The state responded to research indicating providers were not paying themselves and did not think of themselves as businesses. Many providers did not possess the basic business knowledge needed to run a child care business. In late 2019, there was a push for business training offerings for providers.

Through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the state provided $580 million in stabilization grants to child care providers. State administrators recognized that training would be necessary to support providers learning the grant reporting process for the first time and wanted providers to have assistance to succeed long-term.

Texas developed an integrated menu of training and coaching supports for child care businesses. Business trainings were targeted toward providers looking to grow. In the initial phases of the work, coaching was designed to support overall financial stability and prevent providers from relying on their personal funds to keep their child care businesses afloat. Through a partnership with Texas A&M University, the business school created the coursework and began holding business summits, which were in high demand. Training focused on three areas: legal, marketing, and human resources. Between 200-400 child care centers attended virtual summits monthly.

Through surveys, the team learned that providers requested additional coaching time. Home-based providers were less versed in business acumen practices and needed additional coaching versus center-based providers. After digging into the findings, the team updated the business training model, providing more flexibility and more in-depth marketing and staffing-related content.

Review findings from the Texas Business Coaching Year 1 Evaluation.