BY ETHAN THOMAS
By the numbers
What’s next
The funding will total $225,000 in the first year, and $200,000 in the second and third years, Jewell said. The average cost of child care can range from $149 per child for a five-day workweek to $212, totaling $7,748-$11,024 annually, according to a study conducted on behalf of the TWC by the University of Texas.
Program funding comes from the McKenna Foundation, the GNBEDF and the Kronkowsky Foundation. The McKenna Foundation donated $100,000 annually for three years and has been matched by the GNBEDF. The Kronkowsky Foun- dation has also given a one-time $25,000 grant to kickstart the program, Jewell said.
An executive director for the program is expected to be hired by early summer, Crowley said. The role will focus on establishing measurable goals over the next three years. Long-term goals include growing the number of TRS providers and the number of available seats.
Cost and availability of care in Comal County
Registered : are licensed but also participate in the TRS rating system so they can receive subsidies
Licensed : can provide early child care
Filling the need
Average weekly cost of child care in Texas Licensed child care centers $192 Licensed child care homes $183 Registered child care homes $176
TRS-rated providers in nearby counties
2024: GNBEDF reached out to Early Matters San Antonio for assistance in determining the need in Comal County. Kronkowsky Foundation commit funds to kickstart Early Matters New Braunfels. January 2026: New Braunfels City Council approves funds to match the McKenna Foundation for three years. 2025: The McKenna Foundation and the June 2026: Early Matters New Braunfels will have hired a new director to lead the program. 2029: Early Matters New Braunfels will look to acquire continued funding for the program.
2024
Comal
5
Bexar
12
2025
Kendall
2
Guadalupe
5
2026
SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
2027
Public input
2028
The process to get a higher TRS rating takes away from the job of child care providers, Summer Bolado, director of Triple L Ranch Child Develop- ment, said. Although Triple L Ranch is not TRS rated, Bolado said having a system in place to streamline the process would give caretakers more time to do what they are passionate about.
“[Providers] don’t want to have many more things taking up their time. It adds more to our plate and takes away from us really caring for the children.” SUMMER BOLADO, OWNER AND DIRECTOR OF TRIPLE L RANCH CHILD DEVELOPMENT
2029
SOURCE: GREATER NEW BRAUNFELS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT
19
NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
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