Childcaregroup

Head Start (HS) Early Childhood Programs (ECP) Our Early Childhood Program (ECP) provides comprehensive education and support for children from six weeks to five years old and serves pregnant women through our Head Start grant. Using the Head Start model, we promote cognitive, emotional, language, physical, and social development, offering this program free of charge to eligible families. ECP also includes parent education and family engagement through our Home Visiting program, along with family resource support via our Family Navigation program and the Help Me Grow North Texas resource website. Serving families across Dallas, Kaufman, and Navarro counties, ECP creates a lasting impact on children and their communities. Texas ranks 43rd out of 50 states in overall child well-being, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's 2024 Kids Count Data Book, which takes into account economic security, education, health, and family and community data. In fact, 18.4 percent of Texas children are living in poverty, compared to the national average of 16 percent. In Dallas County, the child poverty rate is even higher - at 19.8 percent [U.S. Census American Community Survey (ACS), 2023 putting their development and future success at risk. ChildCareGroup addresses this challenge with a proven two-generation approach that supports both children and parents, strengthening families and the community. Our early education programs focus on healthy development, kindergarten readiness, and long-term family stability. Children benefit from individualized lesson plans, health and wellness screenings, and social-emotional support, while parents partner with family advocates to set goals and build pathways to self-sufficiency. We operate six early education centers across North Texas and collaborate with local school districts to deliver high-quality Head Start and public Pre-K programs. Each year, more than 1,000 volunteers contribute time and expertise, helping us expand our impact and deepen community connections. ChildCareGroup is funded through a mix of public and private support, including the Office of Head Start, United Way, foundations, corporate partners, and individual donors.

TEXAS RISING STAR QUALITY INITIATIVES - ChildCareGroup's Child Care Assistance (CCA) program oversees the Quality Rating and Improvement System for our three workforce boards. Local childcare providers that agree to serve eligible children must meet quality standards and are expected to earn Texas Rising Star certification within two years. A state-contracted agency conducts formal assessments, awarding 2-Star, 3-Star, or 4-Star ratings based on research-backed criteria. Higher-quality ratings correspond with increased reimbursement rates. In 2024, 898 early learning programs received mentoring and support through our initiatives. Notably, 63% of the first cohort in the Heart of Texas Early Learning Apprenticeship Program pursued higher education after earning their Department of Labor Early Learning certification. Across all contracts, the number of programs achieving Texas Rising Star certification increased by 25%, reflecting measurable progress in quality improvement.