Governor Abbott Launches Task Force on Early Childhood Education and Care
Schertz, Texas — January 20, 2026 – Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday announced the launch of the Governor’s Task Force on Early Childhood Education and Care, a new statewide initiative aimed at improving the quality, access, and affordability of child care and early learning for Texas families.
Speaking at an event in Schertz, Abbott said the task force was created to help parents overcome rising costs, inconsistent standards, and bureaucratic barriers that limit access to early childhood services.
“The real reason why we passed this bill, the real reason why we’re having this announcement today, is because of the importance of helping parents across the entire state be able to access quality and affordable early child care and child education for their children,” Abbott said. “We must put an end to the endless bureaucracy, the unclear standards of care, and the inflated costs that make it difficult for parents to get the early childhood care and education that they need.”
The task force was established through House Bill 117, authored by Representative Alan Schoolcraft and Senator Donna Campbell. The legislation amends the Texas Education Code and directs the task force to evaluate early childhood education and care programs across state agencies, with a focus on governance and operational challenges.
Abbott was joined at the announcement by state lawmakers, education leaders, and agency officials, including Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Joe Esparza, Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath, and Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth.
Peter J. Holt, CEO and general manager of the HOLT Group, was named chair of the task force. Abbott also appointed 10 additional members representing education, health, business, and early childhood care sectors from across Texas. Appointees include educators, preschool owners, nonprofit leaders, and former business executives.
Members will serve terms through September 1, 2027. The task force is expected to review existing programs, identify inefficiencies, and recommend reforms designed to streamline oversight and improve outcomes for young children and working families statewide.
