Texas Workforce Commission Provides Additional Support for Creation and Expansion of Child Care Businesses in Texas

Texas Workforce Commission • June 1, 2022

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is offering start-up funding to support three goals — the expansion of child care in areas of the state that lack sufficient child care capacity, the additional supply of child care for infants, and child care created in partnership with employers. The Commission approved $75 million to increase the number of high-quality child care providers for working parents, including these new start-up grants. 


“The demand for child care is increasing as Texas continues record-setting job creation,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “This program is intended to reduce the financial barriers associated with expanding centers or opening new centers.” 


Funding is available for child care center and home-based providers opening or expanding capacity after March 1, 2022:

  1. In a child care desert, defined as an area where the number of children younger than six years of age who have working parents is at least three times greater than the capacity of licensed child care providers in the area. Check the zip code here.
  2. In partnership with an employer or consortium of employers; and/or
  3. To serve infants (0-17 months) across the state.


The initiative, paid for with a portion of the state’s $5.86 billion in federal child care stimulus funding, is intended to reduce the costs of opening or expanding a child care program. The funds can be used for indoor and outdoor equipment and furnishings, educational resources, classroom and kitchen supplies, permitting fees, staffing costs, minor renovations, and outreach costs to recruit families and staff.


“We must find innovative ways to increase the capacity of child care providers for working families, especially for those with infants and those who live in child care deserts,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “This funding will also benefit child care industry workers as they care for our most precious resource in the Lone Star State: our children.”


Child care providers may be eligible to receive up to two awards: A Start-Up Award and an Initial Operating Award. Prospective providers interested in receiving funding must develop and complete a viable business plan. A free business coach is available for those applying, and one will be assigned if a business plan is not ready for approval.


“The child care industry is crucial to our state’s economy and the federal stimulus funding, totaling $5.86 billion, will continue to support the needs of the child care industry and Texas families,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “These funds not only come at a critical time for providers and families, they are essential to Texas employers as they work to recruit and retain individuals who need child care in order to be able to work.”


The Child Care Provider Expansion Initiative will open in June 2022. To learn more about this opportunity, go to the Child Care Provider Expansion Initiative website. You can also watch recorded information sessions about the program and application process.

WSET Child Care

Texas Adds Jobs as Labor Force Grows by 21,700

December 15, 2025
Texas had a total of 14,343,800 nonfarm jobs after adding 4,600 positions in September. Over the year, the state added 168,000 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,879,000 after adding 21,700 people over the month and reaching a new record high level for the series. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 164,000 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas was stable at 4.1 percent. “Texas’ job market and labor force continue to grow because we have a dynamic workforce system that fosters opportunity for businesses and workers alike,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “TWC will continue to provide the resources and support needed to keep this momentum and ensure that Texas remains a national leader in economic opportunity.” The Construction industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in September after adding 4,300 jobs. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 2,000 jobs over the month while Other Services added 1,500. In addition, Leisure and Hospitality posted an annual growth rate of 2.2 percent in September, which was the highest of any major industry. “TWC's investments are key to the success of Texas' resilient workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Alberto Treviño III. “Training programs, apprenticeships, and child care will enable Texans to prosper in our economy.” Among metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in Texas, the Amarillo and Midland MSAs had the lowest unemployment rates with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent, followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.4 percent. “TWC is upholding Texas’ reputation as the best state to live and work by ensuring job seekers and businesses alike have the support and resources they need to find success in our robust Texas economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “TWC will continue to facilitate economic growth across the state by connecting job seekers with employers and providing job training for Texans.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. * All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com .

Honoring Our Heroes: Workforce Solutions East Texas Supports Veterans at Homeless Veterans Stand Down

November 20, 2025
In Tyler, Texas, veterans are never forgotten—and on November 13, 2025, the Homeless Veterans Stand Down hosted by CampV proved that in a powerful way. The event brought together community organizations, service providers, and volunteers to honor those who have served our country, offering a day of hope, resources, and connection for veterans experiencing homelessness. Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) was proud to be in attendance, providing veterans with guidance on employment opportunities, programs, and services, as well as explaining the priority of service available to every veteran we serve. Our staff met veterans where they are, listening to their stories, understanding their challenges, and helping them take steps toward stability, self-sufficiency, and renewed purpose. The atmosphere was one of respect and gratitude. Each handshake, conversation, and shared smile reflected the deep appreciation our community has for those who have dedicated their lives to service. Veterans were able to connect with potential employers, learn about training programs, and explore the array of support services designed to help them rebuild their lives. Events like the Homeless Veterans Stand Down are more than outreach, they are a reminder that no veteran stands alone. They highlight the resilience, courage, and determination of those who have served, and the profound impact of a community willing to step up and support them. Workforce Solutions East Texas remains committed to ensuring that every veteran has access to the resources, guidance, and opportunities they deserve. By meeting veterans with empathy, respect, and actionable solutions, we help transform uncertainty into hope, and challenges into possibilities.  Through events like this, we are reminded that honoring our heroes is not just about words, it is about action, care, and unwavering support for those who have given so much for our nation.

Vocational Rehabilitation Spotlight: What does “Individualized Services” mean?

November 20, 2025
One key factor and benefit for individuals with disabilities in the Vocational Rehabilitation Services program is VR’s commitment to Individualized Services when seeking employment assistance. But what does that mean to the people receiving these services? One of the key factors and benefits for individuals with disabilities in going through the Vocational Rehabilitation Services program when seeking assistance with employment is VR’s commitment to Individualized Services. But what does that mean to the people receiving these services? Every person who comes to VR has a different goal, a different disability, and a different life experience. This means that two people with the same diagnosis (for instance, hearing loss) may receive vastly different services. If the first person to come in with hearing loss is in their 50s, has worked in a highly physical and loud environment their entire life, and is looking to get assistance so that they can keep their current job but hear over the radio or during safety meetings, they may receive counseling related to hearing aids, as well as how to protect their existing hearing and ensure that the hearing aids they do get are able to withstand high temperatures, won’t move around when they are sweating, and ensure that they are able to dry thoroughly at the end of each day. The second person may be attending school with the goal of going into the medical field. The challenges they face would be ensuring that they can hear their instructors and may require assistance from another student as a Note Taker, different styles of hearing aids that connect directly with medical equipment such as a specialized stethoscope, or even a microphone that can be clipped to the instructor or clinician to ensure the customer can hear them properly while learning. Even when looking into who is going to provide these services, whether it be Job Placement, Medical Assistance, Assistive Devices, or Education Assistance, each customer has the right to make an Informed Choice. Your counselor will review the recommended services, go over any pros and cons, and discuss the availability of providers that have existing contracts with the agency so that the person receiving the service or item is able to make the choice that suits them best with as much information as possible, rather than having no say in how their case will go. If you or someone you know has a disability, medical or mental health diagnosis that is impacting their ability to go to work or advance in their careers, please reach out to Vocational Rehabilitation Services today!
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