Our Mission
CHILDREN AT RISK serves as a catalyst for change to improve the quality of life for children through strategic research, public policy analysis, education, collaboration, and advocacy.
What We Do
Data & Research
We use research and data to understand the needs of Texas children and their families. This research drives our advocacy agenda and helps us develop evidence-based policy recommendations.
Policy Advocacy
Research and data alone are not enough to drive change for children. We use our research to develop bipartisan policy recommendations that have the most impact and speak up to inform policymakers.
Collaboration
We work better together. We rely on partners across the state to support our research and data collection, provide regional insights, and amplify our advocacy efforts through collective action.
Upcoming Events & Activities
OCT-NOV
Texas Tour
Each fall, CHILDREN AT RISK brings early childhood leaders and stakeholders together for community-centered conversations in 12 major Texas cities to exchange insights, examine regional experiences, and envision a stronger future for child care across Texas.
Nov 10
Education Summit
Through policy insights, expert guidance, and cross-sector perspectives, participants will examine responsible AI adoption, effective implementation strategies, and opportunities to strengthen teaching, learning, workforce preparation, and institutional operations.
Nov 12
Children’s Agenda
Join us for advocacy updates and opportunities shaping the next cycle of child focused policy. Alongside key partners, we’ll outline our legislative priorities, highlight emerging legislative pathways, and equip participants with a clear understanding of what is at stake for children and families
Coming Up
Stay in touch as C@R shares our upcoming events!
CHILDREN AT RISK is dedicated to bringing the most relevant and engaging events to our communities. From regional visits to educational opportunities or network events, join our network to stay up-to-date on the latest events or advocacy actions available.
The Latest from C@R
2026 Child Care Deserts Analysis
Access to High-Quality Child Care Continues to Get More Scarce April 9, 2026 | Written by Kim Kofron, Executive Director of Early Childhood Education, and Jacob Westjohn, Associate Director of the Center for Social Measurement & Evaluation, CHILDREN AT RISK (Note:...
Press Conference: Over Half of Texas Child Care Deserts Have Persisted for Years
About 64% of child care deserts in Texas indicate chronic deficits in child care seats, according to CHILDREN AT RISK’s latest statewide analysis Media Contacts:Morgan Gerri, 832.600.9354Rashena Franklin, 713.301.4577 TEXAS (April 9, 2026) – A new analysis from...
Testimony for the Governor’s ECEC Taskforce Meeting
March 31, 2026 Good morning Mr. Holt and Committee members and thank you for having me today. My name is Kim Kofron, Executive Director of Early Childhood Education at CHILDREN AT RISK. I come before you with more than 30 years of experience in the early childhood...
Our Areas of Expertise
CHILDREN AT RISK focuses on 3 key areas that can help break the cycle of poverty and enable children to learn, thrive, and meet their full potential.
Education
Health
Safety & Opportunity
We are committed to viewing all the work we do with an Equity & Justice lens and an Immigrant Children lens.
Equity & Justice
Immigrant Children
Get Involved
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