Panel backs statewide strategic plan for inclusive early learning for children with disabilities

House Bill 23 10 directs the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to develop a statewide strategic plan to improve early learning and education opportunities for young children with disabilities, with an initial plan due by Sept. 1, 2026 and updates every four years.

Nut graf: Supporters from Texans Care for Children and The Arc of Texas said the plan would address fragmentation across agencies, identify barriers to inclusion in pre‑K, early childhood special education and child‑care settings, and recommend policy, funding and training changes to increase access and smooth transitions for families.

Body: Senator Hinojosa presented HB 23 10 on behalf of Senator Parker, describing the bill as a cross‑agency effort to prioritize inclusive early learning for children with developmental delays and disabilities. The bill requires coordination with public agencies, local entities, the Texas Early Learning Council, nonprofits and service providers, and mandates guidance for transitions from early intervention to special education.

David Fagan, director of early learning policy at Texans Care for Children, told the committee inclusive early learning is critical to long‑term outcomes and described parental stories of long wait lists and frequent program churn. Michael Clark of The Arc of Texas said integrated classrooms lead to better social, cognitive and emotional outcomes for children with and without disabilities, and urged the committee to prioritize implementation.

The bill sets a deadline for the initial strategic plan (09/01/2026) and requires updates every four years to keep the framework current.

Ending: Public testimony closed after invited speakers and the committee left HB 23 10 pending for future consideration and technical drafting.