Strategic Directive
We are not proposing solutions yet. The next step is to take these 7 identified pain points back to the provider community (via Town Halls/Surveys) to validate them and ask: "Did we get this right? And what would help you most?"
Qualitative Reality: What We Are Hearing
Feedback summarizing recent provider interactions. These 7 pain points represent the primary friction in the system right now.
Internal Findings: Nov 2025
Quantitative Reality: TWC Survey Report
Key findings from the Child Care Workforce Strategic Plan (Director Survey) and the 2025 Market Rate Survey.
The Wage Gap (Hourly)
Median Child Care Wage vs. Living Wage vs. Retail
Source: TWC Workforce Strategic Plan & ZipRecruiter 2025 Data
Provider Stability & Access
30%
Annual Turnover Rate
24%
Decline in Home Providers
The Desert Problem: 92.7% of low-income children in Texas live in a "Texas Rising Star Desert," meaning they have no access to quality-rated care within a reasonable distance.
Source: 2025 Analysis: Texas Child Care Deserts