November 2025 Newsletter
Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity’s
Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN)
In Partnership With
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Connecting with Home-Based Child Care Providers in Harris County
Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) hosted multiple community conversations on building a network of home-based childcare providers throughout focal communities in Harris County. The events aimed to uplift, support, and connect providers while engaging in conversations that centered:
- Child Care Deserts: Areas where demand for child care far exceeds supply, including subsidized and quality care deserts.
- ELQN: An effort to improve early learning quality through partnerships, professional development, and community infrastructure.
- Interactive Activities: Attendees engaged in networking through small-group discussions on challenges, strategies, and benefits of creating a home-based child care network.
- Next Steps: Continued conversations and resource sharing to strengthen connections and improve access to quality child care.
For more details and upcoming events, visit childrenatrisk.org/elqn.
ELQN Vendor Spotlights
Curriculum Development & Implementation Services
Frog Street
During the recent TXAEYC Conference at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with one of our Frog Street curriculum recipients, DeAna Kindt from Little Explorers Academy! It was a wonderful reminder of the meaningful impact that innovative early childhood resources are having across Texas communities.
DeAna shared how the Frog Street materials have supported more intentional, engaging learning experiences for young children—and how professional development through ELQN has helped bring that curriculum to life in the classroom. Moments like this reinforce why we are committed to equipping early learning professionals with the tools, training, and support they need to help every child thrive.
We are grateful for the opportunity to see our partners in action and celebrate their successes. We look forward to continuing our connections, collaborations, and celebrations as we advance high-quality early learning opportunities for all children and their families in the 77379 zip code. Together, we are making a difference—one classroom at a time!
Training & Professional Development
Rupani Foundation USA
Transforming Homes into Learning Hubs
Forty-three informal caregivers joined two successful ELQN training sessions with Local Network Organizations HCPL 1 and HCPL 3, discovering how to turn everyday moments into powerful learning opportunities. The focus centered on creating home-based learning spaces that promote children’s active engagement and overall development. Through hands-on activities, participants explored practical strategies to involve children in meaningful play, build strong emotional bonds, and cultivate nurturing, play-rich environments. The sessions highlighted storytelling as an effective tool to spark imagination and enhance communication abilities, while discussions emphasized the importance of supporting holistic child growth across all developmental domains—physical, cognitive, emotional, and social. Caregivers left empowered with actionable techniques to transform their homes into vibrant learning center.
Inclusion in Action at Spell Well Montessori
Five directors and 32 educators gathered at Spell Well Montessori School for a comprehensive training on inclusive early childhood practices and holistic child development, organized in partnership with HCPL 3 . Through interactive presentations, participants explored practical strategies for promoting inclusion and learned how to address all developmental domains—cognitive, social-emotional, language, and motor skills. The training emphasized how inclusive practices ensure that every child, regardless of ability, language, culture, or background, has equitable access to quality education and care. Trainers demonstrated how supporting children with developmental delays or disabilities within the same environment promotes integration rather than segregation, removing barriers so all children can learn and play alongside one another. A comprehensive presentation on developmental milestones equipped educators with tools to recognize and respond to children’s needs at various stages. The session concluded with collaborative learning activities where participants exchanged ideas and created actionable plans to integrate inclusive strategies into their daily routines. A gallery walk rounded out the day, allowing educators to visit each learning area, explore materials, ask questions, and engage deeply with the resources provided.
Circles of Support Bring Families Together
On November 23rd, the ELQN Community Family Day at Wendel D. Ley Family YMCA (15055 Wallisville Rd) brought together families and childcare providers from zip codes 77015, 77029, 77044, 77049, and 77530 who have participated in the Rupani Foundation’s caregiver and childcare provider training programs. Hosted in partnership with CHILDREN AT RISK and the Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity, this gathering celebrated shared learning and marked an important step toward building a lasting support network.
The event welcomed 76 families and 134 children who came to enjoy the day’s festivities. Themed “Creating Circles of Support,” the event embodied the principles of playful learning with fun-filled activities for children and families.
“Through shared learning, parents find strength in one another,” shared a Rupani Foundation Program Director, Mrs Neelofar Ali. “This day is about transforming that strength into a circle of trust and encouragement for our entire community.”
Attending families received gift bags filled with storybooks, Children’s Museum passes, cuddly toys, and fun activity kits to extend the learning at home, ensuring the day’s joy and connection continue long after the celebration.
Technology for Households
Easter Seals of Greater Houston
Easter Seals Greater Houston has completed 6 Technology for Households Workshops so far, equipping a total of 51 families with technology to support their children’s growth and development. The families have appreciated the trainers sharing great free apps to help their children as well as settings in the tablets to help protect their children online.
Early Learning Kits & Materials
National Literacy Institute
The National Literacy Institute (NLI) recently attended the Precinct 4 Teen Meeting, where Dr. Delilah “Dr. Dee” Gonzales delivered an engaging presentation on the vital connection between oral language development and early literacy success.
During the session, Dr. Dee encouraged families living in the 77379 ZIP code to apply for the Playful Minds Learning Kits, offered through ELQN initiatives to support early learning at home. In addition, every family in attendance received a literacy resource bag, filled with practical language and literacy materials designed to strengthen communication skills, promote early reading habits, and support learning through play.
NLI is proud to partner with ELQN and Children at Risk in expanding access to high-quality early literacy resources and empowering families with the tools they need to help young learners thrive.
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!
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!
Upcoming ELQN Events
Throughout October, ELQN partners largely focused on outreach to focal communities and supporting applications and enrollment for available initiatives. LNOs also started distributing mid-point surveys to gather feedback regarding the network and initiatives up to this point.
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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