eNotes
January 27, 2017In this Issue:
- Policy Statement to Support the Alignment of Health and Early Learning Systems Source: U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services - January 2017
- Assessment Tools Used in Kindergarten Entry Assessments Source: Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes - January 20, 2017
- Supporting Early Education in State ESSA Plans - Updated State Scan Source: Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes - January 27, 2017
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (Part 2): Evidence-Based Practices - Free Online Module Source: The IRIS Center - January 20, 2017
1. Policy Statement to Support the Alignment of Health and Early Learning Systems
The Early Learning Interagency Policy Board (IPB) has released a Policy Statement to Support the Alignment of Health and Early Learning Systems, which aims to:
- Highlight the importance of aligning and coordinating early childhood health and early learning systems so that together they establish a solid foundation for school-readiness as well as long-term health for all children.
- Provide recommendations and guidance to States and communities to promote the alignment and coordination of health and early learning systems.
- Identify resources and share promising practices that inform and support States, communities, and families in collaborative efforts to provide a foundation for healthy development and well-being in early childhood.
The Early Learning Interagency Policy Board (IPB) was established by the U.S. Departments of Education Health and Human Services to develop policy recommendations and improve program coordination and quality across federally funded early learning and development programs serving children from birth through age eight.
2. Assessment Tools Used in Kindergarten Entry Assessments
A new resource from the Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes, Assessment Tools Used in Kindergarten Entry Assessments (KEAs) (January 2017), provides a national scan on the current assessment tools that are used in states to assess the development of children at kindergarten entry. It is intended to be a useful tool for any state developing or revising their KEAs
3. Supporting Early Education in State ESSA Plans - Updated State Scan
Since the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed into law on December 10, 2015, states have been making plans for a smooth transition into full implementation, scheduled for 2017. The Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO) recently reviewed the State Department of Education websites of all states and posted an updated version of their Every Student Succeeds Act and Opportunities to Prioritize Early Learning Policy: State Scan (updated January 2017). This resource was developed to assist the field in identifying opportunities and best practices to support the elevation of early learning in ESSA state plans. It includes:
- Links to state pages devoted to ESSA information
- State timelines for the development of state plans
- Examples of early childhood engagement in state plans
- Links to state plans that have been posted publicly
- Links to information about strategies states are using to gather public input and engage stakeholders
For this and other relevant resources, visit the ESSA page on the CEELO website.
4. Autism Spectrum Disorder (Part 2): Evidence-Based Practices - Free Online Module
The IRIS Center has released a free online module, Autism Spectrum Disorder (Part 2): Evidence-Based Practices (January 2017), highlighting effective strategies that can be used for teaching appropriate behaviors and skills and decreasing inappropriate behaviors with children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A number of the strategies and examples provided are particularly effective with young children. The module includes video examples, practice vignettes, and recorded interviews. The first module in this two-part series, Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Overview for Educators (August 2015), provides information on the early warning signs of ASD, the difference between a medical diagnosis and an educational determination of ASD, the strengths and needs of children with ASD, key team members, and how family members might be affected.