(a) Notwithstanding any other law, the commission shall ensure that, to the extent federal child care development funds dedicated to quality improvement activities are used to improve quality and availability of child care, those funds are used for:
(1) quality child care programs, including programs:
(A) whose director receives mentoring; or
(B) that are in the process of obtaining a Texas Rising Star Program rating;
(2) technical assistance for providers as described by § 2308.320;
(3) professional development for child care providers, directors, and employees;
(4) educational materials for children served by child care providers; and
(5) educational information for parents important for the development of a child under five years of age.
(b) For purposes of this section, a quality child care program is a program that:
(1) promotes:
(A) the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development of young children;
(B) frequent, positive, warm interactions appropriate to a child’s age and development; and
(C) regular communication with parents who are welcomed by the program at all times to participate in activities and to observe, discuss, and recommend policies; and
(2) provides:
(A) a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment for young children;
(B) planned learning activities appropriate to a child’s age and development;
(C) specially trained child care providers;
(D) a sufficient number of adults to respond to the needs of each child;
(E) a variety of age-appropriate materials;
(F) nutritious meals and snacks;
(G) an effective program administration; and
(H) an ongoing, systematic evaluation process for the program.

(c) Each board shall use at least two percent of the board’s yearly allocation from the commission for quality child care initiatives. In addition, a board may use money available from other public or private sources for quality child care initiatives. A board shall give priority to quality child care initiatives that benefit child care facilities that are working toward Texas Rising Star certification or are Texas Rising Star certified providers working toward a higher certification level.
(d) Each board shall annually report to the commission regarding the board’s use of the two percent allocation described by Subsection (c).
(e) Each board shall, to the extent practicable, ensure that any professional development for child care providers, directors, and employees funded under Subsection (a):
(1) can be used toward requirements for a credential, certification, or degree program; and
(2) meets the professional development requirements of the Texas Rising Star Program.