Member Spotlight: Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County
As we continue to forge pathways for early education and development, it's important to recognize the contributions of our dedicated members. Today, we spotlight Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, a pillar of support and innovation within the Early Learning Alliance (ELA) since 2015. Since joining ELA, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County has been instrumental in driving initiatives that support early childhood education and workforce development. Their commitment to creating opportunities for both children and adults alike has been nothing short of inspiring.
Nicole Allen is the Child Care Quality Unit Director for Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, and she serves on the ELA Leadership Team. Nicole shared about the workforce board’s mission and partnership with ELA.
How does Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County promote early learning and help children get the strong foundation they need to succeed in school and life?
Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County (WSTC) is contracted with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to oversee service delivery in Tarrant County of the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) funds. To add another layer, Child Care Management Services, LLC (CCMS, LLC) dba Child Care Associates (CCA) is contracted with WSTC to implement the required activities associated with the CCDF funding. Through this collaborative partnership, we distribute scholarships for families with payments paid directly to Early Learning Programs, promote consistent learning environments for the children and families we serve, oversee the implementation and sustainability of the Texas Rising Star program, and implement innovative activities associated with supporting quality child care practices for our Texas Rising Star programs. All of these, with the cooperation of the Early Learning Programs we serve, contribute to building a strong foundation for the success of children and families.
What is your favorite thing about Workforce Solutions?
Past the formalities, let it be known that quality early learning and child care are more than just a program that we implement, it is a passion! Tarrant County is seen as a beacon champion for child care across the state, and WSTC is proud to share the spotlight with its amazing community partners. Part of what makes WSTC successful is that the majority of people who work in the child care department have a history in child care and early learning. Because of this, we keep children and families at the center of everything we do.
How did Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County become involved with ELA?
Workforce Solutions was a founding member of ELA in 2015 and has had been an active participant on the Leadership Team and served as chair of the Quality Child Care Committee.
How does ELA advance your organization’s mission?
The overall goal of WSTC is to support and ensure the economic, educational, and developmental success of employers and job seekers in our community. We recognize the responsibility we have in supporting current working families with resources and in providing foundational support for children, knowing they will be our future workforce. In addition, Early Learning Programs are businesses and employers within themselves with their own unique challenges and triumphs. Being a part of ELA enables WSTC to be intentionally involved with our community and to learn how we can best be of support.
Why do you think ELA is an asset to the community?
WSTC thrives off of community partnerships and collaboration. It takes a village to support our youngest citizens, and ELA provides an excellent space for everyone to create and maintain those relationships. Members gather with the mindset of “How can I help?”, which has been so impactful in Tarrant County.
Do you have any upcoming events or projects?
In September 2021, the Texas Legislature enacted HB 2607, which requires all Early Learning Programs participating in TWC’s Child Care Services program to participate in the Texas Rising Star program.
For more information for parents, please visit at: www.tarrantcountyccms.org/wp-content/uploads/trs-brochures-parent-accessible.pdf
For more information for providers, please visit at: www.tarrantcountyccms.org/wp-content/uploads/trs-brochures-provider-accessible.pdf
As we reflect on the past seven years of partnership, we are filled with gratitude for Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County's unwavering dedication. Their active participation and leadership within the Alliance have been key to our collective achievements.
We look forward to continuing this journey together, fostering an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
