To qualify a student MUST BE:

• Four years old on or before September 1

AND meet one of the following criteria:

• unable to speak and comprehend the English language 

• is educationally disadvantaged (eligible to participate in the national school lunch program... guidelines about NSLP eligibility can be found in sections 4 and 6 of the Texas Department of Agriculture’s Administrators Reference Manual) 

• is homeless, as defined by 42 USC, §11434a, regardless of the residence of the child, of either parent of the child, or of the child's guardian or other person having lawful control of the child 

• is the child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who is ordered to active duty by proper authority 

• is the child of a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty 

• is or has ever been in the conservatorship of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (foster care) following an adversary hearing held as provided by Family Code §262.201 

• is the child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award as: 

  • • a peace officer under Texas Government Code §3106.002, 

    • a firefighter under Texas Government Code §3106.003 

    • an emergency medical first responder under Texas Government Code §3106.004 

A district must verify a student’s eligibility for pre-k in order to receive funding for the pre-k program. Districts must have the verification document as well as any required documentation on file for their records. These documents should be submitted to the campus registrar. 

Required Documents: 

• • State-Issued Birth Certificate

  • Social Security Card

  • Current Shot Record

  • Parent Photo ID 

  • Proof of Residency (current lease or mortgage or current utility bill)

  • Proof of Eligibility - see requirements above for either state qualification or approval for staff tuition-based.

For more information and frequently asked questions, visit TEA early childhood education FAQs.