A 4-star Texas Rising Star (TRS) designation is the highest quality rating awarded to child care programs by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), indicating that the provider significantly exceeds the state's minimum health, safety, and quality standards. It signifies a commitment to high-quality care, qualified staff, and enhanced learning environments. 

Key Aspects of a 4-Star Texas Rising Star Provider:

• Highest Quality Rating: This is the top tier in the TRS voluntary quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) for childcare providers participating in TWC's child care services program.

• Exceeds Minimum Standards: 4-star programs offer quality care that goes beyond the state's Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Child Care Regulation (CCR) standards.

• High-Quality Staff: Programs feature educators with higher qualifications and participate in continuous professional development.

• Enhanced Curriculum & Environment: The program uses age-appropriate, intentional curriculum and provides superior indoor/outdoor learning environments.

• Better Support and Rates: 4-star providers often receive higher reimbursement rates for children enrolled in the CCS program, allowing them to reinvest in their services.

• Focus on Development: These centers demonstrate strong communication between caregivers and parents, focusing on essential developmental areas for children. 

In essence, a 4-star rating is a recognized, voluntary mark of excellence in early childhood education. 

The Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, established in 2025, is a state-funded education savings account (ESA) initiative providing, on average, $10,000 per student (up to $30,000 for students with disabilities) for private school tuition, uniforms, tutoring, and other educational expenses. It aims to provide families with more educational choices, with applications opening in early 2026 for the 2026–2027 school year.  For more information and to see if you are eligible visit https://educationfreedom.texas.gov