Through the Eyes of an Elected Official

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike and a looming recession, there is no doubt that the needs of Texas communities are high at a time when resources are limited.  Although the 81st Legislative Session does not officially begin until Tuesday January 13, 2009, legislators will begin filing bills as early as Monday November 10th.   The upcoming legislative session will last a mere 140 days, and Representatives and Senators know that they have a short amount of time to make positive change in the lives of Texans.  As a result, it is critical that policymakers invest scarce resources in an area that will yield big returns.  The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University found that for every $1.00 invested in high quality pre-k, yields at least $3.50 to Texas communities in savings to the public school, criminal justice, and child welfare systems.  It is vital that we make this investment now, in a logical and systematic way. 

The Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition has been working tirelessly over the past year to develop a legislative agenda that will improve early education services for children ages birth to five.  In partnership with its members throughout the state, TECEC has identified five priorities that will provide systemic changes to the early care and education system and ensure children have the necessary tools to enter school ready for success. 

With your help, we can make sure that these priorities are realized and early care and education programs have increased opportunities to expand quality early care and education services to more children in their community.  Just some of the ways that you can help is to sign up to receive TECEC E-Newsletters and action alerts; make a visit to your Representative or Senator and tell them why early childhood education is important to you; host a legislator at your center; or attend Pre-k Day at the Texas Capitol on February 17, 2009.  All we ask is that you get involved and TECEC will provide with you the tools and resources that you need.  We look forward to working with you during this critical time dedicated for policy change!

Community Tools:

Who Represents Me?

Legislative Dates of Interest

TECEC Legislative Agenda

TECEC Legislative Agenda Background Information *Coming Soon*

Ten Steps to a Successful Legislative Visit

Toolkit on How to Host an Elected Official at Your Center

Parent Advocacy Toolkit

Important Dates and Events:

National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Annual Conference November 5-8 in Dallas, Texas.  For more information and to register, please visit http://www.annualconference.naeyc.org

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) Train the Trainer Session sponsored by the Texas Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies November 6-7 in San Antonio, Texas.  For more information, please visit http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/news/135.html .

Texans Care For Children Second Annual Speaker Series, "Leaving the Juvenile Justice System".   November 12 in Austin at the Capitol Auditorium. For more information, please visit http://www.texanscareforchildren.org/innerpage.php?pageid=189 .

Save the Date! Pre-k Now National Satellite Conference followed by Texas Broadcast on December 10.  For more information, please visit http://www.tecec.org/pages.php/2008_Satellite_Broadcast.html