http://www.tecec.org Recent news from the Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition. en-us Thu, 17 May 2012 14:56:07 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/234.html Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/234.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/233.html Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/233.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/232.html Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/232.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/231.html Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/231.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/229.html Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/229.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/226.html the DARS website and will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs on May 10, 2011. The public is invited to comment on the application from March 4, 2011 until May 3, 2011. For copies of the application or to make comments concerning ECI services in Texas, please contact Cynthia Henderson, Senior Policy Analyst in the Division for Early Childhood Intervention at ECI.policy@dars.state.tx.us. ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/226.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/224.html the State Advisory Council website. ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/224.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/220.html click here. ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/220.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/219.html brief survey before Friday, November 19, 2010 to provide input on the weights of the following two minimum standards: standard rules for licensed child care centers, and standard rules for registered and licensed child care homes. ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/219.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/218.html State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care. Kara shared two key pieces of information: how the goals of the Council align with The Texas Plan, and TECEC's 2011 legislative agenda. For the full text of Kara's testimony, including a side-by-side view of the Council's goals and the pollicy recommendations in The Texas Plan, click here. ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/218.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/217.html State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care . The meeting will be held at the Norris Conference Center in Austin, Texas on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 from 1:30pm to 3:30pm. This meeting provides a unique opportunity for advocates and early childhood development and education leaders to share ideas, concerns or questions with the Council. The Council will also be sharing plans for their work in the coming year. TECEC President and CEO Kara Johnson will provide public testimony about the Coalition’s perspective on the Council’s priorities, and how they align with the Texas Plan. Kara will also present TECEC’s 2011 Legislative Agenda. ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/217.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/216.html Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) withdrew its proposal to increase the ratio of adults to children in child care centers across Texas. DFPS reports receiving hundreds of public comments from parents and child care owners related to the cost of this proposal. Another key recommendation related to the number of hours directors are required to be present at a child care center was also withdrawn.

The proposal related to increasing pre-service and annual training hours for child care workers and directors has not been withdrawn to date. DFPS is waiting on a ruling from the Attorney General's Office and we will inform you as soon as new information becomes available.

The next DFPS hearing is scheduled for Friday, October 15, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the John H. Winters building at 701 W. 51st Street, Austin, Texas 78751. Click here for more information about the hearing. ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/216.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/213.html
Learn more about the Promise Neighborhood Grants program and about the Houston and San Antonio sites. ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/213.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/212.html Race to the Top competition. This brings the total number of recipients to 12: Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Delaware, Tennessee, and the District of Columbia. Texas did not apply for Race to the Top funds.

Congress allocated $4 billion to the Race to the Top program, and during the second phase, judges received 36 proposals. According the U.S. Department of Education, the grants will directly impact 13.6 million students, and 980,000 teachers in 25,000 schools.

The Race to the Top reform effort intends to improve teacher effectiveness, increase knowledge of student progress through data-tracking systems, expand and improve charter schools, and improve the lowest-performing schools.

To find out more, click here. ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/212.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/211.html
"After hearing a group from Harvard present some of the latest research on brain development, we wanted to find ways to improve the lives of the children we serve and needed a partner to help us," said Shana Broadnax, senior manager for HCZ's early childhood programs.

"We canvassed institutes and universities across the country and we were repeatedly referred to Dr. Landry and CLI, so we called her and began the conversation," Broadnax said. "As a result, CLI provided Play and Learning Strategies (PALS) training to coaches who work with parents who graduate from Baby College. They trained HCZ teachers on facilitating observation using the Teacher Behavior Rating Scale, which was developed at CLI to measure the quality of teaching in pre-school, kindergarten and first grade. They also offered early literacy training for teachers and will provide training on an ongoing basis."

Broadnax said HCZ believes it is never too late to make a difference in the life of a child. "This training and information allows us to lift up our teachers and the quality of our services to families," she said.

The Harlem Children’s Zone strives for its students to have successes similar to those witnessed in TSR! Project classrooms along the Texas border. Maria Guardiola, Laredo ISD's Early Childhood dean, said kindergarten teachers are seeing a big difference in children who graduate from TSR! Project classrooms. "Some are already reading and they are all ready to succeed in school.”

Check out the whole story HERE. ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/211.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/210.html
The Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition (TECEC) is seeking two interns for the summer of 2010 to work 20 hours per week. Interns will receive a $1,000 stipend at the end of the internship. The internship would run June 28-August 6.

The Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition (TECEC) focuses its efforts in four specific arenas in order to propel a statewide movement around early childhood care and education: public policy, public awareness, community organizing, and research. The coalition is comprised of over 350 organizations and over 5,000 individuals across the state. TECEC has been recognized at both the state and national levels for its community organizing efforts and ability to work with legislative leadership to pass public policies that promote early learning opportunities for all children. Since 2003, TECEC has been instrumental in the infusion of more than $100 million to child care, Head Start, and public school pre-k programs in Texas.

TECEC Interns will be exposed to a vast range of opportunities, including: opportunities to conduct research on key early education policies affecting Texas, work and collaborate with advocates and stakeholders across the state, organize communities across the state, develop public awareness materials, publish materials for statewide distribution, conduct state of the art e-communications, participate in national and statewide conference calls with experts in the field and work with the Coalition to prepare for the 82nd Legislative Session. Interns leave TECEC with a comprehensive portfolio to show future employers, a comprehensive knowledge of legislative processes, as well as a unique and diverse set of skills.

