The goals of early childhood education are multifaceted, aiming to promote children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Research indicates that high-quality early childhood education can have long-lasting positive effects on children's academic achievement, socio-emotional skills, and future success in school and life. As such, investing in early childhood education is widely recognized as a sound strategy for promoting equity, reducing achievement gaps, and fostering the well-being of children and families.

In Texas early childhood education has been shaped by a combination of state policies, funding mechanisms, workforce development initiatives, and efforts to promote equity and access. There are a number of ongoing challenges such as addressing disparities, supporting the early childhood workforce, and navigating the impact of external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speakers Include: 

• Claudia Aguirre, President and CEO, BakerRipley 
• Amanda McMillian, President and CEO,  United Way of Greater Houston 
• Cary Wright, CEO, Good Reason Houston 

Moderator - Melanie Johnson, President and CEO of Collaborative for Children

Forums are hosted the first Tuesday of each month and bring members together to get a pulse on the industries and initiatives shaping Houston as a great global city. No matter your industry, Forums provide valuable networking opportunities to connect with fellow members and learn the latest in regional happenings.