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
April-May
Spring Texas Tour
Each Spring, the CHILDREN AT RISK Early Childhood Education team hosts virtual community roundtables in 12 major cities across Texas to share the latest data analyses and legislative updates, while engaging local communities in key conversations focused on early childhood education.
May 2
25th Annual Golf Classic
Mark your calendars for the 25th Anniversary of the CHILDREN AT RISK Annual Golf Classic on May 2nd, 2025. Join us for a milestone event that continues to drive critical support for Texas children, advancing their rights to education, health, and a safe future.
May 13
Texas A+ Challenge Coaching Institute
Transform your campus by learning how to be an effective coach. Enhance your capacity to support teachers in implementing evidence-based instructional practices and improve student learning outcomes, while fostering a culture of reflective practice and continuous growth.
June 6
2025 Education Summit
This annual summit will convene educators, leaders, and advocates to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping Texas education. Join us for coversations on Texas’ evolving educational landscape and discussions on literacy, mathematics achievement, and the critical link between education and career success.
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
The Latest from C@R
Harris County Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) and VN TeamWork Host Southwest Houston Town Hall
Community Stakeholders and Leaders to Kick Off Implementation of $1.725 Million Investment, Supporting Community-Driven Improvements to Alief-Area Early Learning Environments. Media Contacts:Morgan Gerri, 832.600.9354Rashena Franklin, 713.301.4577 (HARRIS COUNTY –...
Press Conference: Harris County’s ELQN Announces Community Initiatives & Vendors to Enhance Early Learning Environments
Photo courtesy of Darlene Whittaker, Community Liaison I, Pct I & III- Early Learning Quality Network, Harris County Public LibrarySix quality initiatives, selected by the community, will be released through the summer to address access to quality child care in...
Strengthening Quality Early Learning Environments in Harris County: ELQN’s Progress and Next Steps
May 9, 2025 Written by CHILDREN AT RISK team members Briauna Derry, Director of Media Activism; Martha Gonzales, Associate Director of ELQN; Erika Alcala, Project Coordinator Launched in October 2023, Harris County’s Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) has made...
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