Pre-K is where the Valley stands out. The state finder lists several times more approved pre-K providers in Hidalgo and Starr counties than participating K-12 schools, from small bilingual academies in Pharr and Mission to the child development centers on the UTRGV campus in Edinburg and STC's Mid-Valley campus in Weslaco.
The eligibility list matches the one for free public pre-K. Two criteria cover many local families: a child who isn't yet able to speak and understand English, and a household that qualifies for free or reduced-price school meals. Children of public school teachers qualify at any income.
To be approved, a center has to be licensed and in good standing and show one marker of quality, whether that's a Texas Rising Star rating of 3 stars or more, Texas School Ready status, a pre-K partnership with an ISD, or accreditation the state recognizes. Kindergarten at the same provider is open to any eligible child, so a family can stay put for the next year.
All 69 TEFA pre-K providers in the area
Combining it with other sources
Valley families rarely rely on one source. This one generally combines with the school's own discounts and scholarships and with at least one other source on our list. The funding check works out the right mix for your child.