Learn about Child Care Services (CCS)
It’s important your child gets the care they need. TWC helps child care providers who serve low-income families by paying higher rates to support children with disabilities. This money helps pay for special equipment or extra staff.
Parents must start the process to get this extra help — providers cannot do it. Begin the process by filling out the Certification for Inclusion Assistance Rate form below. A professional must confirm your child needs this support.
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
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.
Download the Certification for Inclusion Assistance Rate form or search for child care in the availability portal
Learn about Early Childhood Intervention (ECI)
ECI is a Texas program that helps families with children from birth to 3 years old who have delays or disabilities. ECI teaches families ways to help their children learn and grow.
To be eligible for ECI services, there are requirements that must be met. Learn more about ECI services and eligibility below.
Learn about ECI on the Texas Health and Human Services website.
Learn about Texas Special Education Center (SPEDTEX)
Special education is teaching designed for children ages 3 to 21 who have disabilities. It's free for eligible families and happens in public schools. at no cost to eligible families. This is required by a law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Learn about the special education process in Texas on the SPEDTEX website.
Learn about Section 504
Section 504 is a law that protects people with disabilities. Not all kids covered by Section 504 get special education. It helps provide the support and changes a child needs so they can join the same school programs and activities as other kids.
Learn about Section 504 on the Texas Education Agency website.
Learn about other types of child care
A child care center is a place where many kids are cared for by trained adults. They usually have classrooms and take care of children of different ages.
Home-based child care is when a caregiver takes care of a small group of children in their home. It's often more like a family setting and take care of children of different ages.
Public prekindergarten (Pre-k) is a free program for eligible children ages 3 to 5 (where it’s offered). It is available through the public school system. Pre-k helps kids get ready for school by learning important skills.
Early Head Start helps children from birth to 3 years old, and pregnant women. Head Start helps children ages 3 to 5. Both programs offer free services and child development support for families who qualify.
School-age and summer camps are for children who are in school, usually ages 5 to 12. These programs may take care of kids before and after school, on school breaks, and during the summer.
Military families can use regular child care programs, and they may also qualify for special programs made just for them. These programs can help with finding care and may lower the cost.