Developmental Childcare Program

Full time, high quality, affordable childcare

The Developmental Childcare Program at Respite Care of San Antonio (RCSA) provides early education and daily care for children with qualifying special medical or developmental needs. 

These children often require ongoing medical support that prevents them from participating in traditional childcare programs. When appropriate childcare is not available, children may face developmental setbacks.

At the same time, parents — especially single parents from underserved communities — may be forced to stay home to provide care. This increases their risk of financial hardship due to the lack of affordable options.

Smiling young girl sits at a table wearing a blue shirt, hands behind her head.
Ages:6 weeks – child’s 6th birthday
Siblings accepted?Yes
Location:Christ Episcopal Church’s Family Ministry Center, 303 W French Pl
San Antonio, TX 78212
Hours:Monday through Friday, 7 AM – 6 PM
Cost:Cost should never be a barrier to receiving the care and support your child needs. We work with families to identify available funding options and financial assistance programs, including childcare subsidies, scholarships, and Child Care Aware for military families, to help make our services accessible and affordable.
Caregiver helping a young girl with an art project during RCSA’s Developmental Childcare Program

Our Developmental Childcare Program addresses San Antonio’s need for early childhood education, catering specifically to children aged 6 weeks to 6 years with disabilities and complex medical conditions.

As a Head Start center, our program places a strong emphasis on kindergarten readiness, a proven factor in long-term educational success. We are Texas School Ready certified and hold a four-star Texas Rising Star Provider rating, the program’s highest level.

Families enrolled in the program receive more than education — we provide free essentials such as diapers, formula, classroom supplies, hot meals and snacks, and even seasonal clothing like winter jackets to ensure every child is supported.

Childcare services are available Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 6 PM year-round at Christ Episcopal Church’s Family Ministry Center.

For more information, please contact:

Genevie Garzes

Family Support Services Coordinator

Ggarzes@respitecaresa.org
(210) 737-1212 (ext. 1203)

Eligibility for Services

To qualify for services, children must have a disability. However, parents and caregivers may also enroll non-disabled siblings in RCSA’s programs to foster an inclusive learning environment, support family cohesion, and for their convenience.

For more information, please contact our Family Support Services Coordinator at (210) 737-1212 (ext. 1203) to determine if your child qualifies for services.

Diagnoses and disabilities that qualify a child include, but are not limited to:

    • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Affect
    • Down Syndrome
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Autism
    • Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
    • Speech/Motor/Cognitive delays
    • Microcephaly
    • Hydrocephalus/Shunt
    • Various syndromes affecting developmental milestones
    • Seizure Disorder
    • TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)
    • Spina Bifida

University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center operates a medical clinic on RCSA’s campus, where an on-site nurse provides daily treatments including G-tube feeding, seizure care, and wound management.

Learn More About On-Site Care
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Pricing

We understand that every family’s needs and circumstances are unique. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, our team works with families to identify available funding sources and financial assistance options. Respite Care accepts childcare subsidies and scholarships, including Child Care Aware for military families, and families may qualify for additional assistance based on their individual circumstances. We’re committed to helping families access the care and support they need.

For more information, please contact:

Genevie Garzes
Family Support Services Coordinator
Ggarzes@respitecaresa.org
(210) 737-1212, ext. 1203

Download Enrollment Form (English)
Download Enrollment Form (Español)
Download Credit Card Authorization Form
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A young boy smiles proudly showing off his bag of collected Easter eggs
Children laughing and playing with a costumed King Antonio who wears a blue suit and red feathered hat
Boy with dark hair smiling brightly while seated at a table
Young boy sitting on playground equipment and looking at the camera
Little girl in red gingham dress happily playing a toy drum in a playroom

The Difference We Make

To the Amazing Team at Respite Care,

I want to express my deepest gratitude for the love, care, and peace you've brought into my son's life—and into mine. Before we found your Developmental Childcare Center, we had a very difficult experience. It was heartbreaking. I felt like I had left him somewhere unsafe, and it crushed me. Eventually, I pulled him out and kept him home. I just couldn't trust anyone else with him anymore.

And then we found Respite Care... From day one, everything changed. The team is filled with calm, kind, and truly loving people. No yelling, no fear—only encouragement, learning, and gentle care. His teacher, in particular, has made a huge difference in his life. My son is now excited to go to [childcare]. He smiles when I drop him off and when I pick him up. He comes home happy, full of new words, songs, and art he proudly shows off. Most importantly, he feels safe—and so do I. You've restored something I thought I had lost: TRUST.

And with that, you've given my son a place to grow, to thrive, and to feel loved while I'm away.
A Grateful RCSA Parent

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