All information TWC collects or maintains is subject to the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act and other federal and state regulations governing information sharing. Such laws are subject to being changed by Congress or the Legislature at any time. In most circumstances, the law currently requires TWC to release to the public any properly requested information collected about visitors to its Internet website.
Confidential transactions, such as unemployment claims or unemployment tax records and payments, have the same level of confidentiality whether filed through the Internet or through other methods. To the extent federal or state law makes information that is filed with TWC confidential, whether filed in paper or electronic form, TWC will treat that information as confidential and will not release it to third parties unless otherwise required or permitted by law.
Job seekers should be aware that information posted on this website might be available to employers accessing TWC services, possibly including your current employer. For example, a job application posted in WorkInTexas.com is available to any employer with a matching job order, while information from a new claim for unemployment benefits is only available to the last employer the applicant named on the claim. Information will not be disclosed to other third parties unless TWC receives a Request for Public Information and the law requires or permits TWC to disclose the information. Website visitors who email comments, inquiries or online forms to TWC, or who provide personally identifiable information to TWC, should keep in mind that the Texas Public Information Act may require TWC to release such information if requested.
TWC may disclose personal information without user consent under the following conditions:
- To perform the statutory duties of TWC
- To operate a program authorized by law
- As authorized by state or federal statute or regulation
- Pursuant to a court order
- To enforce TWC’s rights against unauthorized access or attempted unauthorized access to TWC’s information technology assets (i.e., disclose to federal or state law enforcement authorities)
TWC does not currently sell or rent information collected through its website. At this time, TWC does not have an opt-in or opt-out approach to data release and protection. TWC shares some information with government agencies and their contractors for the administration and enforcement of laws, including verifying eligibility for public assistance, supporting law enforcement activities and other purposes permitted by law. Allowable uses of confidential information may include performing statistical analysis, research and evaluation on programs such as Social Security, Medicaid, food assistance, and child support.
The Early Childhood Eligibility Screener is a free tool for Texas families. The screener helps families see if they may qualify for free or low-cost early childhood education programs in Texas.
No. The screener is not an application and doesn’t guarantee eligibility. It’s a quick way to see which options may be available to families. You don’t need to upload any documents
You’ll see results on which programs your family may qualify for. You can decide if you want to apply to any of the programs. If you decide to apply, you can click on the links on the results page. See the Contact and Support section below for contact information for each program.
The Early Childhood Eligibility Screener helps families see if they may qualify for:
- Child Care Services (CCS)
- Early Head Start
- Head Start
- Public Prekindergarten (Pre-k)
You can find out about each program below.
Child Care Services (CCS)
CCS provides scholarships to help pay for child care for children ages birth through 12 (or up to age 18 for a child with a disability). This helps parents work, look for a job, go to school, or take part in job training. CCS can help pay for care before and after school and during nontraditional hours (evening or weekend care).
Early Head Start
Early Head Start serves children from birth to age three, and pregnant women. It also provides free child development and family support services to low-income families.
Head Start
Head Start serves children ages three to five get ready for school. It also provides free learning and development and family support services to low-income families.
Public Pre-k
Public Pre-k is free pre-k for eligible 3-year-olds (where a program is available) and 4-year-olds.