Access to high-quality, publicly-funded Pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs, defined as those that offer full-day instruction and low student-to-staff ratios, is a proven strategy for supporting students throughout their academic careers. Research shows that attending high quality pre-K not only increases early academic achievement but also increases the likelihood of students’ graduating high school and attending college.

The importance of early childhood education and its impacts on later student outcomes presents a dual agenda for the state and region: the need to support public pre-K and improve the quality and consistency of pre-K instructional practice by providers to ensure children gain the greatest benefits.

The Texas legislature has already made important progress to ensure that all eligible four-year-olds have access to full-day pre-K, but our state can accomplish more to increase the quality of public pre-K. Lowering staff-to-student ratios can galvanize the outcomes we all desire. Better outreach to ensure that students enroll in and consistently attend pre-K ensures that communities who have been historically excluded from education systems in Texas receive the supports they need to be successful in their academic journey. Examining data can help identify trends and improve equitable pre-K access and attendance.

For more information about this data, please click here.