It is indisputable that what happens during the earliest years of life, when the brain architecture develops most rapidly, is critical to a child’s healthy development and long-term success. Because 90% of brain development occurs by age 5, parents and caregivers play a vital role in serving as a child’s first and most important teacher. Unfortunately, Houston lacks a comprehensive system for educating, equipping and supporting families with the knowledge, skills and resources needed to ensure their child has an early and great start before entering kindergarten. That is why we have a goal of establishing George & Barbara Bush Family Places in branches across the Harris County and Houston Public Library Systems by the end of 2025.

Through this highly-effective program modeled after the national Family Place Libraries™, parents have access to interactive materials, early literacy kits, games, toys, music and multimedia resources, learning stations, and a curated collection of books. Also, parents have access to workshops during which specially trained library staff model effective practices with families and learn how to use the resources to accelerate their child’s early learning and development.