February 3, 2023 by Nesibe Selma
$26.2 Million Program to Fund Childcare for Low-Income Families in Harris County
Since the early days of the pandemic, childcare has been a prominent issue for both families and the industry. In Texas, 25% of all childcare centers closed in 2020, and millions of families have adjusted to this change through efforts such as homeschooling, private care, and online education. This Tuesday, the Harris County Commissioners Court has voted on a $26.2 program (Early REACH) to help address the rising need for childcare in low-income families.
Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the program will provide seats at childcare centers for up to 1,000 children for free. In addition, childcare workers and providers will receive more comprehensive training and higher compensation to combat employee turnover and provide better and more consistent care.
Who qualifies for the program?
Children ages 0 – 4 from low-income* families living in Harris County.
*Low-income households “demonstrate need via one of the following:
- Live in a family that makes 85% less of State Median Income (SMI) (approx. $72,600 annually for a family of four, see table below for more information) OR
- Live in an area of high need according to the Social Vulnerability Index (high need considered to be .75 or above) OR
- Are experiencing homelessness OR
- Are in foster care OR
- Receive WIC, SNAP, TANF, free or reduced lunch, or SSI income”
When can you apply?
Spaces will begin to open on a rolling basis in June 2023. Sign up for updates on the program here to receive more news.
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm focused on advocacy for low-income and underserved populations by providing free legal education, advice, and representation. LSLA serves millions of people at 125% of federal poverty guidelines, who live in 72 counties in the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of Texas, and 4 counties in Southwest Arkansas. LSLA focuses its resources on maintaining, enhancing, and protecting income and economic stability; preserving housing; improving outcomes for children; establishing and sustaining family safety, stability, health, and wellbeing; and assisting populations with special vulnerabilities, like those with disabilities, the aging, survivors of crime and disasters, the unemployed and underemployed, the unhoused, those with limited English language skills, and the LGBTQIA+ community. To learn more about Lone Star Legal Aid, visit our website at www.LoneStarLegal.org.
Media contact: media@lonestarlegal.org
