ELQN -

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

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
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7	8	9	10	11	12	13
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29	30	31

Customize

Events

No upcoming events found.

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

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