Early Childhood Education & Development Reporter

Early Childhood Education & Development Reporter

Job : 11801

Job Views
: 30

Job Category
:
Radio,

Employment Type
:
Full time,

Salary
: $58000-$65000 per year

Posted
: 05.14.2026

TITLE:

Early Childhood Education & Development Reporter

DEPARTMENT:
News

REPORTS TO:

VP of News

CLASSIFICATION:
Exempt

SALARY RANGE: $58,000 - $65,000 DOE

WORK LOCATION:

On-Site

SUMMARY:

This position is supported by a grant and is currently funded through March 31, 2028. Continuance of the position is dependent on securing funding for subsequent years. Texas Public Radio (TPR) is seeking an enterprising, empathetic, and data-driven reporter to lead our coverage of early childhood education and development (aka “the first five years”). Based in San Antonio, this reporter will cover the critical issues facing families, educators, and policymakers locally and statewide.

You will go beyond the daycare crisis headlines to explore the systemic forces—economic, political, and cultural—that shape the lives of Texas’ youngest residents, as well as their parents’ and caregivers’. Whether you are reporting on the 2026 Child Care Workforce Strategic Plan or visiting a home-based provider in the South Texas, your goal is to make the invisible visible.

We’re looking for a reporter excited to connect educators and caregivers of children ages 0–5 with resources and people working to effect positive change in early childhood. We want to reveal what’s working and what’s not.

This reporter will produce original stories across radio, digital, and social platforms that inform, engage, and elevate public understanding of how early childhood experiences impact long-term success and community well-being.

This position is within the bargaining unit represented by the SAG-AFTRA Union. Union membership is not required as a condition of employment.

• Beat Development:
  Take initiative to build a deep network of sources including parents, early educators, pediatricians, and state officials.
• Statewide Impact:
  Serve as a key contributor to the Texas Newsroom, ensuring that stories with statewide implications (like legislative funding for Pre-K or the Governor’s Task Force) reach audiences from El Paso to Houston.
• Culturally Competent Reporting:
  Prioritize stories that reflect the diverse experiences of families and caregivers.
• Multiplatform Storytelling:
  Produce high-quality radio features as well as digital-first content and engaging social media explainers, and engage audiences through participation in TPR and community events.
• Accountability Journalism:
  Track how local and state funds are actually being spent and whether they are reaching the families with the greatest need, while also identifying and reporting evidence-based solutions and whether they are working.
• Breaking news availability:
  Able to work extended hours during breaking news or urgent coverage, sometimes on short notice. Travel may be required.
• Participation in Fundraising:
  Participate appropriately in TPR fundraising, sponsorship activities and live events. Collaborate cross-departmentally to fulfill TPR’s mission to serve the community.

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or related field, or equivalent experience.

At least four+ years of journalism experience, preferably with a background in education, social services, or policy reporting. Experience in gathering story information, interviewing news makers, and writing clear, concise original news content is a must. Strong preference for candidates with public media broadcasting experience.

• Audio
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency in field recording and non-linear editing.
• Language:
  Spanish proficiency is highly preferred.
• Mission-Driven: A commitment to TPR’s mission to engage, inspire, and inform.
• Knowledge of the education system is a plus.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, including the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Excellent Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  both oral and written.
• Journalistic Precision:
  Ability to write and edit clear, accurate, compelling news stories consistent with AP Style guidelines and ethical journalism standards.
• Techno…