Teach 21st Century Skills in Early Childhood Education | Collab
×
User Search
Give
Give Newsletter Signup

21st Century Skills for Lifelong Success

21st Century Skills Start in Early Childhood

Collaborative for Children prepares young learners with the skills they need to succeed in school, life, and the future workforce—starting in child care centers and at home.

Collab Builds Future-Ready Children

Today’s children need more than just ABCs and 123s—they require critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and strong collaboration skills. Collaborative for Children supports child care centers and families in developing these essential skills through:

– Certified ECE training and curriculum grounded in research
– School-readiness tools that support emotional, cognitive, and social growth
– Dual-generation learning that empowers both children and caregivers
– Mentorship and coaching for early childhood educators
– Business development support for child care center owners

Our goal is to ensure that 85% of children demonstrate measurable growth in school readiness.

Collab Uses Data to Drive Success

We use a 21st-century learning framework that includes:

– The “I Wonder!” curriculum, Frog Street, Neuhaus, Prelude Music, and C-STEM
– Digital tools and software to track child development and outcomes
– Mentor-led coaching for educators to apply data-driven practices
– Business Accelerator support to help child care centers grow sustainably

We support this growth through child care centers, home-based learning, and mobile classrooms that bring education to every neighborhood in the Houston area.

Collab Maintains and Exceeds the Highest Standards

All programs and child care centers aligned with Collaborative for Children follow:

– Texas Rising Star and national accreditation standards
– Certified ECE curriculum and training
– Health and safety protocols to ensure secure, nurturing environments

Collab Guides Centers to Excellence

Our step-by-step method helps child care centers become Centers of Excellence:

  • Initial Assessment – Evaluate current curriculum, staff, and environment
  • Evaluation and Research – Identify gaps and align with best practices
  • Final Review and Deliverable – Implement certified curriculum and educator training

This approach ensures that all centers provide the same high-quality learning experience for every child.

Collab Measures What Matters

We ensure quality through:

– Real-time data tracking of child progress
– Ongoing educator coaching and support
– Family engagement metrics to reinforce learning at home

Testimonials “Our center became a Center of Excellence with Collab’s help. Now our kids are more engaged, and our teachers are more confident.” – Center Director
Testimonials “The 21st-century curriculum helped my son learn how to think, not just memorize. He’s ready for school and beyond.” – Parent, Houston
Testimonials "Collaborative for Children helped us become a true child care Center of Excellence. Their business tools, data insights, and leadership coaching have taken us to the next level." — Sharon K., Owner
Testimonials "Being part of the Centers of Excellence network means we're never alone. Collaborative for Children connects us with other leaders, shares resources, and keeps us focused on quality." – Center Director
Testimonials "Our teachers now use evidence-based strategies every day, thanks to the support from Collaborative for Children. The Center of Excellence model has brought clarity and purpose to our curriculum. It's so amazing!" — Eric B., Director

What are the Outcomes

Parents Gain Confidence and Skills

Families learn how to support early childhood education at home with tools, coaching, and activities that build strong parent-child relationships.

Educators Grow with Certified Curriculum

Teachers receive training and mentorship to deliver engaging, future-focused lessons that prepare children for school and life.

Child Care Centers Become Centers of Excellence

Centers gain expert business support, curriculum coaching, and a proven roadmap to become high-quality, sought-after early learning providers.

Contact Us to Become a Center of Excellence

Our Services

Collaborative for Children provides innovative early learning resources that improve school-readiness skills. As the architects of opportunity, we are committed to giving children access to proven, data-driven services and programs that prepare them for a life of success and achievement. Our services include:

childcare centers
Child Care Centers

Our business development department and its business specialists support child care center directors and owners in creating viable business practices that sustain enrollment, child attendance, and teacher retention. Learn more about our Business Accelerator program.

Line with star
Line with star
teachers
Teachers

Collaborative for Children’s mentors guide early child care education professionals in the use of data-driven metrics and results that focus on achieving positive outcomes. The goal is to assure that 85 percent of children demonstrate growth toward school readiness.

Line with star
Line with star
curriculum
Collaborative for Children Curriculum

Our Centers of Excellence use a 21st-century learning framework grounded in a comprehensive research-based curriculum (I Wonder!, Frog Street, Neuhaus, Prelude Music, CD, and C-STEM) that supports our dedication to preparing children for school and giving them every opportunity for lifelong success.

Line with star
Line with star
faimly engagement
Families and Caregivers

Using a dual-generation approach, our family support specialists work with parents and caregivers to strengthen the parent-child relationship. This collaborative effort seeks to ensure that 90 percent of them apply our skills and practices so children have the skills not only to be ready for school but also to succeed in the 21st century workplace.

Line with star
Line with star
Why Early Childhood Education? Children who experience a high-quality early learning experience are ready to face the future with confidence, and prepared to seize all of its opportunities. Learn More
Become a monthly donor for Collaborative for Children and help make a difference in the lives of Houston’s most vulnerable children. Donate Today

FAQs

Q: What are 21st-century skills in early childhood?
A: These include critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity—skills children need to succeed in school and the future workforce.

Q: How does Collab support child care centers?
A: We provide certified curriculum, educator training, business development, and mentorship to help centers become Centers of Excellence.

Q: Can parents use these tools at home?
A: Yes! We offer dual-generation learning resources that help parents support their child’s development at home.

Donate Now