HARRIS COUNTY, Texas -- The Harris County Judge wants to improve the economy, increase public safety, and help working families by investing in early childhood education.
Judge Lina Hidalgo announced the $48 million plan for childcare investment with Commissioner Adrian Garcia at the Leonel Castillo Community Center in his precinct. Officials say they would use money from the American Rescue Plan to create 10% more childcare slots at quality centers in the county. Those centers must also pay employees at least $15 an hour.
"Finding one of quality with great reviews and great, qualified teachers is very difficult," Keotta House, a mother of two, said."That is a long journey. My 12-month-old, we started looking when she was three months. It took about three months to find really good childcare."