Child Care Services
Child Care Services is funded through the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), which is overseen by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Child Care. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is the lead agency for CCDF in Texas. Local Workforce Development Boards (Boards) administer child care services through the Workforce Solutions offices. CCDF is authorized by the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act and Section 418 of the Social Security Act.
TWC administers the child care program that subsidizes child care for low-income families, promoting long-term self-sufficiency by enabling parents to work or attend workforce training or education activities. It also educates parents and families about the availability of quality child care, which enhances children’s early learning.
Child Care Services Eligibility
Eligible families of children under the age of 13 may receive child care financial assistance so that parents can work, attend school, or participate in training. Eligible families may choose from the following providers that meet local and state requirements:
- Licensed child care centers
- Licensed or registered child care homes
- Relative (i.e., family member) providers
Eligibility requirements may vary by Board. Families can find information on child care services, local transportation options, food and housing assistance, and other resources at TWC’s Employment Support Resources.
Child care and early learning programs can find information on child care and preschool certification, child care and early learning program accreditation, child referral and attendance tracking, and training and credentialing opportunities at TWC’s Child Care Programs’ Resources.
In addition to offering Child Care Services, Boards partner with regulated child care and early learning programs to improve the quality of child care. Quality improvement activities and supports may vary by Board.