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Early childhood education programs in Texas

33 early childhood programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

18 schools offer these early childhood education programs, and Texas has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Childcare workers look after children's needs and help their early development. What they need varies by state and employer, from no formal education to a certificate in early childhood education; most often states ask for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, which takes coursework, experience and a period of being observed working with children.1 The CDA takes a high school diploma or GED, 120 hours of early childhood education, 480 hours of work with the age group you choose within three years, a portfolio and the CDA exam.2

In Texas, 10 of the 33 programs take students without a high school diploma, 21 ask for a diploma or equivalent and 2 ask for a bachelor's degree.

By kind, the 33 programs here are child care or preschool certificate (15 programs), early childhood education (associate degree, 7 programs), CDA (Child Development Associate) course (6 programs), early childhood apprenticeship (4 programs), and 1 more of one other kind.

See the 33 programs

How much do early childhood education programs cost in Texas?

Certificates and short courses (25 programs)
$1,789 to $5,500most of them
Two-year degrees (7 programs)
$5,250 to $6,878most of them

What you pay yourself for the whole program, as the schools report it. "Most" is the middle half of the programs with a price.

In the typical program

Finished the program
47%
Working 6 months later
63%
Earned a year, estimated
about $19,000
Length
Not enough data
Only 6 of 33 programs report it

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Texas may also offer early childhood education programs. How these figures are made

Are there free early childhood education programs in Texas?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

All 33 early childhood programs in Texas approved for WIOA funding

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33 programs

  • Child care or preschool certificateOnlineBachelor's degree

    Certification Area: Special Education ALL LEVELS (Early Childhood Grade 12)

    Region 4 Education Service Center

    Based in Houston, TX

    Bachelor's degree

    Region 4 Education Service Center, based in Houston, TXChild care or preschool certificateOnline · Bachelor's degree

    Earned a year, estimated$43,100
    Price if you pay yourself$5,380

    24 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Certification Area: Special Education ALL LEVELS (Early Childhood Grade 12) at Region 4 Education Service Center
    More details about Certification Area: Special Education ALL LEVELS (Early Childhood Grade 12) at Region 4 Education Service Center
    Finished
    47%
    Working at 6 months
    85%
    Earned in a quarter
    $10,766
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $1,574
    Students counted
    223
    Earned a year, estimated
    $43,100
    Price if you pay yourself
    $5,380
    students trained with WIOA funding
    24
    Program website, Certification Area: Special Education ALL LEVELS (Early Childhood Grade 12) at Region 4 Education Service Center

  • Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child Development AAS

    Southwest Texas Junior College

    Uvalde

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Southwest Texas Junior College, UvaldeEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$19,100
    Price if you pay yourself$8,995
    Program website, Child Development AAS at Southwest Texas Junior College
    More details about Child Development AAS at Southwest Texas Junior College
    Finished
    12%
    Working at 6 months
    60%
    Earned in a quarter
    $4,775
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $1,200
    Students counted
    201
    Earned a year, estimated
    $19,100
    Price if you pay yourself
    $8,995
    Program website, Child Development AAS at Southwest Texas Junior College

  • Child care or preschool certificateOnlineBachelor's degree

    Certification Area: Core Subjects and Bilingual (Early Childhood Grade 6 and/or Grades 4 8))

    Region 4 Education Service Center

    Based in Houston, TX

    Bachelor's degree

    Region 4 Education Service Center, based in Houston, TXChild care or preschool certificateOnline · Bachelor's degree

    Earned a year, estimated$53,300
    Price if you pay yourself$6,480
    Program website, Certification Area: Core Subjects and Bilingual (Early Childhood Grade 6 and/or Grades 4 8)) at Region 4 Education Service Center
    More details about Certification Area: Core Subjects and Bilingual (Early Childhood Grade 6 and/or Grades 4 8)) at Region 4 Education Service Center
    Finished
    55%
    Working at 6 months
    63%
    Earned in a quarter
    $13,324
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $1,377
    Students counted
    160
    Earned a year, estimated
    $53,300
    Price if you pay yourself
    $6,480
    Program website, Certification Area: Core Subjects and Bilingual (Early Childhood Grade 6 and/or Grades 4 8)) at Region 4 Education Service Center

  • Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child and Family Development AAS

