Research confirms the value of early education for young children. Prekindergarten programs supporting effective teaching practices have been shown to lead to important growth in children’s intellectual and social development, which is critical to their future academic success. Quality programs based on sound early childhood research, theory and practice engage children in thinking, reasoning and communication. Children respond to the challenge and acquire important school readiness skills and concepts with teacher direction and guidance. TEA's goal is to have all Texas children school-ready by the time they begin kindergarten.

• Early Childhood Education Partnership Project
• Prekindergarten Early Start Grant (PKES) - Formerly known as "Pre-K Expansion Grant"
• Prekindergarten Expansion Grant Program (PKX)
• Prekindergarten Guidelines
• Texas Early Education Model (TEEM)
• Texas School Ready Certification System (SRCS)

These programs are in the division of School Readiness and Partnerships in the department of State Initiatives.

• State Initatives (StateInitiatives@tea.state.tx.us)
• School Readiness and Partnerships
• Gina S. Day, Deputy Associate Commissioner (gina.day@tea.state.tx.us)

Resources:

• RaisingTexas Early Childhood Calendar
• Texas Workforce Commission, Child Care Provider Licensing, Rules and Programs
• SEDL, Center for Community Connections with Schools
• Texas Department of Family and Protective Services,  Child Care Licensing
• Texas Head Start State Collaboration Office
• Student Attendance Accounting Handbook