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Early Education Essentials: Illustrations of Strong Organizational Practices in Programs Poised for Improvement

Research
By: Debra M. Pacchiano, Maureen R. Wagner, and Holly Lewandowski with Stacy B. Ehrlich and Amanda G. Stein, Ounce of Prevention Fund December 1, 2018
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This paper begins with a high-level contrast of programs with strong and weak essential supports, presented through leader, teacher, and parent perceptions and experiences of their ECE programs and researcher observations. Then for each essential, we describe the organizational structures and practices present in programs with strong essential supports and provide a table highlighting key differences in those structures and practices when the essentials are strong versus weak. We close with suggestions for ongoing discussion of implications of these findings and of the Early Education Essentials surveys for improving the performance of ECE at scale.

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Rebuilding and Reinvigorating EC Leadership Capacity Post-Pandemic: Three State Action Plans

Archived Meeting Resources July 18, 2023

One of the impacts of pandemic has been the significant loss of early childhood program leaders — leaders who are critical to the success of early childhood programs and classrooms. Three states have tackled this challenge by accessing existing partnerships and funding strategies. North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina have 1) braided, partnered, and blended funding streams to pay for professional development that includes extensive provider incentives; 2) refined existing database systems by streamlining data collection and tracking, and 3) delivered an online national director credential curriculum.

About BUILD

Report February 1, 2023

The BUILD Initiative is a national effort that advances state work on behalf of young children (prenatal through five), their families, and communities. BUILD staff partner with early childhood state leaders focused on early learning, health and nutrition, mental health, child welfare, and family support and engagement to create the policies, infrastructure, and cross-sector connections necessary for quality and equity. BUILD provides consultation, planning, and tailored implementation assistance, learning opportunities, resources, and cross-state peer exchanges. These efforts help state leaders improve and expand access to quality and promote equitable outcomes for our youngest children.