Texas Child Care Solutions- online parent website
Developed by the Texas Workforce Commission (http://texaschildcaresolutions.org/), the purpose of Texas Child Care Solutions is to provide parents access to accurate and consistent information to assist them in making informed choices to meet their child care needs.
Department of Family and Protective Services Child Care Licensing (DFPS):
Child Care Licensing (CCL) protects the health, safety, and well-being of children who attend or live in regulated child-care operations and homes. They develop minimum standards for regulated operations and homes as well as policies and procedures for making sure those minimum standards are followed. CCL provides technical assistance, training, and consultation to child-care providers, and educate the public on selecting and improving child care services. www.dfps.state.tx.us
Child Protective Services (CPS) responsibilities include:
- Investigating reports of abuse and neglect of children
- Providing services to children and families in their own homes
- Placing children in foster care
- Providing services to help youth in foster care successfully transition to adulthood
- Helping children get adopted
Texas law says anyone who thinks a child, person 65 years or older, or an adult with disabilities is being abused, neglected, or exploited must report it to DFPS. A person who reports abuse in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability. DFPS keeps the name of the person making the report confidential. Anyone who does not report suspected abuse can be held liable for a misdemeanor or felony. Time frames for investigating reports are based on the severity of the allegations. Reporting suspected abuse makes it possible for a family to get help.
To Report:
By Phone: 1-800-252-5400
Online: Texas Abuse Hotline
The Abuse Hotline is toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, nationwide. DFPS cannot accept email reports of suspected abuse or neglect.
Parenting Class Information:
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Texas Families with uninsured children may be eligible for health insurance through Children’s Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program). Both programs provide a wide range of benefits, including regular check-ups, prescription drugs, eye exams, glasses, and dental care to keep kids healthy. CHIP prenatal coverage, provides health services for unborn children of women who qualify. Applications for CHIP/ Children’s Medicaid are available by calling toll-free 1-877-KIDS-NOW*, through the CHIP website, or at our CCR&R office located at 1600 N. Brown, El Paso.
Earned Income Credit
You may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, if you worked last year, but did not earn a lot of money. EITC is a refundable tax credit meaning you could qualify for a tax refund even if you did not have federal income tax withheld. If you qualify, the amount of your EITC will depend on whether you have children, the number of children you have, and the amount of your wages and income last year. For more information or to see if you qualify, go to www.irs.gov/eitc or call 1–800–829–3676.
Helpful Links
Child Care
Parenting
Referral Network of Texas:
- www.hhs.texas.gov
- 2-1-1: Get Connected. Get Answers: www.211.org
Area School Districts:
- Region 19: www.esc19hs.net
Child Care Training: