Frequently Asked Questions
What is ELQN?
The Early Learning Quality Network is an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to improve early learning and child care in Harris County.
What is The Emergency Temporary Care Program (ETCP)?
The Emergency and Temporary Care Program administered by WorkTexas and Neighborhood Schools, Inc., will work with child care operations to provide quality child care for families experiencing financial hardship, emergency situations or are on the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Child Care Services (CCS) waitlist. This program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) with services required to be completed by August 2026.
What type of regulated child care provider can participate?
Child Care Center
Home Based Child Care
Relative Care Entity
AND be located in the following zip codes.
How does my child qualify for child care assistance?
Child Care Providers must verify that families meet one of the following criteria:
Child requires emergency child care due to a new adoption, foster care arrangement, guardianship, conservator relationship; new employment and have yet to receive wages; short term medical emergency or necessity; required job training or educational need; school closures; temporary shift in work schedule that requires a 2nd or 3rd shift
Child requires temporary financial hardship child care due to job loss due to layoff, reduction of workforce; negatively financially impacted by natural disaster; negatively financially impacted by medical event; spouse or head of household death; received eviction notice due to inability to pay rent.
Child is on the Texas Workforce Commission Child Care Services (CCS) waitlist and not currently receiving CCS funded care AND the child care location of your choice must be in the following 22 zip codes:
What is a regulated center-based child care?
In Texas, a regulated center-based child care refers to a child day care operation licensed to care for seven or more children for less than 24 hours per day. These centers are overseen by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) through its Child Care Regulation (CCR) division, which ensures compliance with state laws and minimum standards to protect the health, safety, and well-being of children in care .Texas Health and Human ServicesTexas Health and Human Services+1Texas Health and Human Services
Key Features of Regulated Center-Based Child Care.
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Licensing Requirements: Centers must obtain a license from CCR, demonstrating adherence to established health, safety, and operational standards.
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Minimum Standards: These include guidelines on caregiver-to-child ratios, staff qualifications, facility safety, nutrition, and educational activities.Texas Health and Human Services+9Texas Health and Human Services+9Texas Health and Human Services+9
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Inspections: Licensed centers undergo at least one unannounced monitoring inspection annually to ensure ongoing compliance .Texas Health and Human Services+1Texas Health and Human Services+1
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Types of Center-Based Care: This category encompasses various operations, including child care centers, school-age programs, and before- or after-school programs .
What is a home-based child care?
In Texas, home-based child care (also called home child care) is when care is provided to children in a caregiver’s home, rather than a separate facility. These types of care are also regulated by the Child Care Regulation division of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
Types of Home-Based Child Care in Texas
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Licensed Child Care Home
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Cares for 7-12 children under 14 years old (including the caregiver’s own children).
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Must be licensed by the state.
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Must meet minimum standards for health, safety, and care.
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Annual inspections by HHSC.
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Registered Child Care Home
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Cares for up to 6 children (plus up to 6 more school-age children after school hours).
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Must be registered with the state and meet minimum standards.
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Regular inspections (at least every 1-2 years).
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Listed Family Home
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Cares for up to 3 children (not including the caregiver’s own children).
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Must be listed with HHSC, but not subject to minimum standards.
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Not inspected unless there’s a complaint.
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What is a relative care entity child care?
In Texas, a regulated Relative Child Care Provider is an individual who offers child care services to a related child and receives reimbursement through the state's subsidized child care program. This arrangement allows eligible families to select a trusted family member to care for their child, offering flexibility and familiarity.
What is a Unique Provider Code and where can I obtain one?
Once you complete the intake form for the ETCP your center will be assigned a Unique Provider Code. Please save this code or write it down as it will be used later.
I own multiple centers, do I have to submit an application for each one?
Yes
Questions?
Email us at info@neighborschools.org