Early Learning
Quality Network (ELQN)
The Early Learning Quality Network (ELQN) is a $16.4M initiative funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to improve early learning and care in Harris County. Launched in 2023, with funding through 2026, this pilot program aims to build on the unique experiences and strengths of five focal communities through community – led planning and funding, as well as strengthen the early childhood ecosystem to connect caregivers with essential resources. ELQN collaborates with families, child care providers, and community stakeholders to ensure more children benefit from high-quality early learning tailored to their unique needs.
Training and professional development services
Rupani Foundation partnered with CHILDREN AT RISK to provide and support an incentivized, high-quality child care workforce training and coaching program in Harris County.
This initiative also extends its services to offer specialized, incentivized training for non-professional caregivers on essential topics in early childhood care and development. The program aims to:
- Enhance the child development environment
- Promote responsive caregiving
- Improve parent engagement strategies
- Foster long-term inclusivity and cultural competence
Child Care Provider Training Program
Informal caregiver or parents training program
Benefits for participating in child care workforce / provider program
Career advancement opportunities through skills development in child care and caregiving
Access to specialized training modules on inclusive practices, cultural competency, and parent engagement
Free early learning kits and educational materials
Stipends and incentives for attending and completing training sessions
Personalized support through mentoring visits and virtual communities
Networking opportunities with other child care professionals
The accepted child care organization will have a director and 3 teachers participate, in the program
Benefits for participating in the informal caregiver / parent program
Practical tools and resources to support child development at home
Stipends and incentives for attending and completing training sessions
Complementary home visits to help parents create a conducive learning environment for children
Free early learning kits and home-based educational materials
Access to wraparound services like medical, food, legal, and job-relatedresources
Networking opportunities with other informal caregivers / parents
Program requirements for child care providers
Directors must attend at least one orientation session to learn about the program and the selection process
Selected staff and directors must agree to attend the full training course (12 hours in total)
Teachers must have worked at least 12 months at the child care center or home-based provider
Teachers must have at least a high school diploma
Teachers must demonstrate a strong motivation to learn and a clear commitment to improving child care development
Program requirements for informal caregivers / parents
(*Informal caregivers are defined as those who provide care for children ages 0-8 for a minimum of 10 hours a week)
Applicants must be at or below 85% of the State Median Income (SMI)
Applicants should have children aged 0-8 years
Applicants must agree to attend the full 4-hour training session
Must reside in a community within one of the eligible ZIP codes.
Program details
Orientation sessions: May 22 & 28, 2025 (Location and time to be communicated to invitees through email)
Class Time and location: To be communicated through email
Program Start Date: May12, 2025
Application Deadline: July 12, 2025
Calendar
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22 | 23 | 24 | 25 event 1 | 26 car show | 27 event 3 | 28 |
29 Food | 30 |
Customize
- 29-06-2025 Sunday Food
Map & Location
You are eligible for the program if you are located within the following zip codes:
Group 1
77091
77022
77009
77076
77060
77032
77039
77037
Group 2
77379
77033
77021
77047
77051
77048
Group 3
77027
77036
77056
77057
77072
77074
77081
Group 4
77015
77029
77044
77049
77530
Get Involved
Child care workforce / provider program
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Informal caregiver / parent program
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