Building Blocks Helps Families and Educators Close the Learning Gap

The Building Blocks initiative by Collaborative for Children shines a light on the challenges and solutions in early childhood education. From birth to age five (or pre-school), kids develop critical skills that shape their future. Unfortunately, many children in Harris County start kindergarten lacking essential readiness skills. Building Blocks addresses this gap by enabling parents, educators, and community leaders with information, tools, training, and advocacy.

Key Benefits of the Early Learning series:

– Promotes preschool learning at home and in child care centers

– Highlights certified ECE training for educators/teachers

– Highlights the vital role of parents and family in early learning

– Supports equity in education for underserved communities

– Delivers authentic stories and helpful strategies in each video episode

Building Blocks Series Prepares Students for the Future

Through engaging video episodes and community outreach, Building Blocks explores how STEM and STEAM education in early childhood builds present-day skills like creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. The pre-K program also showcases how play-based learning and parent-child interaction promote curiosity and brain development.

Building Blocks Video Episode Highlights

Episode 1: Addressing Educational Inequities

Explores factors contributing to unequal educational outcomes among young children.
Highlights efforts by parents, educators, and local leaders to level the playing field.

Watch Episode 1

Episode 2: Parents as First Teachers

Emphasizes the critical role parents play in early childhood learning.
Provides strategies for creating a nurturing home environment that fosters curiosity and growth.

Watch Episode 2

Episode 3: Legislative Support for Early Education

Discusses the impact of legislation on early childhood education funding and quality.
Showcases successful policy initiatives and advocates for continued legislative support.

Watch Episode 3

Episode 4: Supporting Educators

Examines challenges faced by early childhood educators in Harris County.
Suggests community support mechanisms to enhance teacher effectiveness and retention.

Watch Episode 4

Episode 5: Importance of Quality Childcare

Argues that quality child care is essential, not optional.
Highlights the long-term benefits of investing in early learning programs.

Watch Episode 5

Episode 6: Learning Through Play

Demonstrates how play is fundamental to brain development and problem-solving skills.
Introduces the Collab-Lab, a mobile classroom promoting child-centered, play-based learning.

Watch Episode 6

Episode 7: Social-Emotional Learning and Technology Integration

Explores the role of socialization and executive function in early education.
Describes how our Centers of Excellence prepare children for future technological advancements.

Watch Episode 7

Episode 9: Comprehensive Support Systems

Details a three-pronged approach: business training for directors, coaching for teachers, and parental empowerment.
Highlights the use of AI to personalize learning and support equitable education.

Watch Episode 9

Episode 10: Merging Theory with Technology

Emphasizes the balance between early education principles and modern technological tools.
Advocates for innovative solutions to enhance early learning.

Watch Episode 10

Episode 11: Expanding Centers of Excellence

Focuses on establishing high-quality early education centers in underserved areas.
Aims to provide equitable access to early learning opportunities across Greater Houston.

Watch Episode 11

Episode 12: Bridging the Digital Divide

Addresses the lack of technology access in impoverished communities.
Showcases efforts to equip children with necessary digital skills for K-12 success.

Watch Episode 12

Episode 13: Innovating Early Childhood Education

Presents Collaborative for Children as a disruptive force in traditional early education.
Highlights the integration of AI and technology to improve educational outcomes.

Watch Episode 13

Episode 14: Empowering Educators for Exceptional Outcomes

Details specialized training and resources provided to educators.
Reports that 92.6% of children in Centers of Excellence show measurable growth.

Watch Episode 14

Episode 15: How Early Childhood Investment Transforms Communities

Discover how Collaborative for Children uses brain science, family engagement, educator training, and innovative tools like STEAM and digital literacy to prepare young children for lifelong success.
Learn how business support and donor contributions transform early learning across Greater Houston from educators, parents, and community leaders.

Watch Episode 15

“Building Blocks helped me understand how to support my child’s learning at home. Now I feel confident as her first teacher.” — Angela R., Parent

“The training we received through Collaborative for Children transformed our center. We’re now a successful Center of Excellence!” — David M., Child Care Center Director

What You Can Do with Building Blocks for Kids

– Parents: Learn how to teach your child through everyday moments

– Educators: Access certified training and classroom strategies

– Child Care Center Owners: Improve your center’s quality and reputation

– Donors: Invest in a program that changes students’ lives from the start

Special Experiences for Every Audience

– Families: Watch episodes that show how to create a learning-rich home

– Teachers: Discover how to integrate STEM and STEAM into early education

– Community Leaders: Advocate for policies that support early learning

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Collab’s Building Blocks Program?
A: It’s a video and outreach series that explores how early childhood education can close learning gaps and prepare children for educational success.

Q: Who benefits from this program?
A: Parents, educators, child care providers, donors, and anyone who wants to support early learning in their community.

Q: How can I get involved?
A: Watch the episodes, share them, and connect with Collaborative for Children to support or implement early learning solutions.

Q: Is this program only offered in the Houston area?
A: No. While the Building Blocks program is focused on Harris County, the lessons and strategies apply to families and teachers everywhere.

Contact Us to learn how to support or implement Collab's Building Blocks in your community

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Building Blocks Empower Children Through Early Learning