Childcare Resources for Houston Families

Finding affordable childcare in Houston is one of the hardest things a working family deals with. Full-time daycare can cost $800-1,500/month per child. But subsidized programs, Head Start, Pre-K, and employer-based options can cut that cost dramatically — sometimes to zero. You just need to know what exists and how to apply.

Source: Texas Workforce Commission; Houston-Galveston Area Council; HISD

Subsidized childcare (Texas Workforce Commission):

• Texas offers childcare subsidies through TWC Child Care Services. Income-eligible families pay a copay based on income — often $0-50/month — and TWC pays the rest directly to the childcare provider.
• Eligibility: household income at or below 85% of state median ($5,385/month for family of 4). Parents must be working, in school, or in job training.
• Apply through your local Workforce Solutions office or online at twc.texas.gov.

Head Start / Early Head Start:

• Free early childhood education for children 0-5 in families at or below the poverty line.
• Full-day, full-year programs available. Includes meals, health screenings, and family support.
• In Houston: Gulf Coast Community Services Association (713-393-4700) and other local grantees. Find a program at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/center-locator.

HISD Pre-K:

• Free full-day Pre-K for 3- and 4-year-olds who meet eligibility (income, English learner, military, foster, homeless). Apply at houstonisd.org starting each spring.

Choosing a provider:

• Check any provider's inspection history at dfps.texas.gov child care search. This shows licensing violations, complaints, and inspection results.
• Look for providers with Texas Rising Star ratings — a quality rating system. Higher stars = higher quality standards.

Source: TWC; ACF; DFPS

Step 1: Determine what you qualify for

• Income below poverty? Apply for Head Start — call 713-393-4700
• Income up to 85% state median and working? Apply for TWC childcare subsidy
• Child turning 3 or 4? Apply for HISD Pre-K (free)

Step 2: Apply

• TWC subsidy: call Workforce Solutions at 713-688-6890 or visit a Workforce Solutions office
• Head Start: call 713-393-4700 or search the Head Start locator
• HISD Pre-K: apply at houstonisd.org

Step 3: While you wait

• Subsidies can have waitlists. In the meantime, check faith-based programs — many churches and mosques operate low-cost childcare.
• Call 211 for emergency childcare referrals.

Apply:

• TWC Child Care Services: 713-688-6890 | twc.texas.gov
• Head Start: 713-393-4700
• HISD Pre-K: houstonisd.org

Check a provider:

• DFPS childcare search: dfps.texas.gov child care search

General help:

• 211 Texas: dial 211
• Collaborative for Children: 713-600-1100 — childcare referrals and quality ratings