Articles Media
The Crosby Library transformed into a hub of excitement and learning during its annual Fall Festival and Touch-a-Truck event. Families from across Greater Houston gathered at 135 Hare Rd in Crosby, TX, to explore vehicles of all shapes and sizes, including vintage cars, fire trucks, and construction equipment, while engaging in hands-on learning experiences that support early childhood development.
Collaborative for Children proudly participated in this community celebration, bringing our mobile Collab-Lab to the heart of the festival. Our Collab-Lab brings STEAM-based curriculum directly to underserved neighborhoods, and interactive activities that promote curiosity and creativity in young learners. Children explored science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through sensory stations, building challenges, and storytelling. These gained skills align with our certified early childhood education (ECE) curriculum.
This year’s event was made even more special thanks to the enthusiastic support of University of Houston students in our Placement Program. These future educators volunteered alongside our team, helping children navigate the Collab-Lab stations, facilitating learning through play, and modeling best practices in early childhood engagement. Their presence not only enriched the experience for families but also demonstrated the power of community partnerships in shaping the next generation of educators.
Volunteer Today
Touch-a-Truck events are powerful tools for experiential learning. When children climb into a fire truck or explore the buttons on a bulldozer, they’re engaging in real-world applications of STEAM concepts. These experiences help build vocabulary, motor skills, and social-emotional development. For example:
– Science: Children ask questions about how engines work or why sirens make noise.
– Technology: They interact with control panels and learn about communication tools.
– Engineering: They observe how machines are built and how they function.
– Arts: They draw or describe their favorite vehicles, expressing creativity.
– Math: They count wheels, measure height, and compare sizes.
By integrating these elements into a playful environment, Collaborative for Children helps parents and caregivers turn everyday moments into learning opportunities.
The Collab-Lab is a cornerstone of our commitment to equitable access to quality early education. As a mobile classroom, it travels to communities across Greater Houston, delivering certified child care curriculum and training to families, educators, and child care providers. Events like the Crosby Library Fall Festival allow us to meet families where they are and introduce them to the benefits of STEAM-based learning in a fun, approachable way.
What is the Collab-Lab?
The Collab-Lab is a mobile classroom that delivers STEAM-based early childhood education directly to communities across Greater Houston.
How do Touch-a-Truck events support learning?
Touch-a-Truck events provide hands-on experiences that help children explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in real-world contexts.
Can parents get involved in early childhood education at home?
Yes, Collaborative for Children offers resources and guidance to help parents turn everyday moments into learning opportunities using certified ECE strategies.
.
Resources for families
