H.B. No. 175 proposes the establishment of optional certifications for child-care providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program. The bill mandates the creation of these certifications by the commission, which will allow providers to enhance their ratings within the program. Notably, one of the required certifications will focus on child-care providers who facilitate the inclusion of children with disabilities alongside their typically developing peers.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that child-care providers who obtain these optional certifications will receive an additional reimbursement amount, which cannot exceed the reimbursement amount allocated for a Texas Rising Star Program provider with a two-star rating. This initiative aims to improve the quality of child care services and support inclusivity for children with disabilities. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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