TWC Increases 2022 Child Care Relief Funding by $1 Billion to Strengthen Workforce

Texas Workforce Commission • February 3, 2022

$3.4 Billion Now Available to Eligible Providers, Plus Additional $75 Million Approved to Defray Startup Costs for New Child Care Businesses

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) this week approved an additional $1 billion in direct support for the Texas child care industry, increasing available funds for the 2022 Child Care Relief Fund (CCRF) to a total of $3.4 billion — with an estimated average award of over $250,000 per provider. In addition to the $1 billion approved for CCRF, the Commission has also approved an additional $75 million aimed to defray startup costs for new child care providers across the state.


The 2022 CCRF, now at $3.4 billion in available funds, is intended to help child care providers address the impacts of COVID-19. Eligible providers may use these funds in a variety of ways to support their program’s operating costs. Examples include supporting staff recruitment and retention by enhancing the benefits they provide to their employees such as paid time off and free or low-cost child care for their employees’ children. Other employee benefits could include signing bonuses, retention bonuses, wage stipends, or hazard pay.


The $75 million in additional funding aims to support the expansion of available regulated child care, which has declined following the pandemic and assist potential new child care providers. This funding may be used by new child care businesses to help support the initial costs of opening a new child care program, including, but not limited to: 

  • Indoor equipment and furnishings (cribs, changing tables, bookshelves, chairs, tables, rugs, etc.)
  • Office furnishings and equipment (desks, chairs, filing cabinets, computers, software, printers, etc.)
  • Outdoor equipment (playgrounds, shade structures, toys, balls, fencing, infant strollers, etc.)
  • Kitchen supplies, excluding food (appliances, cookware, serving items, etc.)
  • Safety supplies (fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, baby gates, outlet covers, etc.)
  • Education supplies/classroom materials (curriculum, books, toys, etc.)
  • Permitting fees (Child Care Regulation, inspections, etc.)


“TWC remains committed to supporting Texas employers, including those in the child care industry, as they respond to economic and hiring challenges,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “This latest action by TWC on behalf of the child care industry reflects the importance of child care providers not just as small businesses, but as critical support to the workforce needs of our state.”


The $3.4 billion 2022 Child Care Relief Fund is a new opportunity that will help strengthen a vital industry to the state’s workforce by offering direct support for existing child care programs. Beginning this month, over 13,000 eligible child care providers across the state, including licensed and regulated child care centers and homes, will have the opportunity to apply for this one-time stimulus funding.


“Texas’ workforce depends on reliable, quality child care, and the industry itself has faced staffing challenges in light of the pandemic,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “Not only do these funds help strengthen the quality of child care available to Texans, but they also offer needed support for wages, benefits, and more to those working in child care centers and homes.”


Child Care Relief Funding award amounts are based upon provider size, type, and the average cost of child care in their area. Through the first round of Child Care Relief Funding in 2021, approximately $581 million was awarded to more than 9,500 child care providers who received, on average, over $60,000 each in support. With the new 2022 CCRF opportunity, this year’s eligible providers have access to $3.4 billion and with an estimated average award of over $250,000.


“These funds will go a long way toward supporting our irreplaceable child care providers,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “Supporting our child care businesses across the state is a win-win situation for our Texas employers, their staff, and families that are seeking child care in order to remain and rejoin the workforce.”


Eligible child care providers will receive an invitation to apply for funding beginning later this month. For more information and to check eligibility, visit https://www.childcare.texas.gov/ or email CCReliefFunds@Trelliscompany.org.


East Texas Child Care Services

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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