March 2026 Newsletter
Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity’s
Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN)
In Partnership With
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ELQN Community of Practice: Making the Improbable Possible
Local Network Organizations participated in a Community of Practice facilitated by IDEO.org, a non-profit that partners with communities and organizations to reimagine services, shift narratives, and design strategies. The day was spent reflecting on the impact of their work, mapping current and prospective stakeholders, and brainstorming new ideas for continuing the important work being done in Harris County.
Local Network Organization Spotlight
VN TeamWork | Precinct 4
VN TeamWork hosted a roundtable meeting with Vietnamese-speaking providers and parents. The session included an overview of the ELQN Year Two Evaluation Report, followed by a discussion of midpoint survey findings specific to the Local Network Organization. The meeting concluded with a facilitated roundtable conversation.
While participants were initially reserved, VN TeamWork’s strong community relationships created space for meaningful feedback that informed both their work and the broader Early Learning Quality Network. Attendees expressed appreciation for ELQN’s multilingual and multi-modal outreach strategies, sharing that they learned about the initiative through a Vietnamese-language radio talk show and through door-to-door engagement led by trusted community members.
Feedback also emphasized a clear need for increased funding and expanded support across providers. Participants expressed interest in future opportunities to engage in collective advocacy, including coordinating visits with Harris County Commissioners.
ELQN Vendor Spotlights
Curriculum Development & Implementation Services by Frog Street
Bringing Learning Home: Connecting with Families through Frog Street Tabling Events
Frog Street recently had the pleasure of meeting families right where learning begins each day—their child’s early childhood center. Through a series of on-site tabling events, Frog Street connected directly with parents and caregivers to share valuable resources designed to extend classroom learning into the home.
These events created a welcoming space for families to learn more about Frog Street’s At-Home Learning Kits, which are thoughtfully designed to support young learners through engaging, hands-on activities. By aligning with what children are already experiencing in their classrooms, these kits empower families to reinforce important skills while creating meaningful learning moments together.
Frog Street remains committed to partnering with early childhood centers and families to ensure every child has the tools they need to succeed—both in the classroom and beyond. We are grateful for the opportunity to engage with so many wonderful families and look forward to continuing to bring learning home.
Training & Professional Development by Rupani Foundation USA
Providing training services to child care providers & informal caregivers
Child care Providers’ Training
Child care provider training was successfully conducted across multiple partner sites, engaging a combined total of 15 directors and 47 teachers in collaboration with VN Teamwork, the YMCA, and EHCEC. Sessions focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of child developmental milestones, inclusive teaching practices, and practical strategies to support children’s cognitive, social-emotional, language, and motor development.
Across all sessions, participants engaged in interactive, hands-on activities, including a gallery walk showcasing thoughtfully designed learning environments that promote inclusion and holistic child development. A presentation on the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) guided participants in monitoring children’s developmental progress and identifying areas where additional support may be beneficial. Handouts and resource materials were distributed to help teachers apply these strategies directly in their classrooms.
A special highlight: one session coincided with International Women’s Day, offering a meaningful moment of celebration among participants.
Informal Caregiver Training
Informal caregiver training sessions continued with strong participation across HCPL partner sites. Group 37, held in collaboration with HCPL 3, brought together 19 caregivers. Group 38, in partnership with HCPL 1, welcomed 27 participants, marking the completion of informal caregiver training with HCPL 1. Group 39, also with HCPL 3, engaged 13 participants, with a combined total of 59 informal caregivers across the three groups.
Sessions focused on equipping caregivers with practical strategies to enhance home-based learning environments, including designing safe, stimulating spaces where children can move freely, explore, and learn through play.
Caregivers learned to create simple learning corners using low- and no-cost materials, turning everyday household items into meaningful educational tools that support creativity, problem-solving, and early skill development. Storytelling was also highlighted as a powerful, accessible way to build language skills, spark imagination, and deepen family bonds.
Emergency & Temporary Care by Neighborhood Schools & WorkTexas!
Partnering for community success
At WorkTexas and Neighborhood Schools, Inc., we’re proud to support our child care providers through Harris County DEEO’s ELQN Emergency and Temporary Care Program (ETCP)—delivering quality care for families facing financial hardship, emergencies, or on the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Child Care Services waitlist.
During our most recent routine visit to Jacqueline Gould’s home child care, which serves four children through the ETCP, we observed Ms. Mar’Keda’s class engaging in an inspiring morning lesson that showcased thoughtful, relevant early education.
The children started with daily affirmations, eagerly repeating positive statements to build confidence. In honor of Black History Month, Ms. Mar’Keda reviewed the biography of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Barbara Jordan. Children shared Dr. King’s dream that all children could play together.
The group remained engaged while reviewing numbers, colors, emotions and shapes—excitedly identifying the hexagon and counting its six sides.
This intentional, nurturing approach is exactly what ETCP celebrates and supports in the East Harris County Empowerment Council community. Thank you, Ms. Gould and Ms. Mar’Keda, for creating enriching moments for Harris County’s young learners—we’re grateful for partners like you!
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.
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
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!
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!
Upcoming ELQN Events
Throughout March, ELQN partners continued to engage with their focal communities by encouraging initiative enrollment, providing training supports, and hosting 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.
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