Thank you for subscribing to the TEA early childhood newsletter! 

Below you will find information related to the following topics: 

• Prekindergarten Early Childhood Data System Submission 

• Prekindergarten Student Progress Monitoring 

• High-Quality Prekindergarten Support 

• Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines  

As a courtesy to our readers, the following additional information has been included:  

• New Children’s Learning Institute Engage Family Engagement Website 

• Children’s Learning Institute Student Progress Monitoring Longitudinal Data Reports 

• Children’s Learning Institute End-of-Year Educator Resources 

• Texas Quad Agency Child Care Commission Announces First Review of Participating Agency Activities 

Prekindergarten Early Childhood Data System (ECDS) Submission  

The prekindergarten submission deadline for ECDS is June 25, 2026. School systems are strongly encouraged to begin the submission process as early as possible to ensure timely loading of student information and to allow ample time for validating student progress monitoring data or resolving any errors. 

Prekindergarten ECDS Submission Guidance Sessions  

We invite staff responsible for reporting prekindergarten student data to the ECDS to attend the upcoming ECDS submission guidance sessions to support successful submission. School systems and education service centers are encouraged to bring any questions or issues. Texas Education Agency technical and program staff will be available to provide support.  

ECDS Session 1 

• May 12, 2026, 1:00-2:30 p.m. Central Time  

• Register here for ECDS session 1 

ECDS Session 2 

Prekindergarten Student Progress Monitoring (SPM) 

As a reminder, the recommended administration window for the prekindergarten end‑of‑year (EOY) SPM runs from April through May 2026.   

School systems should ensure educators use a commissioner‑approved assessment instrument and accurately administer all required measures. The HQPK Progress Monitoring Domains and Correlating Measures document outlines the required measures for each of the six approved vendors on the Commissioner’s List of Approved Prekindergarten Progress Monitoring Instruments. 

High-Quality Prekindergarten Support 

The Prekindergarten Support Team is offering two webinars to support school systems in planning and preparing to implement the High-Quality Prekindergarten (HQPK) components for the 2026-27 school year. The webinars will provide an overview of HQPK requirements and implementation guidance. We encourage staff who are new to supporting prekindergarten programs, or who would benefit from a refresher on HQPK requirements, to attend. 

 HQPK Requirements and Guidance Session 1 

• June 17, 2026, 11:00-12:30 p.m. Central Time  

• Register here for session 1  

HQPK Requirements and Guidance Session 2 

• August 4, 2026, 2:00-3:30 p.m. Central Time  

• Register here for session 2 

Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines Survey. Your feedback will directly inform proposed updates to the guidelines and help ensure they reflect the needs and experiences of Texas educators, families, and communities. 

The guidelines will move through several review phases as the update process continues. Expect more updates and opportunities to stay engaged in the coming months.

As a courtesy to our readers, the following additional information has been included:  

New Children’s Learning Institute (CLI) Engage Family Engagement Website  

Family engagement is a key driver of student success, and Circle Activity Collection: Family provides an easy way to extend learning beyond the classroom. This free site offers hundreds of hands-on, play-based activities in English and Spanish using everyday household materials to support learning outside of school. Plus,  collection continues to grow! New videos, e-books, and guidance launch in April 2026 to further strengthen home-school connections.  

CLI Engage Student Progress Monitoring Longitudinal Data Reports   

Now available in CLI Engage, longitudinal reports enable district administrators to view and compare their child progress monitoring data over time. Analyze results by year, measure, and school for both pre-k and kindergarten, and compare your district’s results to the state and education service center region. Access these reports in Administrative Tools under My Reports to support data analysis and informed decision-making. Visit Accessing Reports to explore available reports at all levels, along with step-by-step guides!   

CLI End-of-Year (EOY) Educator Resources   

Visit the EOY Resources page, which offers a curated collection of tools to support reflection and planning. Administrators and educators can access guidance on using EOY data, instructional supports, and ready-to-use materials designed to help wrap up the year effectively while preparing for next steps. Explore these resources to streamline end-of-year processes and ensure a strong finish to the school year.