Editor's Note: This article is part of a series of stories The Herald-Zeitung will pursue in 2026 surrounding the Early Matters New Braunfels initiative and the various challenges that early childcare providers face.

Since assuming the role of program director for the Early Matters New Braunfels initiative in April, Anthony Martiguez has been visiting with local childcare providers to learn about the unique challenges they face and how to best support the early childcare landscape.

Early Matters is a statewide collaborative of business, civic, education, nonprofit and philanthropic leaders dedicated to economic mobility and prosperity for Texas families, according to the initiative's website.