We’re awarding $1.2 million in bonuses to our child care providers through our Capital Area Retention and Elevation (CARE) Program!
Why it matters: CARE provides financial incentives to eligible early learning providers to support staff retention, motivation, and satisfaction. We want to recognize and reward providers’ dedication to high-quality childcare and strengthen the long-term well-being of families in our community.
This year, we selected 51 providers with a total of 483 staff for awards, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per person, depending on how many people each provider employs. Providers can distribute bonus funds to their staff based on individual performance and contributions.
What’s happening: These providers participate in Texas Rising Star, a quality rating and improvement system for Texas early childhood programs. All center based and home based child care providers in Texas can be certified in Texas Rising Star if they meet certain eligibility criteria. Programs that participate in Texas Rising Star meet higher quality standards than many other child care programs.
Katelyn H. is a director at a center caring for 67 children receiving scholarships. Her center has participated in Texas Rising Star for 10 years.
“This has helped teacher retention, especially when we cannot afford to give raises each year,” Katelyn said.
Other providers shared how CARE impacts their Early Learning Programs:
“It has been such a blessing to my program. It has made such a positive impact to my center to have the extra assistance to provide more quality childcare to my children,” Tanya Joiner said.
“This funding helps providers because the limited funding and the low enrollment we are not able to give raises to our staff do to limited funds. With this funding we are able to show appreciation as well as retain good teachers and directors,” Ramonica Williams said.
“It allows us to hire with sign-on bonuses and allows to keep our current staff and show appreciation. This is very helpful for centers to show appreciation and support to their staff,” Alejandra Gardner said.
Any licensed or registered provider of child care services in Austin/Travis County may apply to have a provider agreement with Workforce Solutions Capital Area Child Care Services. As part of our commitment to quality child care, Workforce Solutions Child Care Services offers quality rated programs, quality initiative activities and other community resources to child care providers who strive for quality. Learn more about how to participate.
