October 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
Throughout October, we hosted several Community Conversations bringing together home-based child care providers from across Harris County to share their experiences, build relationships, and explore opportunities for collective support.
At our most recent gatherings, providers connected over dinner and discussed strategies to strengthen home-based child care networks. The evening featured opportunities for networking, collective dialogue, and local data sharing, with a focus on shaping long-term advocacy efforts that uplift caregivers and families alike.
These events are part of our ongoing commitment to amplify provider voices and create sustainable solutions that ensure every child in Harris County has access to quality early learning.
Our final community conversation will be hosted on Thursday, November 13 at 6:30 PM CT! We’re curating this conversation to gather home-based child care providers within Harris County Precinct Three (zip code 77379), but all are welcome to join us.
ELQN Vendor Spotlights
Curriculum Development & Implementation Services
Frog Street
On October 4th, Frog Street hosted four dynamic and engaging Implementation trainings for directors and teachers participating in the Harris County Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) initiative. These sessions were designed to support early childhood professionals in effectively implementing the Frog Street curriculum recently provided to their centers.
Participants explored hands-on strategies, best practices, and practical classroom applications to ensure that every child benefits from a high-quality, developmentally appropriate learning experience. The energy and collaboration throughout the trainings reflected the educators’ shared commitment to nurturing the growth and success of young learners in the Harris County 77379 zip code.
Frog Street extends its appreciation to all attendees for their enthusiasm and dedication to early learning excellence!
Training & Professional Development
Rupani Foundation USA
This month, Rupani delivered extraordinary results across all our training initiatives. We celebrated 53 informal caregivers completing training;17 at HCPL Pct 1 and 36 through our collaboration with EHCEC Pct 2, learning to create learning corners at home and engage children through storytelling and play-based learning. Additionally, with EHCEC LNO, Rupani partnered with Growth Academy to train 8 directors and 21 teachers on inclusive practices, ensuring every child has equitable access to quality education.Our focus groups revealed the true measure of success: 100% of informal caregivers rated their satisfaction at 5 out of 5. Twenty-five parents reported dramatic confidence gains, progressing from “do not know much” to “feeling very confident” in understanding their children’s needs.
Their children showed remarkable social-emotional growth in relationships, communication, and group participation. Informal caregivers and Parents called the Rupani team a “family” and praised our multilingual staff and culturally responsive approach that empowers them as their children’s first teachers.
The childcare provider results were equally impressive—95% reported confidence or active progress in implementing new practices. Music activities transformed classrooms “the very next day,” with child care providers sharing that cleanup songs “absolutely changed kids’ behavior.” Providers restarted cultural celebrations, created learning tools from recycled materials, and used stipends for rhythm sticks and egg shakers that children love. The combination of practical strategies, low-cost materials, and culturally responsive practices is creating lasting change in how we nurture our community’s youngest learners.
Technology for Households
Easter Seals of Greater Houston
Easter Seals of Greater Houston has completed 5 Technology for Households Workshops so far, putting Early Learning Technology Kits in the hands of 42 families! The parents and caregivers have expressed appreciation not only for the kits, but also the trainings, which share how to keep kids safe online and apps to enhance learning. In follow up calls, participants from the September workshops are reporting that their kids are enjoying the iPads and the Yoto players and again, expressing appreciation for the kits and the workshop.
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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