To prioritize community voices, LNOs provided residents with many meaningful opportunities to share ideas on how to improve and expand early learning and child care opportunities within their neighborhoods. In spring and summer 2024, EHCEC organized outreach events, listening sessions, and town halls to gather input from child care providers, families, and other community members. During this period, residents were also encouraged to apply to the ELQN Advisory Committee, which was responsible for identifying key needs and envisioning what high-quality care could look like in their communities.

EHCEC’s ELQN Advisory Committee, consisting of two early childhood directors, one educator, one after-school program director, and one parent, played an essential role in considering community input, analyzing relevant data (including community surveys), and generating a plan to address local needs while staying aligned with community priorities.

Through this process, EHCEC’s ELQN Advisory Committee identified key early learning and child care challenges in their target area. Providers reported gaps in professional development and access to resources, while families struggled with poverty, irregular work hours, and limited affordable care options—especially in high-need areas like Galena Park, where nearly 48% of children live in poverty. Despite existing resources, low participation in quality improvement programs like Texas Rising Star highlights a disconnect between available support and effective use. Addressing these challenges requires relevant provider training, financial assistance for families, flexible care solutions, and targeted outreach to bridge gaps and enhance accessibility. Despite these challenges, the strong ties among residents and community resilience in these areas provide a foundation to enhance early learning and child care opportunities, and support systems for families and providers.

EHCEC staff along with a volunteer prepare for the first community listening session held at Jacinto City Public Library.

A community advocate and a child care provider who is also a parent joined the
Photovoice project to explore the experiences of families, providers, and community members with early learning and child care in North Shore, Jacinto City, and Galena Park. They captured photos and shared stories—both their own and their neighbors’—highlighting community needs, key issues, and opportunities for improvement. Below, they share their photos and narratives
about the community.

This photo captures a joyous moment as an elementary school makes it to the flag football Super Bowl for the first time, creating lasting memories for many families. The story I want to highlight, though, is about an educator balancing her
demanding role as a first-time mother. The mother and child seen on the sidelines are no strangers to school events. As an afterschool program site coordinator, the mother works in the evenings to provide a safe space, academic support, and enrichment for families who need it most.

Despite her dedication, she faces the challenge of finding child care that gives her peace of mind. Her son attends the district’s Early Learning Facility, which offers affordable care for employees, but its hours—closing at 5:30 p.m.—are not ideal for her evening job. The nearest alternative is 20 minutes away. To make it work, she brings her child to work, a challenging solution when she is the one everyone turns to for answers. She has repeatedly shared her concerns with district leadership, advocating for more convenient child care options. By better supporting educators who are also parents, we can help them achieve a healthier work-life balance, fostering a more sustainable and supportive environment for both families and educators.

 

– Child Care Provider and Parent

TURNING NEEDS INTO ACTION: ELQN STRATEGY GUIDE