the following types of operations make up your child care options:
- Home Based Care, including: Listed family homes, registered child care homes, licensed child care homes.
- Center based care, Including: Licensed Child Care Centers.
So what are listed family homes?
People who must list with the division are those who are compensated to provide regular child care (at least four hours per day, three or more days a week) in their own homes for 1-3 unrelated children. After the receipt of an application and licensing background check, a certificate is then issued. The listed family home caregiver must be at least 18 years old.
Registered Child Care Homes provide care in the caregiver’s home for up to six children under the age of 14. They may also take in up to six more school age children. The number of children who are allowed in the home is determined by the ages of the children. No more than 12 children can be in care at any time, including children of the caregiver.