September 2025 Newsletter
Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity’s
Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN)
In Partnership With
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Subscribe to ELQN updates for the latest information on community initiatives, engagement opportunities, and mile markers.
Join CHILDREN AT RISK for a community conversation
Join us for a community dinner and conversation that brings home-based child care providers together across networks to share voices, strengthen connections, and explore opportunities for support.
This is your chance to be heard, build relationships, and help shape long-term strategies that strengthen home-based child care across Harris County.
This convening is targeted towards home-based child care providers residing or operating within the following zip-codes, though providers outside of the specified zip codes are still welcome to join: 77009, 77022, 77032, 77037, 77039, 77060, 77076, 77091, 77015, 77029, 77044, 77049, 77530, 77532, 77547
CHILDREN AT RISK will host multiple unique community conversations from October – November focused on each of the communities served by ELQN. Reach out to use to inquire about when we’ll visit your zip code!
ELQN Vendor Spotlights
Curriculum Development & Implementation Services
Frog Street
Frog Street is thrilled to participate in Harris County’s Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) initiative as the selected vendor for Curriculum and Professional Development and connect directly with providers, directors, and child care center owners in the 77379 zip code. Visiting with these dedicated early childhood professionals has been truly inspiring. Each conversation has been heartwarming, as providers share their individual stories and the challenges and triumphs of serving young children in their communities.
Hearing firsthand how Frog Street instructional resources will support their classrooms reinforces the importance of this work. It is clear that the impact will extend far beyond the classroom—strengthening not only the students’ learning experiences but also supporting families in meaningful ways. Frog Street is honored to be a part of this initiative and looks forward to the lasting difference these resources will make for children, families, and providers in 77379. If you have yet to partake in this wonderful opportunity for FREE instructional resources, please reach out to Stephen Gonzales, Frog Street Texas State Sales Director, at (281) 799-9740 or email me at sgonzales@frogstreet.com.
Training & Professional Development
Rupani Foundation USA
This month brought exciting developments in our community outreach efforts, with successful training programs that are making real differences in the lives of children and families across our service areas.
The Rupani team completed training for cohort 15 of 25 informal caregivers across zip codes 77076, 77039, 77022, and 77037.. The diverse group included parents, grandparents, family members, friends, and neighbors—all united by their commitment to caring for children in their communities.
Program Director Neelofar Ali reflected on the experience: “The training brings together a diverse community with different backgrounds and knowledge. It’s fascinating to witness the engagement of informal caregivers and their enthusiastic participation in hands-on activities. We’re committed to reaching every informal caregiver in these neighborhoods.
The impact was immediate and personal. Participant Silvia, a mother of two, shared her transformation: “I used to stress constantly, but now I’ve learned effective stress management techniques. The program taught me not only how to manage stress but why it’s crucial to prioritize self-care. Children absorb everything around them like sponges, so when we learn to manage our emotions and embrace holistic approaches, we’re teaching them these valuable skills too.”
We also hosted our 6th professional development session at First John Church in partnership with Harris County Public Library Precinct 1. The training welcomed 8 center directors and 21 teachers, focusing on transforming early childhood education through inclusive practices.
The session centered on implementing inclusive strategies in early childhood development classrooms while supporting children’s holistic growth across all developmental domains—cognitive, social-emotional, language, and motor skills. Participants explored how inclusive practices ensure every child, regardless of ability, language, culture, or background, receives quality education and care in an environment free from barriers.
Key training components included practical demonstrations using low-cost and no-cost materials, hands-on learning activities, and collaborative discussions on integrating inclusive approaches into daily classroom routines. The emphasis was on creating environments where children with developmental delays or disabilities learn alongside their peers, fostering community rather than segregation.
One educator captured the session’s impact perfectly: “I’ve worked in this field for years and consider myself skilled, but sometimes you need that extra spark. This training encouraged me to expand my knowledge and continuously fuel my passion. I discovered new approaches to what I do best, making me even more effective. Learning has infinite possibilities—there are always greater heights to reach and deeper understanding to gain. I feel incredibly motivated to excel and serve my children and families with renewed energy. This training was resourceful, knowledge-rich, and genuinely exciting. It proved that learning can be both meaningful and fun.
Open Applications: ELQN Initiatives
Now open for applications!
