Cross-Systems Collaboration to Improve Outcomes for Young Children and Their Families Series: Head Start and Child Care for Children in Child Welfare
April 20 2022
2:00 PM EDT
Approximately 40 percent of all children entering foster care are age five and under. Addressing the needs of these children and their families is critical to helping child welfare systems and early childhood systems achieve better outcomes.
The advantages of Head Start participation for young children and their parents has long been demonstrated. High quality child care supports brain development, advances school readiness, and develops social and emotional skills that benefit children through their lives. Case workers often encounter barriers to enrollment and retention in Head Start and high quality child care, for children in foster care. What are those barriers? What can be done to alleviate those barriers? What is being done at the state level to increase enrollment? How can federal policy support greater access to these ECE programs for foster children? How can the workforce in both of these programs be trained and supported to respond better to children who may present with trauma symptoms and challenging behavior?
Presenters:
- Tommy Sheridan, Deputy Director, National Head Start Association
- Susan Savage, Director of Research at the Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)
- Andria Zaverl, Research Manager at Child Care Resource Center (CCRC)
Explore More
Beyond Bans and the Challenge We Face: Crafting Effective State Strategies to Reduce Suspension and Expulsion in Early Childhood Settings
Report August 6, 2024
State policies on early learning suspension and expulsion either do not exist or are insufficient. In this point of view statement, The BUILD Initiative contends that a more thoughtful, multi-pronged or layered state policy approach is needed—one that reflects an understanding of expulsion as a symptom of problems related to quality, equity, and adequate supports.
Collaborative Leadership and Power Lessons on Authentic Family and Community Partnerships
Video June 20, 2024
During this one-hour webinar, hosted in partnership with Vital Village Networks, you’ll witness the limitless wisdom and leadership that lives in our communities. Hear about best practices and lessons learned from prenatal-to-three (PN3) coalitions across the country that are working to shift and share power with parents and community partners. We’ll explore what it looks like to build trust and relationships while redesigning what it means to lead together for the health and wellbeing of our children.
![](/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/family-engagement-aspect-ratio-910-700-385x296-c-default.png)
Family Engagement
Report June 13, 2024
Family engagement at the state and local level is an essential component of high-quality, inclusive early childhood care and education (ECCE) programs and systems. Engaging families as partners during the early years allows parents and caregivers to establish strong connections that support their children’s development, well-being, and achievement long term.