Strengthening Texas Families
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ExecutiveSummary
In 2024, TexProtects deepened their commitment to expanding Texas children’s access to high-quality home visiting programs.
To meet this goal, TexProtects conducted a comprehensive assessment of Local Education Agencies (LEAs) currently offering home visiting programs to better understand the current landscape of their work.
Through interviews with LEAs currently operating home visiting programs, we gathered insights into their programmatic outcomes, operational challenges, and areas where additional support is needed. This assessment aimed to identify strengths, uncover pain points, and explore ways in which TexProtects can collaborate to enhance program sustainability and effectiveness. The findings from these interviews will inform strategic efforts to strengthen home visiting programs statewide, ensuring more Texas families receive the critical early support they need.
QuickFacts
Currently10LEAsserveroughly 2,050Texasfamiliesannually throughhomevisitingprograms.
50%ofLEAsoffer thehome visitingmodelHIPPY.
HIPPYworkswithparentsfacing challengesthatcouldhindertheir abilitytoprovidequalitypreschool educationtotheirchild,suchas havinglimitedformaleducation, limitedEnglishproficiency,orlimited financialresources.
60%ofLEAsofferthehomevisiting modelParentsasTeachers(PAT).
60% of LEAs that are operating home visiting programs are at their enrollment capacity. 50% reported recent funding cuts that have reduced the number of families they can serve.
PATprovideparentswithchild developmentknowledgeandparenting support,provideearlydetectionof developmentaldelaysandhealth issues,preventchildabuseandneglect, andincreasechildren’sschool readiness. ParentsasTeachers
HIPPY
LEA Location
While each LEA serves a unique population, they all experience similar pain points, with the top concern being either a reduction in funding or lack of multiple funding streams.
FundingStreams
Of the LEAs interviewed, they rely on diverse funding sources to support their programs. Only 1 LEA has more than 2 funding streams and 40% of LEAs use a single stream of funding for their program.
Several resources were requested by multiple LEAs, including 100% of LEAs expressed an interest in an opportunity to connect and learn from other LEAs. In addition, all LEAs expressed a willingness to share their programmatic outcomes.
ProposedNextSteps
CREATE
CONVENE CONTINUE
Understanding current LEAs programmatic outcomes and current challenges helps TexProtects identify targeted solutions to strengthen program sustainability and support more families effectively. To increase LEA support, we propose several next steps.
Create a comprehensive toolkit for LEAs to effectively communicate the value of home visiting programs to families, school principals, and district leaders. This resource will include clear messaging about the benefits of home visiting aimed at different audiences, such as school board trustees, district leadership, CFOs, and community members. By equipping LEAs with these materials, we aim to enhance stakeholder buy-in and increase family participation in these critical early support programs.
Convene LEAs for a hands-on workshop addressing their top challenges and fostering collaboration across districts This session will feature expert-led presentations on diversifying funding streams to ensure program sustainability, as well as peer-to-peer discussions on effective recruitment strategies. By creating a space for shared learning and problem-solving, we can help strengthen program implementation and long-term impact.
Continue gathering insights from LEAs to understand and amplify their successes In collaboration with HIPPY and Parents as Teachers, we will analyze program outcomes, with a particular focus on improvements in school attendance and family engagement. By documenting and sharing this data, we can build a stronger case for continued investment in home visiting programs and further advocate for their expansion across Texas.
AboutTexProtects
TexProtects is a state-level nonprofit focused on the prevention of child abuse and neglect through advocacy, awareness, and collaboration. The organization advances policies and system changes that strengthen families, raises awareness of evidence-based prevention solutions, and supports professionals in delivering effective programs. Additionally, TexProtects works to connect families and communities to essential resources while convening partners and allies to build a strong, statewide prevention ecosystem.