TWC Direct Child Care Delivery Services

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) purchases child care for eligible families through Child Care Management Services (CCM), which helps parents who are striving to become self-sufficient by giving them more choices in child-care arrangements and by helping them find qualified caregivers. The system benefits families, providers and communities. It gives:

• Families who are eligible for TWC subsidies more child-care arrangements to choose from;
• Providers opportunities to care for TWC-subsidized children;
• Parents and communities simple access to TWC child care services because all services are coordinated through a single agency in each area, the CCM contractor; and
• Communities a chance to become partners in TWC child care services through the CCM Advisory Council.

Role of the WFS-CCM Contractors

Twenty CCM contractors manage all child care paid for by TWC in 27 service delivery areas (SDAs) throughout the state. CCM contractors are stable, financially sound agencies whose administrators and staff understand child care. Some contractors are single agencies, while others are governmental entities. The CCM Contractors:

• Enter vendor agreements with centers, group day homes and registered family homes to care for children;
• Help families locate licensed and registered providers;
• Offer parents education and training on how to select child care;
• Do client intake, verify eligibility and authorize child care arrangements;
• Manage waiting lists;
• Pay providers who care for eligible children;
• Pay parents who arrange their own child care;
• Coordinate with other services for children and families in local communities.

How Funds are Managed

Almost all TWC child care funds are dispersed by the CCM contractors. Contractors pay vendors for child care and are then reimbursed by TWC. If eligible parents arrange their own child care, either informally with a relative or at a facility that doesn't have a vendor agreement, the CCM contractor pays the provider directly. Child care vendors are paid their published rates up to a maximum set by TWC for each SDA. Maximum rates vary according to the type of care provided and the age of the child.

Requirement for Providers

• To obtain a vendor agreement, a child care provider must:
• Be licensed or registered and not in adverse action with the Texas Department of Protective & Regulatory Licensing Department;
• Carry liability insurance of $300,000 or more per occurrence;
  Apply for a vendor agreement with the CCM contractor in the provider's SDA; and
• Sign the vendor agreement and abide by its terms.
• Providers who care for children referred by Child Protective Services and children in foster care must meet TWC voluntary program criteria for child care facilities.

Role of TWC

TWC regional staff oversee the CCM system to make sure that clients and vendors are treated fairly and that all parties follow TWC rules and procedures.

The Texas Workforce Commission
101 E. 15th Street 416T
Austin, TX 78778-0001