TWC narrows pre-K partnership eligibility, allows single awards to licensed child care homes

The Texas Workforce Commission approved staff-recommended eligibility criteria for its pre-K partnership awards, clarifying which childcare programs qualify for the agency's $25,000 grants and establishing a limited pathway for licensed child care homes.

Reagan Miller, Childcare and Early Learning Division, told commissioners TWC's pre-K partnership funds are intended to support community-based childcare classrooms partnering with local education agencies (LEAs). Staff recommended that childcare programs affiliated with an LEA be ineligible for TWC funding if 3- or 4-star Texas Rising Star providers exist within the LEA's attendance zone. "The intent behind TWC's pre k partnership program is to support partnerships between LEAs and community based childcare programs," Miller said.

Staff also recommended establishing parameters for licensed child care homes: to date TWC has funded only licensed centers, but one LEA expressed interest in partnering with a home-based program. The commission approved allowing childcare homes to be eligible for one award of $13,250, with funds explicitly not allowed for minor repairs or building modifications.

Finally, staff recommended directing new pre-K partnership funding toward partnerships with high-quality LEAs, defined in the discussion paper as those with a district accountability rating of C or higher. Miller said TWC will continue to help providers find eligible high-quality partners even if their local LEA is lower-performing.

Commissioner Trevino moved to approve the eligibility criteria and parameters as recommended by staff; the motion was seconded and the commission approved the changes.

Next steps: staff will apply the eligibility criteria in upcoming pre-K partnership award rounds and incorporate the licensed-home award parameters into program guidance.