Parents may choose a relative to care for their child, however, the relative must meet the requirements of child care regulations for becoming a listed family home. Family members who may be eligible will be at least 18 years old and be the child’s grandparent, great grandparent, aunt, uncle, or sibling.
You may qualify if you can say YES to the following questions:
If you answered YES to all of these questions, if your family meets eligibility requirements, and if WSCT has funds available, we may pay a portion of your family’s child care costs. You may be responsible for a co-payment based on the family’s income. Please fill out an application and submit it to us. If you meet a priority group, supporting documentation needs to be provided.
Selecting child care is an important decision. You will make the best possible choice for you and your child if you have strong knowledge of what you should expect when you are shopping around for care. Download “A Parent’s Guide to Choosing Care” to assist you with your search.
Selection of the child care provider is the parents’ choice so long as the provider is licensed or registered through the Child Care Licensing (CCL) Division of the Texas Health and Human Services or operated and monitored by the U.S. military services, and who is also authorized with WSCT. To ensure your child gets into a high-quality program, we recommend you choose a Certified Texas Rising Star provider or a provider participating in another recognized quality improvement program.
Parents may choose a relative to care for their child, however, the relative must meet the requirements of child care regulations for becoming a listed family home. Family members who may be eligible will be at least 18 years old and be the child’s grandparent, great grandparent, aunt, uncle, or sibling. Click here to find the Guidelines for listed family homes.
Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is a statewide program within the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for families with children birth up to age 3, with developmental delays, disabilities or certain medical diagnoses that may impact development.
Head Start and Early Head Start programs help prepare children to start school and provide services to support their mental, social, and emotional development. Families who have low incomes or meet other requirements may be eligible for Head Start. More information is available here.
Members of the armed services may receive help paying for child care in the community where they live if they are unable to access care on their base. Find details about eligibility requirements and apply at Child Care Aware of America.
See also: Army Fee Assistance Programs
The goal of WIC is to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 by providing nutritious foods, information on healthy eating, and health care referrals. Most WIC programs provide vouchers that moms can use at approved grocery stores. Learn more about WIC and locate a WIC office.
Tax credits reduce the amount of tax you owe and may result in a refund. To claim tax credits you need to meet certain qualifications and file a return, even if you have no other filing requirement or owe no tax.
Child and dependent care tax credit: This credit is available to people who pay for child care so they can work or look for work.
Earned income tax credit: This is a tax credit for people with moderate and low incomes.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services site offers information on child care regulations, standards & regulations, and information for child care Professionals.
Child Care Search (Inspection Reports are also available in the search results)
Don’t Be in the Dark About Child Care – Find out the facts before entrusting your child to someone else.
The Children’s Health Insurance Program is designed for families who earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid health care, yet cannot afford to buy private insurance. To learn more, click here
The Workforce Solutions Of Central Texas System Is An Equal Opportunity Employer/Programs. Equal Opportunity Is The Law.
Auxiliary Aids And Services Are Available Upon Request To People With Disabilities.
Relay Texas: 711 • TDD: 1-800-735-2989 • Voice: 1-800-735-2988
