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8/5/2025

Collaborative for Children Empowers Families to Build Reading Readiness at Home

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Early Learning Starts at Home and Extends into the Classroom

Before a child ever steps into a kindergarten classroom, their brain is already absorbing, connecting, and growing. That’s why Collaborative for Children focuses on empowering families and child care centers to create everyday learning moments that build strong foundations for reading, problem-solving, and lifelong success.

From brushing teeth to bedtime stories, simple routines can promote curiosity and support early literacy. In fact, our latest back-to-school video shows how everyday interactions, like naming objects, asking questions, and singing songs, can prepare children for school in fun and meaningful ways.

Collaborative for Children Delivers Solutions That Go Beyond Daycare

Child Care Centers of Excellence Provide Future-Focused Learning

Unlike traditional drop-in daycare facilities, Collaborative for Children partners with Child Care Centers of Excellence.  These are high-quality environments where children receive certified early childhood education (ECE) training and curriculum. These centers integrate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) into daily learning, helping children develop critical thinking and creativity from a young age.

We also support educators with mentorship, data-driven tools, and web-based curriculum platforms. Families benefit from engaged partnerships and access to resources that extend learning into the home.

Collab-Lab Brings Learning Directly to Communities

Mobile Classrooms Make Early Education Accessible

For families in underserved areas, Collaborative for Children’s Collab-Lab mobile classrooms bring expert-led learning directly to neighborhoods. These mobile units offer hands-on activities, parent education, and access to proven programs that support early literacy and school readiness.

This dual-generation approach ensures that both children and caregivers are equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

See where the Collab-Lab will be next!

Why Early Childhood Education Matters

The First Five Years Shape a Lifetime

Children who experience high-quality early learning are more likely to succeed in school, graduate, and thrive in their careers. According to the National Institute for Early Education Research, early education improves cognitive development, social-emotional skills, and long-term academic performance.

Collaborative for Children ensures that these benefits reach every child, regardless of zip code.

FAQs

What is the difference between a child care center and a daycare?
A child care center focuses on structured learning and certified curriculum, while daycare often provides basic supervision. Collaborative for Children partners with Centers of Excellence that prioritize education and development.

How can parents support reading readiness at home?
Parents can promote reading readiness by talking with their child, reading together daily, singing songs, and asking open-ended questions. These everyday moments build vocabulary and comprehension.

Is Collaborative for Children only for families in Houston?
While based in Greater Houston, Collaborative for Children’s resources, videos, and online tools are accessible to families and educators beyond the region.

Download the I Wonder Parenting Handbook

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