Texas Education and Child Care

Education

Texas offers public education for every child from kindergarten through 12th grade, and a range of pathways to higher education and credentials for learners of all ages. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees public K–12 education.

If you've recently moved to Texas, the enrollment process may differ from your previous state. Contact your local school district directly for guidance on transferring records and meeting Texas-specific enrollment requirements.

K-12 enrollment

Public schools in Texas are organized by school district. Use the TEA school locator to find the district serving your address, then follow your district's enrollment process. First-time enrollments typically require proof of residency, immunization records, and a birth certificate.

Locate a school for your child

Enroll your child in school

View support resources for at-risk schools and students

College

Planning for college in Texas? My Texas Future gives students and families guidance on choosing a school, applying, and understanding what to expect. Texas has more than 100 public and private colleges and universities, with options for every path and goal.

Get answers to your college questions

GED

A GED (General Educational Development) credential is recognized across Texas as the equivalent of a high school diploma. It opens doors to jobs, apprenticeships, and higher education. The GED test covers four subjects: math, science, social studies, and language arts.

Prepare for the GED

Child care

Finding the right child care for your family matters. The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) connects families and employers with licensed child care providers and assistance programs across the state.

Find child care near you

A smiling caregiver engages two toddlers in a playful learning activity at a small table, representing quality child care.

Find child care for your family

TWC maintains a searchable database of licensed child care providers across Texas. Filter by location, age group, and program type to find options near you. All providers in the database are licensed by the state.

Search the TWC child care database

Employer child care solutions

Employers can access TWC resources to help working parents on their teams find and afford child care. Supporting employees with child care is linked to stronger workforce retention and reduced absenteeism.

Find employer child care solutions

Financial aid

Paying for education shouldn't stand in the way of opportunity. Texas has financial aid options for college students, families who need help covering child care costs, and parents planning ahead for their children's future.

FAFSA

FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Most Texas colleges also use FAFSA results to award their own institutional aid. You can apply for free at StudentAid.gov. There is no cost to file.

Apply for financial aid for college or graduate school

Happy graduates in caps and gowns celebrate their achievement, showing the positive outcome of receiving financial aid.

Child care financial assistance

Texas and federal programs offer financial assistance for qualifying families who need help covering the cost of licensed child care.

Child care financial assistance

Federal and state resources are available to help eligible families find and pay for licensed child care while parents work, attend school, or participate in job training. Use childcare.gov to explore what's available in Texas.

Find financial assistance for child care

Texas Child Care Scholarship

The Texas Child Care Scholarship program helps eligible families pay for licensed child care. Eligibility is based on family income and participation in work, school, or job training. Apply through the TWC child care scholarship portal.

Apply for child care scholarships

Texas Tuition Promise Fund

The Texas Tuition Promise Fund is a prepaid college savings plan that lets you lock in tomorrow's tuition at today's prices. Start saving early and reduce the cost of a Texas public college or university when the time comes. Plans are available for children of any age.

Start saving for your child's future

A happy family with a young child counts money at a table, illustrating the process of saving for future education costs.

If you're unsure which financial aid program fits your situation, Your Texas Benefits is the state's single application portal for multiple assistance programs. Applying there first can help identify what you may qualify for.

Visit your Texas benefits

TexShare libraries

TexShare is a statewide library consortium that connects Texans to resources across hundreds of public and academic libraries. With a TexShare library card, you can borrow materials from participating libraries throughout the state.

Find a TexShare library near you

A woman reaches for a book on a high library shelf, representing the vast resources available through TexShare libraries.

Who can use TexShare

TexShare is available to cardholders of any participating Texas public or academic library. If your home library participates, your card gives you borrowing privileges at hundreds of other member libraries statewide — a great resource for students, researchers, and lifelong learners.

What TexShare offers

In addition to physical borrowing, TexShare provides access to shared digital resources including databases, e-books, and research tools available to cardholders at member libraries. Access varies by library.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) administers the TexShare program and supports public libraries across the state. TSLAC also provides digital resources directly to all Texans, including access to online databases at no cost.

Learn more about TSLAC resources for Texans