SB 1123, Sen. West, and HB 3887, Rep. Dutton
With more and more research pointing to the benefits of early education, many states have strengthened efforts by consolidating agency functions or creating a separate early learning agency. However, Texas lacks adequate resources to lead early education efforts statewide and ensure that state programs are performing adequately and preparing children for kindergarten.
Texas has reduced its early learning funding and initiatives in the past four years. While at one point the Texas Early Learning Council had the ability to provide resources, coordination, and leadership to the field, its funding was eliminated in 2013. Moreover, the Office of Early Childhood Coordination and the Raising Texas initiative at the Health and Human Services Commission have been eliminated, leaving a gap in early learning oversight.