What are the steps to apply for CCS?
By applying for CCS, you have certain rights. You also agree to the requirements of the CCS program. Your rights and responsibilities are described in the Parent Rights & Responsibilities form on our CCS forms webpage.
Step 1: Create a Parent Central account at https://childcare.twc.texas.gov/find/register?mode=signup.
Step 2: After the Parent Central account is created, log in to apply for CCS at https://childcare.twc.texas.gov/find/register?mode=login.
Step 3: Go to the dashboard and fill out the TX3C Eligibility Screener & Waitlist Application.
After the TX3C Eligibility Screener & Waitlist Application is submitted, the application is marked “Application submitted.”
Waitlist times vary depending on where you live and other factors in your Waitlist Application. While on the waitlist, you will receive an email every 90 days asking you to confirm that you want to remain on the waitlist for a child care scholarship. Make sure to answer this question, or you may be taken off the waitlist. It is important that you regularly check for new messages about your application.
Step 4: When the Board is able to enroll your family, a caseworker will review your Waitlist Application. The caseworker may request more documents or contact you with questions. Documents requested by a caseworker can be uploaded in your Parent Central account.
Step 5: A caseworker will send you a request to submit a Standard Application by email and a notification in the Parent Central account.
*Tip: This is a good time to start searching for a child care provider in case your application is approved. Search for a child care provider at https://childcare.twc.texas.gov/find/welcome. You can also check out our Finding child care and Understanding quality child care webpages for tips and sample questions to ask child care providers.
Step 6: Once you receive the invitation to complete your application, you have a limited time to complete and submit your Standard Application. Usually, it must be complete and submitted within two weeks. You will upload documentation to prove that your family is eligible for CCS. Once submitted, your application will be marked as "Application submitted." Your application will be ready for a caseworker to review.
We want to help you get ready to complete your application. Below is a list of documents you might need to turn in. Look over the list early so you can find your documents and have them ready to upload. You can also view the list of documents by clicking here.
The following documents meet the eligibility criteria for a child’s age (under 13 years old or under 19 years old for a child with a disability):
- Birth certificate
- Current U.S. passport
- Hospital record of birth
- Church or baptismal record
- Public assistance/social service records
- School records/school id card
- Immigration and Naturalization Service records
- Native American tribal document
- Adoption papers or records
- Child support paternity records
- Divorce or court custody decrees
The following documents meet the eligibility criteria for a child’s citizenship/immigration status:
Citizenship
- Birth certificate
- Current U.S. passport
- Hospital record of birth
- Church or baptismal record
- Public assistance/social service records
Legal Immigrant/Qualified Alien
- Immigration form I-551 (“green card”)
- Immigration form I-94/I-94a, stamped with applicable rule citation(s)
- Immigration form I-571 (Refugee Travel Document)
- Order from immigration judge
- Cuban/Haitian passport showing 501(e)
- USCIS petition and supporting documents
The following documents meet the eligibility criteria for a child with disabilities:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits statement
- Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) program contact
- Head Start contact that identifies the child as having a disability
- Public school special education services, including PPCD, contact
- Statement or letter from a qualified clinician
The following documents meet the eligibility criteria for family income (documentation should be provided for each applicable income source, for each family member):
- Pay stubs (6 pay stubs)
- Employment/Income Verification form or letter
- Homelessness determination – Residency Information form
- Workers Compensation documentation/statement
- SSDI statement
- Retirement/Pension statement
- Quarterly estimated tax for self-employed persons (Schedule C)
- Self-employment verification form
- Family or business financial records
- Award letter from Veterans Affairs
- Bank statement
- Compensation award letter or offer letter
- IRS form 1099-DIV, -INT, for dividends or interest
- IRS form 1040 Schedule D for capital gains
The following documents meet the eligibility criteria for residency:
- Copy of current utility bill
- Public assistance/social service records
- School records
- Pay stub (if address is printed on stub)
- Rent receipt (showing current address)
- Lease agreement
- Mortgage statement
- Section 8 award letter
- Homelessness determination – Residency Information form (contact your Board for this form)
The following documents meet the eligibility criteria for the reason for care:
Employment
- Pay stubs with hours worked
- Employment/Income Verification form or letter
- Self-employment verification form
- Financial records for self-employed persons
- Quarterly estimated tax for self-employment (Schedule C)
Education or Training
- Transcript from education/training program
- Statement from education/training provider
- Tuition statement with semester hours
- Admissions letter
- Other official document from an education/training provider indicating current enrollment
Step 7: Once a caseworker has received your application, you will receive an email confirming that your case has been created.
Step 8: A caseworker will review your case to determine if your family is eligible for a CCS scholarship. Once the application is complete, board staff have 20 days to make an eligibility decision.
Step 9: If you’re approved for CCS, you’ll receive a notification, based on the communication preference you chose. You’ll receive the following:
- A welcome email instructing the primary parent (also called a Sponsor), to register for KinderConnect. Registering for KinderConnect gives you access to notices and communications with a caseworker.
- If you did not select a child care provider, you will receive an email informing you to select a one within 14 days.
Not all families that apply will be determined eligible. If your family is not eligible, you will receive a notification email asking you to review the messages in the Parent Portal.
Step 10: Visit KinderConnect using your case number, phone number, and last name to register.
Step 11: Once registered, use the username and password to log in to your account.
It is important to remember to have your child attend their child care program regularly and track their attendance.
Making Changes to Your Case
If you need to make changes to your case, such as household changes, income, moving to a new address, among others, you need to fill out and submit a Parent Change Request form. The Parent Change Request forms are on our CCS forms webpage. They list all changes that must be reported along with a deadline for reporting the changes.
Contact Information
The Boards administer the CCS program. For questions about your application or case, waitlist status, or trouble completing your application or uploading your documents, contact your local Workforce Solutions Office.
During the application process parents can communicate with child care staff and send additional documents in "My messages" section in Parent Central.
For technical issues, contact KinderSystems by phone at (888) 265-6461 or by email at supportTX@kindersystems.com. KinderSystems is available Monday through Friday, from 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM CST.
Guides and Resources
Visit the TX3C Family/Parent/Sponsor Help Center to view step-by-step guides and resources.
Visit the TX3C KinderSmart Quick Reference Cards for Sponsors webpage to view written and video instructions on reporting attendance.
Visit the TX3C KinderSmart Quick Reference Cards for Sponsors webpage to view written and video instructions on how to set up your phone to check your child in and out of care.