    Angelina College

    Lufkin

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Angelina College, LufkinEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$20,400
    Price if you pay yourself$7,215
    Program website, Child and Family Development AAS at Angelina College
    More details about Child and Family Development AAS at Angelina College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    86%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,104
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $3,335
    Students counted
    157
    Earned a year, estimated
    $20,400
    Price if you pay yourself
    $7,215
    Program website, Child and Family Development AAS at Angelina College

  • Child care or preschool certificateOnlineNo diploma needed

    Child and Educational Studies

    Coastal Bend College

    Based in Alice, TX

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Coastal Bend College, based in Alice, TXChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolOnline · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$11,300
    Price if you pay yourself$6,016
    Program website, Child and Educational Studies at Coastal Bend College
    More details about Child and Educational Studies at Coastal Bend College
    Finished
    21%
    Working at 6 months
    70%
    Earned in a quarter
    $2,828
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $2,800
    Students counted
    115
    Earned a year, estimated
    $11,300
    Price if you pay yourself
    $6,016
    Program website, Child and Educational Studies at Coastal Bend College

  • CDA (Child Development Associate) courseIn personNo diploma needed

    Child Development Associate

    Southwest Texas Junior College

    Uvalde

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Southwest Texas Junior College, UvaldeCDA (Child Development Associate) course · Accredited schoolIn person · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$15,500
    Price if you pay yourself$4,245
    School website, Child Development Associate at Southwest Texas Junior College
    More details about Child Development Associate at Southwest Texas Junior College
    Finished
    98%
    Working at 6 months
    73%
    Earned in a quarter
    $3,879
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $450
    Students counted
    103
    Earned a year, estimated
    $15,500
    Price if you pay yourself
    $4,245
    School website, Child Development Associate at Southwest Texas Junior College

  • Child care or preschool certificateHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child and Family Development Level 1 Certificate

    Angelina College

    Lufkin

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Angelina College, LufkinChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$13,000
    Price if you pay yourself$3,998
    Program website, Child and Family Development Level 1 Certificate at Angelina College
    More details about Child and Family Development Level 1 Certificate at Angelina College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    71%
    Earned in a quarter
    $3,247
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $1,535
    Students counted
    98
    Earned a year, estimated
    $13,000
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,998
    Program website, Child and Family Development Level 1 Certificate at Angelina College

  • Early childhood education (associate degree)OnlineNo diploma needed

    Child Development AAS

    Grayson County College

    Based in Denison, TX

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Grayson County College, based in Denison, TXEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolOnline · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$18,300
    Price if you pay yourself$5,744
    Program website, Child Development AAS at Grayson County College
    More details about Child Development AAS at Grayson County College
    Finished
    15%
    Working at 6 months
    61%
    Earned in a quarter
    $4,564
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $1,500
    Students counted
    70
    Earned a year, estimated
    $18,300
    Price if you pay yourself
    $5,744
    Program website, Child Development AAS at Grayson County College

  • Child care or preschool certificateOnlineNo diploma needed

    Child Development Certificate

    Grayson County College

    Based in Denison, TX

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Grayson County College, based in Denison, TXChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolOnline · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$23,100
    Price if you pay yourself$2,872
    Program website, Child Development Certificate at Grayson County College
    More details about Child Development Certificate at Grayson County College
    Finished
    22%
    Working at 6 months
    61%
    Earned in a quarter
    $5,763
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $750
    Students counted
    50
    Earned a year, estimated
    $23,100
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,872
    Program website, Child Development Certificate at Grayson County College

  • Child care or preschool certificateOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child Development Occupational Skills Award

    North Central Texas College

    Based in Gainesville, TX

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    North Central Texas College, based in Gainesville, TXChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$42,000
    Price if you pay yourself$900
    School website, Child Development Occupational Skills Award at North Central Texas College
    More details about Child Development Occupational Skills Award at North Central Texas College
    Finished
    98%
    Working at 6 months
    62%
    Earned in a quarter
    $10,497
    Length
    16 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    45
    Earned a year, estimated
    $42,000
    Price if you pay yourself
    $900
    School website, Child Development Occupational Skills Award at North Central Texas College

  • Child care or preschool certificateHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child Care Provider Aide Level I Certificate

