Quick Summary
We serve children aged 6 weeks to 5 years. Families must be affiliated with UT Austin or work for a state agency. Enrollment priority is determined by a two-tier system based on affiliation status.
⚠️ Note: Infant spots often have the longest wait times. We recommend applying as early as possible. For more details, visit our Waitlist FAQ page.
Who Can Enroll
To be eligible for enrollment, families must have an affiliation with The University of Texas at Austin or be State of Texas employees (Capitol Complex location only). Eligible groups include:
- UT Austin faculty, staff, and students
- State of Texas employees
- UT affiliated partners (contact the program director to see if you qualify)
- Seton employees working at the Dell Medical School if they have a zero assignment with the university
- Custodial grandparents OR non-custodial grandparents who are full-time UT students or employees (effective Feb 2025)
Age Requirements
We serve children from 6 weeks old through 5 years of age. Children must not yet be eligible for kindergarten by September 1 of the school year in which you are applying. We welcome you to apply for the waiting list as soon as you become pregnant, or you begin the adoption process.
Tiered Waiting List
We have a two-tiered waiting list. Once we have exhausted the Tier One waiting list for a particular age group, we will offer openings to the families on the Tier Two list.
| Tier | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 |
|
| Tier 2 |
|
How to Apply
Want to "Hook 'em" young? Follow the instructions below to get on the list. There is a $60 waiting list fee.
- Check that you are eligible for our services.
- If you do not have a UT EID, you must first create a UT EID to apply.
- You can apply online or download and complete the application form (PDF).
- Paper applications along with your $60 application fee can be mailed to or dropped off at any of our locations.
Non-Discriminatory Policy
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to: Director, Civil Rights Division, MC W-206, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, TX 78714-9030 or USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).