eNotes
January 12, 2018In this Issue:
- ED's Early Learning Newsletter Source: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
- Preschool Development Grants Progress Update Source: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Early Learning
- QRIS Compendium Fact Sheets Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children & Families
- Taking on the Challenge: Building a Strong Foundation for Early Learning Source: Early Learning Challenge Technical Assistance (ELCTA)
- State of Early Learning in ESSA: Plans and Opportunities for Implementation Source: Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO)
- Professional Development for Child Care Licensors Source: National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance
- Equity Starts Early Addressing Racial Inequities in Child Care and Early Education Policy Source: Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP)
1. ED's Early Learning Newsletter
ED's Early Learning newsletter provides monthly updates to subscribers on early learning initiatives led by the U.S. Department of Education and partners across agencies and in the field. The newsletter features important resources for a wide range of stakeholders, including state and local agencies and programs, administrators, educators, parents, researchers, and more. See its archive for past issues.
2. Preschool Development Grants Progress Update
The Office of Early Learning recently announced that due to the Preschool Development Grants (PDG) program, states have increased access to high-quality preschool programs to over 34,000 4-year-olds from low- and moderate-income families. This outcome and its data is provided in the 2016 PDG Progress Update. The report summarizes trends that appeared in the program's 2016 Annual Performance Reports.
3. QRIS Compendium Fact Sheets
This series of fact sheets (December 2017) produced by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides information about the state of quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS) across the U.S. In 2016, there were 41 QRIS in full operation. The data was generated from the QRIS Compendium, http://qualitycompendium.org.
4. Taking on the Challenge: Building a Strong Foundation for Early Learning
ELCTA released Taking on the Challenge: Building a Strong Foundation for Early Learning (December 2017), a summary of the Early Learning Challenge (ELC) Program grantees' progress since it began in 2012. The major focus areas covered are coordinated state systems, Quality Rating and Improvement Systems, supporting the early childhood workforce, enhancing data systems, family engagement, strengthening local and community initiatives, and measuring progress. An executive summary and state profiles are included.
5. State of Early Learning in ESSA: Plans and Opportunities for Implementation
CEELO has released a new policy brief (December 2017) that focuses on key areas for supporting early learning in ESSA. Learn what other state education agencies are doing to promote early learning (birth through third grade) in their ESSA plans, and link to evidence based resources in this brief.
6. Professional Development for Child Care Licensors
A well-constructed professional development program gives child care licensing staff clear directions on skills and competency necessary to be successful in their careers. Learn the education and training requirements for quality licensors, methods of training delivery used by other states, and how to measure the effectiveness of professional development in this new brief (December 2017) from the National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance. Additional information can be found in the bibliography, references and appendices.
7. Equity Starts Early Addressing Racial Inequities in Child Care and Early Education Policy
CLASP has issued a new report (December 2017) that addresses racial inequities in child care and early education. The report gives a current and historical account of how race and ethnicity have shaped policies concerning child care and early education policy. It also provides a list of recommendations for addressing affordability and access, building racially and culturally competent programs, and making high quality jobs for a diverse workforce.