I'd like to introduce you to Sebastian.
When four-year-old Sebastian started pre-k, he was quiet and timid. He would stare from a distance before joining an activity his teacher, Ms. Dominguez, said. Students complained that he refused to share, and at times, he would grow so agitated that he would hit his classmates. No one wanted to be his friend. Throughout the year, Ms. Dominguez made every effort to encourage him and help him apologize to other students when an incident would occur. Slowly, he started to come out of his shell. By the end of the year, Ms. Domingez said he was a happier kid overall — a model student.
For Sebastian, having access to quality pre-k and a caring teacher like Ms. Dominguez made all the difference in the world. It provided him with a safe and supportive environment where he could learn to control his emotions and how to socialize.
This year, Texans Care for Children was a leader in the fight to secure funding for full-day pre-k for kids like Sebastian. And we won! It was one monumental step forward but it isn’t enough. There are more Texas children who would benefit from full-day pre-k but are ineligible to enroll in the early childhood program. We have work to do to ensure all kids can develop the critical social and emotional skills they need to start school ready to learn and reach their full potential.
Please, donate now and support our efforts to provide Texas children like Sebastian access to the quality early childhood programs they need to thrive.
Together, we can ensure more kids enroll in pre-k, limit teacher-student ratios, and provide teachers and school districts with all the tools and trainings they need to support the mental health needs of young Texas students. If we really want to build Texas into a better place for children and families to call home, we need Texans like you to step up and fight at our side.
“A lot of times we wish we could go out there and advocate, testify when they’re about to pass a bill,” Ms. Dominguez said. “But unfortunately, either you’re going to be a good teacher and spend that time getting your classroom ready for your students, or you’re out advocating for them. Knowing that other people are [leading that fight] gives us hope that there are still people who believe in early education, that are supportive of teachers and understand their work. Because in the end, we can’t do it alone.”
Supporters like you have kept us fighting for Texas children and families through all the highs and lows of advocacy work. As I’m rounding out my fifth year as CEO of Texans Care for Children, I can’t imagine where we would be without you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly if you have any questions or want to know more about Texans Care for Children, the impact of your gift, and how together we can have a huge, lifelong impact on the lives of children like Sebastian.