For Participating Centers
Early REACH is a grant-funded initiative and, as planned, will conclude at the end of the current funding period on September 30, 2026. Program operations will continue as usual through that date.
There are no immediate changes to:
- Your participation in the program
- Enrollment or service delivery expectations
- Day-to-day operations
We are deeply grateful for your partnership and the vital role you play in supporting children and families through high-quality early learning environments. Additional updates will be shared as they become available.
For Centers on the Early REACH Waitlist
Thank you for your interest in partnering with Early REACH.
As a grant-funded program, Early REACH will conclude at the end of the current funding period on September 30, 2026. At this time, we do not anticipate contracting additional centers into the program before the grant concludes.
We appreciate the important work you do to support children and families in your community.
Early REACH is committed to excellence in care and education. The zip codes below reflect the areas prioritized by this initiative.
- Precinct 1: 77338, 77339, 77346, and 77396
- Precinct 2: 77520, 77521, 77058, 77504, 77502, 77087, 77009, and 77037
- Precinct 4: 77042
Eligibility
To join the Early REACH program, childcare centers must:
- Be licensed and in good standing with Child Care Regulation.
- Demonstrate high-quality service provision, with a preference for centers that have achieved 3 or 4 stars in Texas Rising Star, are NAEYC accredited, or can otherwise show a commitment to quality improvement.
- Have the capacity to open a new classroom or add more spaces for children ages 0-4.
- Be located in a childcare desert in a census tract with a Social Vulnerability Index of 0.75 or above or demonstrate service to these communities.
Benefits of Participation:
Childcare centers participating in the Early REACH program will receive:
- Advance compensation for services rendered. The compensation rate is at least $15.00 per hour.
- Customized concierge coaching to elevate early learning practices.
- Professional development opportunities for staff.
- Business coaching aimed at improving operational efficiency.
- Access to resources and materials to enhance childcare environments and interactions.
Requirements for Participation:
Participating centers are expected to engage in continuous quality improvement activities focusing on working conditions, business practices, and the quality of funded classrooms. Additionally, they must meet specific compensation requirements for classroom staff involved in the program.