May 2026 Newsletter
Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity’s
Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN)
In Partnership With
Stay Connected
Subscribe to ELQN updates for the latest information on community initiatives, engagement opportunities, and mile markers.
Network Highlight
Cool, Calm, and Collected!
May 2, 2026
CHILDREN AT RISK utilized Home Grown funding to host an event crafted to strengthen home-based child care providers’ connection to resources and support. Our guest speaker, Mieko Carter, CEO of Divine Footprints Family Childcare, shared valuable insights on planning for life’s unexpected moments, as well as future planning.
Participants shared their appreciation for the event saying, “nobody is doing this kind of training just for us!”
See the full blog post here to read all about this exciting event!
Local Network Organizations (LNOs) Spotlights
Harris County Public Library & YMCA Collaboration
Precincts 2 & 3
Building the network is a priority this Spring! The LNOs from Precincts 2 and 3 collaborated on a Mamas and Mariachi event to celebrate mothers with dinner and a live performance from Klein Oak High School Mariachi Band. The attendees sang and danced, and ate a wonderful meal from Mamacita’s Restaurant. This collaboration was a step in building a network between communities to support early learning and care across Harris County.
ELQN Vendor Spotlights
Technology for Child Care Centers
Collaborative for Children
Empowering Early Learning Through Technology
Selected child care centers across Harris County Precincts 1 & 2 are gaining access to enhanced technological resources through the Technology for Child Care Centers Initiative, supported by Collaborative for Children and Harris County’s ELQN.
From interactive smart boards to improved digital capabilities, the initiative is designed to strengthen classroom engagement, support early childhood development, and improve operational efficiency for providers.
On the Right: Building Blocks Academy Aldine celebrated the installation of new smart boards, an exciting step toward creating innovative learning environments for children and educators.
Open Applications: ELQN Initiatives
Please be mindful that application windows vary not only by initiative, but also by zip code! Some initiatives are still accepting applications only in specific services areas. To confirm availability, please speak with your Local Network Organization or the vendor directly before trying to apply.
Training & Professional Development | Rupani Foundation
Provides training and coaching to enhance the skills and knowledge of child care providers of eligible centers and community members.
Eligible zip codes: 77009, 77015, 77021, 77022, 77027, 77029, 77032, 77033, 77036, 77037, 77039, 77044, 77047, 77048, 77049, 77051, 77056, 77057, 77060, 7072, 77074, 77076, 77081, 77091, 77099, 77379, 77530
Upcoming ELQN Events
Throughout May, ELQN partners continued to encourage initiative enrollment, provide training supports, and host public events to gather community feedback while sharing new information from ELQN.
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.
Explore Other ELQN Newsletters
Stay Connected
Subscribe to ELQN updates for the latest information on community initiatives, engagement opportunities, and mile markers.