​There are many types of early care and education programs to choose from, and it is important to find one that fits the needs of your child and your family.
According to Child Care Aware of America, early care and education is often one of the biggest items in families’ monthly budgets. It can be higher than the cost of housing, college tuition, transportation, or food.
​Families across Hays and Caldwell Counties know that it can be hard to find quality early care and education that meets all your needs. Below you will find some information about Home-Based and Center-Based early care and education programs.  

Home-Based

Center-Based
Listed Family Home
Licensed or Registered Child-Care Home*
(birth to age 5+)
  • family environment
  • smaller number of children
  • consistent caregiver
  • may offer flexible hours and/or part-time care
  • siblings cared for together (rather than separated into different age groups)
  • often less expensive than center-based child care programs
  • *regulated by the Department of Family and Protective Services
Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care and/or Care in Your Own Home**
(birth to age 5+)
  • know and trust the caregiver
  • maximum flexibility in scheduling and may provide transportation
  • often the least expensive type of care available
  • **children may feel more secure in their own home
Parents as Teachers (PAT) (birth to age 4)
  • free, in-home early education program with no child care provided
  • screenings and assessments included
  • monthly Group Connections
  • support in connecting to community resources
Licensed Child-Care Center (birth to age 5+)
  • stand-alone businesses and/or affiliated with churches or other entities (like Texas State University) across Hays & Caldwell Counties
  • most offer full-day (approx. 7:30am to 6:00pm), full-year care
    • some, such as church affiliated Mother's Day Out (MDO) programs, may offer part-time care options
      • parent co-ops require parents to volunteer a certain number of hours in the operations of the center
  • more structured, classroom-like environment
  • children are cared for in groups with other children the same age
  • greater number of adults present in the building
  • variety of equipment, supplies, and activities
  • may also be Texas Rising Star (TRS) or National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accredited
Head Start (birth to age 4)
  • centers in Kyle, San Marcos, Lockhart, and Luling
  • free, high-quality, comprehensive early childhood services to qualifying families ($2,790 maximum income per month for a family of four)
  • children are cared for in groups with other children the same age
  • additional quality and staffing requirements that Head Start programs must meet beyond child care licensing
School District Pre-Kindergarten Program (age 4 by September 1st)
  • full-school day programs available in SMCISD, HaysCISD, Lockhart ISD, and Luling ISD
  • free to qualifying families ($3,790 maximum income per month for a family of four), tuition/lottery options may be available
  • certified teachers and access to school district supports

Paying for Child Care

Workforce Solutions: Rural Capital Area Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
  • Each parent must be working, or attending an educational program, at least 25 hours each week
  • Meet income guidelines based on household income and family size ($5,552 maximum income per month for a family of four)
  • Family may select from a variety of CCS-accepting child care centers and licensed homes

Child Care Locations

Below are links to Google Maps that include all Licensed Centers, Texas Rising Star, Head Start, and Child-Care Homes (Licensed or Registered) programs for each county.  

Start Smart Hays & Caldwell

Address

101 Uhland Drive, Suite 107
​San Marcos, TX 78666
Photo from Scottish Government