The Governor’s Task Force on Early Childhood Education and Care met on March 31. Philanthropy Advocates was invited to provide the Task Force with critical information as they embark on recommendations to Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature related to delivering a governance framework that expands Texans’ access to affordable, high-quality childcare and prekindergarten learning environments.
Becky Calahan, Managing Director of Philanthropy Advocates, provided testimony to the Task Force. She highlighted key findings from a landscape analysis Philanthropy Advocates commissioned as the Texas philanthropic sector grappled with persistent challenges ultimately exacerbated by system fragmentation.
With roughly ten state entities responsible for pieces of the Texas early childhood system — each with its own rules, standards, and accountability structures – Texas philanthropy has encountered persistent challenges in supporting meaningful solutions to ensure families are supported through reliable and coordinated early childhood education and care resources to hold jobs, raise children, and participate in their community.
Twenty-three organizations signed a letter submitted to the Task Force that signals a clear direction for the Task Force that prioritizes ensuring a stronger ecosystem of early childhood care and learning, keeping our youngest Texans and their families at the center of the Task Force’s work.
For questions about the information we shared, contact Becky Calahan.
