Pre-k Now Satellite Conference

On October 17, 2007, the Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition (TECEC) partnered with United Ways of Texas to host the annual Pre-k Now National Satellite Conference in 26 Texas communities . Award-winning journalist Leon Harris hosted the broadcast titled “Raising the Profile of Pre-k: A National Strategy Session.” 

Once again, Texas led the nation with the greatest number of sites tuning in to learn about successful strategies in the pre-k movement. Advocates from all over the state, including parents, community and business leaders, educators, and elected officials, gathered in an effort to learn how to bring more awareness to Pre-K at the local, state, and federal levels.

The broadcast featured New York City Council’s Speaker Christine Quinn , Arkansas Govenor Mike Beebe , U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii , and U.S. Sen. Hilary Clinton of New York .

Thank you to the following Texas communities that participated in the event: Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Brownsville, College Station, Dallas, El Paso, Galveston, Garland, Houston, Hurst, Killeen, Laredo, Pasadena, Richmond, Round Rock, San Angelo, San Antonio, San Marcos, Tomball, Waco, Weslaco, and Wichita Falls.

Thank you also to the following legislators who attended or sent staff to the event:
· Senator Leticia Van de Putte
· Rep. Eddie Lucio III
· Rep. Michael Villarreal

The national satellite broadcast is accessible to view at www.preknow.org .