Texas Action Center

Updated July 15, 2010

State Releases New Child Care Licensing Proposal

Texas is in the middle of its periodic review of child care licensing standards. The Department of Family and Protective Services, which began the process last year, released its proposal on April 16 and is now prepared to share its proposal to the Department’s Advisory Council for review.

Save the Date: Statewide Summit on Preparing Highly Effective Early Childhood Teachers in Texas

The Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition and other groups will be hosting a statewide summit August 10, 2010 at San Antonio' s Pearl Stable entitled "Preparing Highly Effective Early Childhood Teachers in Texas: A Focus on School Readiness and Professional Development.” 350 to 500 early education professionals, community leaders, policymakers, and advocates are expected to attend in order to have a statewide conversation on Texas’ early childhood workforce. To register, email Don Titcombe at dtitcombe@tecec.org today.

ECEC Staff and Members Participate in TLCCA's Annual Spring Seminar

ECEC staff and board president participated in the Texas Licensed Child Care Association's Annual Spring Seminar April 9-10, 2010 at Texas State University. Presentations included:

• Federal Early Care and Education Updates: The Latestg News from Washington, DC (April 10, 2010)
• Advocacy Basics (April 9, 2010)

Child Care Subsidy Subject of Interim Charge

The Texas legislature officially meets every other year. During off years, the Texas Legislature often takes up what are known as Interim Charges. These are research and fact-finding projects run by legislative committees. In 2010, one of the Interim Charges will be a review of child care subsidy reimbursement rate policy in the state. Low reimbursement rates make it difficult for child care providers to offer high quality care, and limit parent choice because many providers can not afford to serve families that pay with a subsidy.

For more information about the child care subsidy issue, please see our Issues in Focus.

TECEC Releases Community Tools for Promoting Sustainable Collaborations 

The Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition has developed a guide that builds upon the legislative, state agency, and community efforts to create a seamless, integrated, birth to age five early childhood education system. "Community-Based School Readiness Integration Partnerships: Promoting Sustainable Collaborations," is available here.

In the News

Families left on wait list for child care. Gaston Gazette. July 6, 2010.

Support improved child care quality. Taylor Daily Press. July 6, 2010.

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Texas, we want to hear from you. Tell us your story about child care and early childhood education here.