Child Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for child care services?
You can apply online here.
Will my case manager choose a child care center for me?
No. You have the right to choose the child care center that meets your needs. When you are being placed on the program, you will receive a list of child care centers that accept subsidy payments. You can also visit the Child Care Licensing Website to search local child care centers. This website will show you the child care center’s full compliance history.
Will my child care be free, or will I have to pay something?
If you have income, you will have to pay a portion of the cost for child care. The parent share of cost (PSOC) is based on your gross monthly income, number in the household and how many children you need care for. If you have $0 income, your parent share of cost would also be $0.
How is my Parent Share of Cost Calculated (PSOC)?
Your parent share of cost is determined by your household’s monthly gross income (before taxes), your household size and the number of children needing child care.
Who is included in my “household size”?
The number of people in your household size includes:
How long is the waitlist?
The waitlist for child care services can vary in length and available funding is always changing. There is no way to predict exactly when your family will receive services. Therefore, staff can only give an estimated time frame for the wait period on the waitlist.
How often do I report changes?
Changes must be reported to your case manager within 14 calendar days. Changes that must be reported include: a loss of employment, job training or education; a change of address or contact information; any anticipated change of child care provider; or any changes to household size or income that may affect your parent share of cost.
How many days can my child be absent?
Your child can be absent up to 40 days during your 12-month eligibility period.
What is the Maximum Gross Monthly Income for Child Care Services?

What do I need to do to be a contracted child care provider?
What reimbursement rate will I be paid?
Your reimbursement rate is based on your facility type: LCCC, LCCH or RCCH. In rare cases you may be paid a Self-arranged Child Care (SACC) rate if you are a listed relative with Child Care Licensing. Please refer to the Board Max Reimbursement Rate sheet by clicking this link: Provider Reimbursement Rates Revised 01-2025
*Note- Providers cannot be paid more than the Board maximum reimbursement rates.
How often will I get paid?
Workforce Solutions reimburses child care providers on a bi-weekly basis.
How do I receive my payments?
Once claims are uploaded and processed, payment is generated through our central office and bi-weekly payments are direct deposited into the child care provider’s designated bank account. Your payment proof can be viewed on your KinderConnect account.
What if I charge more than what Workforce Solutions will pay?
Providers that enter into an agreement with Workforce Solutions Child Care are not allowed to charge parents the difference between the board max rate and the provider’s public rate.
Who could I talk to about raising the reimbursement rates?
Your state representatives.
What if the parent fails to report attendance or the child is absent from the center?
If the parent forgets to report attendance, that day will count as an absence, EVEN IF the child attended the center that day. To help correct this situation, parents can complete previous check-ins for up to 7 days.
When a child is absent, the parent can report absences from any phone, anywhere. Parents can also report absences on the POS device at the child care center. Absences can be reported for 3 days into the future.
Absences/non-swipes are not waived for parents who forget to check-in and the absence/non-swipe is counted in the total attendance count for that child. A child who reaches 40 absences/non-swipes within the 12-month eligibility period will be terminated from child care services.
If I voluntarily withdrew from the Texas Rising Star (TRS) program and want to return, do I have to wait 1 year?
If a provider voluntarily withdraws from TRS for any reason, they are able to reapply at any time. The provider would be considered a new/initial applicant and would be required to meet all eligibility requirements and screening form compliance.