Texas' Early Childhood Education Crisis: How We Can Build a Stronger Future Through Community

The Critical Need for Early Childhood Education in Texas

Early childhood education (ECE) lays the foundation for lifelong learning, yet many young children miss this essential opportunity in Texas. With fewer children enrolled in early education programs, we must ask: what are the consequences, and how can we address them?

Why Early Childhood Education Matters

Research consistently shows that children who attend high-quality early learning programs are better prepared for kindergarten, have stronger social-emotional skills, and experience long-term academic success. The first five years of life are critical for brain development, and structured learning environments during this period help build literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills that set children up for future success.

Beyond academics, early education provides social benefits. It helps children learn how to interact with peers, regulate emotions, and develop a sense of independence—all skills necessary for navigating school and life. Children who miss out on early education often start kindergarten behind their peers, and many struggle to catch up in later years.

Studies performed by HighScope Perry Preschool Project found that participants of early childhood education had better academic outcomes, higher employment rates, and lower instances of criminal behavior than non-participants. Additionally, research by Nobel laureate economist James Heckman has demonstrated a return on investment of 7-10% per year for early childhood education programs, based on increased school and career achievement and reduced costs in remedial education, health, and criminal justice system expenditures.

The Situation in Texas

Despite the clear benefits, Texas has one of the country's lowest early childhood education enrollment rates. Factors contributing to this include:

Limited Pre-K Availability: Many families do not qualify for free pre-kindergarten, and private programs can be out of families' budgets. The typical annual cost of child care for an infant in Texas is around $11,000, making early education inaccessible for many Texas families.

Accessibility Issues: Rural areas often have fewer early childhood centers, making it difficult for families to enroll their children. Additionally, the Child Care and Development Block Grant, a federal program that helps low-income parents afford child care, only reaches 13% of eligible families in Texas. Workforce Challenges: Texas childcare providers earn an average of just $27,880 per year, making recruiting and retaining quality educators difficult. This contributes to a shortage of early learning opportunities for families in need. (Source: First Five Year Fund)

Teacher Impact: The Role of High-Quality Teachers in Early Childhood Education

High-quality, certified teachers with professional training are essential in guiding young learners. However, many early childhood educators face overwhelming challenges, including over-enrolled classrooms, understaffed teams, and students with severe behavioral and academic needs. Without proper investment in teachers, the system struggles to provide the high-quality education that children deserve.

Research demonstrates that well-trained early childhood educators contribute significantly to social-emotional development, literacy, and numeracy skills. When teachers receive adequate support, they create enriching environments that foster curiosity, independence, and resilience in young learners.

Unfortunately, many Texas educators lack the support they need due to low wages, limited professional development opportunities, and high turnover rates. Investing in early childhood teachers through higher pay, professional growth opportunities, and adequate classroom support is essential to improving educational outcomes for young children.

Bridging the Gap: Elevating Early Childhood Educators

To provide children with the best start in life, we must invest in the educators who guide them. High-quality early childhood education depends on well-supported teachers, yet many educators face low wages, high stress, and limited professional development opportunities. The field experiences a high turnover rate, with more than one-third of early childhood educators leaving their programs annually, particularly those working with infants and toddlers. (Source: Butler Institute for Families, University of Denver) This instability affects the quality of care and education children receive, as well as the ability of families to build trusting relationships with teachers. (Source: Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, UNC)

Introducing TeachXchange: A Community for Early Childhood Educators

To address these challenges, we need better support systems, including higher wages, mentorship programs, and continuous training. One step toward this goal is TeachXchange, an affinity group dedicated to supporting early childhood educators. TeachXchange serves as a community support system and a safe space for educators to discuss challenges, share best practices, and advocate for improvements in the field. By empowering teachers, we strengthen the foundation of early childhood education.

Building a Stronger Future for Texas Children

Ensuring all children in Texas have access to high-quality early education starts with investing in educators. We must make a child’s first experience in education so impactful that early childhood education becomes a necessity for families—an investment in their future. When families and communities prioritize early learning, we set the stage for long-term academic and social success.

We call on teachers, parents, and policymakers to support initiatives that elevate early childhood education—through increased funding, professional development, and stronger advocacy. Together, we can retain skilled educators, improve early learning environments, and build a brighter future for Texas children.

By Megan Jimerson, M.Ed. | B.S. in Early Childhood Education