Please submit your resume and cover letter to Kara Johnson, President and CEO of TECEC, at kjohnson@tecec.org by no later than Friday, June 18th. ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/210.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/209.html
To see the hearing schedule as well as the items posted for comment, click HERE

Items that may be of particular interest to stakeholders include changes in the system of collecting fees from those families found eligible to pay for some services, and new requirements for criminal background checks for employees of local ECI programs. These changes are explained in more detail in the rules than in the standards for contractors. The proposed rules are expected to be in the June 11, 2010 Texas Register. The information from DARS/ECI also includes a link to the Texas Register.

Interested persons who are unable to attend a hearing are also invited to submit written comments. ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/209.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/208.html
• Degree requirements for assistant teachers

• Class size limits

• Staff-child ratios

• Comprehensive health screenings

• Meals provided

• Teacher/class monitoring



To check out the “State of Preschool Yearbook,” click HERE. ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/208.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/206.html
  For a detailed description of the proposed changes, please visit the DFPS webpage on the topic.  

If you were unable to attend the hearing, you can provide written comments via online submission, email, and standard mail for the proposed changes to child care minimum standards. For Chapter 744: School-Age and Before or After-School Programs and for Chapter 745: Administrative Rules for Licensing the comment period is May 21 and June 21. For Chapter 746: Child-Care Centers and Chapter 747: Child-Care Homes the comment period is July 11 to July 12.  To provide comments online, please visit this webpage ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/206.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/205.html  draft proposed rule amendments to various provisions of the Texas Administrative Code related to the ECI program (Administrative Rules and Procedures; Administrative Hearings Concerning Individual Child Rights; Early Childhood Intervention Service Delivery; Early Childhood Intervention Staff Qualifications; and System of Fees).

DARS ECI is providing an early opportunity to comment on the draft proposed rules from March 5, 2010 until April 5, 2010. Requests for written copies or comments related to the draft proposed rules may be submitted to: Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services, Division for Early Childhood Intervention, 4900 North Lamar Blvd., Mail Code 3029, Austin Texas 78751-2399, or by email to: ECI.policy@dars.state.tx.us. At a later date, DARS will formally propose rule amendments, and public hearings will be conducted around the state in June 2010 allowing additional comment. ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/205.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/204.html
You can download the report HERE ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/204.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/203.html Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center (ECLKC)

The National Head Start Fellowship Program brings together experienced and dedicated professionals who support the ACF in developing and implementing long-term quality improvement initiatives. Through these fellowships, outstanding leaders in the early childhood community have the opportunity to gain first-hand experiences that offer a national perspective into the operations of ACF and other federal agencies serving children and families. In addition to work assignments, the Fellows will participate in professional education and leadership development programs.

The 12-month fellowships commence October 1, 2010 and end on September 30, 2011. Applications are due by April 1, 2010. ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/203.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/202.html
Read the interview from NIEER HERE. ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/202.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/201.html From the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services

In December 2008, stakeholders representing various perspectives on the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECI) were invited to participate in a two-day meeting in Austin. The goal of the meeting was to develop stakeholder-driven recommendations for potential changes to ECI eligibility criteria in the event that there was no increase in funding for the program in the 2010-11 biennium.

Looking ahead to the 2012-13 biennium, we again face the possibility that ECI services cannot continue to be delivered at current funding levels. Should that occur, a narrowing of eligibility for the program remains one of several options being considered. DARS conducted eight statewide meetings in January to allow stakeholders, especially families who have received ECI services, to share their ideas on how we might best use limited dollars to provide the services most important to children and families.

These efforts are part of a voluntary, comprehensive internal evaluation of the ECI program. The information gathered will help DARS provide valuable information to legislators as they consider the agency's funding request for ECI for the 2012-13 biennium. DARS anticipates a significant funding request and, coupled with the economic challenges facing the state, we must be prepared to offer alternative service levels in ECI consistent with available resources.

Some people have expressed concern that a narrowing of ECI eligibility is imminent, but that is not the case. The General Appropriations Act, 81R, Article II Sec. 47, prohibits the agency from narrowing eligibility in ECI during the current biennium without direction from the Health and Human Services Commission, the Legislative Budget Board and Governor's Office. Likewise, future decisions regarding changes to ECI eligibility will be conditioned on direction from the legislature.

Now that the public comment period is over we will focus on the next phase of the evaluation, in which we examine our contract structure with providers and explore ways to maximize funding while adhering to parameters imposed by Federal and State regulations. We are committed to investigating every available option to ensure maximum benefits for children who are in need of our services.

I would like to thank the parents, physicians and providers who spent several days together developing the recommendations presented for public comment, and the hundreds of people who attended and provided testimony at the hearings or submitted written comments. Your concern for children with developmental delays and your support for ECI is very evident and much appreciated. Our goal is to safeguard ECI's long term viability while ensuring alignment with the strengths and priorities of the program.

Thank you again for your continued support and interest.

Sincerely,



Terrell I. Murphy Commissioner ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/201.html http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/199.html Inside a meeting room on the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas (KTTT) reservation, a warm welcome awaits John Gasko, Ph.D., and his colleagues from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston's Children's Learning Institute. The Houston contingent joins state lawmakers, superintendents, school board members, mayors from neighboring towns, educators, parents, children and a large contingent of tribal administrators and members, including Chairman of the Tribal Council Juan Garza, Jr.

To read the whole story click HERE ]]> Wed, 31 Dec 1969 17:59:59 GMT http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/199.html