Desiring to meet the needs of families in and around the downtown Houston area, Young Scholars' mission sought to provide affordable, high quality early care. In 1996, Young Scholars was one of many child development centers in the area. In just a short period of time, Young Scholars accomplished various feats, including a Texas Rising 4-Star facility. Working to raise the awareness of State child care and school readiness challenges, Young Scholars pursued the opportunity to collaborate with the local school district. Young Scholars became the model for blending child care and school.