The goals of early childhood education are multifaceted, aiming to promote children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Research indicates that high-quality early childhood education can have long-lasting positive effects on children's academic achievement, socio-emotional skills, and future success in school and life. As such, investing in early childhood education is widely recognized as a sound strategy for promoting equity, reducing achievement gaps, and fostering the well-being of children and families.

In Texas early childhood education has been shaped by a combination of state policies, funding mechanisms, workforce development initiatives, and efforts to promote equity and access. There are a number of ongoing challenges such as addressing disparities, supporting the early childhood workforce, and navigating the impact of external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moderator - Melanie Johnson, President and CEO of Collaborative for Children

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