Early Childhood Education

The brain’s architecture is built during a child’s first 1000 days

Early Childhood Education lays the foundation for a child’s future. CHILDREN AT RISK is working to ensure every child and family has access to affordable high-quality early education programs and strengthening an early childhood workforce that is prepared, rewarded, and supported.

Children under 5 live in Texas

Low-income children 0-6 live in a child care desert

%

of child care workers qualify for at least one form of public assistance

Exposure to high-quality early childhood education is the foundation to future academic success, especially for children from low-income backgrounds. In the early stages of development, a child’s brain is malleable, and early engagement can buffer the adverse effects associated with growing up in poverty. Children who participate in high-quality early childhood programs on average have higher high-school graduation rates, lower enrollment in special education programs, and lower rates of behavioral issues later in life.

CHILDREN AT RISK’s Early Childhood Education team works to ensure every family has access to high-quality, affordable child care and an early education workforce that is prepared, rewarded, and supported.

The C@R Early Childhood Education Team...

Analyzes the current state of Early Childhood Education in Texas, maps child care deserts, identifies innovative practices and monitors government regulations and funding streams.

Connects early education providers and fellow advocates with information on innovative practices and builds consensus to develop a common policy agenda.

Advocates for state and federal policies that increase access to affordable, quality child care and early education workforce that is prepared, rewarded, and supported.

Our Latest Early Childhood Education Research & Resources

Our Latest Early Childhood Education Research & Resources

CHILDREN AT RISK Hosts The STEM Summit

CHILDREN AT RISK Hosts The STEM Summit

Our last summit of the year will dive into the issues of STEM education, focusing on building a robust and qualified pipeline of professionals. A learning opportunity for educators and community leaders, this event will highlight the work of STEM industry leaders, educators, and nonprofit innovators working to improve access to STEM education for all students. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of what they can do to support the next generation of STEM professionals.

read more
Fall 2023 Texas Tour Recap

Fall 2023 Texas Tour Recap

Kaitlyn Newell, Associate Director of Early Education, speaks to a group of child care providers, policymakers, and business leaders in Midland, TX. Source: CHILDREN AT RISK(TX – November 16, 2023) – Each Fall the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Team sets out on our...

read more
ECE Texas Tours – Fall 2023

ECE Texas Tours – Fall 2023

Throughout the month of October, CHILDREN AT RISK will be hosting community conversations across 12 cities in Texas, discussing the effects of the 88th Regular Legislative Session on Early Childhood Education and next steps for continuing to build a robust child care...

read more
CHILDREN AT RISK and Texas Family Leadership Council Host Second Annual Motherhood Summit

CHILDREN AT RISK and Texas Family Leadership Council Host Second Annual Motherhood Summit

Last month, the Texas Family Leadership Council and CHILDREN AT RISK hosted the second annual Motherhood Summit. The summit explored some of the most pressing issues facing Texas mothers and how these issues affect not just themselves, but their children and families...

read more
ECE Texas Tours – Spring 2023

ECE Texas Tours – Spring 2023

We’re thrilled to invite you to our Spring 2023 Texas Tour virtually! CHILDREN AT RISK is hosting policy roundtables in 11 major cities around Texas throughout the Spring. During the roundtables, C@R will provide an update on the 88th Texas Legislative Session and...

read more

Growing Up In Houston: Assessing the Quality of Life of Our Children

Data must be the catalyst for any conversation regarding the well-being of our children. However, data alone is not sufficient. We must also overlay context to better understand the complexities of the many issues facing our children. Growing Up in Houston aims to do just that.

read more
CHILDREN AT RISK and Texas Family Leadership Council Host Third Annual State of Black Children in Texas

CHILDREN AT RISK and Texas Family Leadership Council Host Third Annual State of Black Children in Texas

On Thursday, February 16, the Texas Family Leadership Council and CHILDREN AT RISK hosted the third annual State of Black Children in Texas summit. The summit explored the challenges Black children face growing up in Texas and how to best support them at all stages of...

read more