Early childhood educators, researchers, administrators, and partners across Texas are working together to advance learning from birth through young adulthood. Explore the latest research, resources, and collaborations from the Children's Learning Institute to see how we are helping shape the future of early childhood education. | | |
Every family has powerful opportunities to support a child’s learning and growth. CLI has developed new tools and resources to help schools, early learning programs, and families strengthen family engagement through meaningful, everyday interactions. Together, we can create lasting connections that support the whole child, at home, in learning environments, and beyond
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Research: What We're Learning
The latest research is providing valuable insights to inform programs, policies, and practices in early childhood education. Explore the studies and findings that are helping guide the field forward.
| Research Advancing Early Learning | |
CLI congratulates Michael P. Mesa, PhD, assistant professor, on receiving a 2026 Department of Pediatrics Research Pilot Grant. His project, Move to Learn, will study how brief movement activities before pre-K read-aloud lessons may support young learners while fitting into everyday classroom instruction. The award also supports a new collaboration across UTHealth Houston schools.
| Other Recently Published Research | | Browse our newsletters and subscribe for updates, research, and practical resources. | |
Recognition & Awards
CLI faculty and staff are committed to supporting children and families across Texas. Their dedication is reflected in research, programs, and partnerships that continue to make a meaningful impact and earn recognition from communities statewide.
| | Leadership Supporting Texas Families | | |
CLI congratulates Stephanie Tower, LCSW, of the Dan L Duncan Children's Neurodevelopmental Clinic on her appointment to the Texas Health and Human Services Policy Council for Children and Families. As the council's Autism Spectrum Disorder advocacy representative, she will help inform recommendations that support children with disabilities and their families across Texas.
| | National Recognition for ACCTS | The Harris County Accessible Child Care Training Supports (ACCTS) program has received a 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award. The award recognizes the program's work expanding professional development, credentialing, and career advancement opportunities for child care educators through its partnership with Harris County. | | The UTHealth Houston Employee Wellness Program has recognized two CLI teams for advancing employee well-being and workplace connection: the Harris County ACCTS Education Outreach Team for the Initiative of Distinction Award, and the Texas Infant-Toddler Specialist Network (ITSN) for the Initiative of Merit Award. These awards recognize innovative efforts that support staff engagement, recognition, mindfulness, collaboration, and a culture of care. | |
Connect & Participate
Get involved in research efforts that help build knowledge and improve outcomes for children and families. Explore opportunities to participate in current studies and contribute to this important work.
| What's New with CPM and KPM | Join us on August 26 at noon to learn about the changes to CLI's pre-K and kindergarten progress monitoring tools following our validation study. Register for the session to hear from CLI's faculty leads and explore training and implementation resources. | Join Our Fall Lunch & Learn | Join us for our next in-person Lunch & Learn event taking place this fall, on October 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The focus for this gathering will center around our expanding collection of family engagement resources. You can join our mailing list to stay informed. | | New Family Support Group Series | The Dan L Duncan Children’s Neurodevelopmental Clinic is launching a new three-part virtual series, Parenting Children with Big Feelings and Challenging Behaviors, offering families practical guidance and support. Sign up for the newsletter to learn more. | | |
Resources & Tools
Discover new resources designed to support learning and development. Our latest materials provide practical tools for educators, specialists, early learning programs, and families.
| Resources for Mood Disorders | Our Resources for Children with Learning and Developmental Differences collection now includes a new section on Mood Disorders. These bilingual resources help families and professionals better understand how mood disorders can affect children and provide practical information to support their well-being. | | Expanded Career Hub for ECE Professionals | | The Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System’s Career Hub now includes the Texas Early Childhood Careers Tool, which helps professionals explore career paths, salary information, and advancement opportunities. | | | | |
