Understanding Bastrop Texas Childcare Laws 

Why Parents Should Know the Rules 

You are putting your trust in the caregivers of a Bastrop daycare or childcare center to abide by Texas rules intended to protect children. Understanding these regulations can help you recognize when a daycare is meeting its obligations and when it might be violating your child’s rights. 

At Bivona Law Firm, we help Texas families navigate daycare injury and abuse cases, often uncovering violations of state childcare laws in the process. 

Who Regulates Childcare in Bastrop, Texas? 

All licensed childcare operations in Bastrop fall under the oversight of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), specifically the Child Care Regulation (CCR) division. This agency: 

• Issues licenses and permits 
• Conducts inspections 
• Investigate complaints and violations 
• Enforces minimum standards for safety, staffing, and training 

Key Texas Childcare Regulations Parents Should Know

1. Staff-to-Child Ratios

Texas law requires daycare centers to have minimum staff-to-child ratios depending upon age:   

• Infants (0–11 months): 1 caregiver per 4 children 
• Toddlers (12–17 months): 1 caregiver per 5 children 
• Two-year-olds: 1 caregiver per 9 children 
• Three-year-olds: 1 caregiver per 11 children 
• Four-year-olds: 1 caregiver per 18 children 

Lower ratios ensure children get the supervision they need. 

2. Staff Background Checks and Training 

All staff members must pass a criminal background check and complete the following mandatory training:  

• Pediatric First Aid and CPR 
• Safe sleep practices  
• Child abuse and neglect recognition and prevention 

3. Facility Safety Standards

Licensed daycares must follow safety rules covering: 

• Indoor and outdoor play structures 
• Sanitation and hygiene 
• Food safety and handling  
• Hazard-free environments (examples might be locking cleaning supplies, ensuring safe surfaces on the play structures). 

4. Incident Reporting

Daycare providers are required to: 

• Inform parents of any injury that results in medical attention 
• Keep a written record of the incident  
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect to DFPS within 48 hours. 

How Parents Can Check a Daycare’s Record in Bastrop 

The Texas HHSC provides an easy online search where parents can look at:  

• Licensing status 
• Inspection history 
• Any reported violations 

This is a valuable resource when choosing a daycare or investigating concerns.

What If a Daycare Violates the Law? 

If a Bastrop daycare fails to meet state standards, consequences can include fines, probation, suspension, or license revocation. 

For families, violations may also serve as key evidence in a daycare injury or abuse lawsuit. 

How Bivona Law Firm Helps Bastrop Families 

If your child's injury was inflicted whilst in the care of a daycare facility, and you suspect the daycare did not comply with Texas childcare regulations, we can:  

• Investigate licensing and inspection records 
• Gather witness statements and facility documentation 
• Work with experts to prove regulatory violations caused your child’s harm 
• Pursue compensation for medical costs, emotional distress, and other damages 

Act Quickly to Protect Your Rights 

In Texas, civil claims are generally subject to a two year limitations period to file. Yet, in childcare cases, acting fast is important to preserve evidence and protect innocent children from harm.  

Contact Bivona Law Firm 

If you believe your child’s daycare in Bastrop isn’t following the law, or if your child has been injured, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights and guide you through the following steps.