Students’ achievement in school and in life is influenced by their early educational experiences. New research findings on early brain development make it clear that quality care and early education should be vital components of every child's life. New knowledge about child development should be incorporated into early childhood curricula and parent education. Continued scientific research on brain development and early learning is needed.
Texas Teachers should be clear about what children are able to do when they enter school so that early education can be geared toward specific measurable goals.
More coordination is needed of the full range of early childhood programs and Texas should work to ensure adequate
Texas Teachers training and curriculum development. Full funding should be provided for Head Start and similar programs as well as full-day pre-kindergarten in public schools, thereby giving all children a good shot at entering school ready to learn. Children in childcare should also have the opportunity to receive quality age-appropriate Texas teachers care.
Quality early education by trained
Texas Teachers can produce important long-term improvements in the intellectual and social development of disadvantaged children. However, many families, but particularly low-income families, do not have access to quality childcare and early education programs. Texas should invest more in both the quantity and quality of early care and education and not squander the opportunity for potential gains for children.