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    Texas Workforce Commission Incentivizes Higher Quality for Child Care

    Texas Workforce Commission • Oct 07, 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.

    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.”
    Find an East Texas Provider
    By Workforce Solutions East Texas 11 Apr, 2024
    Are you passionate about children and eager to positively impact their lives? Do you dream of opening your own child care center but feel overwhelmed by the process? Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services (WSET-CCS) is here to help! Why Child Care? Starting a child care center is a significant undertaking, but it's achievable with the proper guidance and resources. WSET-CCS provides personal insights, practical tips, and expert advice to help you navigate the complexities of launching and managing a successful child care business. Partnering with Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services We understand that turning your dream into reality requires more than passion and determination – it requires support and resources. Here's how WSET-CCS can help: Funding Assistance: Securing funding is often one of the biggest challenges for aspiring child care providers. Our team can guide you through grants and funding streams to support establishing and expanding child care centers. Whether you need help covering startup costs or investing in facility upgrades, we can guide you through the application process and connect you with the resources you need to succeed. Support Services: Starting a child care business involves many tasks, from developing a business plan to navigating regulatory requirements. Our team provides personalized support services to help you confidently tackle these challenges. Experienced staff offers guidance from licensing and accreditation to curriculum development and staff training, ensuring you have the knowledge and resources to operate a high-quality childcare center. Hiring Assistance: Building a team of qualified and dedicated staff is essential for the success of your child care center. Workforce Solutions East Texas offers recruitment and hiring assistance to help you find the right candidates for your organization. Whether you're looking for teachers, caregivers, or administrative staff, their job placement services can connect you with talented individuals who share your passion for early childhood education. Professional Development: Continuous learning and professional development are crucial to staying competitive in the child care industry. Our team provides resources for in-person and online training programs and workshops to help you enhance your skills and knowledge as a childcare provider. Our resources empower you to grow and thrive as a child care provider, from early childhood education best practices to business management strategies. Join Our Community! Are you ready to turn your vision of owning a child care center into a reality? We're here to support you every step of the way. Give us a call or meet with one of our staff members to learn more. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community. Let's embark on this exciting journey together!
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