Nicole Allen Named Child Care Director for Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Lacey Douglas, Workforce Solutions
Phone: 817.823.0533 / Email: lacey.douglas@workforcesolutions.net
Nicole Allen Named Child Care Director for Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County
TARRANT COUNTY, Texas (January 16, 2025) – Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County (WSTC) is proud to announce Nicole Allen as our new Child Care Director. With 25 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Workforce Development, Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, where she will oversee critical programs supporting both child care providers and working families in Tarrant County.
In her new position, Nicole will manage state funding for the Quality Rating program -Texas Rising Star, Child Care Scholarships, and initiatives that assist Employers and Parents, all in collaboration with Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County. In her over 10 years with WSTC, she has been a driving force in the development of projects that have positively influenced both local and state policies in Texas, particularly in the realm of Early Childhood Education.
Among her significant contributions, Nicole played a key role in the creation of the Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System (TECPDS), which allows child care teachers and administrators to track their training and education progress. She has also been an advocate for the Camp Fire First Texas Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEAP), the first U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program for early educators in the State of Texas. Nicole also played a vital role in the implementation of a Professional Learning Community for Early Learning leaders across the North Texas region.
Ms. Allen is highly engaged in her field and sits on several influential boards and committees, including the Early Learning Alliance, TECPDS Advisory Committee and Best Place for Working Parents Steering Committee. She also serves as a subject matter expert for the Child Care and Education Research Connections Advisory Council. Recently, Nicole was elected Secretary for the Child Care Network of 28 Local Workforce Boards across Texas.
Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of North Texas. She recently received a Certificate in Early Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education Zaentz Institute. She is passionate about building strong partnerships in the Tarrant County community and believes that it takes a village to support the child care industry.
“We are thrilled to have Nicole lead our Child Care division,” said Judy McDonald, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County. “Her extensive experience, leadership, and commitment to improving early childhood education and workforce development in Texas will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on our community.”
Nicole Allen, WSTC Child Care Director Headshot
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About Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County
Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County (WSTC), under the direction of the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), is one of 28 local workforce development boards located throughout the state. WSTC’s primary goal is to meet the needs of Tarrant County employers and workers through locally designed market-driven workforce development initiatives and services. All employers, workers and job seekers are eligible to take advantage of these services. The 29-member Workforce Development Board (WDB) is made up of business and community leaders and is chaired by Tyrone Taylor. The WDB works in partnership with the Workforce Governing Board (WGB), which is composed of Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross and chaired by Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare, to oversee Workforce services in Tarrant County. More information can be found at www.workforcesolutions.net or by calling 817-413-4000.