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

Texas Adds More than 46,000 Jobs in March

May 1, 2026
This is a subtitle for your new post

Resilient Texas Job Market Shows Industry-Specific Growth as Unemployment Remains Stable

April 22, 2026
The total number of nonfarm jobs in Texas registered at 14,354,600 after decreasing by 8,500 positions in February. Over the year, the state added 73,800 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.5 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,941,800 after decreasing by 13,400 over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 121,200 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remained stable at 4.3 percent. “Texas’ over-the-year growth trajectory remains strong because we have cultivated a pro-business climate that helps employers grow and generate new opportunities for working Texans,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Texas Workforce Commission is investing strategically in programs that foster long-term economic prosperity across all regions of our state.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in February after adding 6,300 jobs. In addition, Manufacturing added 2,500 jobs over the month while Information added 200. Construction posted the highest annual growth rate of any major industry for the 19th month in a row at 2.7 percent in February. “The addition of more than 121,000 people to the labor force over the year reinforces the need to make sure all Texans can participate in—and benefit from—our evolving economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas workforce system is addressing the needs of today while anticipating those of tomorrow through initiatives like Texas Intern Network, which connects young Texans with employers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent in February. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.5 percent and the Abilene MSA at 3.6 percent. “The foundations of the Texas economy are strong, and our employers and workers are resilient and adaptable,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “It’s encouraging to see robust growth surging across key industries like Construction and Professional and Business Services, signaling that there is ample cause for optimism.” 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 March is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT). 

TWC Announces Funding Opportunity for Adult Diploma Workforce Program

April 22, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for its Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. This funding opportunity is intended to support programs that help adult learners in Texas obtain a high-school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop employability skills. The Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is designed to create new career pathways for adult learners. The program connects adults who have not completed high school with education providers that offer a combination of academic instruction, career training, and supportive coaching. Eligible applicants must be authorized to grant a high school diploma in Texas or partner with an accredited entity that is authorized. Applicants are also required to have at least two years of experience in dropout reengagement services for adult students. This includes experience in academic assessments, proactive coaching, employability skills training, and preparation for industry-recognized credentials. Interested organizations must submit their completed responses by May 5, 2026. The complete request for qualifications (RFQ), including all requirements and submission documents, can be found online at: https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd/3202600137 . Organizations must use this portal to submit their response. All questions regarding this RFQ should be emailed to vendorproposals@twc.texas.gov .
Show More