Why pre-K is the big story here
On our check date the finder showed several times more approved pre-K and kindergarten providers than K-12 schools in Hidalgo and Starr counties. They range from bilingual academies in McAllen, Mission and Pharr to campus child development centers at UTRGV in Edinburg and STC in Weslaco.
Who qualifies
A child must be at least 3 and meet one condition: not yet able to speak and understand English, eligible for free or reduced-price meals, homeless, in or formerly in foster care, a child of an active-duty or injured or fallen service member, a child of a Star of Texas recipient, or a child of a Texas public school teacher.
The two criteria most Valley families use
Limited English proficiency and free or reduced-price meal eligibility. A child growing up in a Spanish-speaking home who hasn't yet learned English may qualify on that basis alone, at any income.
Where providers are
McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, Pharr and Weslaco have the most approved centers. Starr County has a handful in Rio Grande City and Roma. Our pre-K page lists every one with an address and phone number.
After-care is separate
TEFA doesn't pay for extended-day care. A child care scholarship from Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley can, at providers that accept it.
Is your center eligible?
Approval takes a valid child care license plus one quality marker, such as a Texas Rising Star rating of at least 3 stars, Texas School Ready status, a partnership with a local ISD, or recognized accreditation. There is no deadline for centers to apply.
Next step
Take the funding check. It takes about two minutes, and an advisor will call back with each source your family can use and the dates that go with them.