    Coastal Bend College

    Alice

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Coastal Bend College, AliceChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$6,300
    Price if you pay yourself$2,955
    Program website, Child Care Provider Aide Level I Certificate at Coastal Bend College
    More details about Child Care Provider Aide Level I Certificate at Coastal Bend College
    Finished
    44%
    Working at 6 months
    43%
    Earned in a quarter
    $1,576
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $1,200
    Students counted
    28
    Earned a year, estimated
    $6,300
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,955
    Program website, Child Care Provider Aide Level I Certificate at Coastal Bend College

  • Child care or preschool certificateHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child Development/Early Childhood Preschool Teaching Certificate of Proficiency

    Tyler Junior College

    Tyler

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Tyler Junior College, TylerChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$14,500
    Price if you pay yourself$7,500
    Program website, Child Development/Early Childhood Preschool Teaching Certificate of Proficiency at Tyler Junior College
    More details about Child Development/Early Childhood Preschool Teaching Certificate of Proficiency at Tyler Junior College
    Finished
    21%
    Working at 6 months
    50%
    Earned in a quarter
    $3,621
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $1,743
    Students counted
    25
    Earned a year, estimated
    $14,500
    Price if you pay yourself
    $7,500
    Program website, Child Development/Early Childhood Preschool Teaching Certificate of Proficiency at Tyler Junior College

  • Child care or preschool certificateHybridNo diploma needed

    Child Care Provider/Assistant

    Trinity Valley Community College

    Athens

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Trinity Valley Community College, AthensChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$19,000
    Price if you pay yourself$5,280
    Program website, Child Care Provider/Assistant at Trinity Valley Community College
    More details about Child Care Provider/Assistant at Trinity Valley Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    50%
    Earned in a quarter
    $4,760
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $3,550
    Students counted
    23
    Earned a year, estimated
    $19,000
    Price if you pay yourself
    $5,280
    Program website, Child Care Provider/Assistant at Trinity Valley Community College

  • Child care or preschool certificateOnlineNo diploma needed

    Child Development-Occupational Skills Award

    Grayson County College

    Based in Denison, TX

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Grayson County College, based in Denison, TXChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolOnline · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$25,400
    Price if you pay yourselfLeft out
    Program website, Child Development-Occupational Skills Award at Grayson County College
    More details about Child Development-Occupational Skills Award at Grayson County College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    87%
    Earned in a quarter
    $6,357
    Length
    16 weeks, 9 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    Not reported
    Students counted
    23
    Earned a year, estimated
    $25,400
    Price if you pay yourself
    Left out
    Program website, Child Development-Occupational Skills Award at Grayson County College

  • Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridNo diploma needed

    Early Childhood Development

    Trinity Valley Community College

    Athens

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Trinity Valley Community College, AthensEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimated$11,900
    Price if you pay yourself$5,280
    Program website, Early Childhood Development at Trinity Valley Community College
    More details about Early Childhood Development at Trinity Valley Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    75%
    Earned in a quarter
    $2,965
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $3,550
    Students counted
    17

    Listed 4 times in the state's file with differing results. Shown: the listing with the most students.

    Earned a year, estimated
    $11,900
    Price if you pay yourself
    $5,280
    Program website, Early Childhood Development at Trinity Valley Community College

  • Early childhood education (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Early Childhood AAS

    Wharton County Junior College (14004 University Blvd)

    Wharton

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Wharton County Junior College (14004 University Blvd), WhartonEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$6,540
    More details about Early Childhood AAS at Wharton County Junior College (14004 University Blvd)
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    64 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1
    Students counted
    45
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $6,540

  • Child care or preschool certificateIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Early Childhood Lvl 1 Certificate

    Wharton County Junior College (14004 University Blvd)

    Wharton

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Wharton County Junior College (14004 University Blvd), WhartonChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,965
    More details about Early Childhood Lvl 1 Certificate at Wharton County Junior College (14004 University Blvd)
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    32 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $291
    Students counted
    22
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,965

  • Early childhood apprenticeshipHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Early Education Apprenticeship Heart of Texas

    McLennan Community College

    Waco

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    McLennan Community College, WacoEarly childhood apprenticeship · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,260
    Program website, Early Education Apprenticeship Heart of Texas at McLennan Community College
    More details about Early Education Apprenticeship Heart of Texas at McLennan Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $500
    Students counted
    21
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $1,260
    Program website, Early Education Apprenticeship Heart of Texas at McLennan Community College

