Licensed Daycare in Waco, Texas
90 licensed daycares in Waco, verified weekly. Compare cost, age groups, and Head Start spots in your ZIP — directly from official Texas licensing records.
Waco listings updated May 2026 from official Texas records.
Daycare in Waco: what parents should know
Waco has 90 licensed childcare providers in our directory, with Licensed Center the most common type (about 71% of local listings). Every provider here holds a current Texas license at indexing time, sourced from Texas Health and Human Services — Child Care Regulation.
Licensed care in Waco spans 8+ ZIP codes, so families can usually find an option within a short commute. About 8% are family child care homes — typically smaller group sizes and 10–30% cheaper than centers, a good fit for infants and toddlers.
In total, Waco providers are approved for approximately 8,238 child slots — a practical gauge of how much local supply competes for each opening.
Waco childcare by the numbers
Childcare costs in Waco
ChildCare Aware reports the Texas average full-time cost at $1,100/month for infant care and $780/month for preschool. City-level prices in Waco vary by ZIP code and program model — Head Start sites are free for eligible families, family daycare homes typically run 10-30% below center rates, and accredited centers run above the average.
The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 max) reduce effective cost regardless of program. Texas families may also qualify for Texas Workforce Commission CCS (Child Care Services) (intake: (800) 252-9240).
Full Texas licensing & cost overviewQuick facts
- State regulator
- Texas Health and Human Services — Child Care Regulation
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:9
- Preschool ratio
- 1:15
- Avg capacity
- 92 kids
Largest licensed centers in Waco
By licensed capacity on file — bigger programs often mean more openings and age groups. Always verify the current license before enrolling.
All Waco licensed centers
Page 5 of 6Open a listing for the full state-registry record — capacity, age range, contact info, and license issue date.
Frequently asked questions from families searching for child care here.
How many licensed daycare centers are in Waco, Texas?
What's the average daycare cost in Waco?
What staff-to-child ratios apply in Waco daycares?
Are subsidies available for daycare in Waco?
How do I verify a Waco daycare's license?
Where to get childcare help in Waco
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programTexas Workforce Commission CCS (Child Care Services) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(800) 252-9240 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Texas Health and Human Services — Child Care Regulation.
Official license searchChildcare resources for Waco
Data and guidance on this page draw on official government and nonprofit sources.
How this data is sourced. Listings for Waco, Texas are compiled from official Texas Health and Human Services — Child Care Regulation licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 90 Licensed Centers in Waco
Free, no signup, verified directly with Texas Health and Human Services — Child Care Regulation.