Learning a new skill set to pursue a new career takes time and resources. For parents with young children who want to take this path, having available and affordable child care is essential. Kelly Thomas, who has lived in Austin since 2001, has completed cosmetology training and is now weighing her career options, and she can do so having received support with child care.
In September 2018, Kelly was receiving support from the nonprofit AnyBabyCan. Her parent navigator there told her about child care tuition scholarships offered by Workforce Solutions Capital Area and suggested that Kelly enroll.
“Workforce Solutions have been amazing for providing opportunities to help me and provide resources for finding and keeping child care,” Kelly said.
“Workforce Solutions helped me through the process of applying and renewing for care, and the staff was so kind and always there to help me,” she said. “Anytime I had an issue with something—like reporting attendance—they were there right away to help.”
Kelly Thomas with her daughter
Kelly enrolled in the 1,500-hour cosmetology operator program at Nuvani Beauty School at the end of 2019 and graduated in July 2020. Today Kelly is now preparing for her state board to receive her license to work as a cosmetologist. While her cosmetology plans are on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelly remains focused on what she will do with her newly earned skills.
“Ideally, I would like to either work under an apprenticeship at a full salon,” she said, “or possibly work at a blow out bar, doing shampoos, styles, braiding and special requests.”
For other parents in Austin seeking assistance, Kelly emphasizes that enrolling in the child care program will provide future benefits for parents and their children: “The program works to help people to not just have a better life, but a better future for themselves and their children,” Kelly said.
“There was no way I could have finished my program without this help. I have had a lot of hardships in my life and this was my big break. Now I can definitely provide a future for my daughter,” said Kelly.
Workforce Solutions Capital Area Child Care Services
Enrollment in the childcare program is subject to the availability of funds. Because the need for childcare services is great in our community, we currently maintain a list of families interested in enrolling in the childcare program.
When enrollment into the program is not immediately available, we ask eligible parents to complete a pre-assessment form to be added to the interested list. At any time, parents may call our office to check on the status of enrollment.
Learn more at our For Parents page.
