Yes. See below to learn more about each program for children with disabilities or special needs.
Child Care Services (CCS)
Child care providers must follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means they:
- cannot treat children with disabilities unfairly because of their disability
- must make reasonable changes to their programs to include children with disabilities
- cannot charge parents for making any changes
Providers can’t deny children with disabilities unless:
- the child is a real danger to others’ health or safety
- the accommodation will change an important part of the program’s operations
It’s important to get the care your child needs. Providers can get higher rates to serve children with disabilities or special needs (up to 190% of the usual rate) to:
- make reasonable changes to help a child with disabilities
- help when a child’s disability needs bigger changes
The higher rate helps pay for more staff or special equipment to support your child. Families must start this process; providers can’t start it. To start, download the Certification for Inclusion Assistance Rate form
Early Head Start
Early Head Start programs have to make sure that at least 10% of the children they serve have disabilities and get help through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Head Start
Head Start programs have to make sure that at least 10% of the children they serve have disabilities and get help through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Public Pre-k
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) is a program for children with disabilities who are 3 to 5 years old. This program is different from public pre-k. Children can get help in a pre-k classroom, at home, or in places like Head Start and preschool.
In Texas, children with disabilities who are 3 to 5 years old can get these services for free through public school. To learn more about early childhood special education, visit the Early Childhood Texas website.
Information for each of the programs is below.
Child Care Services (CCS)
To apply for CCS, create an account or login in Texas Child Care Connection.
To find your local board, visit Texas Child Care Solutions.
To find a child care program, visit the Texas Child Care Connection Availability Portal.
Early Head Start
To find out more information about Early Head Start, visit the Head Start website.
To find your local Head Start office, please visit the Head Start Center Locator website.
Head Start
To find out more information about the Head Start program, visit the Head Start website.
To find your local Head Start office, please visit the Head Start Center Locator website.
Public Pre-k
To find out more information about Public Pre-k, please visit the Texas Education Agency website.