Early Learning Alliance Quarterly Meeting Recap
The Early Learning Alliance (ELA) convened its quarterly meeting on June 11th at The Women's Center of Tarrant County, bringing together over 40 dedicated individuals passionate about early childhood education. The meeting featured productive dialogues on key issues, updates on ELA projects, policy developments, and community collaboration, with a focus on strengthening partnership and advancing early childhood education
A New Chapter: Strategic Vision Forward
ELA’s Strategic Plan was presented at the meeting, affirming the organization's role as a unified force for collective impact. Grounded in established guiding principles, the plan outlines bold, sustainable goals across equity, advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration– laying a strong foundation for young children's success in school and in life.
Get Involved: Committees & Workgroups Driving Change
ELA is powered by the passion and insights of its members– especially through our active committees and new workgroups. Each group plays a vital role in shaping strategies, guiding equity-focused initiatives, and fostering innovation across the early learning landscape:
Inclusive Early Learning Committee: Advocates for inclusive practices that support all children, regardless of ability, language and background.
Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEAP) Advisory: Provides guidance on Camp Fire First Texas’s EEAP, helping elevate and sustain the early childhood workforce.
Equity Guidance Council: Ensures equity principles are embedded across all Alliance efforts, advancing systems change through shared accountability.
Early Education Innovation Hub: A creative space for piloting new ideas and collaborative projects that push the boundaries of early learning innovation.
Early Childhood Provider Workgroup: Focuses on supporting child care providers with tools, resources, and community connections to help their programs thrive.
If you’re passionate about building a stronger, more equitable early childhood system, we’d love to have you join us. To learn more or express interest, email: ELA@EarlyLearningNtx.org
Celebrating Our Team
ELA is experiencing a period of dynamic evolution and growth. In line with this progress, we are pleased to announce two significant personnel updates that will further strengthen our organizational capacity and strategic direction.
We extend a warm welcome to Kimber Winchester, who has joined the ELA team as our new Executive Administrative Assistant. Kimber brings a wealth of experience in providing high-level administrative support and we are confident that her skills and dedication will be invaluable in ensuring the efficient and effective operation of our executive office. Furthermore, we are delighted to celebrate Rebecca Rueda's transition into a newly created role as Manager of Strategic Initiatives. In this capacity, Rebecca will leverage her deep understanding of the ELA's mission, values, and ongoing projects to drive forward key strategic priorities. This transition reflects a strategic investment in strengthening our capacity for innovation and ensuring the long-term impact of our work within the early learning landscape.
Elevating Parent Voices Through Collaboration: The Help Me Grow North Texas Family Leadership Summit 2025
On May 17, two vibrant gatherings– at Bachman Lake Together and United Community Centers, Bethlehem Center- brought together families, advocates, and community partners for the Help Me Grow North Texas Family Leadership Summit. Designed to elevate parent voices and champion family– centered advocacy– the summit showcased the strength of collaboration in fortifying support systems across North Texas. By centering diverse stakeholders perspectives and prioritizing parental insight, the event fosters meaningful dialogue, resource sharing, and a unified pursuit of strong, more responsive networks for families. The event underscored how intentional partnerships– grounded in trust, shared purpose, and open communication– can spark lasting change.
For the past three years, ELA has been a dedicated partner in this initiative, contributing its expertise in family engagement, early childhood education, and language access to ensure more inclusive and effective support for families.
Policy in Action: Legislative Insights from Children At Risk
Lyn Lucas, Associate Director of Early Childhood Education at Children At Risk, delivered a timely and informative update on the 89th Legislative Session, outlining both key achievements and ongoing challenges.
Her insights reinforced how deeply policy influences the early learning landscape– and why staying informed, engaged, and united remains essential. For a comprehensive overview, visit the Children At Risk website.
From legislative updates to community events, one theme rang clear: collaboration is our greatest strength. When organizations unite with purpose and intention, we don’t just address today’s challenges– we lay the foundation for tomorrow’s possibilities.
