As of October 3, 2022, Texas Government Code §2308.3155 requires all Child Care Services (CCS) child care and early learning programs be included in the Texas Rising Star program, beginning at an Entry Level designation. Entry Level programs may receive technical assistance, resources, materials, and mentoring to support them in attaining Texas Rising Star certification.
Eligibility for Entry Level Designation
To qualify for Entry Level designation, a child care and early learning program must meet the minimum quality standards outlined below and will receive technical assistance and support under the Texas Rising Star program:
- be licensed or registered with Child Care Regulation (CCR) (may have an initial permit) or regulated by the United States Military;
- not on Corrective or Adverse Action with CCR; and
- meets the points threshold of 75 for high- and medium-high-weighted CCR deficiencies (based on a review of CCR licensing history within the most recent 12 months)
Please note, Child Care rule §809.20 states that only “certified” Texas Rising Star child care and early learning programs are eligible to receive enhanced reimbursement rates, therefore, programs with the Entry Level designation are not eligible for the enhanced reimbursement rates until they are Texas Rising Star-certified at a Two-, Three-, or Four-Star level.
Entry Level Extension Waiver
Child care and early learning programs that are unable to achieve Texas Rising Star certification by the end of the 24-month timeframe may submit a request to their Board for an extension waiver. TWC may grant the program up to an additional 36 months to remain at Entry Level for the program to achieve Texas Rising Star certification.
Visit texasrisingstar.org to learn more about Entry Level Designation and the eligibility requirements for the Entry Level extension waiver for child care and early learning programs.