To prioritize community voices, LNOs provided residents with many meaningful opportunities to share their ideas on how to improve and expand early learning and child care opportunities within their neighborhoods. In spring and summer 2024, HCPL 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.

The HCPL Advisory Committee, consisting of two community members, three parents, and representatives from six early learning and child care programs, 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, the HCPL team and the ELQN Advisory Committee identified key early learning and child care challenges in Klein. Providers reported difficulties recruiting qualified staff and a lack of access to essential educational resources needed to support every child. They also highlighted challenges with family engagement, managing difficult behaviors, and supporting neurodivergent children, with only 17% of providers feeling adequately equipped to meet these needs.

Affordability emerged as a significant issue, with over half of respondents citing funding constraints as an obstacle to providing quality care. Despite these hurdles, Klein’s strong sense of community, access to recreational facilities, and focus on education and family offer a solid foundation for enhancing child care quality and accessibility.

HCPL staff introduce potential community initiatives to the Klein community at the Brain Builders and a Blockbuster family event.

This adaptability extended to outreach strategies, including door-to-door engagement, which helped spread the word about ELQN and grow event participation. Over time, these changes not only boosted turnout but also increased team confidence and morale. As one team member noted, “Being able to see my team be happy about their turnouts has made me happy, and it’s made them more confident in the work that they’re doing.” By embracing flexibility and focusing on strengths, HCPL created more impactful events and fostered stronger connections with the community.

 A child care provider joined the Photovoice project to explore the experiences of families, providers, and community members with early learning and child care in Klein. She captured photos and shared stories—both her own and those of her neighbors—highlighting community needs, key issues, and opportunities for improvement. Below, she shares her photos and narratives about the community.

I can relate to Ms. Brandt’s commitment, having taken my own children to library storytimes when they were younger. Now, at 17 and 24, they are honor-roll students. Ms. Brandt’s actions remind us of the importance of nurturing curiosity and creativity through reading. Libraries can further support families by offering more community-oriented programs, such as storytime sessions, book clubs, and workshops, that foster lifelong learning.

– Early Childhood Teacher & Child Care Provider

TURNING NEEDS INTO ACTION: ELQN STRATEGY GUIDE