“The Hard Heart Work of Building Brighter Futures”
Every classroom has that child: the one who hits when overwhelmed, shuts down during transitions, or melts down without warning. You see the signs of trauma, developmental delay, or undiagnosed needs, but you’re managing challenging behaviors with minimal training, no mental health support, and impossible ratios. Critical intervention windows are closing.
Without action, these children face expulsion, kindergarten delays, and lifelong struggles while you’re left exhausted and heartbroken. This keynote provides practical solutions. Dr. Parks introduces two evidence-based frameworks: CARE for responding to challenging behavior and SHARE for partnering with families about developmental concerns. Through real classroom stories, guided reflections, table scenarios, and hands-on practice, participants move from information to immediate action.
Attendees leave with concrete strategies, Texas-specific resources, renewed hope, and a personalized commitment to transform outcomes for their most vulnerable children. One child, one conversation, one day at a time.
KEYNOTE SESSION TIME: 8:30 am – 9:45 am
About Dr. Precious Parks
Dr. Precious W. Parks is the Chief Programs Officer at Collaborative for Children, where she leads initiatives that strengthen early childhood education across Greater Houston. With over 20 years of experience as a teacher, principal, consultant, and program leader, she has dedicated her career to enhancing learning outcomes for young children and developing systems that support educators’ success.
Before joining Collaborative for Children, Dr. Parks served as Head of School at Generation One, where she launched trauma-informed programs and guided strategic planning, and as a principal with KIPP Texas Public Schools, where she led significant gains in student achievement and school culture. She has also consulted for schools and nonprofits, helping leaders design data-driven systems that raise instructional quality, boost kindergarten readiness, and elevate
Texas Rising Star ratings.
In addition to her leadership roles, Dr. Parks is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, where she mentors and prepares future educators. She is also the author of When Hurt Helps, a faith-based toolkit that guides readers on how to struggle well and transform pain into purpose. Her work is grounded in a balance of vision and practicality—pairing research-based strategies with a deep commitment to equity, family engagement, and the holistic needs of children.
Dr. Parks holds a Doctorate in Education Leadership from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. She is known for her collaborative approach, strong record of measurable results, and passion for empowering both children and the adults who serve them.