MERCEDES, Texas – Mercedes Independent School District, in partnership with Region One Education Service Center, is pleased to announce a new initiative designed to enrich early childhood education across the community by partnering with local childcare centers. This program offers participating centers enhanced instructional support and funding opportunities while ensuring that children benefit from a seamless transition from early learning environments into kindergarten.
Under this initiative, Mercedes ISD will deploy certified teachers to partnering childcare centers to deliver high-quality Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 instruction. Children will be dual enrolled in both the childcare facility and Mercedes ISD, receiving a research-based curriculum aimed at boosting kindergarten readiness.
The partnership is crafted to offer childcare centers valuable support. Each qualifying classroom within the partnership is eligible for significant funding—including $25,000 per classroom grant opportunity along with additional resources for classroom materials—providing centers with new opportunities to enhance their educational offerings. The program is designed to work collaboratively with local childcare centers, ensuring that educators from Mercedes ISD and center staff work together to create a strong, unified early learning experience.
“This initiative is all about enhancing our school readiness plan,” said Dr. Benjamin Clinton, Superintendent of Schools. “By joining forces with local childcare centers, we can broaden access to high-quality early childhood education, paving the way for more children to enter kindergarten fully prepared for success.”
“Early Childhood Partnerships bring together the expertise and resources of both school districts and childcare centers,” said Roel Garza, Coordinator of Early Childhood Partnerships at Region One ESC. “We are actively engaging with local centers and warmly invite those interested in exploring this promising opportunity to connect with us.”
For more information about this new program or to discuss partnership possibilities, interested childcare centers are encouraged to contact Roel Garza, Coordinator of Early Childhood Partnerships, Region One ESC, at rogarza@esc1.net or (956) 984-6182.