Prekindergarten Best Practices

Introduction

At TEA, our vision is to prepare every child in Texas for success in college, career, or the military. This vision is set forth by building a foundation for knowledge and skills in reading, math, and other developmentally appropriate subjects that serve the needs of the whole child in early childhood education. In partnership with families, schools, and communities, the Early Childhood Education Division at TEA provides support, resources, and guidance that are aligned to effective early learning practices and support the foundational framework for creating a high-quality early childhood educational program. 

The content and guidance provided includes key alignment to the:

• Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines
• Early Childhood Program Self-Assessment Prekindergarten
• Current research in early childhood education

The information provided is not intended to replace locally-adopted instructional materials, nor is it designed to override district policies. Rather, this information can be used to support the design and implementation of a high-quality prekindergarten program.

Resources

• Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Early Childhood Education
• Research-Based Best Practices for School Readiness       
• Supporting Children Receiving Special Education Services in the Early Childhood Setting           
• Supporting Emergent Bilingual Children in the Early Childhood Classroom   
• Physical Arrangement 
• Classroom Organization and Routines   
• Learning Centers 
• Technology Guidance          
• Outdoor Learning Environments 
• Activity/Lesson Planning and Curriculum Implementation     
• Daily Schedules