Child Care Advisory Committee

The purpose of the Panhandle Workforce Development Board’s (PWDB) Child Care Advisory Committee is to develop strategies to increase the availability of child care and prekindergarten programs for the residents of the Texas Panhandle, and to provide input and guidance to the PWDB, as specified in authorizing legislation. Its main focus is to develop practical strategies that help more families find the care they need, while also offering input and guidance to the PWDB as outlined in state legislation.

The Committee’s membership consists of individuals who are willing to serve and are elected by the PWDB during an open public meeting.  Membership is composed of representatives from Licensed Child Care Centers participating in Child Care Services (CCS), Licensed or Registered Child Care Homes participating in CCS, current or former CCS families, the CCS contractor, PWDB staff, and other child care stakeholders who represent the interests of the children and families served.

By working together and listening to local voices, the Committee helps shape decisions around funding, programs, and policies. It brings a strong understanding of the region’s needs, making sure that efforts reflect the real experiences of families, providers, and communities across the Panhandle.

The Committee meets quarterly, and you can find updates and information from those meetings here.

Anyone interested in learning more about the PWDB Child Care Advisory Committee—whether a parent, child care provider, or community stakeholder— may contact Gracie Aragon, Workforce Development Program Specialist, at garagon@theprprc.org or (806) 372-3381.Committee description here.

Committee Members

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Wendy Garza

Families Representative

Irma Burney

Teachers Representative

Kim Winegeart

Co-Owner / Director

Committee Chair

Victoria Hughes

Facilitator & Community Organizer

Omar Mendoza

Owner / Director

Kodie McManus

Daycare Child Care Regulation Inspector V

Karleigh Cross

Teachers Representative

Gracie Aragon

Workforce Development Program Specialist

Karron Gilbreath

Lead – Provider Services Specialist

Kristi Hanes

Co-Owner / Director

Private Sector (City of Amarillo)

Upcoming Meetings

A meeting of the Panhandle Workforce Development Board’s (PWDB) Child Care Advisory Committee will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Committee members and individuals from the public may access the meeting in person at Workforce Solutions Panhandle, 3120 Eddy Street, Amarillo, Randall County, Texas.

Minutes