Child Care Licensing
Important updates to Texas licensing standards

The Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) of 2014 brought several updates to minimum standards in September 2016. Requirements of the CCDBG have timelines that took into account technology needs and fiscal impact to providers. Child Care Licensing (CCL) has been busy working on the implementation of additional requirements related to consumer information, background checks, and safety requirements.

CCL website updates
July 2018: The CCL website now maintains a 3-year compliance history for all operations.

Additionally, the website will contain follow-up information related to deficiencies cited during inspections and investigations.

Minimum standard updates
October 2018: Minimum standards for homes, centers, and school-age programs will all see a new requirement in October 2018. CCDBG requires that all individuals providing care to children have current training in pediatric first aid and CPR.

This means that all caregivers, directors, transportation staff, and field trip staff will have to have current pediatric first aid and CPR.
Pediatric first aid with choking and rescue breathing must be completed within 90 days of employment and prior to unsupervised access to children.
CPR must be completed within 90 days of employment.

Home providers will also need to ensure that substitutes and assistant caregivers have current pediatric first aid and CPR training.

Additionally, there will be several edits to language in the standards that will not change the rule but provide clarification or needed edits. Keep your eyes open for emails from CCL with the exact rule updates. Anticipated release is Oct. 18, 2018.

CCL will also release updated background check rules in 2019 to comply with federal requirements.

Permit renewals
Did you review the webinar sessions on permit renewals? These short, informative webinars provide an overview of the Provider Portal and permit renewals. More information can be found here:
Permit renewals overview
Message board overview
Submitting a permit renewal eApplication

Coming soon—fee payment online
Providers will soon be able to pay fees online. Review your provider portal for updates, and make sure your contact information is up-to-date.

Do you have additional questions for CCL? We are always available to assist our providers. You can reach us at MSC@hhsc.state.tx.us.