FORT WORTH, Texas — Tarrant County College Chancellor Elva LeBlanc today received the 2026 North Texas Early Childhood Leadership Award from Child Care Associates, recognizing her work to expand access to early childhood education, supporting student-parents and advancing economic mobility across North Texas.
The award follows this summer’s opening of Child Care Studios at TCC Northwest and TCC South, providing early education and care for the children of student-parents.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition, and I accept it proudly on behalf of the entire Tarrant County College community,” Dr. LeBlanc said. “Some achievements for an institution hold a special place in our hearts. Bringing high-quality child care directly to TCC campuses tops our list.”
The Child Care Studios grew from a commitment the College, Child Care Associates (CCA) and Tarrant County made more than two years ago. Tarrant County Commissioners Court committed American Rescue Plan Act funding for the facilities, TCC provided property for the two locations, and CCA brought its early childhood education and operations expertise.
“Dependable, on-campus child care gives student-parents the opportunity to pursue an education while knowing their children are nearby and well cared for,” Dr. LeBlanc said. “At our Child Care Studios, I see children thriving while parents pursue their own goals. I see two futures unfolding at the same time.”
An educator with experience in early childhood education, Dr. LeBlanc has long emphasized the connection between a child’s earliest learning experiences, a parent’s educational progress and a family’s economic mobility. As chancellor, she helped turn a long-held vision for campus-based child care into reality.
“Her leadership recognizes that simultaneously investing in children and their parents strengthens families and fortifies our regional workforce,” said Child Care Associates President and CEO Kara Waddell. “By removing one of the most persistent barriers facing student-parents, she helped create a strategy that supports children’s early learning while helping their parents stay on track.”
Operated by Child Care Associates — one of the largest child development nonprofits in Texas — the Studios serve children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with priority for student-parents enrolled at any TCC campus. College employees and community families may enroll as space allows.
Flexible full- and part-time options are designed around class schedules, while Head Start and Early Head Start opportunities, child care scholarships and direct-pay options help make care accessible to families with different needs.
Visit the Child Care Studios site for more information.
About Tarrant County College
Tarrant County College serves nearly 100,000 students each year, offering accessible, affordable pathways to in-demand careers and university transfer. Across multiple campuses and TCC Connect — a fully online learning option — the College partners with more than 1,200 employers to help build the workforce that drives North Texas forward. Bold Steps. Better Futures.
About Child Care Associates
Child Care Associates has served more than half a million young North Texas children over the past 55 years. Through Head Start, Early Head Start, child care, PreK and Child Care Management Services, CCA delivers early education programs to children and families of disadvantaged means, offsets the high cost of child care for lower-income working families and increases the quality of child care delivered across Tarrant County and North Texas.