Childcare in Texas looks very different than it did just a few years ago. While demand remains high, many families are struggling to afford it.

After a heated day in commissioners court, commissioners voted to censure Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo after her tax hike proposal for early childcare failed.

Available and affordable childcare in Texas is crucial, according to Kim Kofran who is the Senior Director of the organization, Children at Risk.

Childcare deserts are impacting hundreds of thousands of children throughout Houston. KPRC's Zach Lashway is looking at solutions and what’s being done to ensure more children have access to safe and affordable high-quality childcare.

Struggling to find affordable childcare in Houston? The YMCA is here to help! They're taking action to combat childcare deserts in the area, offering programs for kids of all ages. From early childcare centers to summer camps, they've got you covered. Learn more and get involved: #ChildcareDeserts #CommunitySupport #YMCAHouston

📢 Check out this eye-opening article on the childcare desert crisis in Houston. 🏢👶 It sheds light on the limited availability of quality childcare services in many areas, leaving parents with few options. 😢 Let's work together to address this pressing issue and ensure every child gets the care they deserve! 💪💙 [link] #ChildcareDeserts #Houston #Parenting #CommunityAction

Neomi Fletcher’s family is growing by two as she expects twins. Her 21-month-old daughter will soon become a big sister.

The new program aims to support parents who work or attend school.

Shades of Blue was created by a woman who experienced a traumatic birth.

The oldest church in the neighborhood has a new purpose and it’s called the Trinity Preparatory Academy, which is a childcare center for children ages 8 weeks to 12 years old.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is urging parents who work in the service industry to apply for one year of free childcare.

A Houston mother said a man exposed himself to her as she was picking up her child from daycare.

The pandemic and workforce shortages have created a host of problems in the childcare industry, experts said, especially for communities of color.

RICHMOND, Texas – Fort Bend County Judge KP George will announce the county has approved the Federal CARES Act funding to support families with eligible childcare expenses Monday in a press conference at 10 a.m. The announcement will take place at the Historic County Courthouse, located on the 2nd Floor Commissioners Courtroom in Richmond, Texas. Qualified families can receive a childcare voucher valued at $500per child. The childcare voucher can be used at any participating licensed childcare facility in Fort Bend County. AdTo learn more about the Fort Bend County Childcare Program, visit: https://bit.ly/3be1ZMU

MISSOURI CITY, Texas – Fort Bend County has launched a childcare initiative to help local families. George said that childcare has been an ongoing challenge that many families are facing in the midst of a pandemic. He said that a child care task force was formed in the county several months ago and tasked with the job to come up with solutions to help families facing this challenge. On Wednesday morning, the county announced a new partnership with the YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and other private licensed child care facilities. Mom of three, Zipciriah Washington, was so happy when she found out her family qualified for the free YMCA childcare assistance program too.

Free workout classes from Orangetheory FitnessThis upcoming Sunday, Nov. 1, Orangetheory Fitness is offering a free one-hour Daylight Savings workout. Free day of childcareKindercare Learning Centers are offering parents a free day of childcare. The car rental company will give one free day to customers who reserve a car for two days. It is giving its customers a chance to score a free Whopper if you visit a competitor’s restaurant location that has been shut down. West and confirm your location through the Burger King app you’ll receive a coupon for a free Whopper.

HOUSTON – If you or someone you know is behind on rent and struggling to keep a roof over their family’s heads, let them know about RaiseUp Families. The Houston non-profit organization is looking for more clients to offer a hand up through a 9-month program. If your family is chosen, you will receive help with rent, utilities, transportation and childcare while going through budgeting workshops and counseling. 102 or Rose at 713-973-8083, ext 103 to make an appointment to discuss whether or not the program is a good fit. How you can helpRaise Up Families is holding a virtual event online Wednesday, Oct. 21st from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a silent and live auction you can participate in online.

When you’re on the hunt for a new nanny or babysitter, it can be incredibly stressful.