Facility, Safety & Security | Collaborative for Children
Supports facility improvements and enhances safety by providing developmentally appropriate indoor & outdoor materials and equipment, along with targeted upgrades that promote the security and well-being of children and staff in eligible child care programs.
Eligible Zip Codes: 77015, 77029, 77044, 77049, 77530, 77532, 77547, 77021, 77033, 77047, 77051, 77048, 77379, 77027, 77036, 77056, 77057, 77072, 77074, 77081, 77099, 77009, 77022, 77032, 77037, 77039, 77060, 77076, 77091
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
Applications are open through November 30th. Apply today!
Early Learning Kits & Materials | National Literacy Institute
Provides developmentally appropriate learning materials to families with young children and providers of informal child care.
Eligible zip codes: 77379
Applications are open through September 30th. Apply today!
Technology for Households | Easter Seals of Greater Houston
Provides qualifying households with developmentally appropriate technological learning tools and training related to the use of technology with young children.
Eligible zip codes: 77021, 77033, 77047, 77051, 77048, 77009, 77022, 77032, 77037, 77039, 77060, 77076, 77091
Applications are open through September 30th. Apply today!
Curriculum Development & Implementation | Frog Street
Equips families and informal caregivers with digital learning tools, age-appropriate devices, and training to support children’s early development and safe technology use.
Eligible zip codes: 77379
Applications are open through November 30th. Apply today!
Emergency & Temporary Care | Neighborhood Schools & Work Texas!
Supports child care providers in serving families with children aged 0–8 who are facing financial hardships, emergencies, or are on the TWC waitlist by providing funding for child care and ensuring quick, easy access to support for the families they serve.
Eligible zip codes: 77009, 77015, 77022, 77027, 77029, 77032, 77036, 77037, 77039, 77044, 77049, 77056, 77057, 77060, 77072, 77074, 77076, 77081, 77091, 77099, 77379, 77530
Applications for this initiative closed at the beginning of October 2025.
Technology for Child Care | Collaborative for Children
Equips child care providers with technological tools and resources to enhance early childhood development and streamline business operations, including digital learning applications, childcare management software, and Wi-Fi upgrades.
Eligible zip codes: 77021, 77033, 77047, 77051, 77048, 77009, 77022, 77032, 77037, 77039, 77060, 77076, 77091
Applications are open through October 2025. Apply today!
Upcoming ELQN Events
Throughout September, ELQN partners largely focused on outreach to focal communities and supporting applications and enrollment for available initiatives.
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.
ELQN ELQN Vendor Spotlights
Easter Seals of Greater Houston: Technology for Households
The first Technology for Households workshop took place in Precinct 2 the last week of August, with 10 Early Learning Technology Kits being distributed. Easter Seals of Greater Houston was excited to meet with the parents and caregivers to share apps & settings that support their children’s learning and development. Recruiting efforts are ongoing in Precinct 1, with Easter Seals Greater Houston staff having attended the Back to School Bash at the Rock Christian Center on August 9th as well as the Open House at Hartsfield Elementary School on the 27th.
– Easter Seals of Greater Houston
Rupani Foundation USA: Training & Professional Development
This month, we’re celebrating a milestone that truly showcases the power of community-driven early childhood development. Under our ELQN project, we successfully trained 96 informal caregivers, equipping them with essential skills that are already transforming how families approach learning at home.
Our training focused on four key areas that make the biggest difference: holistic child development, creative use of low and no-cost materials, the magic of storytelling and book reading, and establishing dedicated learning corners within homes. But we didn’t stop at training – we followed through with 44 home visits to see these skills in action and provide personalized support where it mattered most.
The pure joy we witnessed when distributing 44 learning material boxes to families. The excitement and gratitude from mothers and caregivers were overwhelming and reminded us why this work is so vital. One mother shared how her child now eagerly waits for “story time” each evening.
What excites us most about next month is seeing how these newly empowered caregivers continue to innovate and adapt the techniques to their unique family situations. We’re already hearing stories of siblings teaching each other, grandparents getting involved in creating learning materials, and neighbors sharing resources.
These 96 trained caregivers are now advocates and teachers in their own right, creating ripple effects that will benefit countless children beyond our direct reach.
The real success is in the transformed homes where learning has become a joyful, everyday experience.
– Rupani Foundation USA
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