Relative child care
Relative child care is a limited option in the Child Care Services (CCS) program when other providers are not available.
Here are some things to know about relative child care:
- to be eligible for CCS, they must be listed by Health and Human Services Commission Child Care Regulation (HHSC CCR)
- subject to background checks and home inspections by HHSC CCR
- care is usually provided in the relative's home and may be provided in the child's home in certain situations
- care must be provided by a person at least 18 years old, and related to the child by marriage, blood, or court decree as follows:
- grandparent
- great-grandparent
- aunt
- uncle
- sibling (if the sibling does not live in the same household as the eligible child)
These descriptions give a general idea of each type of child care, but programs can be different. Families should contact providers directly to learn the details and see if the care fits their child’s needs.
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. Children are usually separated by age groups.
Home-based child care is when a caregiver takes care of a group of children in their home. They are more of a family setting and take care of children of different ages. Siblings may be together rather than separated by age.
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.