Texas House Bill HB3739

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to including certain child care providers in the Texas Rising Star Program and establishing a pilot program to expand participation in the Texas Rising Star Program.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of HB3739 on state laws is its directive that local workforce development boards may operate pilot programs designed to increase the number of quality child care providers in their respective areas. The bill requires that all licensed and registered child care facilities within these local workforce development areas are allowed to participate in the Texas Rising Star Program. The legislation is positioned to prioritize quality improvement support for providers serving low-income families, particularly in areas with a higher poverty rate compared to the state average.

Summary

House Bill 3739 aims to include more child care providers into the Texas Rising Star Program and to establish a pilot program intended to bolster participation among these providers. The Texas Rising Star Program serves as a quality-based child care rating system, offering a framework for assessing and improving the quality of child care services in Texas. By broadening the inclusivity of the program, HB3739 seeks to enhance the overall quality of early childhood education and care across the state.

Contention

Discussion surrounding the bill may highlight potential points of contention regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the pilot programs initiated by local boards. Critics may express concerns about the varying levels of resources and support available across different regions, leading to disparities in child care quality improvements. Furthermore, there may be debates about the criteria used for prioritizing participation and support, particularly regarding how it may affect the accessibility of quality child care for all families, regardless of socio-economic status.