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Across Texas, child care plays a critical role in keeping families working and communities moving forward. Programs like Child Care Services (CCS) help make that possible, and like any strong system, they continue to evolve to better serve both families and providers.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) recently announced an update to attendance requirements within CCS, based on a broader effort to strengthen program integrity and ensure resources are being used as intended.

At Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area (WSRCA), our goal is to help make that change clear, manageable, and meaningful for the families and providers we serve.

What’s changing and why it matters

Beginning April 1, 2026, CCS attendance will move from a single daily action to a two-step process.

Today, a child can be counted as present with either a check-in or a check-out.

Moving forward, a child will only be counted as present when both a check-in and a check-out are recorded on the same day.

This shift brings CCS in line with standard attendance practices and creates a more complete and reliable record of care.

It also supports a larger goal. By strengthening how attendance is tracked, TWC and workforce partners can better ensure that:

• care is being delivered as expected
• public funds are used responsibly
• planning decisions reflect real usage patterns across communities

What this looks like day to day

For families, the process itself isn’t new. It’s just more complete.

Each day will include two simple steps:

• Check your child in at drop-off
• Check your child out at pick-up

Attendance can be recorded using the same tools families already use, whether that’s the provider’s tablet, a mobile app, or an approved child care management system.

If something is missed, there is still a short window to correct attendance, helping reduce stress while reinforcing consistent habits.

Addressing a common concern

One of the biggest questions we’re hearing is: “Does this mean more risk of being marked absent?”

The key difference is how a “present” day is defined.

Previously, one recorded action was enough. Now, the system requires both to confirm that care was provided for the full day.

If one part is missing, the system doesn’t have a complete record. That’s why building a simple routine, check in when you arrive and check out when you leave, becomes so important.

This isn’t about catching mistakes. It’s about making sure the system reflects what’s actually happening.

What to know about absences

This update also connects to future system improvements already being planned.

Later this year, attendance systems will begin automatically identifying days without both a check-in and check-out as unexplained absences. That means consistency now will help prevent confusion later.

It’s also important to remember that attendance policies, including limits on absences over time, are not new. What’s changing is how clearly those absences are identified within the system.

The role of providers

Providers remain essential partners in this process.

While families are responsible for daily attendance actions, providers can help by:

• reinforcing the new expectation with clear, simple messaging
• supporting families when routines are interrupted
• assisting with one part of attendance when transportation or scheduling requires it

Importantly, provider payments will continue to be based on enrollment, not daily attendance fluctuations. This ensures stability for providers while the system becomes more accurate overall.

Why this matters for the future

At its core, this change is about strengthening a system that thousands of families rely on every day.

Clearer attendance data helps:

• protect access to child care over time
• support better funding decisions
• identify gaps in care availability, including nontraditional hours

For WSRCA, this kind of improvement is part of a bigger picture. When systems are consistent and reliable, they create better outcomes for families, stronger partnerships with providers, and a more resilient regional workforce.

Moving forward together

Adjusting to a new routine always takes a little time. But this is a straightforward shift, from one step to two, that brings long-term value to the entire system.

WSRCA is here to support families and providers through this transition, with clear communication, practical guidance, and a shared focus on making child care work better for everyone.

Access helpful resources and materials

To make this transition easier, TWC has created a set of clear, ready-to-use materials for both families and providers.

These include:

• a family letter explaining what’s changing and what to expect
• a provider letter with guidance on supporting families
• quick-reference flyers that simplify the daily check-in and check-out process

These resources break things down in a straightforward way and can be used as daily reminders in child care settings or at home.

WSRCA encourages providers and families to review and share these materials to help build a consistent routine from day one.