  • Child care or preschool certificateHybridNo diploma needed

    Child Care Provider/Assistant-A K T P

    Trinity Valley Community College

    Athens

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Trinity Valley Community College, AthensChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$5,280
    Program website, Child Care Provider/Assistant-A K T P at Trinity Valley Community College
    More details about Child Care Provider/Assistant-A K T P at Trinity Valley Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $3,550
    Students counted
    19
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $5,280
    Program website, Child Care Provider/Assistant-A K T P at Trinity Valley Community College

  • CDA (Child Development Associate) courseIn personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child Development Associate

    South Texas College

    McAllen

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    South Texas College, McAllenCDA (Child Development Associate) course · Accredited schoolIn person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$840
    Program website, Child Development Associate at South Texas College
    More details about Child Development Associate at South Texas College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $50
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $840
    Program website, Child Development Associate at South Texas College

  • CDA (Child Development Associate) courseOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child Development Associate Training

    Coastal Bend College

    Based in Alice, TX

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Coastal Bend College, based in Alice, TXCDA (Child Development Associate) course · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$850
    Program website, Child Development Associate Training at Coastal Bend College
    More details about Child Development Associate Training at Coastal Bend College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $850
    Program website, Child Development Associate Training at Coastal Bend College

  • CDA (Child Development Associate) courseOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child Development Associate Training

    Texas Tech University

    Based in Lubbock, TX

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Texas Tech University, based in Lubbock, TXCDA (Child Development Associate) course · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$850
    Program website, Child Development Associate Training at Texas Tech University
    More details about Child Development Associate Training at Texas Tech University
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $850
    Program website, Child Development Associate Training at Texas Tech University

  • CDA (Child Development Associate) courseHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child Development Associate (Cda) Certificate

    Gateway Technical School

    Marshall

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Gateway Technical School, MarshallCDA (Child Development Associate) courseHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$960
    Program website, Child Development Associate (Cda) Certificate at Gateway Technical School
    More details about Child Development Associate (Cda) Certificate at Gateway Technical School
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $960
    Program website, Child Development Associate (Cda) Certificate at Gateway Technical School

  • Early childhood apprenticeshipHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child Care Apprentice Certificate

    Gateway Technical School

    Marshall

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Gateway Technical School, MarshallEarly childhood apprenticeshipHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,400
    Program website, Child Care Apprentice Certificate at Gateway Technical School
    More details about Child Care Apprentice Certificate at Gateway Technical School
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $2,400
    Program website, Child Care Apprentice Certificate at Gateway Technical School

  • Child care or preschool certificateHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child Development Early Childhood

    Amarillo College (Clements Correctional Facility)

    Amarillo

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Amarillo College (Clements Correctional Facility), AmarilloChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,375
    Program website, Child Development Early Childhood at Amarillo College (Clements Correctional Facility)
    More details about Child Development Early Childhood at Amarillo College (Clements Correctional Facility)
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    32 weeks, 50 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $1
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,375
    Program website, Child Development Early Childhood at Amarillo College (Clements Correctional Facility)

  • Child care or preschool certificateOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Childcare Specialist

    West Texas A&M University

    Based in Canyon, TX

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    West Texas A&M University, based in Canyon, TXChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolOnline · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,999
    Program website, Childcare Specialist at West Texas A&M University
    More details about Childcare Specialist at West Texas A&M University
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $3,999
    Program website, Childcare Specialist at West Texas A&M University

  • Early childhood education (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Early Childhood Education

    Gateway Technical School

    Marshall

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Gateway Technical School, MarshallEarly childhood education (associate degree)Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$4,800
    Program website, Early Childhood Education at Gateway Technical School
    More details about Early Childhood Education at Gateway Technical School
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $4,800
    Program website, Early Childhood Education at Gateway Technical School

  • Child care or preschool certificateHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child Care Teacher/Manager Certificate Level 2 Certificate

    Coastal Bend College

    Alice

    Accredited school

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Coastal Bend College, AliceChild care or preschool certificate · Accredited schoolHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$4,931
    Program website, Child Care Teacher/Manager Certificate Level 2 Certificate at Coastal Bend College
    More details about Child Care Teacher/Manager Certificate Level 2 Certificate at Coastal Bend College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $2,000
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $4,931
    Program website, Child Care Teacher/Manager Certificate Level 2 Certificate at Coastal Bend College

