Texas is beginning to fall behind when it comes to student success and job-readiness. Quality child care can improve both outcomes, yet our state is currently lacking in access to quality child care. This can put the Texas economic miracle in peril. Building on current efforts across the state, Texas can pave the way for success in the 21st century by making strategic investments to: 1. Increase the number of child care providers certified quality through Texas Rising Star. 2. Build a path toward school-readiness. 3. Ensure that child care teachers are adequately trained and compensated. 4. Know the cost for quality child care and reimburse accordingly. 5. Make child care businesses more sustainable. (author abstract)