Child Care

In Texas, children age 6 and older are required to attend school. Children below that age are typically:
1) Cared for at home by a parent or relative
2) Cared for at home by a “nanny” who is paid for those services
3) Cared for at a childcare facility where the parents usually pay weekly or monthly for services.

If at home care is preferred, a nanny may be found through a special service provider such as Initiatives for Children (www.initiativesforchildren.org). Recommendations for services can also be obtained from church leaders, colleagues and friends.

Childcare facilities are either home-based (provider cares for children out of his/her home) or center based (care is provided in a school setting). All facilities should be licensed or registered with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (www.dfps.state.tx.us). There are many childcare facilities in the city. Some churches offer childcare programs as well as family neighborhood/recreation facilities such as the YMCA or Neighborhood Centers. There is also a wide variety of corporate and private for profit childcare facilities. The cost of services varies greatly and a wait list may exist. Listings can be found in the telephone book or through recommendations of colleagues/friends. Also, Collaborative for Children (www.collabforchildren.org) provides a vast resource of providers throughout Texas. Many local public schools offer preschool programs (beginning at 3 years of age) for qualified families. Information for these programs can be obtained through the local Independent School District. Another helpful website is www.initiativesforchildren.org/events.html

Currently, the University of Houston provides three options for child care services:

The University of Houston Child Care Center (UHCCC): This facility provides care for children ages 3 months – 5 years. The UHCCC mission is to provide exemplary childcare, for the children of students, staff and faculty at the University of Houston, by offering a model program tailored to ensure the quality of a child's daily experiences. Hours of operation are 7:00am – 6:00pm, Monday through Friday. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack are provided. For more information about the Center and to obtain a Waitlist Application form visit www.uh.edu/ccc or call 713-743-5480.

Human Development Lab School: This facility offers care for children 18 months – 6 years. The mission is to provide quality constructivist education for young children. As a component of the UH Department of Human Development and Consumer Sciences, the lab school serves as a model demonstration program, training site and research site. It is open to the public and offers half-day and full-day programs. The hours of operation are 7:00am – 6:00pm. For more information and to obtain an Application Form for placement on the wait list call 713-743-9111.

University of Houston Charter School: The Charter School is a public school operated independently of the local school board. It serves children age 6 years and older. Its mission is to provide a student-centered curriculum that enhances the intellectual development, technological development, technological fluency and leadership ability of students. It does offer extended care for school age children at a cost. For more information call 713-743-9111.