This article is intended for Texas parents to understand how their prekindergarten student would qualify for the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) Program.
Under Section 29.153, Education Code, a child is eligible for enrollment in a free prekindergarten class if they’re 3 or 4 years of age and meets one of the following criteria:
- is unable to speak and comprehend the English language;
- is educationally disadvantaged;
- is homeless, 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; or
- 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 ever has been in:
- the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services following an adversary hearing held as provided by Section 262.201, Family Code; or
- foster care in another state or territory, if the child resides in this state;
- is the child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award as:
- is the child of a person employed as a classroom teacher at a public primary or secondary school in the school district that offers a prekindergarten class under this section.
Note: Funds may only be used at approved private pre-K providers. A list of approved providers will be available soon.