TWC Approves Additional Funding to Support Employers, Child Care Providers, Families
Texas Workforce Commission • March 7, 2023
Child care funding allocations will help more lower-income families and bolster business for providers
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is investing nearly $173 million for several child care initiatives to support Texas families and expand the child care industry. The initiatives include free business coaching for providers, additional funding for financial aid for lower-income families in child care services, and assistance for launching employer-supported child care.
“The child care industry is essential to the success of the Texas economy,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “These strategic investments created by TWC support both businesses and families with Texas ingenuity and resourcefulness.”
Employers, child care and early learning providers, and families are encouraged to utilize the latest resources made available by TWC, including:
- Dedicated $12 million for TWC to procure technical assistance to employers exploring employer child care programs on-site or nearby. This funding will aid businesses in conducting a needs analysis and developing a business plan.
- Added $84 million in funding to expand capacity in child care deserts, infant care, and employer partnerships. Interest has been high for the initial expansion funding with more than 500 applications already approved, increasing capacity over 25,000 seats across Texas. Applications for employer-supported child care are still being accepted here through Nov. 30, 2023.
- Continued business coaching to benefit Texas child care providers, with nearly 2,000 businesses utilizing the free service since TWC began the program in 2021. Coaching services will be provided through 2024 with an additional $18 million. Request a business coach.
- Additional funding support for child care services will allow TWC to continue to support 140,000 children receiving daily child care services across Texas. Apply for financial assistance.
“Texas child care providers will continue to put these extra funds to good use through business coaching, and partnerships that create a successful and family-friendly business strategy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “This funding also rewards innovation by giving our child care employers the necessary tools they need to expand their business plans.”
- Additionally, TWC will provide $2.7 million to Dallas College as a pilot to support degree completion by early childhood educators by developing a competency-based online core curriculum that will impact 500 early childhood educators by fall 2024.
- To ensure child care resources reach the necessary portions of the industry, TWC maintains child care by the numbers website. Approximately $1 million will support additional resources to make child care data, analytics, and resources publicly available.
“Quality child care is a vital resource for a large portion of the labor force in the Lone Star State,” remarked TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Supporting child care services not only supports the working parents, but also their children who are the future workforce of Texas.”
These allocations direct funding to initiatives created by TWC to support the child care industry and families. This is the final portion of the $5.9 billion allocated from federal stimulus funding. For more information about the child care relief funding and expanding initiatives, visit our website. TWC and its local Workforce Solutions partners serve parents and child care providers.
For more on resources available, visit the TWC Child Care website.
Texas recorded a total of 14,461,300 nonfarm jobs after shedding 11,100 positions in September. Over the year, the state added 154,300 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.1 percent, outpacing the national rate by 0.8 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,948,400 after adding 15,800 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 3,600 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.4 percent. “The addition of more than 154,000 jobs over the year reflects balanced growth across Texas industries,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “Texas continues to outpace the nation because of innovative programs like Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants, which are equipping students with skills that help businesses compete today and plan for tomorrow.” The Manufacturing industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in September after adding 4,700 jobs. Professional and Business Services added 1,600 jobs over the month while Information added 1,400. “The 15.9 million Texans in our labor force drive our economy, and TWC is dedicated to fueling their success,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Through statewide initiatives like our annual Hiring Red, White & You! career fairs and the Texas HireAbility campaign, we are actively connecting Texans of all abilities with the critical training and resources they need to build prosperous, lifelong careers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.2 percent in September. It was followed by the Abilene, Amarillo, College Station-Bryan, and San Angelo MSAs, which registered at 3.5 percent. “TWC is focused on ensuring that every Texan can find a rewarding career that allows them to contribute their unique skills and experiences to our economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Initiatives like this month’s Texas HireAbility campaign help strengthen our communities and allow Texas businesses to tap into a dedicated and driven talent pool.” 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 . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for September is scheduled to be released on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).
This November, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is hosting the 15th Annual Hiring Red, White & You! event series. The series includes nearly 30 hiring events across the state from Nov. 2-20 to connect veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses to Texas employers. "Texas is the best place for veterans and military families,” said Governor Greg Abbott. "More than 1.4 million veterans call our great state home. Their skills and leadership make our economy stronger. These hiring events put their talents to work." "Texas is proud to be home to more than 1.4 million veterans, whose unmatched leadership, dedication, and technical skills make them invaluable assets to our state's economy,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Hiring Red, White & You! initiative is our way of thanking these brave men and women by directly connecting them with world-class career opportunities in Texas.” TWC partners on the events with Texas Workforce Solutions, Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), and the Texas Medical Center. “As a Navy veteran, I know firsthand the value veterans bring to the workplace,” said Texas Veterans Commission Chairwoman Laura Koerner. “Hiring Red, White & You! creates important opportunities for veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses across Texas. We’re grateful to the Governor, our friends at TWC, employers and all of our partners who work alongside us to serve those who served.” Since 2012, these free hiring events have connected more than 28,000 employers with 167,000 job seekers, including 56,157 active-duty military, transitioning service members, veterans, and their spouses. Hiring Red, White & You! events have also resulted in more than 4,100 same-day hires. “Texas veterans and military spouses possess a world-class work ethic and diverse talents that are ready to be put to work today,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “Through the Hiring Red, White & You! event series, we are making sure our military community has the direct connections they need to find rewarding, high-demand careers that honor their service.” Employers can participate in Hiring Red, White & You! at no cost and are encouraged to visit TWC’s Hiring Red, White & You page for more information. Through the WeHireVets initiative, TWC also recognizes businesses in which veterans make up at least 10% of the workforce. “Hiring a veteran is more than a way to honor their service—it's also a smart business decision that brings valuable skills and experience to the workplace,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Through programs like Hiring Red, White & You! and WeHireVets recognition, we are encouraging employers to tap into this highly skilled talent pool.” The local event in Tyler will take place on Nov. 10th at 1421 S. Beckham, Tyler, TX 75701, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For information on all veteran workforce services available in Texas, visit twc.texas.gov/veterans .
Workforce Solutions East Texas is seeking employer partners for Hiring Red, White & You!, the local celebration of Texas’ statewide veterans hiring event. Join us on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Tyler Workforce Center, 1421 S. Beckham Ave., Tyler. The opening ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by the hiring event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hiring Red, White & You! connects employers with veterans, transitioning service members, military spouses, and other qualified East Texas job seekers. It is an opportunity to meet candidates whose military experience often reflects leadership, adaptability, communication skills, and a strong commitment to service. This event is open to the public, making it an excellent opportunity to promote current openings and build your organization’s talent pipeline. Employer participation is available at no cost. Across Texas, Hiring Red, White & You! events have connected more than 26,000 employers with 153,000 job seekers, including more than 52,000 veterans. Employers who hire qualifying veterans may also be eligible for federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit benefits of up to $9,600 per eligible hire. Reserve your employer space today by registering at www.EastTexasWorkforce.org/hrwy .
