January 2026 Newsletter
Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity’s
Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN)
In Partnership With
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LNO Spotlight: Harris County Public Library, Precinct 3 engages their community with puppets and updates
Harris County Public Library, Precinct 3 started 2026 off with an engaging family event! Children participated in a read-aloud and a delightful puppet show! Families received updates and information regarding the ELQN initiatives.
ELQN Vendor Spotlights
Curriculum Development & Implementation Services by Frog Street
Frog Street recently had the pleasure of meeting families face-to-face at two wonderful community locations in the 77379 area, helping connect parents with free Frog Street At-Home Learning Kits designed to strengthen early literacy and math skills right at home.
George H.W. Bush Community Center
During our visit to the George H.W. Bush Community Center, families stopped by to learn how simple, hands-on activities can make a big difference in their child’s early learning journey. One especially memorable moment came when a parent shared how excited his daughters were after receiving their kits. He described how they couldn’t wait to open the materials and start exploring the books and activities together. Stories like this are a powerful reminder that learning at home can be both meaningful and joyful.
AVANCE Head Start – Oakwood
Frog Street also tabled at AVANCE Head Start-Oakwood, where families took advantage of the opportunity to complete online applications while dropping off their children for the day. Parents appreciated how quick and convenient the process was, and many shared their enthusiasm about having additional resources to support learning beyond the classroom. These kits provide easy-to-use tools that fit naturally into everyday routines, helping families build strong foundations in reading and math.
Both events highlighted the strong commitment families in the 77379 community have toward their children’s education. Frog Street is proud to support parents and caregivers with engaging, research-based materials that turn everyday moments into learning opportunities.
We look forward to continuing to partner with community organizations to ensure more families have access to these valuable at-home learning resources.
Training & Professional Development by Rupani Foundation USA
Two successful professional development sessions were recently conducted in collaboration with the LNO’s, bringing together educators committed to fostering inclusive, high-quality early childhood environments.
The first session, held in partnership with the VN TeamWork and HCPL Precinct 1 team at Rupani Foundation office, welcomed 5 directors and 10 teachers. The second session, conducted in collaboration with HCPL Precinct3 at Spell Well Montessori School, brought together 8 directors and 17 teachers. Both workshops focused on strengthening inclusive practices in early childhood classrooms and supporting the holistic development of young children.
Participants engaged in interactive learning experiences designed to introduce practical strategies for creating safe, welcoming, and supportive environments for all children. The training emphasized addressing all developmental domains—cognitive, social-emotional, language, and motor skills—while reinforcing equity and access to high-quality care and education for children of all abilities, languages, cultures, and backgrounds.
At the Spell Well Montessori session, participants explored a gallery walk of learning areas, examining thoughtfully designed classroom spaces that support inclusion, engagement, and development. This hands-on activity provided valuable insights into creating environments where every child can thrive.
A highlight of both sessions was the opportunity for each center to share its most effective large-group circle time activities.
This collaborative exchange allowed participants to learn from one another, gather new ideas to implement in their own programs, and strengthen professional connections across centers.
Facilitators highlighted strategies for minimizing barriers to participation and demonstrated ways to support children with developmental delays or disabilities within inclusive classroom settings. The sessions reinforced that when children learn and play together, regardless of ability, it fosters a strong sense of belonging and promotes integration rather than separation.
These professional development opportunities reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring that all children have access to high-quality early childhood education in environments where they feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.
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.
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!
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 January, 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.
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