Full-time infant care in San Antonio can top $800/month. If childcare costs are keeping you out of work, Texas has a free subsidy program built for exactly this. Here’s how it works and how to get it.
Key takeaways
- Free or nearly free childcare: Texas Child Care Services (CCS) subsidies pay part or all of licensed childcare.
- Who qualifies: If you’re a single parent working, in school, or in job training at least 25 hours a week (or a two-parent household with at least 50 combined hours a week); children under 13 (or under 19 with a disability); income within program limits.
- Apply early: if funds aren’t available when you apply, you may be placed on a waiting list — call 210-230-6300 (Workforce Solutions Alamo Child Care Services) to start the process. Tip: apply early — if funds run out, there’s a waitlist.
- Free alternatives: Head Start/Early Head Start and Pre-K 4 SA offer free early childhood programs with often shorter waits.
In this guide
Texas Rising Star / CCS subsidies
The Child Care Services (CCS) program, administered locally through Workforce Solutions Alamo, pays part or all of licensed childcare for qualifying families. If approved, CCS helps pay for care with a participating provider — ask which providers near you participate — you pay only an income-based copay, which can be as low as $0. That’s free childcare.
Who qualifies?
Generally: if you’re a single parent working, in school, or in job training at least 25 hours a week (or a two-parent household with at least 50 combined hours a week); your children must be under 13 (or under 19 with a disability); and your income must fall within program limits. Ask whether any priority groups apply when you call 210-230-6300.
How to apply
Call 210-230-6300 (Workforce Solutions Alamo Child Care Services) or visit workforcesolutionsalamo.org to check eligibility — for free. If funds aren’t available when you apply, you may be placed on a waiting list. Tip: apply early.
While you wait
- Head Start / Early Head Start: free early childhood programs for low-income families with children under 5 — separate application, often shorter waits.
- Pre-K 4 SA: San Antonio’s own free full-day pre-K for qualifying 4-year-olds.
- Employer help: If your employer offers a Dependent Care FSA, ask HR how it works — see IRS.gov for current tax rules.
Childcare + work = the ladder up
Pair that free subsidy with free job training and benefits that cover food and rent while you train — then none of it costs you out of pocket. Our free Apply for Me program checks your eligibility for childcare subsidies plus SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, and more in one free application.
