The Court directed county departments to create an Early Child Care Business Accelerator, review how childcare providers interact with county regulations, and assess how the county connects families with young children to childcare and early learning resources, with reports due by June 11, 2026.

What it means for you

Childcare providers in Harris County could receive business mentoring and support aimed at expanding available childcare slots, while families may gain better access to information about childcare and early learning resources.

Outcome

A motion was made by Commissioner Briones, seconded by Commissioner Garcia, to direct the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity, in partnership with key stakeholders and Court offices who elect to offer seed funding through FY26, to create an Early Child Care Business Accelerator to help providers grow and operate sustainably. This program should offer mentoring and business support with the goal of expanding available childcare seats and improving compliance. It should also evaluate how existing DEEO resources can support the effort and transmit in initial assessment to Commissioners Court by June 11, 2026; To direct the Office of County Administration, working with relevant departments, to review how childcare providers interact with the County. This includes applicable regulations, processes, timelines, and associated costs, and transmit the assessment to Commissioners Court by June 11, 2026; To direct the Office of County Administration, working with the relevant departments, to review how the County already connects with families with young children, identify gaps in outreach and awareness of child care, early learning, and other related resources, develop a plan to improve access and participation, and transmit the assessment to Commissioners Court by June 11, 2026; To direct IGA to evaluate early childhood education and care advocacy opportunities to develop recommendations for state-level advocacy, and return with priority recommendations by the June 11, 2026, Commissioners Court. The motion carried by the following vote: