House Bill No. 175 aims to enhance the Texas Rising Star Program by establishing optional certifications for child-care providers and creating a grant program to support those providers. The bill introduces a new section, 2308.3156, to the Government Code, which mandates the Texas Workforce Commission to develop optional certifications that child-care providers can obtain to improve their ratings within the program. One specific certification will focus on providers who include children with disabilities alongside their typically developing peers.

Additionally, the bill outlines the establishment of a grant program that will provide financial support to child-care providers who achieve these optional certifications. To qualify for the grant, providers must apply through a prescribed process, and the amount awarded will be determined based on factors such as the age groups of children served and the provider's enrollment capacity. The commission is also authorized to accept donations to fund this initiative and is required to adopt rules for its administration. The provisions of this act are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

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