Texas Rising Star Adopts Quality Standards that Enhance Care for Texas Children

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is changing its Texas Rising Star (TRS) child care provider certification program to enhance quality childcare services to children and families. In January, TWC commissioners adopted modifications that include a new rating and logo system making it easier for parents to choose a child care provider with the advanced levels of certification standards required of TRS child care providers. The enhanced standards and new star ratings take effect Sept. 1, 2015.

“Through the Texas Rising Star program, we are committed to improving access to quality child care for parents and their children,” said TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar. “We encourage child care providers to consider TRS standards when enhancing the quality of their child care centers.”

The new TRS logos above indicate the level of certification met by child care providers participating in the TWC TRS certification system. TRS certified providers offer quality care that exceeds the State’s Minimum Child Care Licensing Standards in five categories: director and staff qualifications; caregiver-child interactions; curriculum; nutrition and indoor/outdoor activities; and parent education and involvement. TRS certified childcare providers exceed minimum licensing requirements to obtain a progressively higher quality level as follows:

• 2 star level – exceeds minimum licensing requirements in all five categories
• 3 star level – meets high-quality standards in all five categories
• 4 star level – meets highest standards of quality in all five categories

“Improvements to the new TRS logo and rating system are beneficial for working or job seeking parents because they offer them the opportunity to identify a quality childcare provider for their children,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton.

Child care providers, parents and other individuals can learn more about the TRS program by visiting the Texas Rising Star website.

“Quality childcare is vital to the workforce system because it provides peace of mind to working parents as they train for, find and keep good jobs,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Hope Andrade. “The enhancements to these standards are a good step forward for Texas families and their employers.”

TWC’s Child Care Services program provides subsidized child care services needed by low-income families. Eligible families of children under the age of 13 may receive child care financial assistance in order for parents to work, attend school or participate in training.  Resources for parents, and child care providers, as well as TRS Certification guidelines, can be found at TWC Child Care Provider Resources.