Public Pre-k
Public pre-k is available through the public school system. It is for children 3 or 4 years old (when available and for families who may qualify).
Here are some things to know about most public pre-k programs:
- serve children between 3 and 5 years old
- prepares children for kindergarten
- often open only during school year and part of the day
- may be able to support children with special needs or disabilities
- Health and Human Resources Commission Child Care Regulation (HHSC CCR) makes sure they follow health and safety rules
- may be free or low-cost for qualifying families
Learn about public pre-k on the Texas Education Agency website.
Eligibility requirements
A child may qualify for public pre-k if the child lives in Texas AND at least one of the following applies to the child:
- at least three years old on or before September 1 of the current school year (if a 3-year-old program is available) or
- four years old on or before September 1 of the current school year
- unable to speak and comprehend English
- qualifies for free or reduced-price school lunch meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) (Learn more about the NSLP by visiting the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service website.)
- is experiencing homelessness
- currently or previously in foster care
- has a parent or guardian who:
- is active-duty military
- was injured or killed while serving in active duty military
- is a recipient of the Star of Texas Award
- is the child of a person employed as a classroom teacher at a public primary or secondary school in the school district that offers a prekindergarten class under this section.
Contact your local school district if your child's birthday is close to September 1 (the school district deadline). Find your local school district on the Texas Education Agency website.
Public Pre-k is free for eligible 3-year-olds (where a program is available) and 4-year-olds. A school district may charge tuition for:
- half-day and full-day pre-k classes to children who don’t qualify for free pre-k
- extra half-day pre-k classes to 3-year-old children who do qualify for free pre-k
If a school district charges tuition:
- the price can only be as much as needed to pay for the extra pre-k hours
- the district must ask the commissioner to approve the price every year
Learn about public pre-k on the Texas Education Agency website.
Pre-k partnerships
There are also pre-K partnerships. This is when schools team up with high-quality child care programs to help teach and care for children. These programs use learning plans, offer longer hours for working parents, and help kids move more easily into kindergarten. This helps your child get ready for school and keeps their care and learning on track. Learn more about pre-k partnerships on the Texas Education Agency website.
Learn about other types of child care
A child care center is a place where many kids are cared for by trained adults. They usually have classrooms and take care of children of different ages. Children are usually separated by age groups.
Home-based child care is when a caregiver takes care of a group of children in their home. They are more of a family setting and take care of children of different ages. Siblings may be together rather than separated by age.
Early Head Start helps children from birth to 3 years old, and pregnant women. Head Start helps children ages 3 to 5. Both programs offer free services and child development support for families who qualify.
School-age and summer camps are for children who are in school, usually ages 5 to 12. These programs may take care of kids before and after school, on school breaks, and during the summer.
Military families can use regular child care programs, and they may also qualify for special programs made just for them. These programs can help with finding care and may lower the cost.
Relative child care is when a relative family member takes care of a child, usually in their own home but sometimes in the child’s home. Only certain relatives can provide this care. The relative must pass background checks, have their home inspected, and be listed with HHSC CCR.