Houston day-care operators face a tough licensing process.
Organization is the key to successfully starting a day care center anywhere in Texas. In Houston, you will be competing with hundreds of other small to large centers, so it is essential that you make the licensing process as smooth and quick as possible. Taking time to follow each step of the process carefully is essential.
Instructions
1. Get training. Contact the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and schedule yourself for one of their child care center operator training classes. The classes introduce you to state minimum standards for child care providers and will help you understand what you have to do to become a licensed center. The class will show you what makes a good location, deal with zoning issues and the health department. They show you meet fire and building codes. The training will be tailored to your proposed center and contain very specific information you need. Take thorough notes.
2. Develop a complete business plan. Contact the United States Small Business Administration for the nearest office in your part of Houston. Sit down with an SBA counselor and develop a budget, income projections and time-lines. If you qualify, the SBA can help you find low-interest, government-insured loans to help you get your center off the ground.
3. Apply for a DBA (Doing Business As) certificate. Go down to the Harris County Tax Collector's office and apply for the DBA in the name of your new center. There is a modest fee. You will have to list which type of business you are; a corporation, sole proprietorship, limited liability corporation or partnership. If you incorporate, you will need to file incorporation papers with the Texas Secretary of State office. If you plan to operate as a nonprofit, you'll need to apply to the IRS for a 501(c)(3) designation letter. This can take up to a year to obtain, but you can open while it is still pending. In any case, you will need to apply online with the IRS for an employer identification number (EIN).
4. Find a location. Lease or purchase a suitable site for the center that meets minimum standards, or that can be remodeled to meet minimum standards. Before you sign on the dotted line, contact your DFPS license inspector. She will often visit your proposed site to point out any potential licensing issues you might have with the facility. Often you can get your landlord or the seller to fix potential issues before you sign a contract. This can save you tons of time and help avoid delays in opening.
5. Obtain permits and zoning before renovating. Remodel, upgrade, furnish and stock the facility according to your plan, following the minimum standards guidelines. You will need building permits if you make any alterations to an existing structure or to build a new center. Obtain a zoning variance if your facility isn't properly zoned for a day care center. Buy toys, furniture, office equipment, educational materials and supplies. Toys and furnishings will need to be tailored for each classroom's age level. Build a playground if one is not there and the playground will need to meet DFPS and local safety codes. Pick-up and drop-off areas will need to be designated and made safe. Kitchen and dining areas will need to meet local health codes for eating facilities.
6. Schedule inspections. Schedule license inspections with the fire marshal, health inspector, building inspector and any others needed. You will need all these before calling the DFPS license inspector for your day care license inspection.
7. Apply for a license. Get a pre-application and application from the DFPS and complete it. Provide copies of your incorporation papers and/or DBA, Federal EIN number, by-laws, board list, proof of liability insurance, fire and disaster plans, health inspection certificate, fire inspection certificate, plan for doing staff background checks and a copy of your director's child care director's license. If you are going to be the director, you will need to get one. See your DFPS agent for the paperwork.
8. Pass your license inspection. Even after you've passed, you cannot open till you receive your license certificate and hang it on the wall, visible to all who enter your premises. You have to also hang your day care director's license, and health and fire inspection certificates. Once you have all that, you can open. If you fail your inspection you will have to fix whatever is wrong and schedule a new inspection visit with your DFPS agent.
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