Early Childhood Education Rally Day – TXAEYC
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Early Childhood Education Rally Day

Date: March 6, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Texas State Capitol, South Steps, Austin, TX

Event Overview

The Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC) and CHILDREN AT RISK invite you to participate in the Early Childhood Education Rally Day 2025 at the Texas State Capitol. This event brings together early childhood providers, advocates, families, business leaders, and other key stakeholders to rally for policies that support quality, affordable child care for working families and contribute to the overall strength of Texas’ economy.

Rally Details

  • Briefing: 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM (Location: Committee Room TBD)
  • Rally: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM (Location: South Steps of the Capitol)

Speakers and Agenda

Join us for a powerful lineup of speakers, including:

  • Kim Kofron, Senior Director of Education, CHILDREN AT RISK
  • Audrey Rowland, President, TXAEYC & Founder/CEO of Green Space Learning
  • Senator Royce West, District 23
  • State Representative Claudia Ordaz, House District 79
  • State Representative James Talarico, House District 50
  • State Representative Armando Walle, House District 140
  • Julian Alvarez, Executive Vice President, Lone Star National Bank, Former Commissioner, Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
  • Ed Wolff, President, Beth Wolff Realtors
  • Jerletha McDonald, CEO, DFW Child Care Association

During the rally, we’ll discuss key legislative priorities including:

  • SB 972 / HB 2294 – Setting Child Care Services reimbursement rates at the highest available level.
  • SB 462 – Reducing local barriers to registered home-based child care.
  • SB 599 – Prioritizing child care professionals on CCS waitlists.

Note: If you have meetings after the rally, please refer to the Capitol map for guidance on navigating the building.

Location and Parking Information

Address:
Texas State Capitol
1100 Congress Ave
Austin, TX 78701

Parking:

  • Location: 1201 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
  • Cost: Free for the first 2 hours, $1 for each additional half hour thereafter. The maximum daily charge is $12.
  • Hours: No overnight parking available.

For further parking details, visit the Capitol Parking Garage website.
The South Steps are located at the intersection of 11th Street & Congress Ave.

What to Expect

  9:45 AM | Arrival and staging at the Capitol South Steps.
10:00 AM | Welcome remarks by Kim Kofron.
10:04 AM | Address by Audrey Rowland.
10:08 AM | Comments from state legislators.
10:29 AM | Remarks from business leaders.
10:40 AM | Provider voice from Jerletha McDonald.
10:51 AM | Q&A and Spanish language comments.

Why This Matters

Texas is in the midst of a child care crisis that affects thousands of families and the state’s economy. With nearly 95,000 children on waiting lists for child care services, the need for urgent action is clear. This event will showcase the vital role of child care in Texas, advocating for policies that will provide relief to families, support child care providers, and drive economic growth.

RSVP and Get Involved

RSVP today to join us in making your voice heard! This is your chance to stand with other Texas families, child care providers, and advocates to demand action for our children and our economy.

Register

Questions?

For any questions about the event or logistics, please contact Mandi Kimball at:

We look forward to seeing you at the Capitol to advocate for Texas’ children and future!