Dr. Melanie J. Johnson
Collaborative for Children leads the way in early childhood education by empowering child care centers, educators, and families with certified programs and innovative tools.
Support Early Learning in Houston
Our mission over the past 35 years has been to be “The” trusted nonprofit resource for early childhood education in the Greater Houston area. Collaborative for Children supports:
– Child care centers with certified ECE training and curriculum
– Educators with professional development and coaching
– Parents with tools to support early childhood education at home
– Communities with mobile learning labs and STEAM-based programs
Our mission is to ensure every child, regardless of background, has access to high-quality early learning that prepares them for school and life.
As the leading resource for early childhood education in the region, we are committed to shaping bold, innovative approaches that improve the learning opportunities for children in the first five years of life and to provide a strong foundation that prepares them for 21st-century success.
All children in Greater Houston have the high-quality early learning opportunities they need to achieve their full potential.
We meaningfully improve the quality of early childhood education and care for Greater Houston’s children through those who are most influential in their lives.
We believe that every child deserves to realize their dreams of a better education, better job, and better future. Collaborative for Children is at the forefront of making that happen, improving the quality of early childhood education to start all kids on the right path to life’s possibilities.
Our mentors work with early child care education professionals, guiding them in the use of Collaborative for Children’s evidence-based teaching programs and methodologies to ensure that 70 percent of kids show clear progress toward school readiness.
Collaborative for Children captures and analyzes data in real-time to get a better idea of how our programs are performing. By measuring what matters, we can improve outcomes for children, expand our resources, and assure accountability.
Collaborative for Children’s values are clear and unwavering: We relentlessly pursue excellence; innovate boldly and courageously; respect and promote diverse points of view; and celebrate transparency.
We bring 21st-century learning to life through:
– Collab-Lab and STEAM Shuttle – Mobile classrooms that deliver hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math experiences
– Digital tools and real-time data tracking – To measure child development and program success
– Evidence-based curriculum – Designed to build creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration
All of our programs and the child care centers supported by Collaborative for Children follow these proven guidelines:
– Texas Rising Star and national accreditation standards
– Health and safety protocols for staff and facilities
– Ongoing compliance checks to ensure quality and safety
Our straightforward, step-by-step approach helps child care centers earn their Center of Excellence certification:
This process makes sure all centers deliver early education that’s both consistent and excellent.
We track outcomes and improve programs through:
– Real-time on-going data analysis
– Feedback from families and educators
– Continuous improvement cycles
This ensures our programs provide measurable, positive change for children and their communities.
Families receive tools and guidance to support early childhood education at home, helping children build strong foundations.
Teachers and staff benefit from professional development, coaching, and access to certified ECE curriculum.
Centers of Excellence deliver high-quality care, meet accreditation standards, and prepare children for school success.
Q: What does Collaborative for Children do?
A: For over 35 years, we have supported child care centers, educators, and families with certified early education programs and tools.
Q: How can my facility become a Center of Excellence?
A: Contact us to initiate the step-by-step process, which includes assessment, training, and certification.
Q: What makes Collab different from traditional daycare?
A: We focus on long-term child development, not just supervision. Our programs are research-based and future-focused.
Q: How can I support Collab?
A: We would love your support. Your help will expand access to early childhood education across the Greater Houston TX area.
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Collaborative for Children was established in 1987 as a resource to provide child care and referral services to Houston-area companies, particularly in response to an increase in the number of working mothers. Since then, it has evolved into a leader in delivering essential, high-quality early childhood education services whose purpose is to give kids the learning experience they need for long-term success, achievement, and personal fulfillment.
Journey Through HistoryCollaborative for Children is a future-focused organization that believes every child deserves a high-quality early learning experience that fosters critical 21st-century skills.
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