Recognizing the importance of early childhood education, lawmakers voted to expand Texas’ prekindergarten program from a half-day to a full day for eligible 3- and 4-year-olds.
Scheduled to go into effect in the 2009-2010 school year, House Bill 130 authorizes a full-day Pre-K program provided by public schools in conjunction with community providers, such as Head Start programs, faith-based or nonprofit programs, and other licensed child care providers. The bill passed with bipartisan support from over two-thirds of the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate.
Research shows that children who attend high-quality Pre-K are more prepared for reading and more successful academically, especially those who come from low-income families or who are limited English language learners. According to a 2006 report from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University, every dollar invested in high-quality early education programs yields a return on investment of at least $3.50.
I co-sponsored the Senate companion bill, Senate Bill 21, because I believe local school districts should be able to offer a full-day Pre-K program if they choose. The program is voluntary, and districts are not required to expand their programs if they are not ready or if there’s not a need.
Under House Bill 130, local school districts have the opportunity to expand their programs from half-x day to full-day for children who are currently eligible under Texas law. Eligible students include those who are limited language learners, educationally disadvantaged, homeless, children of a member of the United States armed forces, or in the foster care system.
To enhance the program’s quality, the bill limits class size to 22 children, with a child-to-staff ratio of 11 to one. Teachers must be certified and have an additional nine hours of college education courses emphasizing early childhood education.
The bill requires curriculum to include the Texas Education Agency’s Pre-K guidelines, and it gives school districts the option to participate in the School Readiness Certification System. While the expansion would be funded primarily by state grants, the commissioner of education may accept and use any available federal funds.
The state currently funds half-day Pre-K with formula funding for students who qualify. Many parents, however, cannot leave work at noon to pick up their children, and thus, a large number of eligible children are not enrolled in the program.
Full text available at My San Antonio Express News.