Parents and providers press Commissioners Court over Early Reach contract changes for Little Explorers Academy
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Summary
Multiple parents and providers told Commissioners Court that Little Explorers Academy, a provider in the Early Reach child-care program, was told its contract would not move to the next program phase; parents warned about losing full-day slots and urged the county to reconsider.
Several parents, staff and child-care leaders addressed Commissioners Court on Jan. 9 to urge Harris County to reconsider a decision in the Early Reach child-care program affecting Little Explorers Academy in Klein. Parents said the county's notice that contracts would not move into phase two of the program would displace children and force families to take more distant, lower-performing alternatives.
Deanna Kent, owner and director of Little Explorers Academy, told the court her center serves more than 50 children through Early Reach and that parents are distraught about contract nonrenewal. "Why break something that does not need fixing?" she asked. Several parents said they would not be able to find two slots for two children on short notice and appealed for reconsideration.
Director Leah Barton told callers the matter is considered a nonagenda issue and that staff would follow up with the families after the meeting. She also said county staff would meet with providers and the Early Reach administrators to address immediate parental needs and placement options.
Commissioners instructed staff to follow up directly with parents and providers to explore options and to report back to the court. No action was taken at the Jan. 9 meeting.