FORT WORTH, Texas — What began more than two years ago as a shared vision to make high-quality child care more accessible to Tarrant County College students is now a reality on two TCC campuses.
Today, Tarrant County College, Child Care Associates and Tarrant County cut the ribbon on a Child Care Studio at TCC South — completing a commitment to establish early learning centers at both South and Northwest. The partners cut the ribbon last week at TCC Northwest.
For student-parents, the significance is personal.
Reliable, affordable child care can mean the difference between continuing an education and putting it on hold. Bringing early childhood education directly onto TCC campuses helps remove that barrier, allowing student-parents to focus on earning a degree or certificate and preparing for what comes next.
“The new Child Care Studio brings me so much comfort,” said student-parent Marisa Lozano. “Knowing my son is only steps away while I’m in class makes it easier to focus on my education. I know he’s safe, cared for and close by.”
For Lozano and other student-parents, the benefits reach the next generation, too.
“Workforce development doesn’t begin when someone applies for a job. It begins much earlier,” TCC Chancellor Elva LeBlanc said. “These Child Care Studios allow us to support two generations at once. We help student-parents earn the credentials our regional employers need today while giving their children a strong educational foundation for tomorrow. We thank Tarrant County and Child Care Associates for helping us make that possible.”
Operated by Child Care Associates (CCA) — one of the largest child development nonprofits in Texas — the South Studio serves children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with priority for student-parents enrolled at any TCC campus. College employees and community families may enroll as space allows.
Flexible full- and part-time options are designed around class schedules. Head Start and Early Head Start opportunities, child care scholarships and direct-pay options help make care accessible to families with different needs.
TCC saw an opportunity to address a persistent challenge for student-parents when Tarrant County, in partnership with CCA, sought proposals to expand access to early education and care. Tarrant County Commissioners Court committed American Rescue Plan Act funding for the facilities, TCC provided property for the two locations, and Child Care Associates brought management and operations expertise.
Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare: “This Child Care Studio continues the tradition of a well-educated workforce in Tarrant County and will provide the opportunity for people to experience the American Dream.”
It’s an investment that reaches well beyond the College.
“Every student-parent who can stay in class because their child is safe just steps away is a family we’ve helped move forward,” Precinct 1 Commissioner Roderick Miles said. “That’s the return on investment Precinct 1 residents deserve and need to see.”
For Child Care Associates President and CEO Kara Waddell, the Studios bring together two kinds of learning that can change a family’s trajectory.
“This remarkable Child Care Studio at TCC South represents what’s possible when community organizations come together around shared goals,” she said. “Convenient access to high-quality early education and care lets student-parents focus on their degree or credential while their children are thriving in a welcoming, nurturing learning environment nearby. With our partner TCC, we’re investing in children and their parents who together represent the workforce of tomorrow.”
TCC South President Sean Madison: “At TCC South, we view student success as an ecosystem. No single program or service creates success on its own. It comes from the resources, relationships and opportunities that surround our students. The Child Care Studio adds a crucial dimension to that ecosystem, and we’re pleased to welcome Child Care Associates into the South Campus community.” The South Studio features eight classrooms, an indoor play area and a licensed capacity of 211 children. Its Reggio-inspired environment and research-based curriculum are designed to encourage exploration, development and school readiness. Family coaching and other support services extend the Studio’s impact beyond the classroom.
The Child Care Studio at TCC South is at 5301 Campus Drive, Building SC13. Hours are 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday.
About Tarrant County College
Tarrant County College serves nearly 100,000 students each year, offering accessible, affordable pathways to in-demand careers and university transfer. Across multiple campuses and TCC Connect — a fully online learning option — the College partners with more than 1,200 employers to help build the workforce that drives North Texas forward. Bold Steps. Better Futures.
About Child Care Associates
Child Care Associates has served more than half a million young North Texas children over the past 55 years. Through Head Start, Early Head Start, child care, PreK and Child Care Management Services, CCA delivers early education programs to children and families of disadvantaged means, offsets the high cost of child care for lower-income working families and increases the quality of child care delivered across Tarrant County and North Texas.