Governor Greg Abbott has announced the creation of the Task Force on Early Childhood Education and Care, aimed at improving child care quality, access, and affordability for families in Texas.
“The real reason why we passed this bill, the real reason why we’re having this announcement today, is because of the importance of helping parents across the entire state be able to access quality and affordable early child care and child education for their children,” Governor Abbott said. “Today I am announcing the governor’s task force on early childhood education and care. The goal is to evaluate child care and early learning programs across all state agencies. We must put an end to the endless bureaucracy, the unclear standards of care, and the inflated costs that make it difficult for parents to get the early childhood care and education that they need for their children.”
Several officials joined Governor Abbott at the event, including Senator Donna Campbell, Representative Alan Schoolcraft, Chairman Peter J. Holt, Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Joe Esparza, Representative Mark LaHood, Representative John Lujan, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District superintendent Paige Meloni, Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath, and Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth.
The new task force was established under House Bill 117 (Schoolcraft/Campbell), which amends existing education law to address governance and operational challenges within Texas’ early childhood education system.
Governor Abbott named Peter J. Holt as chair of the task force. Other appointees include Jeff Austin III; Leslie Callahan; Lori Gabbert Charney; Grant Coates; Reagan Curran; Tracy Hanson, Ed.D.; Marisela Nava; John “J.” Puckett; Jennifer Stockemer, Ph.D.; and Nancy Windham. Their terms will expire on September 1, 2027.
The members come from diverse backgrounds such as business leadership in banking (Jeff Austin III), nonprofit management (Grant Coates), special education teaching (Reagan Curran), preschool ownership (Jennifer Stockemer), economic development advising (Nancy Windham), public health administration (Lori Gabbert Charney), regional Head Start direction (Leslie Callahan), higher education childcare direction (Marisela Nava), consulting (John “J.” Puckett), private school founding (Tracy Hanson) among others.
According to information from the official website, Governor Abbott’s office leads executive functions in Texas with a focus on economic development initiatives as well as educational improvements statewide.
Additional photos from this event are expected to be released when available.
