Texas Workforce Commission Incentivizes Higher Quality for Child Care
Texas Workforce Commission • October 7, 2020
The Texas Workforce Commission
(TWC) approved proposed changes to the Texas Rising Star quality rating improvement system for child care providers. Texas Rising Star is a voluntary quality rating system for providers serving subsidized children, recognizing those providers who meet higher standards, going beyond minimum licensing requirements.
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Today’s proposed changes, which are available for public comment through November 23, 2020, will
- Integrate the use of the Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System’s Workforce Registry into the Texas Rising Star program
- Implement a Continuous Quality Improvement framework that would be required for all providers certified or seeking to attain certification in TRS
- Implement new training and certification requirements for TRS Mentor and Assessor staff
- Reorganize and reweight the Texas Rising Star measure categories, increasing the weight assigned to high-quality teacher-child interactions
- Streamline the impact of certain child care licensing deficiencies on Texas Rising Star certification status, allowing more opportunity for technical assistance and program improvement
- “High-quality child care is vital to a robust and effective workforce,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “The Texas Rising Star program encourages higher quality care, which benefits Texas families and strengthens our workforce at the same time.”
In addition, TWC is also proposing changes that impact all providers serving children receiving child care subsidies. All subsidy providers will be required to meet new minimum criteria related to certain licensing deficiencies cited by Child Care Regulation. Providers meeting this new subsidy requirement will be designated as Pre-Star Providers and will be eligible to pursue Texas Rising Star certification.
“Texas workers depend on child care,” said Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “Ensuring that care is provided at a higher standard protects children and gives peace of mind to more Texans as they return to work.”
These changes were informed by the Texas Rising Star Workgroup, which met for over a year to conduct a comprehensive review and develop recommendations for the TWC's consideration. TWC also held seven stakeholder meetings across the state in February to gather input on improvements to Texas Rising Star.
“Providing high-quality child care for our Texans is a win-win situation which contributes directly to the success of our state,” said Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “It improves a person’s ability to find and keep a secure job, while also helping our Texas employers meet the challenges of getting Texas back to work during this pandemic and beyond.”
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.
