HOUSTON, May 2, 2026 – In communities across the country, home-based child care (HBCC) providers play a critical role in supporting families, nurturing young children, and strengthening local economies. Yet despite their importance, many of these providers often work in isolation and without the resources or support systems needed to prepare for emergencies, financial hardships, or unexpected life events. Recognizing this need, CHILDREN AT RISK (C@R) leveraged funding from the Home Grown “Building Comprehensive Networks” grant and their connections nurtured through participation in Harris County DEEO’s Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) to uplift and amplify the voices of home-based child care providers and strengthen their connection to resources & support systems.

After gathering input during Community Conversations held throughout ELQN focal communities in the fall of 2025, C@R team members detected a central theme impacting all HBCC providers: 

Unlike employees in traditional workplaces, home-based providers often do not have access to paid leave, retirement plans, or emergency support systems. When they become sick, experience an unexpected crisis, lose a significant portion of their staff, or even just try to take an extended vacation, their businesses and the families who rely on them can be deeply impacted.

While C@R’s Community Conversations found that HBCC providers needed support to be prepared, these conversations also revealed how frequently providers prioritize the needs of others over their own well-being. Many spend their days ensuring children are safe, cared for, and supported, while rarely taking time to plan for their own futures or prioritize long-term financial well-being. This insight reinforced the importance of creating opportunities for providers to learn practical strategies for emergency preparedness and financial stability.

To reinforce the supports available to HBCC providers and support them in taking the first step towards emergency preparedness, C@R team members hosted a learning session on May 2 tailored specifically towards the needs of home-based child care providers. This event, aptly titled “Cool, Calm, and Collected,” sought to empower HBCC providers with the tools, insight, and connections they need to withstand any emergency.

“The training was high engagement [and had] practical relevance to the participant’s job. It also provided tangible tools and strategies that participants can use on the job immediately,” said a participant.

In addition to educational support, each participant received an emergency preparedness backpack filled with practical tools and resources. These backpacks included items such as solar flashlights, hand sanitizer, radios, and emergency resource books to help providers better prepare for crises while continuing to care for children. 

As the final event in a series of engagements aimed directly at supporting home-based providers, C@R and ELQN team members are proud to have facilitated such powerful moments of connection, advocacy, and empowerment for a critical piece of the larger child care infrastructure that too often goes without support.

By listening directly to providers and responding to their needs, CHILDREN AT RISK and ELQN partners are helping to strengthen the foundation of early learning and care throughout the Greater Houston area. Supporting home-based child care providers has a profound impact on children, families, and local networks. When providers are equipped to thrive, the entire community benefits.