Texas Workforce Commission Provides Additional Support for Creation and Expansion of Child Care Businesses in Texas

Texas Workforce Commission • June 1, 2022

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is offering start-up funding to support three goals — the expansion of child care in areas of the state that lack sufficient child care capacity, the additional supply of child care for infants, and child care created in partnership with employers. The Commission approved $75 million to increase the number of high-quality child care providers for working parents, including these new start-up grants. 


“The demand for child care is increasing as Texas continues record-setting job creation,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “This program is intended to reduce the financial barriers associated with expanding centers or opening new centers.” 


Funding is available for child care center and home-based providers opening or expanding capacity after March 1, 2022:

  1. In a child care desert, defined as an area where the number of children younger than six years of age who have working parents is at least three times greater than the capacity of licensed child care providers in the area. Check the zip code here.
  2. In partnership with an employer or consortium of employers; and/or
  3. To serve infants (0-17 months) across the state.


The initiative, paid for with a portion of the state’s $5.86 billion in federal child care stimulus funding, is intended to reduce the costs of opening or expanding a child care program. The funds can be used for indoor and outdoor equipment and furnishings, educational resources, classroom and kitchen supplies, permitting fees, staffing costs, minor renovations, and outreach costs to recruit families and staff.


“We must find innovative ways to increase the capacity of child care providers for working families, especially for those with infants and those who live in child care deserts,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez. “This funding will also benefit child care industry workers as they care for our most precious resource in the Lone Star State: our children.”


Child care providers may be eligible to receive up to two awards: A Start-Up Award and an Initial Operating Award. Prospective providers interested in receiving funding must develop and complete a viable business plan. A free business coach is available for those applying, and one will be assigned if a business plan is not ready for approval.


“The child care industry is crucial to our state’s economy and the federal stimulus funding, totaling $5.86 billion, will continue to support the needs of the child care industry and Texas families,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson. “These funds not only come at a critical time for providers and families, they are essential to Texas employers as they work to recruit and retain individuals who need child care in order to be able to work.”


The Child Care Provider Expansion Initiative will open in June 2022. To learn more about this opportunity, go to the Child Care Provider Expansion Initiative website. You can also watch recorded information sessions about the program and application process.

WSET Child Care

Texas Job Growth Continues in February, More Than 20,000 Jobs Added

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • March 31, 2025
The Texas labor market continued to achieve record highs for both jobs and the civilian labor force in February. The state added 20,100 positions over the month to reach a total of 14,254,200 nonfarm jobs. Texas added 182,300 jobs from February 2024 to February 2025, bringing the annual nonfarm growth rate to 1.3 percent and outpacing the national growth rate by 0.1 percentage points. February marks 56 of 58 months of growth for Texas’ civilian labor force, which achieved another new record high of 15,770,300 after adding 19,500 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 334,800 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.1 percent. “With more than 20,000 jobs added the past month, Texas continues to see solid economic growth including the labor force,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “TWC supports this growth with strategic training programs designed to address the needs of employers and connect workers to successful career pathways.” The Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry had the largest over-the-month increase in February after adding 7,400 jobs. In addition, Leisure and Hospitality added 6,000 jobs over the month and Construction added 5,200. The Financial Activities industry grew by 2.6 percent over the year in Texas and outperformed the industry’s growth rate nationally by 1.7 percentage points. “Continued labor market growth through February is fueling economic expansion across Texas, creating more opportunities for Texans to find meaningful employment and improve their quality of life,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “To ensure all segments of the Texas workforce can benefit from this growth, TWC remains committed to investing in essential resources like career training, vocational rehabilitation, child care, and adult education, empowering individuals to capitalize on these new opportunities and contribute to our state's continued prosperity.” The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.2 percent in February, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 3.3 percent and the San Angelo MSA at 3.4 percent. “Texas led all states with more than 182,000 jobs added over the year because Texas employers continue to generate new opportunities,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “More Texans are working than at any point in the state’s history, and TWC can support employers by providing resources and an upskilled workforce to power their momentum.” 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, April 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

Texas Labor Market Expansion Continues into 2025

By Lindsay Vanderbilt • March 17, 2025
The Texas labor market achieved new record highs for both jobs and the civilian labor force in January. The state added 27,900 positions over the month, reaching a total of 14,236,400 nonfarm jobs. Texas added 187,700 jobs from January 2024 to January 2025, bringing the annual nonfarm growth rate to 1.3 percent. January marks 55 of 57 months of growth for Texas’ civilian labor force, which achieved another new record high of 15,750,800 after adding 23,100 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 351,200 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.1 percent. “With more than 187,000 jobs added over the year, Texas’ continued growth shows the strength of the Texas economy,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “Our commitment to a skilled workforce is essential to the state’s continued economic success.” The Private Education and Health Services industry had the largest over-the-month increase in January after adding 9,700 jobs. In addition, Professional and Business Services added 3,700 jobs over the month and Mining and Logging added 2,300. “New opportunities are emerging every day in Texas, and we must be prepared to seize them as a pathway to long-term growth,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor, Alberto Treviño III. “TWC recognizes that the needs of job seekers are diverse, and we offer a variety of programs to help Texans achieve their career goals.” The Midland Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate among Texas MSAs with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.0 percent in January, followed by the Amarillo MSA at 3.1 percent and the San Angelo MSA at 3.3 percent. “Texas continues to attract new and expanding businesses across a wide range of industries,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Joe Esparza. “We encourage employers to explore TWC programs like the Skills Development Fund, so they can develop their workforce to compete in a global market.” 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 February is scheduled to be released on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).

Seeking Public Comments on 2025-2028 Local Board Strategic Plan

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • February 24, 2025
Workforce Solutions East Texas is seeking the public's input on its 5-year development plan to support regional economic growth and self-sufficiency by providing a first-class workforce for businesses and supporting the growth of local industries. The development plan outlines goals for preparing an educated and skilled workforce and education services for youth and impaired individuals seeking employment. The Board will accept public comments for a 21-day period beginning February 24, 2025. Mission The mission of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board is to improve the quality of life through economic development by providing a first-class workforce for present and future businesses. Vision Workforce Solutions East Texas has active economic development with a premier workforce attracting and supporting growth of businesses and industry. For public comments, please click here to contact Gary Allen.
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