This study is designed to deepen our understanding of the capacity of Texas Institutes of Higher Education (IHE) early childhood care and education (ECCE) programs to effectively prepare Texas early childhood professionals. In order to do this, IHEs promote practices that cultivate young children's optimal learning and development--developmentally appropriate practice--grounded both in the research on child development and learning, and in the knowledge base regarding educational effectiveness in early care and education (Bredekamp & Copple, 1996). Data was collected from ECCE professionals who received their professional certification and/or degree within the past five years and were employed in a number of settings: licensed centers, licensed and registered homes, public school Pre-K, Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Teachers and care providers completed surveys online and via telephone. The surveys captured information on demographics, opinions on how well the respondents feel their education program prepared them, and challenges experienced in pursuing their education and available continuing education opportunities. (author abstract)