TX HHS Form 7260. Children's Records Evaluation of Child Care Centers

Form 7260 is an inspection and compliance documentation tool used in Texas licensed child care centers to evaluate children’s records. The form allows Child Care Regulation (CCR) staff and providers to confirm that required child records are present, complete, and aligned with state standards at the time of inspection.

This form helps ensure that child care operations maintain accurate records that protect children’s health, safety, and well-being, while also demonstrating compliance with Texas Administrative Code requirements.

Purpose of Form 7260

The primary purpose of Form 7260 is to document the review of children’s records during a licensing inspection. It provides a structured checklist tied directly to regulatory citations, allowing inspectors and providers to clearly see which required records are present and which are missing or incomplete.

The form also serves as written evidence of compliance or non-compliance and may support follow-up actions, corrective measures, or monitoring activities.

When This Form Is Required

Form 7260 must be completed during licensing inspections at licensed child care centers. Typical situations include:

• Routine or scheduled licensing inspections
• Follow-up inspections after corrective actions
• Monitoring visits to verify record compliance
• Inspections prompted by complaints or incidents

The form is not required outside of inspection or monitoring activities and is not used for daily recordkeeping.

Who Uses and Completes the Form

The form may be used by:

• Child Care Regulation (CCR) inspectors
• Licensing staff conducting compliance evaluations
• Child care center administrators supporting inspections

While inspectors typically complete the form, providers are expected to supply the records being evaluated and may review the results.

Explanation of Key Sections

Operation Information

This section identifies the child care operation, including the operation name and evaluation date. Accuracy here ensures the evaluation is properly linked to the correct licensed center.

Child Identification

The child’s name is listed for each record evaluated. The minimum number of records reviewed is determined by the operation’s licensed capacity.

Regulatory Checklist (Texas Administrative Code)

This section forms the core of the evaluation. Each item corresponds to a specific Texas Administrative Code citation and requires a “Yes,” “No,” or “Not Applicable” response.

Items evaluated include:

• Child’s name and date of birth
• Home address and phone number
• Admission date
• Parent or guardian contact information
• Emergency contact details
• Release and transportation permissions
• Field trip and water activity permissions
• Health care information and emergency authorization
• Special care statements and allergy plans
• School information and transportation permissions for school-age children
• Operational policy acknowledgment
• Health care provider statements and immunization records

Evaluation Responses

Each regulatory requirement is marked to show whether the record is present and compliant. Missing or incomplete records are clearly identified for follow-up.

Practical Tips for Child Care Providers

• Review child records regularly, not just before inspections.
• Ensure all permissions and authorizations are signed and current.
• Update health and immunization records as required.
• Organize records so they are easy to access during inspections.
• Verify school-age permissions apply only where appropriate.

Common Compliance Mistakes

• Missing emergency contact or release information
• Outdated health care provider statements
• Incomplete allergy or special care documentation
• Permissions not signed or dated by parents
• Applying “Not Applicable” incorrectly

Legal and Regulatory Context

Form 7260 is governed by Texas Administrative Code Chapter 746, which sets minimum standards for licensed child care centers. State regulations require providers to maintain complete and accurate child records to ensure child safety, emergency readiness, and parental communication.

Failure to maintain required records may result in deficiencies, corrective actions, or enforcement measures.

Real-Life Situations Where This Form Is Used

• A licensing inspector reviews selected child files during a routine inspection.
• A center undergoes a follow-up visit to verify corrected record deficiencies.
• A complaint investigation includes a review of child health and safety records.

Documents Commonly Reviewed with This Form

• Child enrollment forms
• Parental consent and permission forms
• Health care provider statements
• Immunization records
• Special care and allergy plans

Frequently Asked Questions

How many child records must be reviewed?

The minimum number is based on the licensed capacity of the operation.

Who completes Form 7260?

It is typically completed by Child Care Regulation inspection staff.

Is this form used for family child care homes?

No, it is specific to licensed child care centers.

Can providers complete the form themselves?

Providers may review it, but it is usually completed during inspections.

What happens if records are missing?

Missing records may result in findings and required corrective actions.

Does this form replace daily recordkeeping?

No, it documents inspection findings only.

Related Forms

• Child Enrollment Form
• Health Care Provider Statement
• Immunization Record Form
• Parental Permission and Authorization Forms

Form Details

• Form Name: Children’s Records Evaluation of Child Care Centers
• Form Number: 7260
• Program: Child Care Regulation
• State: Texas
• Revision Date: October 2025