EarlyREACH

Early REACH (Raising Educational Access for Children in Harris County) is a pivotal program designed to enhance childcare access for families across Harris County. By creating 800 to 1,000 new spaces in existing high-quality childcare facilities, Early REACH aims to support young children, families, and childcare centers in the community. Developed with stakeholder input, this initiative primarily focuses on facilitating enrollment for children aged 0 to 4 at no cost to families, thereby empowering parents to pursue education or employment opportunities.

Participating childcare centers receive contracts for designated spaces, coupled with advance payments to ensure the delivery of high-quality services. The program also enhances the workforce by providing early childhood educators with increased compensation and extensive training. This collaborative effort involves key partnerships with Harris County, BakerRipley, and United Way of Greater Houston, aiming to create a sustainable and supportive environment for childhood education and development. For more information about enrollment and participation, families and centers can visit the Early REACH application portal.