Children with disabilities or special needs

It’s important your child gets the care they need. Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) helps child care providers who serve low-income families by paying higher rates to support children with disabilities.

Child care providers must follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means they: 

• cannot say no to a child just because they have a disability
• must make reasonable changes to include children with disabilities - reasonable accommodations means supports that would not cause a hardship to the child care provider (i.e., expensive equipment, extra staff, etc.)
• cannot charge parents for these changes

A provider can only turn away a child with a disability if: 

• the child could be a serious danger to others, or
• the changes needed would completely change the program

Talk to your child care provider about any needs or concerns.

CCS providers can be paid a higher rate to care for your child with special needs or disabilities. The higher rate helps providers pay for special equipment, materials and supplies, and extra staff to provide the care your child needs.

There are eligibility requirements to receive the inclusion rate. The child must be receiving or participating in one of the following:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits
• Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services
• Early Head Start or Head Start program that identifies the child as having a disability
• public school special education services, including preschool programs for children with disabilities (PPCD)

Parents must start the process by downloading and filling out a Certification for Inclusion Assistance Rate form. The form has parts for the parent or guardian, the child care provider, and a qualified professional from the local Workforce Solutions office to fill out. After you download the form, complete the parent or guardian sections and contact your local Workforce Solutions office to start the process.