Choosing a bilingual preschool is a big decision for any family. Parents want to know if their child is safe, supported, and really learning, not just being supervised.
This is why we are so proud of our Texas Rising Star 4-Star rating at Angels Care & Learning Center. But what does this rating really mean, and why is it important for you to pay attention to Texas Rising Star ratings?
What Is the Texas Rising Star Program?
Let’s break it down. The Texas Rising Star (TRS) program is the official quality rating and improvement system for childcare programs in Texas. It is overseen by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
All licensed childcare programs must meet basic Child Care Regulation standards, but Texas Rising Star programs go beyond those minimum requirements. In fact, all programs offer a scholarship program called Child Care Services (CCS). This ensures that families who really desire a quality education for their child can achieve it.
Texas Rising Star programs start at the Entry Level (Two-Star) designation and have up to 24 months to achieve the star-level certification.
There are three progressive certification levels:
⭐⭐ Two-Star
⭐⭐⭐ Three-Star
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Four-Star
A 4-Star rating is the highest quality certification a program can earn.
What Does a 4-Star Rating Mean for Families?
A Texas Rising Star 4-Star program demonstrates excellence in key areas that directly impact your child’s daily experience and long-term development.
What sets our classrooms apart is our commitment to enriching each day with special experiences that go beyond the standards.
For example, our bilingual story circles encourage language development and cultural awareness, and our hands-on STEM discovery corner lets children explore science and math with real-world activities designed just for early learners.
A 4-Star program also means higher standards for teacher qualifications, training, and a curriculum built around developmental milestones. Your child is in a program that has been rigorously evaluated and meets the highest level of quality standards in Texas.
How Is a Texas Rising Star Program Evaluated?
Texas Rising Star programs are formally assessed and monitored through structured evaluations.
Additionally, the Texas Workforce Commission conducts a comprehensive review of the Texas Rising Star program every four years to ensure standards remain strong and relevant. The most recent revisions and updates were reviewed in 2023–2024 to continuously improve program quality statewide.
To stay ahead, we schedule regular self-assessments to make sure we are ready for the next Texas Rising Star standards revision.
This way, families can trust our commitment to ongoing quality and improvement.
Our Commitment to Excellence
Being a Texas Rising Star 4-Star preschool means we don’t settle for “meeting the minimum.”
We are committed to:
- Continuous improvement
- Ongoing teacher development
- Strong family partnerships
- High-quality classroom experiences
- Preparing children for long-term success
And because the Texas Workforce Commission regularly reviews and updates the program standards, families can trust that a 4-Star rating reflects current best practices in early childhood education.
If you have questions about what our 4-Star rating means for your family, we’d love to talk with you. Choosing the right preschool is a big decision — and we’re here to help you feel confident in it.
Common Questions Parents Ask About Texas Rising Star
Here are some of the most common questions we hear from families:
Isn’t every licensed preschool high-quality?
All licensed programs must meet minimum safety standards. Texas Rising Star programs must exceed those standards and demonstrate higher levels of instructional quality, teacher training, and classroom practices.
What’s the difference between 3-Star and 4-Star?
Both are high-quality programs, but a 4-Star program meets the most rigorous criteria in teacher-child interactions, curriculum implementation, classroom environment, and administrative practices.
It represents the highest level of certification available through the Texas Rising Star system.
Does this benefit families using CCS?
Yes. The Texas Rising Star certification levels are tied to higher reimbursement rates for children enrolled in the CCS program. This supports quality improvement and helps ensure families receiving assistance still have access to high-quality early education.
How long does it take to earn a 4-Star rating?
Programs serving CCS families must begin at the Entry Level and have up to 24 months to achieve star-level certification. Reaching 4-Star requires a strong commitment to ongoing improvement and meeting elevated quality standards.
Why does this matter for my child?
Because early childhood education quality directly impacts:
- Kindergarten readiness
- Social-emotional development
- Early literacy and math skills
- Confidence and independence
- Long-term academic success
A 4-Star program reflects daily practices that support your child’s growth during the most important developmental years. This also attributes to our work with the Austin ISD Pre-K Partnership Program.