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As the school year begins, Collaborative for Children is making headlines for its groundbreaking work in early childhood education. In a recent interview with ABC13, Dr. Melanie Johnson, President and CEO of Collaborative for Children, emphasized the importance of starting strong: “It completely depends on a strong, early start,” said Dr. Johnson. “Early childhood education is foundational to help prepare neurodivergent children for the education system and the workforce.”
Watch the full interview hereNeurodivergent children, those whose brains function differently due to conditions like autism, ADHD, or sensory processing disorders, often require tailored learning environments. Dr. Johnson explained that classrooms must be designed to reduce sensory overload, provide clear visual cues, and support smooth transitions between activities.
These adjustments aren’t just helpful, they’re essential. Without them, children may struggle to engage, learn, and feel safe in their environment.
To meet this need, Collaborative for Children has aggregated 125 child care centers across Greater Houston, with a focus on low-income communities. These centers are supported by certified education coaches who train teachers and parents to create inclusive, developmentally appropriate environments for all learners.
This infrastructure is part of the organization’s broader mission to establish child care centers of excellence. Places where every child, regardless of ability, can thrive through hands-on learning and individualized support.
“It can take a long time to build the infrastructure necessary in a place like Harris County,” said Dr. Johnson. “But it’s worth it.”
Creating Inclusive Child Care Spaces for Neurodivergent Kids This School YearDr. Johnson also stressed the importance of parental advocacy. Families must be empowered to find and access programs that meet their child’s unique needs. Collaborative for Children offers resources, guidance, and support to help parents navigate the early education landscape and make informed choices.
Whether through workshops, coaching, or community partnerships, we are committed to helping families build strong foundations for lifelong learning.
A child care Center of Excellence is a high-quality early learning environment that meets rigorous standards for curriculum, educator training, and inclusive practices; especially for neurodivergent learners.
We train educators and parents to create sensory-friendly, developmentally appropriate classrooms and provide certified ECE coaching across 125 centers in Greater Houston.
Yes! Collaborative for Children offers resources, workshops, and coaching to help parents advocate for their children and find programs that support their unique learning needs.
Resources for families
