TEA Pre-K Partnership Intermediary FAQ
Educational First Steps has been named a Pre-K Partnership Intermediary by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for Regions 10 and 11. In this role, EFS will help school systems and high-quality early childhood providers develop and support public-private pre-K partnerships across North Texas.
What is a Pre-K Partnership?
A pre-K partnership brings together a school system and a high-quality early childhood provider to work together to provide prekindergarten opportunities for children.
These partnerships can help school systems expand access to pre-K while building on the early learning programs and infrastructure already present in their communities.
What is a Pre-K Partnership Intermediary?
A Pre-K Partnership Intermediary helps school systems and early childhood providers navigate the process of developing and supporting a pre-K partnership.
As an intermediary, EFS serves as a connector and support resource for partners throughout the partnership process.
What will Educational First Steps do?
EFS will:
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Recruit high-quality pre-K providers and connect them with school systems
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Support contracts, financial modeling and agreement negotiations
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Support pre-K quality
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Provide operational support
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Make determinations as outlined by TEA
What regions does EFS serve?
Educational First Steps will serve Texas Education Agency Regions 10 and 11.
Who can work with EFS?
Our Pre-K Partnership Intermediary services are designed to support school systems and private early childhood providers interested in developing or exploring public-private pre-K partnerships.
I'm a school system interested in a pre-K partnership. How do I get started?
We'd love to hear from you.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE PRE-K PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT REQUEST FORM
Complete our intake form to tell us about your organization and what you're looking for. A member of the EFS team will follow up with you.
I'm a private early childhood provider. Can I explore a partnership?
Yes. If you're interested in exploring opportunities to partner with a school system to provide pre-K, we encourage you to connect with us.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE PRE-K PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT REQUEST FORM
What if I have a question before submitting the intake form?
You can contact our Pre-K Partnership Intermediary team directly at:
prekpartnerships@educationalfirststeps.org
We're happy to help point you in the right direction.
When does this work begin?
EFS's designation as a Pre-K Partnership Intermediary begins August 20, 2026, in coordination with the Texas Education Agency.
Additional guidance and requirements will be shared as the initiative moves forward.
Where can I learn more?
TEA will provide additional information and resources as the Pre-K Partnership Intermediary initiative continues to develop.
For questions about working with EFS, please use our intake form or contact our team directly at prekpartnerships@educationalfirststeps.org
Ready to explore a partnership?
School systems and private early childhood providers: We're here to help you take the next step.
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE PRE-K PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT REQUEST FORM
Questions? Email us at prekpartnerships@educationalfirststeps.org