Texas implements rules allowing for free pre-K

Children at least 3 years old who meet one of the state's criteria can benefit from free pre-K. >>Click to see new laws coming to Texas this year. Children at least 3 years old who meet one of the state's criteria can benefit from free pre-K. >>Click to see new laws coming to Texas this year. Photo: Priscilla Dickson Photo: Priscilla Dickson Image 1 of / 39 Caption Close Texas implements rules allowing for free pre-K 1 / 39 Back to Gallery

Your child could qualify for free prekindergarten.

Gov. Greg Abbott passed a rule that allows for children of Star of Texas Awards-eligible candidates to enroll in pre-K for free.

The Star of Texas Awards was launched by the Texas Legislature in 2003 to honor those who have been killed or seriously injured in the line of duty. So it would likely include children of first responders, including police officer and firefighters, who might the award nomination criteria.

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The Texas Education Agency explains who is already entitled to free enrollment. Children must be at least 3 years old and meet at least one of these criteria:

1. Be unable to speak or comprehend English.

2. Is educationally disadvantaged, which is defined on the United State Department of Agriculture's site.

3. Is homeless.

4. Is "the child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States."

5. "Or is the child of a member of the armed forces of the United States...who was injured or killed while serving on active duty."

6. If the child was ever in the state's foster care services "following an adversary hearing held as provided by Section 262.201, Family Code."

The new rule adds this condition to the above: