This brief provides insight into the landscape of pre-K classrooms and the pre-K teacher workforce in the Houston region after the Texas-mandated expansion of pre-K to full-day and the COVID-19 pandemic. It identifies common classroom and teacher profiles based on characteristics that prior research has shown to impact student outcomes such as classroom size, student-to-staff ratios and instructor backgrounds and certifications. Data from the 2021-22 school year was used.
Key findings
Pre-K classrooms
- Most Houston pre-K classrooms offered full-day classes, primarily served students who qualified for free pre-K, and were located in elementary schools.
- Classroom profiles were primarily distinguished by differences in class size and access to an aide.
Pre-K teachers
- Most Houston pre-K teachers had prior teaching experience and training in elementary and emergent bilingual instruction.
- Teacher profiles were primarily distinguished by differences in the type of specialized training and number of years of experience.
