The sanitation workers have developed a routine when they arrive at the dumpster behind Mainspring Schools . They back in carefully, past the pre-k playground, a set of classroom windows, another set of classroom windows, and finally the toddler playground. They do it slowly and with purpose because they know they are being watched.

After idling for a moment, the sanitation workers pull forward and empty the dumpster. They honk the horn. Then, about 50 children under the age of 5, who have been silently pressed against windows and fence panels for the entirety of this ritual, roar their enthusiastic support. Trash pickup is a weekly triumph…

Lawmakers and child care centers are pushing for a statewide mental health system for toddlers.

It had only been a year since Estelle Sievert and her wife, Jane, joined the foster care program at SAFE Alliance in Austin when they were introduced to 3-week-old Noah in 2022…

This week, we take an in-depth look at affordable child care in Texas. We’ll hear from local leaders and organizations to learn what resources are available to protect our youngest Texans.  

Update to my previous article, 32 Stops on the Bus, about a single mom who moved to Austin for family reasons, abruptly lost her housing and her partner, and was given 90 days to find a job or face eviction from the shelter.

This is my 7th “work-aversary” – the anniversary of joining Mainspring’s staff.