TX HHS Form 2948. Plan of Operation for Licensed Center and Home Operations

Form 2948 is a core document required for anyone seeking to operate a Licensed Child Care Center or a Licensed Child Care Home in Texas. It outlines how the applicant plans to meet the state’s minimum standards for child safety, staff qualifications, recordkeeping, physical space, and communication with families. While the form may appear straightforward at first glance, it reflects a detailed set of regulatory expectations found in the Texas Human Resources Code and 26 TAC (Texas Administrative Code) Chapters 744, 746, and 747. A clear, well-prepared Plan of Operation helps licensing staff understand exactly how the future child-care operation will be run — and speeds up the approval of your permit.

Purpose of the Form

The Plan of Operation serves as your operational blueprint. Licensing inspectors review it to ensure that your policies, staffing model, floor plan, training procedures, and emergency preparation align with state child-care regulations. This plan also becomes the baseline for evaluating your center during inspections and future compliance reviews.

Who Must Complete the Form

• Applicants for a Licensed Child Care Center
• Applicants for a Licensed Child Care Home
• Applicants expanding or relocating their current operation (if required by licensing)

The form must be completed by the permit holder, governing body designee, or primary caregiver, depending on the type of operation.

Key Sections of Form 2948 Explained

I. Permit Holder Responsibilities

1. Responsible Personnel
This section identifies the individuals accountable for maintaining continuous compliance with Texas minimum standards. Inspectors rely on this information to know whom to contact and who is ultimately responsible for operations.

Common mistakes:

• Listing someone who is not regularly present at the operation.
• Assigning responsibility to multiple people without clear decision-making hierarchy.

2. Person in Charge When the Director Is Absent
You must name a qualified individual able to perform all director-level duties. Texas licensing expects this person to be trained, competent, and readily available.

Typical mistake: Naming a staff member who lacks required documentation or training.

3. Maintenance of Records
Applicants must explain how they will keep children’s records, staff records, caregiver training logs, and household member information updated. This includes storage, accessibility, and retention procedures.

4. Communication with Parents
You must describe how parents will receive important information — including policy updates, injuries, illnesses, communicable disease notices, and general announcements.

Effective methods include:

• Parent communication apps
• Email or text alerts
• Daily reports
• Bulletin boards at the center

5. Background Check Tracking
You must document how you send background checks to licensing and how you track renewal dates (required every five years). Most operations use digital reminders or HR software.

6. Employee Orientation
This section requires a detailed orientation description covering safety, emergency procedures, abuse prevention, building hazards, hazardous materials handling, transportation rules, and operational policies. Inspectors may request a copy of your entire orientation curriculum.

7. Annual Training for Caregivers
Explain how your operation ensures that each caregiver receives required annual training hours outlined in Texas Administrative Code.

8. Preservice Training (Centers Only)
Applicants must indicate whether new caregivers will receive preservice training on-site or whether only pre-qualified staff will be hired.

II. Operation / Physical Facilities

This section focuses on the physical environment. Applicants must show how the facility meets space requirements, equipment standards, and age-appropriate materials.

Key requirement: Each child must have at least 30 square feet of usable indoor activity space. A floor plan must be attached that shows each age group and the maximum number of children assigned to each room.

Common issues include:

• Incorrect square footage calculations
• Missing floor plans
• Rooms not designated by age group

Examples of Real-World Situations Where This Form Is Required

• A retired teacher plans to open a small child care home for six children and needs to demonstrate compliance with space, safety, and training rules.
• A nonprofit organization wants to open a full-day child care center as part of its community outreach program.
• An existing child care center is relocating to a larger building and must submit an updated Plan of Operation.
• A business opening an employer-sponsored child care facility must provide detailed operational documentation to licensing.

Documents Typically Needed When Submitting Form 2948

• Floor plan with room usage and square footage
• Emergency preparedness plan
• Orientation and training curriculum
• Staff qualification records
• Transportation policies (if applicable)
• Health and safety procedures

Practical Tips for Completing the Form

• Write clearly and concisely — inspectors should immediately understand your procedures.
• Prepare and attach all supplementary documents before submitting your application.
• Double-check all names, job titles, and roles for accuracy.
• Use consistent terminology throughout the form (e.g., “director,” “primary caregiver”).
• Ensure your orientation curriculum matches what you describe in the form.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need Form 2948 if I am only caring for a few children?
  Yes, if you are applying for a licensed operation. Unlicensed operations follow different rules.
• Does the state verify my floor plan?
  Yes. Inspectors review your floor plan and confirm measurements during the on-site inspection.
• Can I change my plan later?
  Yes, but major changes may require notifying licensing or updating your permit.
• Who reviews this form?
  A Child Care Licensing (CCL) representative assigned to your region.
• How long does approval take?
  Time varies by region, completeness of documents, and inspection scheduling.

Micro-FAQ (Short Answers)

• Purpose? To document how your child care operation will meet state minimum standards.
• Who files? Applicants for licensed child care centers or homes.
• Deadline? Submitted with the initial application package.
• Attachments? Floor plan, training curriculum, safety procedures.
• Submitted to? Texas Child Care Licensing (CCL).
• Why required? Texas law mandates proof of operational readiness.
• Legally binding? Yes — it becomes the basis for compliance inspections.
• Can it delay approval? Yes, if incomplete or vague.

Related Forms

• Texas Emergency Preparedness Plan Template
• Background Check Request Form
• Child Care Center Application Packet
• Child Care Home Application Packet

Form Details

• Form Name: Plan of Operation for Licensed Center and Home Operations
• Form Number: 2948
• State: Texas
• Revision Date: June 2020