Supporting the Whole Child
2025 Pre-Kindergarten Legislative Priorities, Part of Whole Child
- Directly fund pre-K with full-day Average Daily Attendance (ADA) versus half-day ADA
- Expand the Early Education Allotment to include eligible pre-K students (currently kindergarten through third grade)
- Increase access to pre-K by raising the income eligibility cap
- Extend pre-K eligibility to the children of public school educators
Where We Stand on Whole Child and Pre-K
Every Texas student needs a safe and healthy educational environment to meet their full academic potential. Raise Your Hand Texas supports meeting the needs of individual students through equitable and high-quality pre-kindergarten, mental wellness services, school safety, and wraparound support systems.
Today, Texas ranks 43rd in the nation for child well-being, suggesting that Texas is among the worst states when it comes to a child’s health, economic stability, academic proficiency, and access to community support. Like our youngest Texans, we have so much potential to grow and improve. Enriching the lives of Texas children and ensuring their well-being must always be a goal for the Texas Legislature.
Oak Meadows Elementary School, Pre-k, Pre-kindergarten
Making full-day pre-K available to all students of age in Texas public schools helps pave the way for all Texas children to be successful in their educational journey as well as positively impact the future Texas economy. In 2019, Texas legislators passed several key bills, allowing our state to take an essential first step toward a better-funded, more equitable system. It’s time for the state to reinvest in a sustainable whole child, early childhood education program for every student.
Research shows that a high-quality all-day pre-K program significantly impacts a student’s readiness for kindergarten and beyond by helping our youngest students adjust to the school environment and daily schedule.
Making an Impact
Improving overall child well-being in Texas must be a priority in every legislative session. By expanding the state’s investment in the whole child—from full-day pre-kindergarten, early childhood education, investments in mental health, and wraparound services—Texas can set our students up for long-term success from pre-K to the workforce.
