Children at Risk Urges Texas Lawmakers to Fix Childcare System

A state nonprofit is asking Texas lawmakers to overhaul the early childhood education system as more than 100,000 eligible children wait for subsidized care. Children at Risk presented its legislative priorities to the state legislature ahead of the January session.

Mandi Kimball, vice president of Children at Risk, stated that the current shortage disproportionately affects low-income working families. The group’s data indicates that for every available childcare spot in Texas, nearly four children are in need of care.

Kimball described the issue as a workforce and economic challenge, not just an education one. “Childcare is not just an early education issue, it’s a workforce issue, it’s an economic issue, it’s a family issue,” she said during a presentation on Thursday.

During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers approved an additional $100 million for subsidized childcare. This funding came from unused federal dollars in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Advocates noted that rising costs have consumed much of that new investment.

The organization is also calling for stronger governance to streamline the state’s fragmented system. Currently, Texas childcare programs interact with six different state agencies. Kimball said this structure creates complexity for both families and providers.

Children at Risk wants lawmakers to create a more unified system to improve coordination and use available funds more efficiently. “When we strengthen childcare, we strengthen Texas families and our economy,” Kimball said.