CHILDREN AT RISK Continues Work to Improve Child Care Across Texas

HOUSTON, June 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The state of Texas has set standards for quality child care through its Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), known as Texas Rising Star (TRS). However, only about 13% of eligible child care providers are certified through TRS, leaving many parents without quality options for care. There are several opportunities to improve quality and support providers in reaching quality standards. With $800,000 from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan, CHILDREN AT RISK seeks to improve the quality of child care in Texas through TRS, which is managed by the Texas Workforce Commission, a state agency that distributes funds statewide through 28 local workforce boards.

Building off previous work to enhance outcomes in early education, the grant will allow the non-profit to: Increase the public's access to critical information about the state's subsidized child care system; improve low-income, working parents' access to quality child care; and help generate actions that empower parents to understand/choose quality or increase the quality of child care.

CHILDREN AT RISK will accomplish these goals via:

RESEARCH: Conduct qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, to better understand quality of TRS, access to TRS, and opportunities to improve both.

CHILD CARE DESERT MAP: Create an interactive map identifying where there is a lack of providers to highlight gaps in access.

TEXAS TOURS: Convene early education stakeholders in key cities across Texas.

REPORT: Compile research findings in a final report.

CHILD CARE SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS: Develop recommendations in conjunction with the report.

COLLABORATION: Seek input and support from other early education advocates across the state and nation.

About CHILDREN AT RISK
CHILDREN AT RISK is a non-profit organization leading the way to improving the quality of life for Texas' children through research, collaboration, and advocacy. CHILDREN AT RISK educates the community and public officials based on its groundbreaking research which tracks children's health, safety, education, and economic conditions. By understanding children's needs and speaking out on their behalf, CHILDREN AT RISK drives change. For more information, visit www.childrenatrisk.org, Facebook and Twitter.

About the W.K. Kellogg Foundation

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF), founded in 1930 as an independent, private foundation by breakfast cereal pioneer, Will Keith Kellogg, is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work and life.

The Kellogg Foundation is based in Battle Creek, Michigan, and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special emphasis is paid to priority places where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. WKKF priority places in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico and New Orleans; and internationally, are in Mexico and Haiti. For more information, visit www.wkkf.org.

SOURCE CHILDREN AT RISK

Related Links

http://www.childrenatrisk.org/