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 8-31
Fall Early Childhood Texas Tour
Join us to weigh in on a grassroots strategy that improves child care across our state, and builds a more sustainable system that supports young children, their families, and child care providers.
Oct 22
Texas A+ Challenge: From Teacher to Leader
This session is designed for new instructional coaches, specialists, team leaders, and educators stepping into leadership roles. Using hands-on, practical strategies, attendees will walk away ready to lead, coach, and support colleagues with confidence.
Oct 31
Accolades: The Academy Awards of Child Advocacy
Join us at the lovely Hotel ZaZa (Museum District) for our 2025 Accolades Luncheon. A fan-favorite each year, this inspiring event celebrates changemakers who are working tirelessly to advance systems that improve the lives of Texas children.
Nov 13
STEM Summit
This year’s STEM Summit will explore the current state of STEM education, emphasize the importance of diversity and representation, and showcase inspiring career journeys. Join us to learn how STEM connects to daily life and how we can better prepare the next generation of innovators.
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 –...
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...
Texas Child Care Honor Roll
Media Contacts: Morgan Gerri, 832.600.9354 Rashena Franklin 713.301.4577 Research shows that 90% of brain development occurs in the first five years of a child’s life. This period is foundational—what children learn, or don’t learn, during these early years can...
Get Involved
Are you a Champion for Children?
For the 7.3 million children in Texas, you can be by giving a monthly recurring donation to Children at Risk.