August 2026 Newsletter
Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity’s
Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN)
In Partnership With
All ELQN Applications Closed as of August 31
We encourage participants to stay connected with their Local Network Organization (LNO) representative or service provider. If you have not yet received information about the transition of your services, they can provide updates on next steps, closeout activities, sustainability efforts, and other community resources that may continue to support you beyond the conclusion of the initiative.
Stay Connected With Ongoing Work
Three years ago, the Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity launched the Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN), a pilot project backed by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. Through a novel, community-driven approach, ELQN has made a considerable mark on the communities it set out to serve.
Working alongside trusted Local Network Organizations, Community Advisory Committees, vendors, and a network support hub, ELQN has strengthened local relationships, connected providers and families with resources, and demonstrated what community-led investment in early childhood education can accomplish.
Even as ELQN prepares to formally close after this month, the work continues. Our Local Network Organizations (LNOs) are developing sustainability plans designed to preserve the relationships built and carry forward the progress made over the past three years.
This newsletter will also come to a close after next month. To stay connected to early childhood education resources, opportunities, and updates for Harris County providers and families, sign up for our new mailing list below.
Upcoming ELQN Events
Join us! September 12 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
ELQN Community Resource Fair
Bayland Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet Street, Houston TX 77074
Join Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity (DEEO)’s Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) on September 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bayland Community Center for a free, family-friendly celebration of the people, partnerships, and progress behind this three-year initiative. Enjoy children’s activities, food, giveaways, community resources, and local vendors while connecting with families, early childhood providers, and community partners from across Harris County.
Since late 2023, ELQN partners have leveraged community input to launch seven early learning initiatives across 29 ZIP codes identified as Child Care Deserts. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act and Home Grown, this collaborative partnership between the Harris County DEEO, CHILDREN AT RISK, East Harris County Empowerment Council, Harris County Public Library, VN Teamwork, and the YMCA of Greater Houston has worked alongside communities to improve the quality of early learning environments in Harris County. This gathering will celebrate serving over 13,000 children & 2,000 caregivers and help sustain the investments made as the pilot comes to a close.
Throughout August, ELQN partners continued to support the focal communities with resources and ELQN information through public and targeted events.
If you’re interested in participating in any upcoming or active initiatives, be sure to check out our public calendar and reach out to your local LNO, attend an ELQN event in your neighborhood, or explore the initiative vendor events featured on ELQN’s homepage for more information.
LNO Spotlights
August Events & Community Support
ELQN Local Network Organizations continued to support families and child care providers in their communities through events aimed that help them prepare for back to school.
YMCA Hosts Community Events | Precinct 2
The YMCA supported Precinct 2 communities with events focused on providing families with the supplies and resources they need to start to the school year off strong. While sharing ELQN impact across their communities, YMCA provided backpacks, school supplies, and learning tablets to attendees.
Harris County Public Library | Precinct 1
August 1 – HCPL-Pct 1 hosted a Back to School event bringing together local residents, families, and partner organizations in support of student success. This event will provided free school supplies, backpacks, learning materials, and essential resources to help children start the school year prepared and confident.
Harris County Public Library | Precinct 3
August 1 – HCPL-Pct 3 hosted a back to school bash distributing school supplies for children, backpacks, children’s books, and supported the community in ensuring they families are ready for school. Families were excited to sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for their children under 5!
Explore Other ELQN Newsletters
Stay Connected
Subscribe to ELQN updates for the latest information on community initiatives, engagement opportunities, and mile markers.