(AUSTIN, TEXAS) State Representative John Raney (Bryan/College Station) was presented with the Elected Official of the Year award by the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children (TXAEYC) at their annual conference in Frisco, Texas for his work on child care safety reform. 

Rep. Raney was the House sponsor of Senate Bill 708, relating to the collection and use of child safety data for licensed daycare centers. This legislation directs Child Care Licensing representatives to complete a short survey during their site inspections in which they document the number of children and caregivers present in the classroom and the age group of the children present. This simple addition to their regular inspection responsibilities will provide critical information to policymakers, allowing for the development of more informed child care policies to give all kids in child care a safe and supportive learning environment.

“I am incredibly honored to be named as the ‘Elected Official of the Year’ by the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. During the 86th Legislative Session, I was absolutely appalled to learn there were 88 deaths in the past ten years at daycare facilities in Texas and 450 cases of sexual assault. With the support of Senator Zaffirini and Governor Abbott, we were able to pass legislation that will allow us to collect data on the adult-to-child ratios at all childcare facilities in the state to ensure the safety of our precious citizens,” said Rep. Raney. 

The mission and vision of TXAEYC is celebrating, educating, and advocating for young children, families, and the early childhood profession.