Across Texas, early childhood educators, administrators, researchers, and partners are working together to advance quality learning from birth through young adulthood. In this issue, we’re spotlighting how new research, tools, and collaborations across CLI are shaping the future of early childhood education statewide. | | | |
Advancing Our Mission Through Pioneering
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Pioneering has always been central to CLI’s core values. As technology evolves, we continue to seek responsible, thoughtful ways to strengthen our work. One of these efforts involves developing a strategy to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into our operations...
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President's Listening Tour Stops at CLI
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UTHealth Houston President Melina R. Kibbe, MD, continued her listening tour of UTHealth Houston with a visit to the Children’s Learning Institute May 4, spending time with faculty and leadership to learn more about the institute’s impact on early education research, clinical care, and community partnerships.
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Research: What We're Learning
2026 remains a pivotal year for early childhood research. Here are the studies shaping our next steps.
| Survey Explores Use of AI | CLI's research examines how educators use AI in conjunction with a Multi-Tiered System of Supports Framework to inform instruction and decision-making. This work offers rare, data-driven insight into AI use, readiness, and concerns. View the survey results and learn how this work informs future innovation. | Language and Literacy Beyond Decoding | Recently, our Co‑Director, Tricia Zucker, PhD, was featured in a professional reference book that explores how language skills support reading comprehension from PreK through Grade 6. Her chapter highlights how content‑rich classroom conversations and interactive read‑alouds help young children build vocabulary and understanding. | | | Explore our exciting array of newsletters. Subscribe to stay informed and inspired. | | | | Opportunities to Connect and Participate | Parent Education and Support | The Dan L Duncan Children's Neurodevelopmental Clinic launched a pilot of online parent support groups, providing a space for families to ask questions, share concerns, and receive practical guidance. Topics in the initial series included early intervention, navigating services and supports in public schools, and advocating for your child. Join the Duncan Clinic mailing list to receive their new newsletter and stay informed about future offerings. | | Discover the NEW CLI Engage Family Website | Available in English and Spanish, families can explore play‑based activities, eBooks, videos, and expert‑informed resources and search by age, skill, or topic to support early language, literacy, math, and social‑emotional development. | CLI Engage Launches Longitudinal Reports | Now available in CLI Engage, longitudinal reports allow district administrators to view and compare child progress monitoring data over time. The reports support analysis by year, measure, and school for prekindergarten and kindergarten, and enable comparisons to state and regional results. Access these reports in Administrative Tools under My Reports to support data analysis and informed decision‑making. | Online Catalog Showcases Circle Resources | Recently launched by CLI Solutions Group, circlecurriculum.org offers a suite of educational solutions designed to elevate instruction and support learning. The website features an electronic catalog of Circle products for purchase, along with professional development trainings that support effective implementation. The updated Phonological Awareness: Activities for the Classroom booklet and training are now available. | | | | | |
