The Early Childhood Profession Needs Our Support

Prioritizing professional growth and long-term career sustainability is paramount to the success of early childhood educators and to the early childhood system. While Texas has made worthwhile strides by offering structured career pathways, registries for trainers, and tools to track professional development, more is needed.

These systems help educators move from entry-level roles into advanced positions by recognizing training, education, and experience. However, we must ensure these pathways are accessible and supported. This means increasing funding for scholarship programs, expanding mentorship programs, and offering flexible learning formats that accommodate working professionals.

Texas must continue leveraging federal grants and strategic plans to address systemic challenges—such as child care deserts and limited access to high-quality programs—and ensure that educators are part of the decision-making process. By combining robust professional development with strong advocacy, Texas can build a more resilient and respected early childhood workforce.