With the Texas Education Freedom Accounts program opening applications on February 4, it’s important to understand how the funding from this program can support preschool-aged children. Through this program, eligible families can receive funding to help cover the costs of private education, specialized therapies, and other approved educational services. Brighton Center Preschool is an approved TEFA provider, offering specialized early childhood education for children ages 3-5 whose families choose to participate in the program.

What Are Texas Education Freedom Accounts?

The Texas Education Freedom Account program represents a historic $1 billion investment in educational choice, designed to give Texas families the freedom to select the best educational environment for their children. Established through Senate Bill 2, which became law on September 1, 2025, the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program allows eligible families to access public funds for approved private education-related expenses.

Pre-K Eligibility: Who Qualifies for Ages 3-5?

Pre-kindergarten children between the ages of 3 and 5 can participate in TEFA if they meet specific eligibility requirements. Your child qualifies if they are at least three years old  (by September 1, 2026) and meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Unable to speak and comprehend the English language
• Eligible to participate in the national free or reduced-price lunch program
• Homeless, regardless of the residence of the child or parents
• Child of an active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces, including state military forces or reserve component
• Child of a member of the U.S. armed forces who was injured or killed while serving on active duty
• Currently or ever has been in foster care (in Texas or another state), including conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services
• Child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award (as a peace officer, firefighter, or emergency medical first responder)
• Child of a classroom teacher at a public primary or secondary school in a district that offers a pre-K or kindergarten class

One important note for families: if only one child has a learning difference or disability, the entire family should apply together. Siblings are approved as a group, ensuring families can make coordinated educational decisions for all their children.

How Much Funding Can Families Receive?

The amount of funding depends on your family’s specific eligibility criteria. Funding per child can range from $10,400 (for private school students) up to $30,000 (for special needs students who are eligible). There are smaller amounts available for homeschool students as well. 

What Can TEFA Funds Be Used For?

TEFA provides flexibility in how families can use their education funds. Funds can be used for tuition and fees, textbooks, required uniforms, educational therapies or services, and computers and technology.

The Application Process

The application window opens on February 4, 2026 and closes on March 17, 2026.

Applications will not be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, funding decisions will be made after the application window closes to allow for proper prioritization of determinations.

If applications exceed available funding, a lottery system will determine acceptance based on state-mandated priorities. All eligible children are not guaranteed funding if demands exceed $1 billion year one allocation.

Before the application window opens, here’s a few things you can start to collect:

• SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number for the parent
• The SSN for the child
• Tax returns for 2024 and 2025
• Driver’s License number or State ID number
• Child’s Birth Certificate

For the complete checklist of items needed for the application, click here.

 Where to Apply

Applications will be submitted through the official TEFA program portal. Families can sign up for email updates and application notifications at:

• Official TEFA Website: educationfreedom.texas.gov

If applications exceed available funding, a lottery system will determine acceptance based on state-mandated priorities. All eligible children are not guaranteed funding if demand exceeds the $1 billion allocation.

Once accepted into the program, funds will be distributed according to this schedule:

• July 1, 2026: At least 25% of approved funding available
• October 1, 2026: At least 50% of approved funding available
• April 1, 2027: Remaining funding available

Families need to apply only once—there’s no annual reapplication required. Once approved, your TEFA account remains active until your child completes 12th grade or graduates from high school. This long-term commitment gives families the stability and peace of mind to plan their child’s educational path without worrying about yearly renewals.

Get Started

If you believe your family may be eligible for Texas Education Freedom Accounts, we encourage you to learn more about the program and begin the application process. Brighton Center is here to answer your questions and help you understand how our programs can serve your child’s unique needs.