HB 130, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high-quality pre-k programs, will likely be heard in Sen. Education on 5/14/2009

HB 130, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high-quality pre-k programs, will likely be heard in Sen. Education on 5/14/2009.

HB 136, relating to providing notification to parents of eligible children of the availability of prekindergarten programs, passed the House 5/7/2009

HB 136 passed the House with a 78-63 vote.

Companion Bill: SB 1032

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB136

SB 1032, relating to providing notification to parents of eligible children of the availability of pre-k classes, referred to committee 3/13/2009

SB 1032, authored by Senator Van de Putte, amends the Texas Education Code and authorizes the development of strategies to increase awareness of the availability of pre K programs. Further, the bill establishes district reporting requirements that describing the efforts to raise community awareness to the programs. Finally, the bill authorizes a study to establish the effectiveness of the public awareness campaign with a final report due to leaders of the Texas State Legislature and the Lt. Governor for Texas.

SB 1032 was referred to the Senate Committee on Education.

Companion bill: HB 136

Full Text: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=SB1032

HB 136, relating to providing notification to parents of eligible children of the availability of pre-k classes, reported favorably 3/26/2009

HB 136 has been reported favorably out of committee.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB136

HB 136, relating to providing notification to parents of eligible children of the availability of pre-k classes, scheduled for hearing on 3/24/09

HB 136, relating to providing notification to parents of eligible children of the availability of pre-k classes, scheduled for hearing in the House Committee on Public Education on 3/24/09.

The hearing will take place in E2.036

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB00136I.htm

HB 1891, relating to state funding for certain children to attend certain private pre-k programs, scheduled for hearing on 3/24/09

HB 1891, relating to state funding for certain children to attend certain private pre-k programs, scheduled for hearing on 3/24/09.

The hearing will take place in E2.036

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/HB01891I.htm

SB 21, TECEC PRIORITY BILL, relating to full-day high-quality pre-k programs, filed 11/10/08

TECEC PRIORITY BILL: Take action to support this important legislation

SB 21, authored by Senator Zaffirini et al, amends the Texas Education Code and 1) authorizes the operation of half and/or full day prekindergarten program, and 2) establishes criteria for class sizes, staffing, and curriculum, and, 3) authorizes the formation of partnerships between school districts and community providers to provide a percentage of the services offered by the expanded pre K program and establishes exceptions to the community partnerships, and 4) defines criteria for eligibility of community partners, and 5) requires a written contractual agreement between the school district and community providers, and 6) delineates criteria for minimum funding for community providers, and 7) establishes annual reporting standards, and 8) establishes duties of the commissioner and authorizes the commissioner to adopt rules needed to implement the program, and 9) delineates restrictions of funding for the program, and 10) establishes a funded requirement for an annual evaluation of the enhanced pre K program. This bill also amends the Texas Education Code authorizing eligibility of enhanced pre K students for school funding and establishing criteria for calculating funding for eligible students. The Companion bill to this bill is HB 130, authored by Representative Diane Patrick.

Full Text: http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/81R/billtext/html/SB00021I.htm

Support Full-Day Pre-K Programs: Take Action!

TECEC believes 2009 will be a powerful year for high-quality early education. Our expectations rest on the confidence that you will stand up with us in support of young children in Texas. Because so much is on the line, it is essential that we come together as a coalition in a united front.

TAKE ACTION NOW! Support Crucial Pre-K Legislation Senate Bill 21 and House Bill 130 are needed to strengthen the quality of our pre-k programs

The early education movement began six years ago, and as a result of working together, we have seen enhanced public policies for young Texans, and millions of dollars infused into the system. Our 2009 legislative agenda includes priorities that support all sectors of early care and education in Texas, and we believe that with your support we can once again succeed in accomplishing major victories for young children no matter what high-quality programs they participate in.

So let's get started advocating for high-quality early care and education in Texas today! Our number one priority for the session is to support full-day high-quality pre-k programs with an emphasis on local, integrated community-based partnerships. Fortunately, Senator Judith Zaffirini and Representative Diane Patrick have already filed the identical bills, Senate Bill 21 and House Bill 130, which lend crucial support to TECEC's number one priority. Please take a few seconds to let your legislators know you would like them to support this crucial legislation.

To take action on Senate Bill 21 and House Bill 130 visit the TECEC Action Center.