Dear Lieutentant Governor David Dewhurst & Speaker Joe Straus:
Immigrant families are likely to experience poverty and other hardships in the process of settling in Texas. Of focus to our group is the gap in meeting the needs of children of immigrants, particularly in regard to early childhood education. The research on early access to formal education increasingly points to the benefits to social development in children (Haskins, 1989). Amidst the evidence of the gains to be achieved among children in early childhood education, immigrant parents tend to demonstrate apprehension about its benefits (Tobin, 2005).
The Texas Education Agency aims to provide opportunities for young children so they are prepared for primary school education. Guidelines are provided in English and in Spanish and provide information on development for three-year olds. Funding has climbed steadily to 750 million in 2012/2013. Of the 390,000 3 year-olds in the state, nearly 228,000 were enrolled in early childhood education in 2012/2013 (Texas Education Agency, 2014). Among the remaining 162,000 3 year-olds, the majority are from immigrant backgrounds and do not speak English as a first language.
Cultural values, despite holding education in high regard, perceive the early entry into education as unnecessary and may distort the child’s development or understanding in regards to its native culture, particularly around language.
Considering that the most dramatic demographic shift in Texas will be a greater proportion of Spanish Americans, we ask that more funding be devoted to early childhood education around two main areas: Enhanced geographical access through the building of more schools or placements, and funding/employment of Spanish speaking teachers who will be able to communicate with parents of these children.
Literature Cited
Haskins, Ron (1989). Beyond metaphor: The efficacy of early childhood education. American Psychologist, 44(2), 274-282.
Tobin, J. (2005). Quality in Early Childhood Education: An Anthropologist’s Perspective. Early Education & Development, 16(4), 421-434.
Texas Education Agency (2014). Early Childhood Education. Texas Education Agency. Retrieved from: http://tea.texas.gov/Curriculum_and_Instructional_Programs/Special_Student_Populations/Early_Childhood_Education/Texas_Prekindergarten_Data(1)
