TWC Continues Efforts to Increase Availability of Child Care to Military Families

Texas Workforce Commission • November 14, 2022

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is partnering with the Department of Defense (DOD) on the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS (MCCYN-PLUS) program to increase access to child care when on-installation child care is unavailable to military families. In October, MCCYN-PLUS expanded into Texas — the proud home to 15 active duty military installations with an economic impact of over $100 billion.


“Access to child care is crucial for all Texas families, including active duty military personnel who call Texas home,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC’s childcare quality rating program, Texas Rising Star, ensures military families will find quality care for their children.”


Through the program, DOD provides fee assistance to eligible military families to offset the cost of child care when there is no availability on base. The program requires that participating community-based child care programs to be enrolled in the state’s child care quality rating and improvement system. Here in Texas, TWC administers Texas Rising Star to improve child care quality and provide incentives for improving care through enhanced reimbursement. Qualified community child care programs must rate at a Three- or Four-Star certification level to participate in the new program for military families.


“We want to thank our military families for their service. Ensuring access to excellent child care is one way we do that,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “As TWC expands Texas Rising Star, military families will have more options to help them with their child care needs across the state.”


Local community child care programs eligible for MCCYN-PLUS can increase their income by expanding their services to military families. Additionally, the DOD’s expansion of the MCCYN-PLUS program benefits the broader community by raising the quality of child care for both military and civilian families.


“The MCCYN-Plus program is another tool and option available for child care providers, which are primarily small businesses, to participate in Texas Rising Star,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “From free business coaches to child care expansion grants, TWC is here for child care providers to help them grow and improve their businesses.”


For a list of approved MCCYN-PLUS providers in Texas, visit the Child Care Aware® of America webpage. Texas’ military parents can also learn more about Texas Rising Star at www.TexasRisingStar.org. 

August 4th Regionwide Job Fair Employers List

July 28, 2026
Tuesday, August 4 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler

Texas Job Market Grows by More Than 177,000 Positions Over the Year

July 20, 2026
Texas added 43,400 nonfarm jobs in June to reach a total of 14,469,600 positions. Over the year, the state added 177,900 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.9 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,904,900 after adding 3,400 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 29,700 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.4 percent. “Texas’ continued job growth is a testament to the strength of our employers and robust workforce development system,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The addition of more than 177,000 jobs over the year reinforces Texas’ reputation among employers as the best place to start and grow a business.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in June after adding 25,500 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality added 10,300 jobs over the month while Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 6,400. “The growth of the Texas labor market highlights the incredible talent and dedication of our state’s workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas Workforce Commission is committed to ensuring every Texan has the support they need to thrive, whether through training opportunities to gain new skills or specialized programs that help our foster youth transition into successful careers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.6 percent in June. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.9 percent and the Abilene MSA at 4.0 percent. “With an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, Texas continues to outpace the national average and demonstrate economic resilience,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Both job seekers and employers can seek customized career services and recruitment assistance by visiting our TWC website or their local Workforce Solutions office.” 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 July is scheduled to be released on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

Building Connections, Strengthening Child Care

July 20, 2026
Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is proud to partner with the Panola County Chamber of Commerce to support child care leaders across the region. Through this partnership, the Chamber provides a welcoming meeting space for Directors Connect training designed to help early learning program owners and directors connect, learn, and grow together. The partnership was made possible through the support of Keri Perot-Vance, Executive Director of the Panola County Chamber of Commerce, whose commitment to community collaboration helped create a space where child care leaders can come together to share ideas, discuss challenges, and strengthen their leadership skills. The partnership began in 2025 in response to daycare owners expressing a need for accessible training opportunities. Recognizing this need, Panola County Chamber of Commerce graciously offered to host the Directors Connect training in its beautiful historic building. This collaboration provides child care professionals with the opportunity to earn professional development hours required to remain in compliance with Child Care Regulation and Texas Rising Star. Tonia Crawford and Aerial Jones, Business Industry Specialists for Child Care Services and facilitators of Directors Connect, say the program has evolved into so much more than a training opportunity. It has become a space for meaningful conversations, professional connections, and shared solutions. Through these gatherings, directors are strengthening their businesses, growing as leaders, and ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to children and families throughout East Texas. Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is grateful for the Panola County Chamber of Commerce's ongoing support and looks forward to continuing this impactful partnership for years to come. Together, we are investing in stronger leaders, stronger child care programs, and stronger communities.
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