TWC approves $1.415 million to continue development of an Early Childhood Integrated Data System
Summary
The Texas Workforce Commission voted to dedicate $1,415,000 in childcare and development funds (50% of a $2.83 million project) to continue development and maintenance of an Early Childhood Integrated Data System in partnership with TEA; staff said federal Preschool Development Grant funding ends March 2026 and TEA will lead privacy safeguards.
The Texas Workforce Commission approved a staff recommendation to dedicate $1,415,000 in TWC childcare and development funds to continue an Early Childhood Integrated Data System (ECIDS) project, splitting costs with the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Reagan Miller, who manages the Childcare and Early Learning Division, told commissioners the ECIDS would integrate data across state agencies to provide a comprehensive view of children and early childhood services. "In Texas, there are several state agencies that operate early childhood programs, and each have IT systems with data on the children served and the services provided. ECIDS would integrate this data, providing a comprehensive view of early childhood programs and services," Miller said.
Miller said the interagency work group began ECIDS planning and design in 2023 using federal Preschool Development Grant (PDG) funds that expire March 2026. To continue development, TWC and TEA are proposing to split the project cost 50/50 through about August 2027 at a total estimated cost of $2,830,000; TWC's share would be $1,415,000.
Commissioners asked about privacy. Miller said TEA has the lead on development and a dedicated attorney group is drafting data privacy and data-sharing agreements; participating programs will have legal review and data-sharing requirements to protect privacy.
Commissioner Trevino moved to approve dedicating $1,415,000 in childcare and development funds to support ECIDS, and the motion passed.
Next steps: staff will implement the funding allocation and TEA-led governance and complete system upgrades necessary to activate priority-waiting-list functionality tied to other childcare rule changes.
