This spring, CHILDREN AT RISK’s early childhood team had the incredible opportunity to connect with our early learning family across Texas! While virtual tours may not physically transport us to the stunning beauty of an East Texas wildflower patch or the vibrant hues of an El Paso sunset, they bring us face-to-face with the dedicated individuals shaping the future of early childhood education in our state.

Stepping into the virtual spaces with so many passionate ECE professionals felt like a family reunion. It was energizing to reconnect throughout April and May, seeing the faces of those working tirelessly every day to nurture young minds, support working families, and deliver the significant return on investment that quality child care provides for our communities.

It was particularly insightful to hear updates from each community since our last gathering in October. We celebrated local victories, like the passage of laws enabling communities such as Lubbock, Amarillo, and Gainesville to leverage Texas’ property tax relief benefit for child care owners. We also learned about communities like Tarrant County and Austin who are leading the way in improving local systems through pilot programs and innovative excise taxes.

Across the board, while innovative work is happening, everyone is grappling with the uncertainty of funding and support for programs directly impacting or adjacent to early childhood education. Despite these challenges, the unwavering dedication to ensuring access to quality child care for the children and families they serve is a powerful common thread.

During these valuable conversations, we provided updates on the status of key child care bills – a dynamic landscape that sometimes shifted between morning and afternoon stops! We also shared the recently updated Child Care Desert map data, which sparked important discussions and questions specific to each community’s unique context. We gained invaluable insights into who the key conveners are in each area, the composition of their groups, the initiatives they are pursuing, anticipated next steps, and the barriers they face. This community-driven intelligence is crucial for informing CHILDREN AT RISK’s current and future work.

Questions on the Minds of Texans:

The tour brought forward critical questions reflecting the opportunities and challenges experienced by on the ground early childhood providers, advocates, and stakeholders. Here are a few examples of what was asked and the information we were able to share:

• Question: How can we change the local rule which limits the number of children allowed in family child care programs depends on the city limits?
• Answer: There’s good news! Senate Bill 599 (West) aims to limit municipal requirements beyond those set by Child Care Regulations. As of May 6th, this bill has been sent to the Governor for signature!

• Question: How can we best advocate for keeping the $100 million for child care subsidies in the budget?
  • Answer: This is a critical advocacy point right now. Here’s how you can help:
    • Leverage Connections: Do you or someone in your network have a relationship with any of the legislators or their staff on the conference committees?

Senate Conferees: Senator Joan Huffman (R) Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R) Senator Brandon Creighton (R) Senator Charles Schwertner (R) Senator Robert Nichols (R) Senator Royce West (D)

House Conferees: Representative Dustin Burrows (R) Representative Greg Bonnen (R) Representative Armando Walle (D) Representative

• • • Reach Out Immediately: If yes, please contact their office as soon as possible. Ask the legislator to support including the full $100 million increase for the Child Care Services (CCS) program in HB 500, the House Supplemental budget bill. Emphasize how this funding is vital for reducing the CCS waitlist for Texas families and supporting our state’s economy.
    • General Outreach: Even without a direct connection, contacting the offices – especially those representing your area – adds valuable constituent pressure. Let them know you support this critical investment in early childhood.
• Question: What will be the effective date of bills (specifically SB 599) and how does one community compare to other areas in terms of trajectory and TRS numbers?
  • • Answer: The effective date is typically written at the end of the bill. For SB 599, it states that if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all Representatives, it is effective immediately upon becoming law. If not, it takes effect on September 1, 2025. In this case of SB 599, it passed with well over the 2/3 requirement and will go into effect as soon as the Governor signs it!

Beyond these examples, many other questions were raised – some sparking ideas for future projects, more local conversations and others seeking data or resources. Whatever the question, suggestion, or comment, we are all richer for the exchange. We learn so much from one another when we gather in shared community and purpose.

Thank you, Texas, for opening your virtual doors and allowing us to connect with you during the Spring 2025 Texas Tour! We are deeply grateful for your dedication and look forward to continuing this vital work together.