Knowledge is Power for Our Representatives

Collaborative for Children encourages our valued public officials and representatives to learn all they can about the importance of early care and education. This involves remaining up-to-speed on current early education trends, policies and resources, as well as one-on-one contact with care providers and our children. The following suggestions, links and downloads can help those who influence policy make more informed choices.

You’re Invited to Visit a Child Care Center

As a public official, you might have an understanding of the facts, but visiting a child care facility in your district is the best way to develop a more complete picture of early care and education. To schedule a visit, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Business Partnerships for Better Legislation

Collaborative for Children works closely with business partners in the Greater Houston Area including the Better Business Bureau and Greater Houston Partnership. In the past, Collaborative for Children and Greater Houston Partnership have partnered on legislative resolutions. As a result, Greater Houston Partnership has approved resolutions supporting early care and education on their policy agenda.

Click here for the current 2009 Greater Houston Partnership Legislative Agenda which addresses the importance of quality early education. Collaborative for Children plans to partner with Greater Houston Partnership to jointly advocate for improved early care and education policies during the 2009 Texas Legislative Session.

Map of Preschools in Your District
The Preschool for ALL Mapping system provides a detailed picture of the child care centers in your district, including their type and quality ranking.

Making the Case for Early Care and Education

It may seem simple, but investing early in a child really does make a difference. Here are some reasons why early care and education matters more than you may think.

Copy of 81^st Texas Legislative Agenda
Prepared by Collaborative for Children, One Voice and the Texas Early Childhood Education Coalition, January 2009. Download your copy here.

Power Point Presentation that provides background on 81^st Texas Legislative Agenda. Download your copy here.