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.

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. 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.

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