Texas Training Resources: TECPDS, Texas Rising Star, and Planning Tools - post

Working in child care means helping children learn, grow, and stay safe. In Texas, there are helpful tools that make it easier to find training, track your hours, and build a stronger program.

This guide explains three important Texas training tools:

• TECPDS

• Texas Rising Star

• Staff training planning tools

These tools can help teachers and directors stay organized, meet requirements, and support higher-quality care.

For helpful ChildCareEd resources, start here:

• TECPDS Start Guide

• Texas Rising Star Guide

Why are Texas training tools important?

Training does more than meet a requirement. It helps staff feel more confident, improves classroom quality, and supports children’s learning and behavior.

Clear training records also help protect your program. They show families, coaches, and licensing staff that your team is prepared and professional.

When directors use training systems well, they can also help staff grow and stay motivated.

What is TECPDS and how do I use it?

TECPDS stands for the Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System. It is a statewide tool that helps early childhood professionals track training, manage certificates, and connect with approved trainers and courses.

Many Texas providers use TECPDS to keep all of their training records in one place.

A simple way to get started is:

• create your TECPDS account

• save your login information

• upload certificates after each course

• check your record often to make sure it stays current

TECPDS is helpful because it:

• stores your training history

• helps you find approved courses

• makes it easier for directors to review staff progress

What is Texas Rising Star and why does it matter?

Texas Rising Star, often called TRS, is a quality rating and improvement system for child care programs in Texas.

Programs that join Texas Rising Star go beyond basic licensing requirements. They work toward stronger quality in areas like:

• staff training

• classroom practices

• family engagement

• program management

Texas Rising Star matters because it helps programs build better systems and stronger classrooms. It can also help programs work toward higher quality goals over time.

How are TECPDS and Texas Rising Star connected?

These two tools work well together.

TECPDS helps staff and directors keep track of completed training and certificates. Texas Rising Star looks at training records, staff development, and proof that the program is working toward quality goals.

This means TECPDS can help you stay organized while Texas Rising Star helps guide improvement across the whole program.

A director can use both tools to:

• track staff training hours

• store certificates

• document progress

• prepare for reviews or visits

• support staff goals

What Texas-approved training should my team take?

Texas child care staff often need annual training hours, and directors may need additional training based on their role.

It is important to choose Texas-approved training so the hours count toward your requirements.

ChildCareEd offers Texas training options that can support both teachers and directors. For example,

• Caregivers may need annual training like the 24-Hour Texas Teacher Annual Training

• Directors may need more advanced yearly training, such as the 30-Hour Texas Director Annual Training

  For directors who need a credential path, ChildCareEd also offers the Texas Director Credential

   

When choosing training, make sure it matches:

• the person’s role

• your program goals

• Texas requirements

• any Texas Rising Star goals your program is working on

How do I make a training plan for my staff?

A training plan helps directors stay organized and makes staff development feel more manageable.

You do not need a complicated system. A simple plan can work very well.

Start with these steps:

• choose one program-wide goal

• give each staff member one growth goal

• pick training that matches that goal

• add training dates to a calendar

• review progress each month

For example, your program goal might be improving teacher-child interactions. One teacher’s goal might be learning more about behavior guidance, while another might focus on classroom routines. Training Plan Template (Texas Rising Star Category 1)

What records should I keep for staff training?

Good documentation makes it easier to stay prepared for reviews, coaching, and quality improvement.

Try keeping:

• certificates of completion

• a training log

• staff goals

• notes about completed training

• classroom observations or coaching notes

A simple folder system can help. Many directors keep:

• one folder for staff training

• one folder for classroom evidence

• one folder for program records

Uploading certificates to TECPDS right away can also save time later.

What are common mistakes to avoid?

Many programs run into the same training problems.

Some common mistakes include:

• waiting too long to upload certificates

• choosing training that does not match staff goals

• giving staff too many long courses at once

• losing records or forgetting due dates

You can avoid these problems by keeping your training plan simple and reviewing it often.

It helps to:

• use shorter training pieces when possible

• connect each course to a real goal

• upload certificates right away

• keep digital and printed copies of important records

What should directors do next?

If you want to strengthen your Texas training system, start small.

A simple plan is:

• update or create your TECPDS account

• upload recent certificates

• make a one-page training plan for each staff member

• create folders for staff, classroom, and program records

Small steps can make a big difference over time.

Quick FAQ

Will ChildCareEd courses count in Texas?

Many ChildCareEd courses are accepted in Texas. Always check the course page and keep your certificate.

How often do staff need training?

Many caregivers need annual training hours, and directors may need more. Always check Texas requirements to be sure.

Can short trainings count?

Yes. Short trainings can be helpful, especially when they match a staff goal and are properly documented.