  • Early childhood education (associate degree)OnlineNo diploma needed

    Teaching Early Childhood 6th Grade AA

    Odessa College

    Based in Odessa, TX

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Odessa College, based in Odessa, TXEarly childhood education (associate degree) · Accredited schoolOnline · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$5,220
    Program website, Teaching Early Childhood 6th Grade AA at Odessa College
    More details about Teaching Early Childhood 6th Grade AA at Odessa College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $2,322
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $5,220
    Program website, Teaching Early Childhood 6th Grade AA at Odessa College

  • CDA (Child Development Associate) courseOnlineNo diploma needed

    Child Development Associate Training-Occupational Skills Award

    Grayson County College

    Based in Denison, TX

    Accredited school

    No diploma needed

    Grayson County College, based in Denison, TXCDA (Child Development Associate) course · Accredited schoolOnline · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$5,860
    Program website, Child Development Associate Training-Occupational Skills Award at Grayson County College
    More details about Child Development Associate Training-Occupational Skills Award at Grayson County College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    16 weeks, 9 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $225
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $5,860
    Program website, Child Development Associate Training-Occupational Skills Award at Grayson County College

  • Early childhood apprenticeshipHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Child Care Provider / Teacher Apprenticeship

    Bright Offerings

    Sugar Land

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Bright Offerings, Sugar LandEarly childhood apprenticeshipHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$10,774
    Program website, Child Care Provider / Teacher Apprenticeship at Bright Offerings
    More details about Child Care Provider / Teacher Apprenticeship at Bright Offerings
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $10,774
    Program website, Child Care Provider / Teacher Apprenticeship at Bright Offerings

  • Early childhood apprenticeshipHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Preschool Teachers / Montessori Lead Apprenticeship

    Bright Offerings

    Sugar Land

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Bright Offerings, Sugar LandEarly childhood apprenticeshipHybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$11,350
    Program website, Preschool Teachers / Montessori Lead Apprenticeship at Bright Offerings
    More details about Preschool Teachers / Montessori Lead Apprenticeship at Bright Offerings
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $11,350
    Program website, Preschool Teachers / Montessori Lead Apprenticeship at Bright Offerings

  • Early childhood education program (level not stated)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Camp Fire First Texas

    Camp Fire First Texas

    Fort Worth

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Camp Fire First Texas, Fort WorthEarly childhood education program (level not stated)In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$12,405
    Program website, Camp Fire First Texas at Camp Fire First Texas
    More details about Camp Fire First Texas at Camp Fire First Texas
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    Earned a year, estimated
    Not reported
    Price if you pay yourself
    $12,405
    Program website, Camp Fire First Texas at Camp Fire First Texas

How to pay for early childhood education programs in Texas

WIOA funding can pay for early childhood education programs in Texas

Every program on this page is approved for it. Whether you qualify, how much your local area pays and how to apply are on our page Does WIOA pay for job training?

Financial aid and grants for early childhood education programs

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.78

GI Bill for early childhood education programs

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.9

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Quick facts: Early childhood education programs in Texas

programs with a price cost under $3,000
10 of 32
lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
17th of 33
other states where the typical program's graduates earned less
1 of 20
early childhood programs here, against the typical state's 8
33 vs 8

State comparisons use the same figures as the early childhood education programs by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).

Early childhood education programs in Athens, Longview, Uvalde and other Texas cities

Choosing an area filters the program list above. 7 more programs are in 6 other areas and 12 online.

Other training in Texas

How early childhood education programs compare with the rest of education and social services: Child care and social services training in Texas

Where the Texas early childhood education program numbers come from

Which Texas early childhood education programs are on this list?

These are the early childhood education programs Texas approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).10 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what Texas offers.

How the prices and results of Texas early childhood education programs are measured

Prices are tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported them; check the current price with the school. Results describe students who left each program in recent years, so they are no guarantee, and the yearly earnings are the reported quarter times four, an estimate. A program without a "Trained with WIOA funding" line may still take WIOA students. Where a field was left empty or withheld, the page says "Not reported", and "Left out" where a figure was filed but failed one of our checks; nothing is estimated to fill a gap. Where the numbers come from explains each figure in full.

Sources for the facts about early childhood education programs in Texas

Show the 10 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Childcare Workers
  2. Council for Professional Recognition: CDA Credentialing Process Overview (February 2026)
  3. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  4. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  5. Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
  6. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  8. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  9. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  10. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List