HARRIS COUNTY EARLY LEARNING QUALITY NETWORK (ELQN) 

COMMUNITY PROFILE

HCPL’s ELQN Advisory Committee identified key early learning and child care challenges in Sunnyside and South Park through this process. Providers reported financial constraints, infrastructure needs, and limited preparation to support neurodivergent children. Parents prioritized safety and quality but were often dissatisfied with costs. Community members emphasized affordability, staff training, and collaboration between schools and providers as critical to improving access and quality. Additionally, both providers and families highlighted the need for improved access to technology, with child care providers expressing a desire for tools to enhance operations and instructional quality, and households noting the importance of digital resources for early learning. Despite these hurdles, Sunnyside and South Park benefit from a strong sense of community, vibrant cultural networks, and a shared commitment to education and family wellbeing. These strengths provide a solid foundation for advancing child care quality, accessibility, and equity in the community.

HCPL’s community outreach efforts involved building strong relationships with local schools, leaders, and organizations to inform and engage the community.
They used eye-catching materials and incentives to increase participation in surveys and meetings, resulting in a high-level of valuable community input. Staff emphasized accessibility by making all materials bilingual and forming one-on-one relationships, particularly with Spanish-speaking community members. As one staff member shared, “People want to talk, but they might not want to talk in front of people…. I’m bilingual. So being able to say, I understand you, come talk to me. ” This approach allowed community members to share their perspectives in ways that felt safe and comfortable, leading to valuable input and stronger connections.

Trained and Fully Equipped Staff

to engage with diverse student populations, manage challenging classroom behaviors and access inclusive training for both staff and guardians 

Safety and Facility Equipment

that addresses safety concerns, improves playgrounds and indoor areas, and supports outdoor learning through
gardens and music spaces

Access to Key Resources for Families and Providers

that address barriers surrounding accessibility to social services and technology

Access to Key Resources for Families and Providers that address barriers surrounding accessibility to social services and technology