Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB) is pleased to announced that Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has made available $40million in funding for childcare for children of essential workers during COVID-19. Child Care Services, or CCS, will be responsible for distributing funds. The funds can be used at any CCS-approved childcare provider.
“Finding and affording child care is a challenge many families face but now with schools and some child care providers closed, it is even more difficult,” said Leila Melendez, CEO of Workforce Solutions Borderplex. “The list of essential workers is long and it includes single parents, parents without nearby extended family, small business owners, and others who have no choice but to utilize child care facilities. This is how we can help them.”
TWC considers essential workers those who work in pharmacy and healthcare industries as well as first responders. Also included are critical local and state government staff and those who work in mail/delivery services, nursing homes, child care, and home healthcare. Direct care providers, those employed by grocery stores, gas stations, banks, restaurants (with drive through and delivery), and military personnel are also deemed essential by TWC.
Sylvia Acosta, Ph.D., CEO of YWCA El Paso del Norte Region explained that her organization will manage the CCS funds and serve as childcare services administrator, which includes managing the intake. “Even with the stay at home ordinance, many El Pasoans provide essential services and jobs and must continue to work, including healthcare workers,” said Acosta.
Individual applications are available in both English and Spanish:
https://borderplexjobs.formstack.com/forms/covid_19_essential_worker_child_care_enrollment_form
https://borderplexjobs.formstack.com/forms/covid_19_essential_worker_child_care_enrollment_form_spanish
In addition, the https://frontlinechildcare.texas.gov/ website can help parents find basic information about child care providers including health and safety regulations and step-by-step instructions for applying for a child care subsidy.
ABOUT WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS BORDERPLEX
Workforce Solutions Borderplex (WSB) is celebrating over 20 years of serving as the leader and pacesetter in aligning and creating opportunities for skilled workers and employers. WSB advances education, employment, entrepreneurship and economic development prospects in support of global competitiveness and regional prosperity. The organization’s service region encompasses Brewster, Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis and Presidio counties. For more information about Workforce Solutions Borderplex, please contact Bianca Cervantes at (915) 252-0712 or visit www.borderplexjobs.com.