Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is leading an effort to invest in the futures of young children and families in our community.
Research demonstrates that early childhood programs have one of the
strongest returns on investment for any type of public program.
Positive outcomes associated with early childhood programs include:
- Better school performance
- Higher rates of employment as adults
- Less contact with the criminal justice system
Thousands of families in Harris County simply lack access to essential resources for their children. That’s why Judge Hidalgo has dug deep to explore what Harris County can offer to help each new generation grow up stronger, safer, and better prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
The Brighter Futures for Harris County Kids Initiative, informed by research and data collected from Harris County families, caregivers, and early childhood experts, so far includes over $180 million of investments in early childhood meant to improve outcomes for its youngest residents. This initiative is the largest allocation of funding for children in Harris County history and the largest known investment of ARPA dollars by any county or city in the nation for early childhood development and education.
The strategic package of county programs and resources will invest in three key areas:
- Developmental Support: Early developmental programs to achieve brain and language milestones
- Parent Support: Programs to support new parents' ability to care for the health of their babies and for themselves
- Child Care & Early Childhood Education: Increasing accessible and quality child care and early childhood education throughout the county.
This historical investment is shining a light on how local governments can improve the lives of residents for the long term.