Supporting Your Family Through Early REACH Program Changes

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality early care and education, we have made the decision not to renew contracts with certain centers for Phase 2 of the program. This decision was made to align with program requirements and ensure the best outcomes for the families and children we serve. The centers include: Early Learning Prep, Little Explorers Academy, St. Andrew Early Childhood Center, and Sowing & Growing Christian Academy.

We want to emphasize that this decision is not a reflection of the care provided at these centers but rather part of our efforts to uphold the integrity and goals of the Early REACH program.

To support families during this transition, our Early REACH Eligibility Specialists have contacted every family impacted by this change. These specialists are working closely with families to provide personalized guidance on transferring to a new Early REACH center. For families unable to transition by February 1, impacted centers may be granted a month-to-month contract as needed, up to March 31, to allow additional time for relocation.

We understand that transitions like this can be challenging, and Early REACH is doing everything in its power to minimize the impact on families’ day-to-day lives. We are committed to providing consistent support to help families maintain stability and routine during this time.

Thank you for being a valued part of the Early REACH community. We remain dedicated to supporting your child’s education and future success and are here to assist you every step of the way.

For additional questions or assistance, please contact us at earlyreach@bakerripley.org or call 713-547-8280.

Parents: CLICK HERE to Apply for the Early REACH Program

HOW TO APPLY:

  • Click on the provided link to access the Early REACH application portal.
  • You will be directed to a login screen that asks for a username and password.
  • If this is your first time applying, you need to register. Look for the “Register” button located below the login fields. Click on “Register.”
  • You will be taken to the registration form. Fill out all required fields accurately. Ensure you provide a valid email address and click on “Sign Up.”
  • Check your email inbox for a message from the Early REACH. This email will contain a link to create your password.
  • Click on the link provided in the email to set up your password for your account.
  • Once you have successfully created your password, you will now have access to the Early REACH application.
  • When will children and families be able to enroll in Early REACH?
  • 800 spaces was approved for the Early REACH program. We have reached the funding capacity for the Early REACH program. As outlined in our policy manual, we are now moving to the prioritization phase. This means that, while we understand the critical need for our services, we will be prioritizing placements based on our established criteria.
  • Please refer to our policy manual for detailed information on how this process works and the criteria used for prioritization on page 22 . Click here to view the policy manual.  
  • We assure you that we are working diligently to accommodate as many children as possible and to move through the waiting list as quickly as we can.  We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 
  • Where in Harris County are the participating Early REACH child care centers located?

Visit the Centers Directory to learn which child care centers are part of the Early REACH program and their locations

  • What children are eligible to participate?

Children and families are eligible to participate if they meet these requirements:

  • Residence: Live in Harris County AND
  • Age: Children are age zero to four AND
  • Demonstrate financial need via one of the following:
    • Live in a family that makes 85% or less of State Median Income (SMI) (approx. $75,468 annually for a family of four.)
    • Live in an area of high need according to the Social Vulnerability Index (high need considered to be .75 or above) OR
    • Are experiencing homelessness OR
    • Are in foster care OR
    • Receive WIC, SNAP, TANF, free or reduced lunch, or SSI income.
  • What is the cost of the program for a family?

Families may enroll children aged 0 to 4 in the selected child care centers at no cost to them.

  • Is the Early REACH a voucher program?

No, Early REACH is not a voucher program. Child care centers will receive funding in advance based on the number of child care spaces available.

  • How long will it take to hear about my application status?

Families will receive an eligibility determination within two weeks from the date an application is selected based on prioritization. If an application is missing documents or information, an eligibility specialist will reach out to work with families to ensure we receive what we are missing to determine eligibility. The turnaround time to receive missing information or documents may delay the eligibility determination.

FAQ