Research shows that 90% of brain development occurs in the first five years of a child’s life. This period is foundational—what children learn, or don’t learn, during these early years can profoundly shape their life trajectories. While Texas has made notable progress in advancing quality initiatives, only 49% of children enrolled in Texas Rising Star (TRS) programs attend a TRS 4-Star early learning program, the highest level of quality.

CHILDREN AT RISK has released their newest Texas Rising Star (TRS) Honor Roll, recognizing child care providers who have gone above and beyond to create enriching, stable, and high-quality environments that set children up for a lifetime of success. With criteria based on TRS 4-Star participation or NAEYC accreditation, CHILDREN AT RISK’s TRS Honor Roll aims to spotlight exemplary programs across Texas and inspire more providers to strive for high quality.

Texas’ early childhood system is at a pivotal moment. As of September 2024, 48% of child care providers serving low-income children through the Texas Workforce Commission’s Child Care Services program participate in Texas Rising Star (TRS). While this participation is promising, less than half of those programs have reached the TRS 4-Star level – the benchmark for the highest standards of care. The new Honor Roll recognizes those local areas that have not only reached this benchmark, but maintained it consistently over two years, even in the face of policy changes and reduced pandemic-era funding.