Texas's first employer match child care initiative—a dollar-for-dollar matching program for working families
Dallas, Irving, Garland, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Carrollton, Richardson, Plano (partial), Farmers Branch, Duncanville, DeSoto, Cedar Hill, Lancaster, Rowlett, Balch Springs, Hutchins, Wilmer, Seagoville, Sunnyvale, Sachse
In May 2025, Dallas County launched Texas's first employer match child care program, pioneering a new approach to addressing the child care affordability crisis in one of America's largest metropolitan areas. The program operates on a dollar-for-dollar matching model: for every dollar an employer contributes toward an employee's child care costs, Dallas County matches it with public funds.
The initiative was announced by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins as part of a broader effort to support working families and strengthen the local workforce. The program provides technology infrastructure for enrollment, payments, and provider management.
$X
Contributes toward child care
$X
Matches employer dollar-for-dollar
Remainder
Significantly reduced cost
If child care costs $1,200/month and an employer contributes $400:
| Party | Monthly Contribution |
|---|---|
| Employer | $400 |
| Dallas County Match | $400 |
| Employee | $400 |
| Total | $1,200 |
The employee saves $800/month compared to paying the full cost alone.
Employers register through the program portal and commit to their contribution level.
Eligible employees apply through their employer's benefits portal.
Families choose from the network of licensed child care providers in Dallas County.
Once approved, payments flow automatically—employer contribution, county match, and employee share.
Contact us to learn more about employer enrollment or employee eligibility.
Contact Us →Dallas County announces $1 million pilot program for employer match child care
Currently, the employer match program is only available in Dallas County. However, employers in other Texas counties can implement their own duo-share programs without government matching. Visit our Duo-Share page to learn more.
The program works with a network of licensed child care providers in Dallas County. This includes child care centers, family child care homes, and other licensed facilities. Contact the program administrator for the current provider directory.
Employers set their own contribution levels. Dallas County matches whatever the employer contributes, dollar-for-dollar, up to program limits. Even small contributions can make a significant difference when matched.
Coordination with other assistance programs (like CCDF subsidies) may be possible depending on your situation. Contact the program administrator to discuss your specific circumstances.
Share the business benefits: tax deductions, improved retention, reduced absenteeism, and competitive recruiting advantage. Use our Employer ROI Calculator to show the potential return on investment.
Our team can help Dallas County employers and employees navigate the program enrollment process.
Request a Free Consultation →