TWC, HHSC Collaborate to Launch COVID-19 Child Care Resources Website for Essential Workers
Texas Workforce Commission • April 17, 2020
New site, www.FrontlineChildCare.Texas.Gov
will help workers locate safe, regulated child care options near them.
Last week, the state’s Frontline Child Care Task Force (Task Force) launched FrontlineChildCare.Texas.Gov. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), in partnership with the Office of Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA), launched this new website to help essential workers in Texas locate child care during the COVID-19 pandemic. With funding from TWC, the website includes a new Frontline Child Care Availability Portal which allows workers to search for child care facilities near them, as well as hours they are open and the number of seats available.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made it particularly difficult for parents who still have to work in essential jobs, but have young children and need child care,” said TWC Executive Director Ed Serna. “With schools closed, finding an alternative on such short notice is very difficult. Texas needs these essential workers on the job, but they need the peace of mind of having a safe, regulated facility to take care of their children.”
The Governor’s Frontline Child Care Task Force, which includes representatives from TWC, HHSC, TEA and THECB, worked collaboratively on the project. The Task Force recommends that in order to adhere to the best standards of social distancing, if you are able to have a family member, relative, or trusted neighbor care for you children in lieu of a childcare provider, we encourage you to do so. For some workers, this can be difficult. The new Availability Portal will feature a map of licensed child care centers, licensed child care homes, and registered child care homes to help families find one that works for them. It will also include links to inspection and compliance records for each operation provided by HHSC, which regulates child care operations in Texas.
“To support this effort, we reached out to child care providers all over the state and have seen a tremendous response from those who are willing and able to step up and offer care for children whose family members are on the front lines during this COVID crisis," said David Kostroun, Deputy Executive Commissioner of Regulatory Services for HHSC. “Our goal is to make it easier for people in essential jobs to find safe, regulated child care operations they can rely on during this time.”
TWC recently allocated $200,000,000 in funds to help essential workers cover the cost of child care during COVID-19. For details on how to apply, please contact your local workforce development board or visit: https://twc.texas.gov/news/covid-19-resources-child-care. The www.FrontlineChildCare.Texas.Gov
website also will help parents find basic information about child care: health and safety, regulations and step-by-step instructions for applying for a child care subsidy.
Source: Texas Workforce Commission
Tuesday, August 4 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler
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).
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.
