Who qualifies for Child Care Services?
• work, attend school or a training program or be doing a combination of both for at least:
o 25 hours a week for a single parent, or
o 50 hours combined a week for a two-parent household; OR
• search for work* to meet minimum participation requirements for At-Risk child care eligibility.
*As a condition of the twelve (12) months of child care services upon Initial Job Search, a family must provide proof of meeting the minimum participation requirements within the first three (3) months.
What happens after the first three (3) months of Initial Job Search Child Care?
• Single-parent household: working at least 12 hours/week in employment, total 25 hours of activity
• Two-parent household: working at least 25 hours/week in employment, total 50 hours of activity combined
Am I eligible for child care services if I’m only attending school and not working?
How do school hours count towards meeting minimum participation requirements?
• 1 credit in a short/condensed course = 6 hours/week
• Teen parents in high school automatically meet the weekly activity requirement
If I am eligible for Child Care Services, will I have to pay part of the child care costs myself?
Yes, depending on your monthly employment income before taxes (gross amount) and total household income which may include but is not limited to: Retirement Benefits, Taxable Capital Gains, Dividends and Interest, Rental Income, Disability Payments, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments, etc. as well as your family size. You will be responsible for your parent share of cost also known as your co-pay.
How do I apply?
To apply for a child care scholarship, parents will be required to create an account and complete the TX3C Eligibility Screener & Waitlist Application available at the TX3C Parent Central site.
This site will be the public access point for waiting lists, new applications and recertification applications.
How do I choose the right child care?
We are a provider choice program where parents have the option to choose their own provider. You can refer to the Consumer Guide located in this website for more information. If you would like assistance in choosing a provider, please visit https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/safety/child-care/exploring-day-care. You can also call 2-1-1 for further information. Please keep in mind that provider must be licensed with the State of Texas or can be an eligible (listed) family member.
If I get paid in cash and I don’t receive check stubs from my job what documents would I need to send in?
If you get paid in cash, you will need to have your employer complete an Employment/Income Verification Form and submit additional documents. Contact a Child Care Representative to obtain the form and ask about required documents.
I am having trouble paying my co-payment, are there options available to assist me?
Fee reductions are available for unexpected expenses. You will need to provide receipts, invoices, or other documents to support your unexpected paid expense and a Child Care Specialist will determine if a fee reduction is applicable.
I lost my job but I am currently seeking employment. Would I still be eligible to receive child care?
You will have to report your job loss within 14 calendar days of the last day of employment. We offer child care services while seeking employment for up to 3 months. For more information, please contact CCS at Mission Workforce at 956.519.4300 or Weslaco Workforce at 956.969.6100.
Who can be included in the total number of person in my household?
The number of persons in your household includes yourself, your spouse and your dependents under the age of 18 or other dependents that you are legally able to claim on your tax return. Note: A copy of the previous year’s income tax form will be required.
I am unhappy with my child care provider. Can I take them to another center or choose another provider?
Yes but there is a waiting period of two weeks before the effective date of a transfer, except in cases as outlined below:
- in which the provider is subject to a Child Care Regulation action, or
- when the transfer is authorized by CPS for a child in protective services, or
- on a case by case basis determined by the Board.
You must also be current with the co-pay amount owed to your current provider. Care MUST be authorized by a Child Care Specialist before children can begin care with a new provider.
How is my co-pay determined?
Your monthly co-pay amount is determined by your monthly employment income before taxes (gross income amount) including: bonuses, tips, commission, incentive, Net Earnings from Self-Employment, Retirement Benefits, Taxable Capital Gains, Dividends and Interest, Rental Income, Income from Estate and Trust Funds, Workers Compensation, Death Benefits, and Disability Payments, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments, Lottery Winnings, or Spousal Maintenance or Alimony must be included. Your family size and number of children receiving care will also be considered when determining your monthly co-pay based on a sliding scale.
Is my rent, electricity, car note, and other expenses taken into consideration when determining my eligibility and co-pay?
Unfortunately, No. Your co-pay is based solely on your monthly employment income before taxes (gross income amount) including: bonuses, tips, commission, incentive, Net Earnings from Self-Employment, Retirement Benefits, Taxable Capital Gains, Dividends and Interest, Rental Income, Income from Estate and Trust Funds, Workers Compensation, Death Benefits, and Disability Payments, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments, Lottery Winnings, or Spousal Maintenance or Alimony must be included. Your family size and the number of children receiving care will also be considered when determining your monthly co-pay based on a sliding scale
