The Child Care Online Application (CCOA) system is a web-based application that enables parents to apply for Child Care Services (CCS) utilizing an electronic application form. Like the standard hard copy application and in compliance with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) requirements, the CCOA collects all the data elements required to determine eligibility to access CCS.
To begin the process, you MUST have a valid email account to apply online. Like the hardcopy application, you will be required to complete several sections relevant to your household composition, residence, contact information, participation requirements, and total household earnings. In addition, all required supporting documentation must be included when applying for Child Care Services (CCS) online. Our online application system will conduct a basic eligibility requirement validation and will stop the process if you do not qualify for child care services.
Here’s an overview of the online application step by step process:
- Submit a complete online application
- Note: For those re-applying for child care services, ALL required supporting documentation MUST be submitted prior to your eligibility end date. Failure to do so will lead to termination of services and placement on our wait list.
- Our CCS staff will review and connect with you to provide instructions on the next steps.
- If determined eligible, you will be required to sign the application via DocuSign to accept the terms of your child care services and Parent Share of Cost, if applicable.
- Note: Failure to return a signed application prior to your eligibility end date (whichever is the latest) will VOID your pre-approved eligibility status and placement on our wait list.
General Information
Workforce Solutions subsidizes the cost of child care services for eligible families in Hidalgo, Starr and Willacy counties through the administration of the Child Care Services (CCS) program. Child Care providers should be aware that the families they serve may be eligible for this assistance.
As a provider, you may receive this funding for the services you provide by becoming an authorized child care provider with Workforce Solutions. After receiving authorization, CCS parents will be required to comply with your sign-in attendance reporting process. Providers will be required to report a child’s absence when a child has five (5) consecutive days of absence. Providers will then receive payment, on attendance properly reported, either monthly or bimonthly.
If you are interested in becoming a Workforce Solutions authorized child care provider, please contact Sandra Solis by phone at (956) 928-5000 or by e-mail at sandra.solis@wfsolutions.org.
All Child Care Services (CCS) regulated providers are now required to participate in Texas Rising Star. New CCS providers and current CCS providers who are not Texas Rising Star (TRS) certified must meet the minimum quality standards to receive Entry Level Designation as part of the certification process. CLICK HERE for more information.
Visit the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services website for additional resources geared towards supporting child care providers.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) website also provides valuable information, including information on becoming an accredited provider (such as a Texas Rising Star Provider).
Child Care Provider Overview
Child Care Provider Lists
Click here to access the Child Care Provider List
Child Care Provider Forms & Logs
The forms are only for Licensed Centers and Homes, and Registered Homes.
Click here to access the provider forms and logs.
Provider Links & Contact Information
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Child Care Resources for Employers — Helps employers better support their employees' child care needs.
Texas Work & Family Policies — Covers child care assistance programs, state and federal tax credits, and dependent care savings accounts, along with best practices businesses can adopt to help employees access reliable child care.
- Advertise Your Program! - A new mapping search tool is available to help parents find a child care center with available spots near their home or workplace. Sign up and continuously update your availability to market your facility to several families searching for care. It's quick and easy!
- Understanding Developmental Screening & Early Intervention
- Child Development Information
- National Early Childhood Program Accreditation
- National AfterSchool Association
- Child Care Regulation
- Stop Bullying
- Professional Development for Child Care Providers Caring for Children with Special Needs
- Online courses and other resources are available to help child care providers learn about best practices in inclusive child care. The online courses and resources are developed and produced by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of the Texas A&M University System in cooperation with the Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Regulation Division, using funds provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Do you need new ideas for providing technical assistance?
Texas Health and Human Services, Child Care Regulation (CCR) is pleased to announce the availability of online courses and resources developed and produced by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service of the Texas A&M University System for child care providers! All of the courses and materials are consistent with current Minimum Standards and also offer best practice guidance for our providers, and count as training hours for professional development for child care providers.
All online courses including those specific for CDA Training and CDA Renewal are available to the public on the Child Care Training page. Courses may charge a minimal fee prior to registration. Create an account with Texas A&M AgriLife to receive personalized information and customer support.
Provider Assistance:
1-866-867-8264
WFS Mission Office:
1-866-580-6089
WFS Weslaco Office:
1-866-890-5452
Finance (CCS Billing):
956-926-4801
CCS Reporting Procedures
The following links are for CCS Providers only:
- Failure to Pay Parent Share of Cost Report
- Voluntary Discontinue Report
- Child Stops Attending / Fails to Begin Attendance Report
- Incorrect Schedule of Authorization Report
- CCS Authorization Log - English
- CCS Authorization Log - Spanish
These reports should be used to notify CCS of any issues related to attendance, payment, or authorization discrepancies.
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
