Per program guidelines, eligible participants must fall within one of the following categories:

• The adult must be at 300% of federal poverty guidelines or below (Note, in 2024, the 300% federal poverty level (FPL) is $45,180 for a household of one person.) AND
• (a) working in a child care center of family home child care located in Harris County; OR
• (b) an active student in education or aligned Career and Technical Education (CTE) program in Harris County; OR
• (c) an adult resident of Harris County with a high school diploma or GED equivalent with an expressed interest in a child care career.

The program’s outreach strategy connects educators, early learning programs, and community partners across Harris County through three key approaches:

1. Broad Awareness & Engagement – The program shares information widely through webpages, flyers, and newsletters distributed via existing networks, reaching thousands of educators. Virtual events such as webinars and testimonials highlight available services, while the organizational dashboard serves as a central hub for training resources.
2. Community Partnerships & Events – The program collaborates with local organizations to host outreach meetings, community events, and informational booths at gatherings (e.g., United Way Lunch and Learn). The program also engages directly with high school CTE “Education and Training” programs to present opportunities for students.
3. Targeted Program Visits – In high-need areas, program staff visit early learning centers to meet with directors and teachers, offering personalized guidance on program benefits and participation.

Together, these efforts strengthen connections with educators and expand access to professional learning opportunities across Harris County.

ACCTS seeks to expand access to affordable, high-quality training opportunities for child-care workers, thereby increasing retention and improving the quality of early learning environments across Harris County.

KPIs of this program include:

• Number of High Quality Training Hours Completed
• Number of CDA Participants Completing CDA Requirements
• Number of Participants Enrolled in Specialized Training and Certification Program

Harris County Accessible Child Care Training Supports (ACCTS) – Children's Learning Institute Main Site

Child-care workers face systemic challenges such as low pay, high stress, and limited access to professional development. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average hourly wage for child-care workers in the Houston metropolitan area is $12.35, leaving many near or below the federal poverty line. Additionally, research by the Texas Policy Lab highlights that the workforce is predominantly composed of low-income women of color who faced disproportionate hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These findings underscore the importance of investing in the child care workforce, which plays a critical role in both access and quality. Sixty percent of a child care center’s Texas Rising Star rating, the state’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, is tied directly to the training and performance of child care workers. Investments in workforce training therefore represent direct investments in child care quality for families across Harris County.