Early Matters TX presents:
Building a New Future
A Report on Early Childhood Systems in Texas
Texas is at a turning point for early childhood.
This report is an attempt to provide:
An understanding of what the system actually looks like
&
Details about what must change.
About This Report
In the fall and winter 2025-2026, Early Matters heard from hundreds of early childhood stakeholders throughout Texas. Their responses offered qualitative and quantitative texture that point toward what a better early childhood education system could look like.
NINE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE QUAD AGENCY
SIMPLIFY THE SYSTEM FOR PROVIDERS
1
Publish a Clear Organization Chart
Map all agencies, programs, and roles so providers always know who to contact.
2
Provide Explicit TRS vs. Licensing Guidance
Identify known conflicts between the two oversight processes and establish a clear resolution pathway.
3
Create Communication Standards
Set mandatory response benchmarks across agencies and create a single point of contact for all child care questions.
ALIGN AND STRENGTHEN SYSTEM OPERATIONS
4
Establish Licensing Inspector Standards
Require minimum ECE qualifications, standardized training, and inter-rater reliability assessments.
5
Consolidate Reporting and Eligibility Systems
Build one portal with a shared data infrastructure and a common family application.
6
Monitor TRS Assessment Timelines
Review assessor contract to determine sufficient staffing and establish a public dashboard tracking wait times by region.
BUILD FOR LONG-TERM IMPACT
7
Move Toward Unified Governance
Designate a lead entity with clear decision-making authority over early childhood systems.
8
Invest in Workforce & Sustainable Funding
Prioritize infants, toddlers, and children with special needs; consider educator reclassification.
9
Commission Independent Evaluation
Conduct outcomes-focused evaluation of all system changes with defined success metrics from the outset.