Harris County Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) Announces Next Project Phase to Invest in Early Learning Environments
Expanding Child Care Quality Efforts with Release of Vendor Requests for Proposals (RFPs)
Media Contact: Rashena Franklin, 713.301.4577
(Harris County – Tuesday, November 19): The Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) is pleased to announce a major step forward in its mission to improve access and quality of early care and education across Harris County with the release of its first wave of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to engage local vendors. Project scopes include curriculum; materials; facility, safety, and security measures; emergency & temporary care; technology support for families and providers; and professional development and training. ELQN invites qualified organizations to apply and support community-focused initiatives.
This latest phase of ELQN reflects Harris County’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality early learning experiences for more children. These RFPs will be released in multiple phases with varying timelines. Vendors interested in joining this effort are encouraged to review the RFPs, application requirements, details, and selection criteria that are available on the ELQN website at childrenatrisk.org/elqn/rfp.
“It’s exciting to see this historic initiative move into its next, and arguably most impactful, phase. Selecting vendors is a critical step in this project, enabling us to leverage the strengths within each Harris County community and better meet the needs of local families.”
Launched in 2023, Harris County’s ELQN initiative represents a historic investment in community-driven improvement of early learning environments. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, ELQN collaborates with childcare providers, families, and community stakeholders to create high-quality early learning care and education opportunities that reflect community needs.
With $16.4 million, fueled by ARPA funding and supported by the Harris County Commissioners Court, through 2026 this initiative empowers four Local Network Organizations (LNOs) in five targeted communities to lead quality improvement plans in under-resourced neighborhoods. As the designated Network Support Hub (NSH), CHILDREN AT RISK (C@R) administers ELQN funds to secure services through RFPs based on community priorities. C@R also provides ongoing support as LNOs collaborate with their communities and Advisory Committees to develop Child Care Quality Action Plans (CCQAPs) tailored to each targeted community in Harris County. In partnership with its Local Network Organizations – East Harris County Empowerment Council, Harris County Public Library, VN TeamWork, Inc., and YMCA of Greater Houston – ELQN is positioned to make a lasting impact on child care quality in high-need areas across Harris County.
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Harris County’s Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) is a community-centered initiative dedicated to improving early learning and child care quality throughout Houston proper. By working hand-in-hand with providers, families, and local stakeholders, ELQN focuses on enhancing early education through tailored quality improvement strategies that leverage the strengths of each community to meet their unique needs. Backed by the Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity, ELQN strives to unite communities in a collaborative effort to foster lasting improvements in early childhood education throughout the county.