Advocacy

Supporting Programs That Serve Immigrant Families

Early childhood programs across Texas are often the first place families turn for stability and trust. For centers serving immigrant and mixed-status families, that role carries added weight. Educators and directors are working to create welcoming environments, respond to stress children may be carrying, and ensure families feel comfortable accessing early learning.

TXAEYC is sharing these resources from the National Association for the Education of Young Children because they offer practical guidance for building inclusive classroom communities, communicating with families in supportive ways, and being prepared for situations that can affect a child’s sense of security and belonging.

We hope these tools are helpful as you continue the work of making your program a place where every child and family feels safe, respected, and supported.

Our Policy Priorities 

TXAEYC and our advocacy partners are working to advance policies that support young children, working families, early childhood educators, and early learning programs. TXAEYC’s Policy Priorities will be released in the coming weeks!

Guiding Documents 

We work with elected officials and state agencies to advance policies and practices that align with NAEYC’s core position statements. These position statements are based in research and informed by members of the early childhood profession.

• Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs
• Advancing Quality in Early Childhood Education
• Unifying Framework for the Early Childhood Profession

How Can I Advocate for Early Childhood?

If you are interested in advocating for the early childhood field, there are many ways to get started!

• Determine who you represents you at the Local, State, and Federal Level using the button below: “Who Represents Me?” You can track the Committees your Representatives sit on, how they vote on certain bills, and what their priorities are.
• Once you know who your representatives are, reach out to them! This can be as easy as calling their offices or sending them a quick email to introduce yourself and share why the early childhood field is important to you. TXAEYC can also help you to set up in-person or virtual meetings with offices.
• Sign up for TXAEYC’s Advocacy Training, Legislative Webinars, and Webinars provided from our advocacy partners to learn more on how to advocate during session and after session is over.
• Attend local and state advocacy events like community rallies, Early Childhood Day at the Capitol, and advocate gatherings.
• Track bills related to the early childhood field to see how they may have an impact on you and your community. During session, TXAEYC will have a Bill Tracker available as a great place to start.
• Keep up to date on important Legislative events and meetings. TXAEYC provides a bi-weekly newsletter to Members that will contain dates and times of upcoming meetings and events.
• Sign up to provide in-person or written testimony during Legislative Session. This is an important way to share your important perspective with lawmakers on the State Budget as well as specific pieces of legislation. If you are interested in providing testimony, please use the button below to share your information!

View the complete list of ECE bills currently before the Texas Legislature HERE.

Resources for the 89th Legislative Session