Frequently Asked Questions from Parents

1. What is WorkSource – Child Care Solutions?

WorkSource – Child Care Solutions helps eligible low- to moderate-income families afford the cost of quality child care in Travis County. We offer a subsidized child care program funded by the State and the U.S. government.

2. Am I eligible to receive child care services?

Parents are pre-screened for three basic eligibility requirements which are listed here.

3. Is there a waitlist for child care services? If so, how do I get on the waitlist?

Currently, there is a waitlist for child care services. To get on the waitlist, parents must fill out an application which can be downloaded from this website by clicking here. You can also request an application by calling our office at (512) 597-7191 or by visiting our office at 6505 Airport Boulevard, Suite 101-C.

4. What can I do if I am on the waitlist but have an immediate need for child care services?

WorkSource provides a tip sheet with your waitlist application that may help you identify ways to afford the child care services you seek. It also includes a list of child care providers that offer sliding scale fees to qualifying families.

5. What number am I on the waitlist?

There is no system that allows us to assign a numerical order to our waitlist. Instead, parents are placed on the waitlist on a first come/first served basis determined by the date you submit your application.

6. When will additional funding be available?

Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to predict when additional funds will be available. We received our child care funding each October, and oftentimes, this money only covers the expenses of the children already in care. However, once individuals leave the program or are discontinued, new child care slots become available and are filled by the individuals on the waitlist. In addition, WorkSource partners with organizations such as the City of Austin, Travis County, United Way and the Austin Independent School District each year to identify additional funding for child care.

7. How do I start the process to apply for child support?

As a recipient of child care services, one requirement you must meet is to file for child support. This requirement may be waived if the client can prove extenuating circumstances that prevents filing for child support such as, but not limited to, domestic violence, incest or rape.

To apply for child support, please contact the Attorney General’s Office at one of the following locations:

• North
1616 Headway Circle, Suite 100
Phone: (512) 339-1135
Fax: (512) 339-9051 or (512) 834-9529

• South
3001 South Lamar, Suite 300
Phone: (512) 441-6162
Fax: (512) 326-3501

An alternative to the Attorney General’s Office is the Domestic Relations Office. This is most often used by parents who have come to agree on monthly payments without the assistance of the Attorney General’s Office. Additionally, the Domestic Relations Office is not an enforcer of whatever payment plan both parents have agreed to. For example, they cannot authorize child support deductions on paychecks. The Domestic Relations Office simply records all payment transactions from one parent to another. Their contact information is:

• Domestic Relations Office
200 West 5th Street
Phone: (512) 854-9696
Fax: (512) 854-9294 or (512) 854-9816

Frequently Asked Questions from Providers

8. How do I become a contracted provider?

Providers who are interested in becoming contracted providers must meet three basic requirements which can be found here.

9. Do parents participating in the WorkSource – Child Care Solutions program have to choose a provider that is contracted with WorkSource – Child Care Solutions?

No. In addition to contracted providers, parents may choose any facility that is licensed or registered with the Texas Deparement of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) or an immediate relative to the child, know as Self-Arranged Child Care. For more information on Self-Arranged Child Care, please click here.

10. I have become a contracted provider, but I am not getting children referred to my center/home. Why?

Children are referred to child care providers solely based on parent choice. However, upon the parent’s request, WorkSource does provide a list of contracted providers that may help the parent select a provider of their choice.

11. I have just been authorized as a Self-Arranged Child Care provider. When do I get paid?

Payment is made after the services have been provided and according to the payment in your Self-Arranged Child Care packet. You can expect your first check approximately 30 to 45 days after care has been authorized (pending all required documentation being turned in). Payment, in some instances, may be delayed if corrections are needed.

12. I am a relative Self-Arranged Child Care provider. Can I pick up my check from your offices?

Unfortunately, WorkSource – Child Care Solutions does not have the staff necessary to handle all the relative Self-Arranged Child Care providers coming to our offices to pick up their checks. All checks will be mailed on the check release date listed in your payment schedule.

13. As a relative Self-Arranged Child Care provider, am I am employee of WorkSource – Child Care Solutions?

No. WorkSource will provide you with IRS form 1099 at the end of each year.

14. What child care training for providers is available?

WorkSource – Child Care Solutions sponsors numerous training throughout the year. Please visit www.familyconnectionsonline.org and click on the child care training calendar to view all WorkSource-sponsored trainings.

15. How do I register for WorkSource – Child Care Solutions’ trainings?

Please call (512) 597-7191 ext. 185 to register for training.

16. Can I register online for child care training? Online registration is not available at this time. Please call (512) 597-7191 ext. 185 to register for training.

17. Are the child care trainings free?

Yes. All trainings sponsored by WorkSource – Child Care Solutions are free for child care providers in Travis County.

18. Can I bring my child to the trainings/workshops?

No. Unfortunately, child care is not offered at any of our trainings/workshops.

19. What is the difference between the Texas Rising Star and Austin Rising Star programs?

The Texas Rising Star program requires providers to be contracted with WorkSource – Child Care Solutions. The Austin Rising Star program does not require providers to be contracted with WorkSource – Child Care Solutions. Both of these programs are voluntary, free and the assessment of quality standards are the same. Additionally, both are structured as a tiered rating system beginning with 2-star, 3-star and ending with 4-star (designated as the highest quality).

20. Does my center or family home qualify to be a Texas Rising Star or Austin Rising Star?

Maybe. To find out if you qualify, please visit the Texas Rising Star & Austin Rising Star page on our website.

21. What are the benefits of becoming a Texas Rising Star or Austin Rising Star provider?

The Texas Rising Star and Austin Rising Star programs offer the same benefits. They include materials and equipment for your center, free staff training, and much more! For a list of program benefits, please visit the Texas Rising Star & Austin Rising Star page on our website.

22. What are the steps in becoming a Texas Rising Star or Austin Rising Star provider?

For more information about how to become a Texas Rising Star or Austin Rising Star provider, please visit the Texas Rising Star & Austin Rising Star page on our website.