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
Wednesday, November 5 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Maude Cobb Convention Center
SNAP Benefits are not handled by Workforce Solutions East Texas offices. Our staff members cannot assist with your inquiries regarding the Federal Government Shutdown's effect on your benefits. To aid in these concerns, we are sharing information below from Texas Health and Human Services . 2025 Federal Government Shutdown With the federal government shut down, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is monitoring how it may impact your benefits. Check this page for updates . SNAP SNAP benefits for November won’t be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 27. WIC WIC benefits are not affected currently. TANF TANF benefits are not affected currently. Medicaid Medicaid is not affected currently. CHIP CHIP is not affected currently. Find answers about SNAP and other benefits in the Federal Government Shutdown FAQ (PDF) .
We are pleased to introduce the newest officers of our Board of Directors: Chair Gene Keenon, Municipal Services Manager at Republic Services, and Vice Chair Pam Pearson, Administrator of the Wills Point Economic Development Corporation. Keenon represents the Private Business sector and was appointed to the board on December 23, 2014. Pearson represents Economic Development and was appointed on March 17, 2015. Both have dedicated many years to the board and served as chairs of subcommittees, bringing valuable experience and insights to guide the board in supporting our community. "It is a great honor to accept the appointment as Chairman of the Board for the East Texas Workforce Solutions and to serve as a representative of the private business community. I am deeply committed to advancing the mission and values of this exceptional organization," said Keenon. "Having the privilege of doing business throughout all 14 counties in our region, I understand both the challenges and opportunities that exist within our workforce. I pledge to represent our entire area with integrity, dedication, and a steadfast focus on the prosperity and well-being of our citizens. "The Board’s team of dedicated and diverse volunteers plays a vital role in overseeing millions of dollars in training and financial aid programs that empower individuals through childcare support, education, and job-readiness. I have witnessed firsthand the importance of these services—growing up watching my own mother work tirelessly to support her family as a single mom without a high school education —and I know how transformative such resources can be. "Our collective mission is to improve the quality of life for all East Texans. That mission is also my personal goal, and I am eager to work alongside these board members and dedicated staff to strengthen our communities and expand opportunities for all." The Workforce Solutions East Texas Board works with the region’s chief elected officials and sets local workforce policy. The volunteer board is made up mostly of private sector members, along with representatives from labor, education, and community organizations. We proudly serve Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. “I am truly honored by the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board," said Pearson. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of leaders who share a strong commitment to strengthening our workforce and supporting the employers, families, and communities across our region. I have great confidence in the talent, experience, and collaboration of this board as we continue advancing opportunities for East Texans.” We look forward to Keenon and Pearson’s leadership as we plan initiatives that support local businesses and economic growth. Join us in congratulating them at our next Workforce Solutions East Texas Board Meeting on November 12 at our Tyler center located at 4100 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75703.
