Find a Provider
Types of Child Care Available
The Workforce Solutions Alamo (WSA) Provider Map is a web-based child care resource tool to help parents find child care facilities who have an agreement to provide childcare scholarships under WSA Child Care Services (CCS) funding.
State and federal funding enables us to assist you in selecting a child care provider who will meet your needs and provide the best care available for your children. There are several child care options available to you. You may choose from the following:
- Registered or Licensed Child Care Home
- Licensed Child Care Center
- Approved Relative Child Care provider
Registered or Licensed Child Care Home
What is a Registered or Licensed Child Care Home?
Registered and Licensed Child Care Homes and Licensed Child Care Centers must go through an application process, orientation, and inspection by Child Care Licensing before a permit to operate is issued. All staff must meet minimum training requirements related to care and education of children, including CPR and first aid as well as have a high school diploma or GED. No more than 12 children can be in care at any time, including children of the caregiver.
Licensed Child Care Center
What is a Licensed Child Care Center?
Child care centers operate out of non-residential, commercial buildings. The children are usually divided into groups or classrooms according to age. Child care centers have a center director and several staff members. Centers typically offer a structured, classroom-like environment. Licensed Child Care Centers care for seven (7) or more children for less than 24 hours per day at a location other than the child’s or caregiver’s home.
Approved Relative Child Care Provider
What is Relative Child Care?
Relative Child Care allows a parent to use a relative of the child as the child care provider. An eligible relative is an individual who does not reside in the same household as the child, is at least 18 years of age, and is by marriage, blood relationship, or court decree, one of the following: the child’s grandparent or great-grandparent; the child’s aunt or uncle; or the child’s sibling. Individuals who are listed on the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Sex Offender Registry are not eligible to be a relative care provider. Relative Child Care is not monitored by child care licensing or CCS staff. Relative providers must be “Listed” with Child Care Licensing.
Parents who qualify for CCS will be asked to select the provider of their choice who best meets the needs of their family on a space available basis.
- When possible, choose a provider who meets quality child care standards. Choosing a high-quality program can have a significant impact on your child’s readiness for success in kindergarten and later grades.
What is a Quality Child Care Provider?
Texas Government Code §2308.3171 defines a “quality child care indicator” as any appropriate indicator of quality services, including if the provider is:
- A Texas Rising Star (TRS) certified provider;
- Accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting organization approved by the Texas Workforce Commission;
- Kindergarten Readiness System certified; or
- Participating in the Texas School Ready! Project
The Texas Rising Star program is a quality-based child care rating system of child care providers participating in the Texas Workforce Commission’s child care scholarship program. The TRS Provider certification system offers three levels of certification (Two-Star, Three-Star, and Four-Star) to encourage providers to attain progressively higher certification requirements leading to a Four-Star level. You can find more information at texasrisingstar.org or Texas Child Care Solutions
The Texas School Ready! (TSR!) critical instructional components of TSR! include: research-based curriculum, ongoing professional development through classroom mentoring, and progress monitoring of children through personal digital assistant devices.
Click here to view the providers within the Alamo Area who meet Quality Child Care Standards (PDF)
Helpful Information to Choose Quality Child Care
Texas Child Care Availability Portal
The Texas Child Care Availability Portal is a state-wide system provided by TWC and allows parents to search and filter for child care programs in their area. Child care programs are encouraged to regularly update their program’s enrollment availability for ages served.
You deserve peace of mind knowing your child is in good hands. We’ll help you find that peace of mind. Here are some helpful tips when choosing Quality Care.
Do your research
Check the licensing history of the provider
Find the right fit
- Ask about caregivers’ education, experience, and training
- Look at the setting and size of the group
- Quality classrooms have
- A variety of materials that encourage children to explore and learn.
- An atmosphere that is warm and inviting.
- A space that is well-organized and tidy
Check them out
Location, hours of operation, and transportation services