FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –39% of licensed child-care centers in San Antonio are at-risk of losing Child Care Services (CCS) funding after September 30th if they do not become Texas Rising Star (TRS) certified, a new legal requirement for continued state support. This could have adverse effects on the local workforce because parents could be forced to make difficult choices between their careers and their child’s early education if centers lose CCS funding and pass tuition costs to families.
Fortunately, there are resources available to child care centers through the Alamo Quality Pathway, a partnership between United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County (UWSA), Workforce Solutions Alamo (WSA) and Education Service Center, Region 20 (ESC-20).
Why is it so urgent for child care centers to get on the Alamo Quality Pathway today?
- It can help child care centers achieve the TRS quality certification needed to avoid losing CCS funding potentially passing on the cost of this lost funding to families through higher tuition.
- The process to become TRS certified can take 3-12 months, depending on the center’s needs, so child care centers should reach out today to ensure they are on the right track.
- 39% of licensed child care centers in Bexar County are at-risk of losing state funding after 9/30/2024 without TRS certification.
- 90% of a child’s brain is formed before the age of five, meaning access to quality early education is crucial.
The Alamo Quality Pathway provides resources, individualized coaching from UWSA’s coaching investments and ESC-20 coaches, mentoring from TRS mentors, professional development offered by WSA and ESC-20 and other support to prepare centers for the TRS state assessment. Once centers enter the TRS program through a quality certification, they maintain their CCS funding, allowing families to continue to afford child care.
Parents are encouraged to speak with their child care provider, and centers are encouraged to reach out to UWSA at aqp@unitedwaysatx.org to learn how they can receive support from the Alamo Quality Pathway. To learn more, including access to quality early childhood education data including quarterly updates on the percentage of child care centers that have achieved TRS certification, visit the Alamo Quality Pathway website.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Femmel, Director of Communications, 210-836-8616, kfemmel@unitedwaysatx.org.
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About United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County
United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County launched its first campaign in 1940 and has grown into the largest private investor in health and human services programs in San Antonio and Bexar County. United Way focuses on preparing children for school and life, helping students graduate and succeed, strengthening the well-being of individuals and families, and providing safety net services. United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County also operates the 2-1-1 Helpline, Mission United and fosters volunteerism through the Volunteer Center at United Way. Check our newsroom online for more United Way news.
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Categories: Press Releases |
