Sujata Dand | KERA News

Texas is trying to expand access to preschool by encouraging school districts to partner with private child care centers. But some longtime Dallas providers say the school district that's supposed to be their partner is also becoming their competition.

Data shows the number of Texas children on a waiting list for childcare payment assistance has spiked in recent years, and advocates worry the pressure on the system isn't letting up.

The federal government is considering giving states more power over Head Start. Providers in Texas worry that will lower childcare standards.