A field trip to explore

exceptional pre-k education

How might we set Houston’s

youngest learners up to thrive?

Houston is talking more and more about how we can ensure that our youngest learners have access to a pre-K education that sets them up for a vibrant future. Incredible local leaders are working hard to make this a reality, but what if we joined forces to make an even bigger impact?

Over the past year, Good Reason Houston has been exploring inspiring pre-K models and spotlighting the brightest examples through their Schools That Inspire distinction. This October, we'll be taking a handful of leaders to see these programs in action.

On October 24th - 25th, 2024, in partnership with the Inspiration Project, Good Reason Houston will be convening a small group of pre-K leaders to explore how we can expand quality pre-K across our city.

During this experience, we’ll immerse ourselves in three strong pre-K models. We’ll learn from their leaders, families, and community members, and we’ll gain insights that will enhance both our individual work and collective city-wide efforts to improve the pre-K experience for Houston’s littlest learners.

Join us as we dive into the possibilities of pre-K and chart a course for Houston’s future!

In October, we will visit:

  • Farias Early Childhood Center

    Imagine a school where warmth, love, and security fill every moment, where each individual is valued, and where students, families, and staff unite as a community to foster great learning. Discover how Farias Early Childhood Center creates space for education to be meaningful and rooted in something real.

  • YES Prep Airline Elementary

    Imagine a school where warmth, love, and security fill every moment, where each individual is valued, and where students, families, and staff unite as a community to foster great learning. Discover how Farias Early Childhood Center creates space for education to be meaningful and rooted in something real.

  • The Children's Museum Houston

    The Houston region has one of the largest child populations in the United States and Children’s Museum Houston serves an audience of more than 1 million children and families each year. We'll see how the museum transforms communities through innovative, child-centered learning to improve the trajectories of all children.

THE EXPERIENCE

This will be an immersive two-day experience where we’ll visit three organizations and speak with leaders and community members. Surrounding these visits, we will work together to synthesize our learnings and consider the implications for our work. To get the most out of our time together, we ask that all participants prepare to be present and engaged for the full-two days. 

Ahead of both days, you’ll receive a detailed logistics memo to share where to meet, what to bring, and start and end times. In the registration form, you’ll be asked to share your dietary preferences and any accessibility needs we can accommodate for. Here is a preview of those logistics.

DAY 1

We’ll start the day at Farias Early Childhood Center (515 E. Rittenhouse Houston, TX 77076) where we’ll observe learning in action and speak with members of the Farias community. Then we'll reflect on what we saw and heard, and begin to craft our own vision for exceptional pre-K. Day 1 will run approx. 8:00am - 3:45pm.

DAY 2

We’ll start the day at YES Prep Airline Elementary (5815 Airline Dr. Houston, TX 77076) to see another early childhood school setting. Then, we'll transition to the Children’s Museum Houston (1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004) to contemplate what meaningful early childhood learning looks like in a non-school learning space. Finally, we’ll reflect our two days together and surface insights and implications for our individual roles. Day 2 will run approx. 8:00 - 3:45pm.

FAQ

Have additional questions? Send us a note at (Good Reason Houston email)

  • We’re designing this experience for a small group of ECE leaders. Participants will come from various districts, nonprofits, and community organizations throughout Houston.

  • We ask that all participants be available and actively engaging for the two-full days. We’re designing this experience with a holistic approach that includes 3 visits and full-group discussions.

  • In the registration survey, you'll share your dietary and accessibility needs.

  • Transportation will not be provided. We will be driving between locations, so please plan to carpool with your colleagues or drive yourself.