Texas Archives - Early Learning Nation

5 Takeaways from the “2020 Texas Fatherhood Fridays” Summit

Improving Childhood Outcomes in Texas by Supporting Dads

Mark Swartz·Jul 22, 2020·3 min read

On Friday, July 10, the Child and Family Research Partnership (CFRP) at the University of Texas at Austin presented a virtual event focused on Fatherhood in Texas. The annual summit was reimagined this year as a series of online presentations titled 2020 Texas Fatherhood Fridays. UT Austin LBJ School of Public Affairs. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Prevention and Early Intervention Division sponsored the series.

Think Child Care is Hard to Find? Try Being a Parent Who Works Early Mornings, Late Nights or Weekends

Bryce Covert·May 17, 2023·6 min read

It’s hard enough to find child care in this country that is dependable and affordable when working a regular 9...

Austin/Travis County Success by 6: Providing Support Birth to Five

The Editors·Mar 30, 2022·5 min read

By creating a community-wide coalition across Austin city and Travis County in 2011— encompassing the public, private and non-profit sectors—Austin/Travis County Success by 6 provides support for families from birth to five. With their new strategic plan—and 38 babies being born every day—the group is trying to improve school readiness overall.

States, Time to Step Up on Child Care

Elliot Haspel·Mar 1, 2022·8 min read

Elliot’s Provocations unpacks current events in the early learning world and explores how we can chart a path to a...

When Head Start Parents Become Head Start Teachers

Mark Swartz·Dec 21, 2021·4 min read

Erin Kirkley, 25, of San Antonio, Tex., discovered the Ella Austin Community Center last year when she brought her baby...

Avinash Verma: This Youth Advocate is Ready to Take Flight

The Editors·Mar 30, 2022·8 min read

A key part of youth advocacy is making sure the adults in the room are listening and taking action. Avinash Verma explains how youths connect with their communities differently than adults, and what that means in terms of needed resources and support. Avinash also explains how his community engagement has helped fuel is interest in aviation, including a work-learning program at the airport and with NASA.

In Texas, A Break for Child Care Providers Via Property Taxes

Instead of Direct Payments to Providers, a Ballot Referendum in Texas Offers a Property Tax Break

Rebecca Gale·Jan 16, 2024·8 min read

For Alejandra Gardner, it wasn’t until she began receiving funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that her child...

New Study: Hot Days Impact Kids’ Activity Levels and Health

Preschoolers’ Health in the Face of Rising Outdoor Heat

K.C. Compton·Jun 15, 2023·6 min read

Given the impact of high outdoor temperatures on the health of small children, we might want to start thinking of...

A baby held by a woman, smiling and waving

Winners Announced for PCI’s First Prenatal-to-Age-Three Grant Competition

Gerry Cobb·Jul 10, 2019·3 min read

When the Pritzker Children’s Initiative (PCI) launched a first-of-its-kind Prenatal-to-Age Three State Grant Competition late last year, 42 of 45...

An Electoral “Children’s Wave”

Q&A with Children's Funding Project Founder Elizabeth Gaines

Elliot Haspel·Nov 17, 2020·6 min read

On November 3rd, seven early childhood ballot initiatives went before voters in cities and counties around the nation. All seven...

Victoria Farrar-Myers: Workforce Development Starts with Early Learning

The Editors·Mar 30, 2022·8 min read

As part of what’s called “cradle to career,” Arlington (TX), like many communities, is working to ensure its approach to learning leads to a well-educated workforce. As Mayor Pro Tem Victoria Farrar-Myers explains, that discipline starts with early learning, as young as zero to three, and the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation.

Top Takeaways From the NHSA Policy Webinar Series: Building Resilient Head Start Systems through State Partnerships

Mark Swartz·Sep 11, 2020·2 min read

On Tuesday, September 1, the National Head Start Association (NHSA) hosted the second event in their State Policy Webinar Series. Participants highlighted the challenges and successes of three states attempting to offer quality, accessible education options for young children.

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